She takes a tiny sip and hands it back to me. “Mmm, that’s good. I think I’ll have that; what is it?”
“It’s called a ‘Lip-reader,’ ” I say.
She glances at the menu on the bar and laughs. “It’s an homage toSeinfeld. They’re all named after episodes.”
“Yeah, it’s clever,” I say. I’m extremely attracted to her.
She smiles at me and says to the bartender, “I’ll take three more of these,” then to me, “Mind if I sit with you gentlemen for a bit? I’ve been with those people all day.”
“Of course,” I say. I scoot one stool over so she can have mine. She’s dressed in a white silk blouse and black slacks; it’s classy, but not stuffy. There’s something elegant and refined about her. I can’t help but compare her energy to Dani’s. She’scalm and seemingly grounded, compared to Dani’s ceaseless buzzing. Dani’s personality shifts from one extreme to the other. Either she’s mentally absent and floating around in her own headspace, imagining her stories, or she’s a busy bee fueled by nervous energy. It’s exhausting.
“So,” Valeria says, “how do you two know each other?”
I take the lead because Brian is pouting. “Brian used to work with my wife, a long time ago.”
Valeria glances at my ringless left hand.
Brian corrects me, “Ex-wife.”
“Right,” I say.
“So, you guys are just getting out for a drink and some food?”
“Yep,” I say, and hand her the menu. “Do you want something?”
A moment later the bartender sets my burger down in front of me. “That looks delicious,” she says.
“I’ll share,” I tell her.
There is something happening. It’s easy with her. She’s not fussy. I cut the burger in half and she unabashedly grabs her portion and takes a giant bite.
“Mmm, this is heaven. I was starving.” She’s charming and delightful.
“Are you two having fun over there?” Brian says. Valeria shifts to create more of a semicircle so we can all talk to each other at the bar.
The three of us continue ordering drinks and fall into an easy conversation about everything from the Dodgers to the healthcare industry to having children. She’s in her forties, was divorced several years ago…no kids of her own. Her work keeps her busy and she considers her patients her kids. It feels like a friendship is forming. I like this woman, but I don’t really feel like flirting with her. I’m not ready for that, even though I cantell she’s more attracted to me than to Brian. He’s clearly given up and switched to water anyway.
The restaurant bar is closing and they’re basically shooing us out the door. On the street, Valeria is looking at her phone.
“I need to order an Uber,” she says.
Brian makes one last attempt. “I can take you.”
“Where do you live?” she asks.
“I’m like two miles away.”
“I live all the way down in Redondo,” she says.
Brian squints. “But the gym—”
“Yeah, I work in the medical building next to that gym a couple days a week. My house and regular practice are in Redondo though. It’s okay, I can get an Uber. I planned on it anyway. I just have to pee so badly. I’m gonna go back in and use the restroom.”
“Okay,” Brian says. “Nice seeing you.” He hugs her. I stand there, not really knowing what to do.
Without hesitation, she walks up to me and reaches out for a hug. “It was nice meeting you, Alex.” I can feel her slip something into my back pocket. “There’s my business card. If you ever want to chat over drinks again.”
“Oh, yes, thanks,” I say. “It was nice meeting you too.” I point down the street. “My apartment is a couple of blocks away, so I’m off. Bye, guys.”
