04/11/21*
Another morning in my favorite deli. The regulars are here and a few new faces. Among these new faces, there's a body attached to it that tells me that she definitely gets her workout at the dance studio above us. That suburban mom look of leggings, a matching crop top and the latest most fashionable Nikes. I choose this corner to read and people watch as I do my reading. While I harmlessly flirt with my server who by this point is a casual friend, I notice the newcomer come into view. Like most, she asks what I'm reading and engages for a little while. Before the moment becomes too uncomfortable, she smiles, wishes me a great day and she's off. It's these routine mornings that I enjoy in this so-called bible belt. A bored housewife filling her day with any activity to break up her mundane existence. A cute little homemaker from the affluent neighborhood just making smalltalk a normal looking stranger in the local deli. Intrigued just a bit more because I have a book in my face. I remember the times when I considered this a slap in the face but if this is how they want to play their little game, let's do it.
04/13/21
Back again and before I even have time to order, my favorite server Marlo is telling me that the bibliophile from the other day has asked about me, just as I assumed she would. Whitney is her name, she's married to a local attorney (typical), wants to know how often I come in, hates that she missed me yesterday.
These situations are nothing new to me, in this city they're the norm for me. I wouldn't say that I'm one to target emotionally and attention starved housewives but, let's just say that this comes rather easy. A few years ago I somehow fell into a semi, quasi relationship with this type of woman. She was deep, complex, emotionally and mentally unstable but she was a definite change from my normal. As a single man I would always go for the easy, uncomplicated and that usually came with a healthy serving of basket cases. Growing bored and looking for more of a challenge, I gave this new breed of woman a shot. I must say that it's quite interesting to take these blank canvases, show them the different colors and textures of excitement and watch them paint. Am I opening up a far recess in their mind that for some reason they've kept closed or am I just allowing them to be who they truly are? It's this mental game that I enjoy. When my time is done with them they shouldn't hate me, rather their husbands should thank me for breathing life into the shell of a wife that he has. Come into my world a blank canvas and leave more colorful than anything Jackson Pollack could ever dream of.
04/15/21
I'm going to my hidden corner with book and coffee in hand and hear that cute and curious voice, "well hello, stranger!
I've missed you the last few days." Hey you. I'm sorry, I changed it up a little and visited another coffee shop with some friends.
"Friends or A friend?" Look at this one, doesn't even know my name and she's already getting territorial. Cute. Just a few friends, book nerds to be more exact.
"That's what I wanted to talk to you about, I found the book you were reading and OMG, I'm hooked on this writer!"
I'm glad I could introduce you to something new and exciting (wink wink). I'm Miles by the way.
"I'm sorry, I thought I gave you my name the other day, I'm Whitney."
Well Whitney, I'm glad you're enjoying the book. Are you an avid reader or just a casual reader of the books mentioned by men you accost in the local deli? That cute smile and flash of baby blue eyes will get her into all the trouble she never knew that she wanted.
"In my defense, I only accost the cute reading types."
Perfect, this one is ballsy and brash. We sit and talk a while over our coffee, get refills and talk some more. Whitney tells me her story, stops short of telling me how bored she is and tells me that my book suggestion was much needed. Early forties, two children, married early and has yet to use the hard earned law degree that she worked so hard for. So goes the life of southern women who go off to college to major in one thing while earning a MRS simultaneously. As the best and greatest performers will tell you, always leave them wanting more. It's been a pleasure talking with you, Whitney but I have to meet a client soon. I do hope to bump into you again.
"The pleasure was all mine and trust me, I'll make sure that I bump into you again." The mischief in this one. As I leave I notice Marlo giving me a big smile, a wink and the hand gun gesture with her fingers. "Line 'em up and shoot' em down, Miles!'
04/19/21
I must say, it was kind of difficult making myself stay away from this place a few extra days but I need to see if that has an effect on my new friend. As I enter the deli I see one of my old friends Jay in line. In front of him I see Whitney and one of her gym friends. As Jay and I chat it up I nod to Whitney who's looking intently in our direction as she chats with her friend. With Jay getting his food to go, I take my spot in my usual corner. Before I'm halfway through my coffee, Whitney appears.
"Was that one of your book nerd friends?"
Yes and no, Jay is in a band and he was telling me about an upcoming show this weekend. With wide eyes and excitement, she asks if they're playing in the city. I tell her that they are playing in the city and she lets out that girly squeal and says that she's been aching to check out some live music, good or bad. I assure her that they are amazing and she looks up the venue. I ask her if she's a blues fan and she tells me that she grew up in the Mississippi delta listening to the blues her whole life. Man, another layer to this woman. I never would have suspected that. Ok, keeping me on my toes....I like that. Not that it's a worry of mine but Whitney tells me that her kids will be with her inlaws. Will your husband be joining you? I could easily add you to the guestlist.
"No, he will be on a business trip." Too bad, he's gonna miss a great performance.
"He's not into great performances but I'm long overdue for one."
Are you fucking kidding me?! It should be illegal for things to be this easy. After some playful joking, Whitney asks for my number.
"I just want to be able to locate you when I arrive at the venue, you know?"
Yeah, I know all too well. You know, that book you're reading has a sequel, I'll bring it with me and you can tell me what you think after. With kind eyes and a smile she says thanks and we depart.
04/20/21
The next morning I didn't get out for my morning coffee and bagel but I did wake to a text message from Whitney. "Hey Miles, it's been a while since I've had a night out, what should I wear?" My reply, something blue to accentuate your eyes and something that you can dance in. "You plan to dance with me? No. I plan to watch you dance for me. "Not even one dance? Maybe....if you're a good girl. "What's the fun in being a good girl? I want to be bad. I need to be bad." You're already a bad girl, it just hasn't been cultivated and brought to the surface by the right bad girl proprietor. "Proprietor, huh? That would suggest that one would own a collection of said bad girls. Tell me Miles, how many do you own?" She definitely gets points for her playful banter. Well Whitney, I'm not really in the habit of owning flesh, I'm more into branding the flesh. That way they know that they're mine while the world is none the wiser. "And how would one be branded and the rest of the world doesn't know it?" That, my dear Whitney, will be covered in the upcoming chapters. "You're someone who should come with a warning label, Miles." A warning label or a welcome sign? "Touche!"