I'm drinking shots of tequila, and Mike is drinking vodka schnapps. Are you really here now? In front of me? the question in our minds are burning.
Mike decided to break the ice
"Francine I'm sorry I never said goodbye to you"
It's okay Mike, you don't need to apologize. I confidently said.
It's my fault, I never really looked at you..."The way You maybe saw me" I don't understand.
Why Me? I'm really curious.
I'm not the strongest contender out of all the people in the Studio, I was not the prettiest, not even my boss considered me a girl, he saw only a push over, like one of his lousy secretaries always kissing up to him. While Mike should have drooled over the celebrities he met in the building everyday. I really don't know what he saw in this average Lady. I'm also not a virgin I thought to myself, I smirked at him.
He gave me a serious look, I assumed he was getting drunk too, but he doesn't want to show it.
He held out his hand, "Give me your hand, let me look at it".
Oh are you gonna do magic on me?, Do you want to know, what is on my palm? What the lines are telling about me and my future?
Well this hand of yours, I only happened to watch it work in the set of a studio of the biggest Network in the country. I saw it get paint all over, I saw it punch a wall in frustration, when you didn't get a promotion when you did a terrific job on the Marketing provisions. I saw it cover your face when you tried to enter a utility room, I was not surprised to hear you scream and cry at the same time.
So you did stalk me back then? I pointed at him. And I took another shot of tequila.
I was always hoping you would notice me, I was passing by the set of the Summer collections 3 years ago. I handled the maintenance, replacement parts and system set up in the control. I saw you looked so busy and focused, and the Studio came alive. It thought it was brilliant, the theme you did.
"Jungle in the City"
The item presented by the TV Salesperson, was a Sound System that featured the Forest. Sounds of monkeys and birds. Who wouldn't want that in their bedrooms. I was sold on the sound of waterfalls. I actually bought it that day, because of you. I would like a piece of what "You produced", even if you were
just in the background. I think you're so talented, but it seemed like you were in so much pressure, and you were clearly not happy with your job.
I started to sweat, and felt my sticky hand on his hand. Exploring, probing, and softly playing with it.
He has so much attention he gave in my every move I was both touched and weirdly impressed.
So what did you do?, during those 2 years you disappeared? I implore.
When I resigned as IT Supervisor, they countered my request and offered me and increase in salary.
It was ridiculous, but I firmly turned it down.
There was I time I got really depressed. I thought I won't be able to get out of my apartment. I was stuck for 5 months relying on unemployment insurance, ate junk food, and got totally wasted. My friends frequently called me out to join them in clubs. But I can't. I was just unable to function. I went to my parent's house, visited my family, and I stayed with them for a few months. Then my Dad gave me loan, he gave me the capital, and this bar was manifested. I co-own and manage this with a friend who was stationed here. There's Andrew tending the bar, he's the one who has the talents to do the menu for the drinks, and I take care of the suppliers. We also have Marie, our Executive Chef from a restaurant in the city. She said the work was so demanding, and needed a break. We decided to team up, Me, Andrew, and Marie, we run this place. Do you notice the décor? It was inspired by your theme, this is Jungle by the Sea.
Yes I see it now. It even smelled like Monkey poop in here. We burst out laughing.
You still got it Francine. You can still make me laugh, It's like an invisible string still tied me to you. He leaned in closer.You're like a booger I can't get, even if I place all my fingers inside my nose. You are really something. Why are you here? Right in front me, like a piece of candy being dangled, or a carrot to a horse, and peanut to an elephant.
Eww I look like snot? I frowned at him, You better take that back Mike. Or I'll...
Francine You are one of the reason I moved here. The ocean is the only place I can safely think of you. Do you know how I got over my difficulties talking?
Oh, right You are! I thought it was the alcohol that healed you.
I run everyday at the beach imagining you are running towards me, I memorized every word I wished to have told you. I was impulsive before, I didn't give you enough time to know me. I shout your name, and all the things I want to express during storms so no one would hear me. I didn't expect to see you here. I was running an errand and there you were, covered in sand, bleeding from your fall. I thought you were a hallucination, until you screamed out from pain.
Nah, I didn't even flinch after I fell. I bragged.
You look exactly the same that night at the Ball.
What you're kidding me now are You? Mike's smile is beginning to make me feel things I hadn't before.
Let me ask you this, did you meet lots of girls here? Bikini-clad women, who comes in and out of this place? Did you ever gave them a good look?, Or you were just simply blind? I was like an investigator onto him.
Do I have to answer that? Mike finished his last shot of Vodka. Paused momentarily.
You really want to know the details? Mike's eyes are now sharper.
I took another shot of tequila, licked salt on my arm, and bit a piece of lemon from my plate.
"I want to know every dirty detail". He squeezed my hand so tight, and finally let go.
So where are you staying here in this big island? He stated with concern.
I'm staying at the Villa with my family on the other side of the beach. The one with the sand castle in front. With white curtains and yellow pillows, and the softest sheets you can imagine. I was enticing him, and he was silent.
Can I walk you to your door? just to make sure you don't trip on a rock again.
I blushed 😚😳 "Sure, Do". I need a your arm anyway, I was swaying while slowly finding my other sandal. We got out of the Jungle Bar, and walked by the beach to my Villa.
Did you ever think we would meet again Mike?
I always hoped we will, someday, I didn't know it would be here, in this tranquil paradise. Were hearing the soft waves touching the shore, and the moon is guiding our way. If only I was not intoxicated maybe I said several words to him. About what I feel right now. Being this close to him is like drinking warm milk, it's comforting.
We arrived and the lights are dim, the landscape alluringly beautiful.
It's quite cozy ain't it?
Yes, it is he exclaimed.
So here you are, safe and sound. Time for me to get back to work, they might need me at the Jungle.
I felt him lean closer. I closed my eyes.
He gave me a peck on the cheek...and hugged me
It was really good seeing you Francine. I had fun tonight. "Thanks!"
I didn't react and put a hand in the air to wave him goodbye.
I watched him slowly fade in the dark.
I crashed in my bed, but kept on thinking, wondering why he didn't try to kiss me on my lips.
He told me he liked me didn't he? 😒
I covered my face with the yellow pillow and hid under the duvet