Andrea had just agreed to meet Stix and immediately felt something. Regret? Excitement? She wasn't sure but there was something there.
The week dragged on and on Thursday Andrea texted Stix to ask where they should meet. Stix said she'd meet her in front of Anna's Place at 7:30. Andrea agreed and went about her day's chores and at 6:00 she jumped in the shower. She knew she was just going out for drinks but she felt that she wanted to look her best for Stix. Who know who she might meet? She got her make-up on, nothing overboard but pretty, dressed in a nice pair of jeans, a tight fitting t-shirt and boots and checked herself out in the mirror. Not bad for pushing 40. She thought for a minute and was disappointed that it wouldn't be a meat market. Sometimes she missed that kind of attention.
It was about a 20 minute drive to the bar and it was just getting dark. As she drove past she saw Stix standing in front of the bar chatting with another woman. She pulled into the parking lot, gave a quick glance in the mirror for good measure, got out and walked over to Stix.
"Hey, girl. You look so pretty tonight," Stix said as she gave Andrea a big hug and kiss on the cheek. Andrea replied back that Stix looked good, too. She was also wearing jeans, a button-up fitted blouse and black Chuck Taylors.
"Andrea, this is Jo," Stix said pointing to the tough-looking woman standing at the door. "Jo makes sure no one cause or gets into trouble. Jo, this is my friend, Andrea."
Andrea reached out and shook Jo's hand. You could tell from the handshake that Jo was not to be messed with.
"Nice to meet you, Andrea. Any friend of Stix is a friend of mine. Enjoy your evening, girls." With that Jo opened the door for them and they went inside.
Stix led them past the DJ, dance floor, numerous filled tables them to a corner table... her favorite table, she explained to Andrea. It was cozy, out of the way and gave a good view of the place. It wasn't long until two ladies walked by.
"Hey Stix," one of them said.
"Hey. What's up," Stix replied.
They chatted for a minute. Apparently their mutual friend, whom Stix had mentored as a drummer years ago, had signed with a group that had just been picked up by a record label.
"They're doing a concert over at Beacon Park next week. You should come." With that they said good-bye and walked off.
"I'm happy for her," Stix said. "Shitty family life, drugs, booze... she pulled herself up. I gave her some lessons and now look where she is." Just then a waitress came over.
"Hi Stix. The usual?" she asked.
"Sure," Then turning to Andrea "and my friend will have...?"
Andrea paused for a minute then asked "What kind of white wine do you have?"
Stix chuckled. "They have the white kind." Then turning to the waitress she said "Give her what I'm having." The waitress smiled and walked away.
"What are you having?" Andrea asked.
"Whisky," Stix replied. "We're going to have a fun night."
The two of them chatted for a while, trying to avoid work topics. All the while Andrea took in the atmosphere. Stix had been right. This wasn't the meat market type of bar. Everyone seemed very relaxed, the music was pretty good. You could dance to it if you were so inclined. But the more Andrea looked around, the more something became obvious.
"Stix, there's no guys here," she commented with a puzzled look on her face.
"That's right. Thursdays are 'no guys' night.
Andrea nodded and continued to look around. And then it hit her. She saw two woman walk by holding hands. A couple more across the room were kissing. Most couples seemed more than just friend. She leaned over to Stix and whispered.
"This is a lesbian bar?"
"I can't pull anything over you, can I?" Stix replied.
"Stix...you took me to a lesbian bar?"
"Yeah. Is that a problem?" Stix replied.