The Harem's Founding Members Part 2.
Steve was in his office just after 2 p.m. making his final plans for recruiting season. He hated this part of coaching, the summer recruiting season. It meant 3-4 straight weeks of being on the road in gyms watching kids all trying to impress college coaches in the hopes of getting a scholarship.
He looked over his itinerary: North Carolina, Indiana, Wisconsin, and New Mexico. He didn't mind the trip to North Carolina as that basketball camp was in a new air conditioned facility with cushioned seats. The other places produced the coaching malady known as "bleacher butt." Six to eight hours sitting on high school wooden bleachers watching kids run up and down the court made everyone's ass a little numb.
He picked up the phone. "Carol, would you like to meet me for a bite to eat?" he asked.
"I'd love to," she replied enthusiastically.
"Let's meet at the little Mexican place on Main Street. Can you be there in an hour?"
"I'll be there."
"Great, see you then."
***
Steve was walking into the "Cantina" when he heard Carol's voice.
"I'm so glad you called me, I was getting bored after all the excitement from this morning," she giggled.
"Looks like everyone is here for happy hour. Let's grab one of the high tops near the bar. Would you like a margarita?"
"Yes, please, not too much salt."
"Hey, Coach," said Mitch the bartender. Mitch was his favorite bartender and usually gave him at least one free drink if not more.
"Hi, Mitch, nice crowd today. Can I get a margarita, light salt and one tall cold beer? Thanks."
"Sure thing, Coach."
Steve barely had time to grab some of the free nachos and salsa when Mitch was delivering the drinks. "This rounds on me, Coach," Mitch said as he put the drinks on the table.
"Thanks, Mitch. Here this is for you." Steve said, handing him a twenty. Steve knew this tactic would almost guarantee him another round of free drinks or at least a major discount.
Carol was enjoying her drink when she noticed a woman staring at them. "Steve, I think that woman is staring at us."
"Which woman?"
"The one across the bar in the white top."
"Oh, that's Joan. She's a librarian at the University. If she is alone, I'm going to ask her to join us. I hate to have any friend of mine drink alone, wouldn't you agree?"
Before she could respond, he was making his way around to the other side of the bar. "Hi Joan, surprised to see you here, I didn't think you were a 'happy hour' devotee?"
"I've been known to have a drink or two. Who's with you and don't let me interrupt?"
"Not at all. Remember the special group I was telling you about? She might be one to the people involved. Come join us, but don't mention the group. I'm still formulating that plan."
"Yes Sir, I won't say a word."
He led Joan back to the table and made the introductions. "Joan, this is my friend and fellow hypnotist Carol. Carol, this is my friend and librarian extraordinaire Joan."
"Nice to meet you, Carol. Are you really a hypnotist like Steve?" Joan said.
"I'm not nearly as good as Steve. It seems like he can put anyone into a hypnotic state anywhere at any time."
"Really! Steve, you must show me this special power of yours," said Joan.
"If you insist, but give me a minute. I'll be right back," said Steve.
As he walked away from the table, he heard the ladies begin the usual chit-chat, but he had other things on his mind. He circled around the bar and made his way up behind Joan. He didn't want to be seen by either of the women until the time was right. He wanted to catch Joan off guard and do a shock induction that he'd been working on.
He was directly behind her when he leaned in while placing his hand on her shoulder at the same time. In one quick motion, he pushed her shoulder down and said, "Sleep."
Carol was startled, but Joan's head slumped right to her chest. Steve kept his mouth close to Joan's ear, making sure to keep the flow of his voice constant.
Carol was trying to listen in, but all she heard was, "At the end... night... soft... on five..." Then she heard Steve counting up to five.
Joan looked around with a confused look on her face as she looked across the table at Steve. "What the fuck just happened?" she asked.
"I told you he was the best hypnotist in the class," Carol said, smiling.
"Steve, what did you do to me?" asked Joan.
"You will have an overwhelming desire to pick up the check tonight," he said, laughing.
He ordered a mega nacho platter for the three of them to share and another round of drinks. They were all laughing, exchanging stories about who they'd love to hypnotize and why.
Steve was keeping a keen eye on both of them, watching body language and any signs of jealous behavior. It might have been the drinks, but the two of them seemed to be getting along very nicely as they exchanged small talk.
Steve looked down at his watch. "It's just about time for sunset, let's all go for a walk over to the fountain," he suggested.
