Ashlee spun on her stool and replied, “Definitely. And Harlow? That’s a pretty name.”
“Thanks. I’ll tell my parents you think so,” she said and waved the bartender over.
“I was just here with a friend, but she met someone and took off, so I’m free,” Ashlee told her. “Are you waiting on anyone?”
“No,” she answered. “Just here for a drink.”
“Not for small talk or to pick up a woman?”
“I don’t mind the small talk, but I didn’t come here to pick anyone up, no.”
The bartender arrived in front of her and asked, “What can I get for you?”
“Just a beer. That dark on tap, please,” Harlow replied.
“Put it on my tab,” Ashlee added.
“That’s okay. You don’t–”
“Please, let me. It doesn’t come with any strings. It’s just a beer.”
“It’syourmoney,” Harlow replied.
“You’re really trying to give off the vibe that you don’t want to be flirted with, but I’m wondering if that’s an act and you’re playing hard to get, or if you’re with someone and not wanting to be tempted. So, which is it?”
“You are really forward, aren’t you?” Harlow said with a little laugh.
“And you’re really hot. Can you blame me for trying? I have a thing for a soft butch who drinks dark beer, and you fit the bill, Harlow.”
“Soft butch? Really?”
“Well, let’s see. Short hair that’s kind of tussled but not perfectly in place. You’ve also got that soulful eye thing going for you. Then, there’s the wardrobe, of course. You’re wearing a plaid shirt with some decent jeans that hug your ass but don’t necessarily show it off, and you’re rocking black Vans. Nails are short and kept but not exactly neatly.”
“And that makes me a soft butch?” Harlow asked just as her drink arrived.
“In my book, it does.”
“And you are?”
“Femme, obviously. Did you miss my heels?”
“I wouldn’t even know to pay attention to them,” she said and took a drink.
“So, you didn’t know that if you wanted to flirt with a femme, you could start by complimenting her very expensive shoes?” Ashlee chuckled.
“Nope. Didn’t know that. But I appreciate the lesson.”
“You’re really not interested, are you?”
“In what, exactly? Flirting with a femme?”
“Flirting with me. You don’t seem interested in flirting with me.”
“To what end?” Harlow asked.
“To the end where we’re in bed naked.”
“Oh. Then, no. I don’t want to do that.” Harlow shook her head but smiled at the woman to help lessen the blow. “Sorry.”
