A Conversation
by jjcolejr
"Why are you bothering with me?"
"I'm sorry. I did not mean to bother you. Have a nice evening."
"No, no. You were not bothering me. I just wanted to know why you were with me instead of those girls over there. They are a lot prettier than me and you are the type of guy they fall all over themselves for."
"You know them?"
"Yes, we came here together."
"Why do you say I am their type of guy?"
"Well, you are tall, dark, and handsome as they used to say. You are dressed well. Plus you are in a gallery showing an artists photographs."
"So are those two guys over there."
"They are a gay couple."
"Really? Their handshake was firm but now that I think about it they held on to my hand a bit longer than necessary."
"See. You are their type of guy too."
"And apparently not yours."
"I do not have a preferred type in men."
"So I have not been dismissed from possible consideration. That is good to know."
"You may be jumping to conclusions. What do you have against my friends?"
"Nothing. They present themselves well. They are obviously experts on the application of make up. They apparently pay considerable attention to their hair and they know which dresses flatter their body. At least one has taken the step towards surgical enhancement. They look very nice. Eye candy."
"But.......?"
"I wonder if any of them have ever read a book."
"I'm not laughing. That was insulting to them and they all have subscriptions to Cosmos and Glamour. They read. And I am not laughing!"
"I apologize. I am sure they are good friends."
"They are although they seem to be confused by the sight of you chatting with me. Which brings us back to the original question. Why are you bothering with me?"
"Your make up is flawless, your hair is perfect, and your dress is beautiful."
"I am not wearing make-up."
"So I was right."
"My hair is a mat of unruly red curls."
"Again, perfect"
"I am skinny with no boobs."
"Neither is true and you are the most feminine person in the joint."
"The guy in the lavender suit is the most feminine person in the room."
"Point taken."