I'm at a gallery opening, a warm evening, an elegant crowd. I have only a slight acquaintance with the artist, but I promised her I'd be here. I don't see her anywhere, and I don't know any of the people milling around the large abstract paintings. But the wine is decent, and I had nothing better to do, so I'm not unhappy. I'm wearing a chic little dress, my makeup is fine, and I think I look good. Or at least interesting. People always tell me I look interesting. Am I pretty? Yes, I suppose I am, but sometimes I think I look too serious.
After awhile, I notice a woman staring at me. She's about forty, a tall and slender brunette in a knockout black dress. a gorgeous face, all of her just my type, and my heart is suddenly pounding.
Can she tell? Yes, I think so. From the way she looks at me, stares at me, it's obvious to me that she can read me like an open book. Some women can do that, they can read me easily, and she's evidently one of them. She knows what I am, and I want her, and my hunger is impossible to deny. Does she want me?
She's with a small group, and at intervals she turns to look at me, maybe to see if I'm still there. Finally, she leaves the group and she walks toward me. My heart is pounding again, and as our eyes meet, I feel myself trembling. She walks right up to me and she extends her hand. "Hello, I'm Margot. And you? She continues to hold my hand.
I'm still trembling. "Susan."
She smiles. "Hello, Susan. You're pretty."
"Thank you."
Her eyes are locked with mine, a fixed stare. Is she reading everything in my mind? I blush again and look away.