Another hotel bar in another city. The life of a traveling salesman. I'm not complaining. I enjoy it; I always have, but it's the same scene over and over again. A bar with too many men in it, all trying to one up each other with road warrior stories.
I sat, nursing my Jameson's on the rocks, reading one of my favorite books, "The Unbearable Lightness of Being", by Milan Kundera. I am a 47 year sales manager from Phoenix, divorced, but in a relationship, that was good over all, but just had something missing. I'm in pretty good shape, could certainly lose a few pounds brought on by numerous restaurant meals. I have blond hair, blue eyes and believe that I am reasonably attractive.
I continued to sip my whiskey, not paying close attention to anyone around me, until she walked in with a group of men. She had beautiful caramel skin and a presence that dominated the room as soon as she entered. I noticed others around me take notice also. I watched as one of the men pulled out her chair. As she sat, her skirt rode up just enough for me to glimpse the top of her black stockings and a hint of the garter belt that held them up. I mis-swallowed my whisky, coughing it back up. Everyone in the room looked at me with a touch of concern except her. When I looked up, she was staring at me, a twinkle in her eye, and a small predatory smile on her red lips, as if she knew what had caused my choking.
I tried to continue reading, but my eyes kept straying to her, to her legs, to her demeanor, the way she handled herself with this group of men. It appeared to me that she had them eating out of the palm of her hand. Each time I looked at her, she seemed to sense it and casually look my way, with the same satisfied smile. I would immediately turn red and glance down at my book, willing myself not to look at her.
The next time I looked up, they were gone. I immediately felt a sense of emptiness. A sense that I missed something important. I finished my drink and was waving for the bartender to bring me the bill when I felt a presence next to me. I turned and there she was, smiling. Her hands absently stroked her thighs and I immediately dreamt of what lay underneath her red skirt.
"Do you always spend time staring at women in hotel bars?" she asked.
I had a million great lines in my mind, like "No, only the most beautiful ones", but what came out of my mouth was "Sorry. I didn't mean to"
She laughed, enjoying my discomfort. "Why don't you buy me a drink? I'll have what you're having."
I nodded, afraid to speak and waved again at the bartender. "Two Jameson's on the rocks, please" He nodded, filled the order and walked away. The woman picked up her glass, toyed with the swizzle stick and clinked her glass against mine.
"To new friends." She raised the glass to her lips. I saw her tongue peek out between them as she took a sip. "I saw what you were reading. It's one of my favorite books, but if I had written it, I would twist things around a bit."
"Really?" I said, "How would you twist it around?"
"I think you know. It is such a sensual book with hints of dominance and submission. Tomas tries to dominate, but it is obvious that Sabina holds the real power. If I were Kundera, I would've explored Sabina's power over Tomas and his obvious submission."
I didn't know what to say. Somehow, she knew. She knew my deepest thoughts and desires. I blushed and took a sip of my drink to fill the gap of my silence.