It was 7:15 p.m. and I still sat waiting. Milking the Tanqueray and tonic I had ordered 15 minutes earlier, I realized I was ready for a new one. The time frame in which it sat barely touched combined with the growing heat of the club, as bodies began to quickly fill it to near capacity, the ice in the glass had melted. A warm, non-soothing drink, not to mention watered down, in turn losing it's alcohol effect, was not what I needed at this moment. Another 15 minutes had passed, and still, no Antonio. While common sense was practically screaming out, informing me I had obviously been stood up, I stayed stationed at my empty table. My eyes, as well as my imagination were certainly making the best out of the situation. After all, I was sitting at the infamous Café Sole', the "hot spot' of San Antonio. Not only popular due to it's being the only trendy club in town, it certainly was no secret that the bartenders in which it employed were by and large the most gorgeous men around! True dessert for the eyes!
By 8:00, I knew I had to accept my fate for the evening. Finishing up the last of 5 drinks, I focused my attention one last time on the hunk of a man, pouring Captain into a beverage glass, topping it off with cola! I certainly refused to go home empty handed. Rather, empty minded. The fantastic visions I had created while sitting patiently through the night, let's just say, I was determined to end it, with any sort of enjoyment. Though I'd be going home unescorted, my bed empty, I would not be alone in thought!
Just as I sucked out the last drop of my drink, a female voice caught my attention.
"Jewel?" Looking up, I saw Mary and John heading toward my table. While the two were merely what you would call acquaintances, knowing very little of them, I was still somewhat relieved to see any familiar face. At the same time, a part of me, still quite disappointed, was not exactly up for mingling with such a pair. Nice as could be, they both were absolutely adorable, and absolutely in love. Here I sat, alone, having no partner of my own, watching the show of these two cuddle and kiss, making known to all around the love they had for one another. Simply a bitter and blatant reminder as to my loneliness. Nonetheless, I invited them to join me.
We drank, we talked. Of course, being I'd had quite the head start, an alcohol effect clouding my judgement, well, the last 2 weeks of my life were becoming an open book for the duo to read. Talking so fervently about this man I'd met while bartending at the local pub on First Ave. How Antonio's nationality, half French, half Italian, speaking in a voice so utterly sexy, is what captured my attention. Our first, and only date consisted of conversations relayed mostly through that of the interpreter who accompanied us. However, his handsome, dark complected looks, a perfectly shaped muscular physique, combined with that sensual tone, as he spoke in words foreign to me, there was no discomfort, so to speak. I was awestruck, and until this night, I'd believed he felt the same. Apparently, it was merely wishful thinking on my part.
Mary and John's eyes glimmering with intense interest, I couldn't stop talking. Not to mention, of course, my drinks coming one after another, each one seemingly stronger, simply helped ease my ability to ramble. After another thirty minutes had passed, my story coming to a close, Mary looked at me with an expression almost sympathetic, yet a hint of excitement.
