episode 1 – getting acquaintedWhile grieving a recent loss, a man’s visit to a bar leads to a chain of events that alter his life in controversial ways.
While grieving a recent loss, a man’s visit to a bar leads to a chain of events that alter his life in controversial ways.
Unlikely Partners
IN high school, Everett doesn’t try out for league sports, but he’s athletic, enjoying tennis, basketball, and judo. He and Aria share classes. Everett, with a gregarious gift of gab, often mentions something witty about Aria that she perceives as insulting.
Classmates say it’s proof of his interest in her, but she finds him repulsive. To her surprise, he asks her out to the Junior Prom months before the date arrives. Her first thought is that there’s plenty of time to find an alternative.
“It’s getting more difficult to tell when you’re making fun of me,” she responds. “Are you recording my reaction for a big joke with your friends?”
“I don’t know why you think I hate you. We live on the same street and share classes. I’ve been trying to get your attention since we were freshmen.”
“You have a funny way of getting attention.”
“Exactly.”
“I didn’t mean that as a compliment. Let me think about this. Oh, but thanks for asking.”
Weeks go by as Aria bats flirtatious eyes at possible suitors. One by one, they elevate other invitations above hers. She begins to think that not having a date would be more embarrassing than going with Everett, so she hurries to give her reply while walking through the hallway between classes.
“I’ve decided that it would be evil for me to leave you without a prom date, so I accept.”
“My request was weeks ago.” He jokes, “What makes you think it’s still open?”
With blushing embarrassment, she tries to dilute her acceptance. “Oh, great. Then you don’t need me to bail you out. I’ll accept my other offer.”
“Don’t be silly. You need to recognize my humor. My invitation still stands, if you want it.”
She extends her hand for a shake. “You got yourself a deal.”
“So formal. All right. Prepare to be wowed.”
Untimely Consequences
That early encounter is the foundation of what eventually becomes a childless matrimony lasting decades. One of Aria’s friends has two girls, named Sandra and Debra, to whom she becomes an honorary aunt. Everett and Aria watch them grow up, but move away and lose contact after the oldest reaches age 13.
After a long and valiant battle, the health condition preventing Aria’s ability to bear children takes her life. Though Aria made a few local friends, the ones they had known since childhood were out of touch and could not attend the funeral service. During a period of mourning, Everett contemplates his lonely retirement.
He takes walks through a local park, smiling at the children full of vitality. They are running, laughing, and playing with a carefree innocence. In a moment of reflection, the inability to have any kids troubles him.
“If I’d fallen in love with another woman, my life would have been so different. But it’s too late for regrets.”
Opportunistic Encounter
The memories leading to his prom date with Aria play in Everett’s head like a broken record. He’s just a social drinker. Yet, this seems like an occasion to visit a bar. The upbeat ambient reggae music contrasts with the smooth jazz that awakens him each morning.
A woman wearing a business suit, perhaps ten years his junior, steps a few barstools away from him to request a glass of chardonnay.
Everett smiles. “Pull up a seat. I’ll put your drink on my tab?”
She shakes her head without making eye contact, heading to her table when the drink arrives. He thinks to himself, “I must be a little rusty.” Now it’s his turn to order.
Amidst the tropical decor, a friendly young bartender in racy clothing asks, “What’s your pleasure?”
His earlier morning examination of the soft wrinkles hiding beneath his coarse beard suggests it might be possible to begin a new chapter in his life. The vision of a lovely young lady holding his arm on a cruise ship delights him. Everett smiles, concluding there’s still a handsome face beneath the gray.
He responds with natural wit.
“Give me something as pretty as you, and twice as tasty.”
She rolls her eyes with a facial expression that isn’t entirely turned off by what sounds flirtatious. After shaking up a concoction with ice, she pours the tantalizing iridescent blue beverage through a strainer, adding a splash of grenadine and a pineapple wedge.
“Drink slowly. She’ll sneak up on you.”
“If we’re still talking about the drink, what’s her name?”
“You can call us both Sandy.”
After a few sips, Everett waits for the bartender to return to his area.
“This is sweet and strong with an interesting twist.”
“You asked for Sandy.”
“You’re absolutely right. So what time does Sandy get off from work?”
“Perhaps this is where I should draw the line. As a bartender, I listen to many woeful stories and field numerous flirtations. If I went out with everyone who swallowed one of my drinks, I’d be a statistic on the side of the road. So at the risk of decreasing my tip, I’ll keep my work hours private, thank you.”
Before he has a chance to reply, she begins serving someone else. Everett leaves a generous tip and exits. The flickering, dim street lamps illuminate the pathway home, a few blocks away. Inside, he pulls off his shoes and rubs his achy back.
While lying in bed, listening to jazz, he wonders if he’s been flirting with Sandy. She did seem to have an indescribable allure. After wasting time with the television, Everett falls asleep with the taste of Sandy—the drink—still on his lips.
Investigating Possibilities
In the morning, he scrambles some eggs and butters his toast to have with a cup of coffee. Something stands out when he sits for breakfast while looking through a travel brochure. All the photos include happy couples. The thought of boarding a cruise ship alone and dancing by himself seems pathetic.
So far, the park and vacation ideas have brought down his mood. The only positive thing has been the drink of Sandy. To kill time until noon, he cleans the house and washes clothes before heading back to the bar.
With his chin resting on his wrist, he patiently waits until Sandy places a napkin on the counter in front of him. “What’s your pleasure today?”
“I heard Sandy was available.” With a double entendre, he admits, “I’d like to have a sip of her—or perhaps, a drink with her; whichever sounds most appropriate.”
“Of course. You’re the guy from last night. Thanks for the generous tip. One Sandy coming up.”
After one and a half glasses, he begins to feel the weight of the alcohol. When stepping off the barstool, Sandy notices that he nearly loses his balance.
She rushes over to help him stagger to a booth, saying, “I told you my namesake was strong. This drink packs quite a bit of alcohol. I recommend you sit in a booth instead of at the counter, where you could fall. Order it with an appetizer. Let me get you some nachos.”
After nibbling for an hour, he begins to feel well enough to be embarrassed. Everett motions for Sandy to come to his table.
“Thanks for all your help. If I’ve made a fool of myself, please accept my apology.”
“Dealing with inebriated men is part of my job description.” With compassion, she admits, “A Blue Curaçao comes with a shot of vodka and gin. When you ask for the Sandy, I pour double shots, adding the blood-red grenadine for personality.”
“If no apology is necessary, perhaps I should be clearer about my intentions. I wouldn’t mind going out with you sometime—to unburden myself of grief and get to know you better.”
“Your opening line about wanting something as pretty as me and twice as sweet was the most creative I’ve heard. It might earn you a listening ear, but it’s too soon to go out. You’re not even what I consider a regular customer.”
“Ouch. Hurtful, but honest,” he replies with a smile.
“I accept the challenge.”
Continued…
Scope: These terms apply across the platform, not per-story. Viewing and evaluation are allowed. Redistribution, adaptation, or production requires express agreement. Use of this material for generative training or republication in any format without authorization is prohibited. Any relation to actual persons or events is coincidental. About 7500 total words.
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