By Adam Staten
With a three-beer buzz and the bass thumping I feel invincible. I lock eyes with the beauty at the bar, and we swap a smile and the smile is wanton. In an instant I see seduction, love, bliss. I rise from my seat and stride indestructibly towards her.
Our eyes meet again and she leans to whisper something into her friend’s ear without breaking eye contact with me. The whisper is dangerous. She smiles again and the smile feels mocking. In an instant I see rejection, humiliation, despair. My indestructibility shatters and I slink past. Perhaps a four-beer buzz is needed.
Nice work Adam. I saw the story play out and it provoked a wry smile.
Like your story. Nice play on “We have met the enemy and he is us” turns into; I have met the enemy and he is me.
This was great! I could see the whole scene.