“I’m not sure happy is in the cards for me.” She started back to mixing drinks as she admitted, “My classes are kicking my butt. Tips are for the birds. I can barely pay my bills, and I can’t remember the last time I kissed a guy, much less had sex with one.”
“Lila!”
“I’m serious, Pres! My girly bits are going to shrivel up and blow away if I don’t get some action soon.” She tucked her hair behind her ear and winced. “Be serious with me…Am I ugly?”
“What!” I gasped. “Don’t be ridiculous!”
“I’m serious.”
“You are stunning!”
“Do I have funky breath, or do I walk funny?”
“No, you certainly do not.”
“Then, what is it?” she sighed. “Why can’t I find a hot guy to sweep me off my feet?”
“I take it that you never heard from Smitty.”
“I did, but he basically told me that he doesn’t have the time to date or whatever while he’s prospecting.”
“Oh, that’s too bad.”
“It’s whatever.” She let out another defeated breath. “I just want to be wanted.”
“I totally get it, and you will have it. You just have to be open and patient.”
“I’m as open as it gets.” She turned to face the small crowd behind me. “That’s right, folks! I’m open and available, and I’m not a weirdo. I don’t have a million cats or call my mom a hundred times a day. Spread the word, people. Spread the word.”
“I’m not sure that’s the best way to go about it.”
“Probably not, but you have to start somewhere.”
About that time, a handsome guy with dark hair and even darker eyes walked up to the bar. He was wearing a white button-down and black slacks, and I spotted a hint of a tattoo at the cuff. He was intense but also very hot.
His eyes were locked on Lila as he said, “Lila? Right?”
“Yeah, that’s right.”
“Thought so.” He stared at her for a moment, then slid a hundred-dollar bill toward her. “This should cover my tab, and I included my card. Give me a call if you ever wanna grab some coffee or something.”
“Oh, no. You don’t have to take pity on me,” Lila giggled. “I was just having a moment.”
“Pity was the last thing on my mind.” He gave her a mischievous smirk and started out of the bar. “Call me.”
Lila picked up the money and his card as she called out, “Have a good night.”
“You, too.”
I was beyond intrigued by this guy, so as soon as he walked out, I leaned forward and asked, “Ummm, hello! Who was that?”
“I’m not sure. He’s been here a few times. We’ve chatted a little bit. Just some small talk, but nothing major.” She picked up the card and smiled. “Apparently, his name is Nikolai, and he works at the Black Crown.”
“Nikolai?” I smiled. “Sounds a little mysterious.”
“It does, doesn’t it.” She raked her teeth across her bottom lip. “You think I should call him?”
“Yeah, I think you should.” I pulled some cash from my wallet and offered it to her as I said, “I’m going to get going.”
