Clever Trick

She is sitting in a smoky bar, wearing nothing but a simple black dress and a string of pearls. Her poison of choice appears to be whiskey; light in color, yet rich in amber tones. Methodically, she wipes the condensation that seeps from the translucent material as if she has been waiting. She appears distraught, almost distracted, as she repeatedly glances at the door through anxious eyes.

In the distance, a faint cry of an old Eagles song weeps from the jukebox. Couples are heard laughing over $1 Budweiser long necks. The bartender oblivious to her apprehension initiates conversation. She meets his gaze, smiling as if she is interested in what he has to say. A clever trick, as so it would appear to the stranger studying her through thick clouds of stale cigarette smoke. Quietly, she declines his warm advances and moves elegantly towards the restroom. 

As she moves towards the back of the building, she takes note of the art adorning the wall. A young Dean stares back at her with a cigarette hanging seductively from his bottom lip. For a moment she stares, contemplating the young man before her. Slowly, she pushes the heavy metal door into the bathroom. The decor, like most public restrooms is horrendous, yet she can't help but trace the outlines of old phone numbers carved into the stalls with her fingertips. 

When she arrives back to the bar, she notices that the bartender has refilled her drink. She nods politely, thanking him as she pulls a few loose bills from her wallet. Again, she glances at the door. 

In her peripheral she watches as the bartender gazes intently. He appears to be in his early thirties, perhaps younger. "You are a mystery to me." Startled, she inquires, "Excuse me?" "A mystery. Did you not hear me the first time? He laughs revealing a dangerous smile. "I did, but I wanted to ignore you", she scoffs, clearly masking her sudden interest in the man before her. He laughs at her once more, "Sweetheart, we both know that you don't want to be ignored. Otherwise you wouldn't have worn that dress." 

Slightly wounded, she takes a long pull from her glass. She watches him, as he stands motionless eager for a rebuttal. Instead of appeasing him, she moves her eyes once more to the door. At that moment, he appears...