Growing up she had never expected it to be like this. Immigrating at a young age she had learned to fight for what she wanted in this new land where her traditional ways were not the norm. Striving for normalcy and acceptance, reading into the cultural norms of how a woman in this country should be.
Unfortunately it wasn't what she had hoped for. Man after man would latch onto her but when she rankled against their perceived notions of what a woman should be the relationship would fizzle. Sure she was proud of the strong woman she grew to be but something was wrong. It took meeting him to make her see that the societal norms were a facade.
She had first approached him in the brash modern woman way. Walking up full of confidence, showing she was in control of her life and no man was going to override her perceptions of what she was. She was direct with him and didn't mince words.
"You are the most handsome man in here and I think we should find a quiet spot to get to know each other."
It wasn't unusual for him to hear such words and compliments from women. His frame and looks were desirable and seem to be easy on the eyes. He was always in command of himself and easily guided the people around him in ways that made them comfortable and secure they were with someone who knew what life was about. He wasn't about to lose this control to someone he didn't even know.
He swivelled the stool slowly towards her so she no longer had positional power. They were now equals, for now. Even sitting on the stool he was a head taller than her. "So much confidence for a tiny little thing." He mused to himself. This might be fun.
"Sit here at the bar with me. I have some friends arriving and they expect me here."
She was taken aback by the direct command from him. Men always bent to her and did as she asked. While being on the short side her looks and figure could easily sway men to her will. To be so easily rebuffed was new to her.