As a regular patron at the end of the bar in my local watering hole, surprises are few and far between. The bartenders and I share a rapport that extends beyond mere pleasantries, with some of them knowing more about me than just my drink preferences. Typically, I occupy my usual spot, scrolling through Facebook on my phone while enjoying a few beers or glasses of whisky. However, this Saturday evening brought forth a different crowd than the usual scene. Although Greek life has largely faded from the local campus, a handful of off-campus sororities and fraternities still make their presence known. This night, they were in full swing, celebrating one of their events here. The noise level surpassed my usual tolerance, but in a bar, you take what you get without much point in complaining.
A group of rowdy fraternity brothers monopolized our Touch Tunes machine, blaring the latest hits from 'WAP' to 'You Think You the S*** (Fart)'. The bartender, Erin, and I exchanged incredulous looks at the choice of music these youngsters favored. Nonetheless, I remained seated, occasionally glancing at the news on the TV behind the bar and engaging in casual conversation with fellow patrons. With nowhere else pressing to be, I found entertainment in observing the eclectic crowd. At this moment, I couldn't help but be somewhat impressed by the unabashed forthrightness of today's youth. Some were remarkably transparent in their intentions towards the young women present. It reminded me of my own college days, although my approach was more nuanced, driven by genuine affection for the girls.
As the night wore on, the crowd gradually thinned out, and I was summoned to assist Erin in replacing an empty keg. After completing the task, I returned to my barstool with half a glass of Knob Creek and melting ice. Not to boast, but my physical stature seemed to attract attention from the remaining young revelers; I overheard a few comments as I made my way back. Taking my seat, I acknowledged their remarks with a nod. One of the frat brothers approached me, inquiring about my bench press. I explained that my strength came from manual labor rather than gym workouts. His initial impression seemed impressed, but upon learning of my working-class background, his respect diminished, and he returned to his friends.
Glancing over at the group, my attention was drawn to a stunning blonde. Her seductive gaze seemed to pierce right through me, accentuated by the alluring flip of her hair. Seated slightly apart from the conversation, she caught my eye. Observing her nearly empty drink, I signaled Erin to refill it on my tab. She acknowledged with a glance, raising an eyebrow followed by a smile and a wink. Returning my focus to my glass, I took another sip, inadvertently licking my lips as a drop of whisky trickled down the side. Suddenly, I sensed movement beside me, accompanied by the heavenly scent of perfume. Turning, I was met with a closer look at the captivating beauty who had held my attention all evening. Seated beside me, she crossed her legs and greeted me with a smile. Her name was Hannah.
As Hannah and I exchanged introductions, I was taken aback by her genuine interest in my profession. It turned out her father worked as a general contractor back in her hometown, giving her a solid understanding of the industry and its terminology. Curious about her presence at the bar, she explained that she was here to celebrate a few friends' recent 21st birthdays, though she admitted to feeling disconnected from their conversations. Our discussion shifted to her major in Education and her aspirations post-graduation. It was evident she was driven and saw her time away from her Tennessee hometown, particularly in Altoona for the past three years, as a chance for personal growth.
Throughout our conversation, I couldn't help but notice Hannah's subtle accent, which added to her charm. She confessed that it had been more pronounced when she lived at home, but her time away had softened it considerably. As she spoke, she occasionally bit her bottom lip, a gesture that intrigued me. When I inquired if everything was alright, her candid response caught me off guard. She admitted to feeling incredibly horny and expressed a desire to leave the bar.
Surprised by the sudden turn in our conversation, I stumbled over my words, offering to assist her in any way I could. Without hesitation, she took my hand and led me towards the exit, bidding farewell to her friends with ease. Despite a few incredulous looks from the fraternity boys, I paid them little mind. Offering a smile and a wink to Erin, I wished her a pleasant weekend as we stepped out into the night.