Bridge Tender

 “I’ve been watching you—no that sounds like I’m a stalker.” Lev’s face reddened slightly. “Sometimes I come on too strong—just my way of kidding around. I meant to say that I noticed you when you came in and sort of have been looking at you and your friend.” He shrugged. “She swallowed her drink fast and has been looking all about the room checking everybody out—and you—you nursed whatever you’ve been drinking for the last thirty minutes. You and your friend seem like very different women, that’s all I meant.”

     “My, but aren’t you observant?” Carried pulled her lips in tightly.

     “It pays to be observant, you never know what you’ll learn about people.”

     Carrie rubbed a hand down her pants leg and moved toward the door, “I’ve got to go,” she said, avoiding his gaze.

     Stepping back, Lev let her pass.

     “I really need to get that drink for my friend.” She smiled and grasped the door handle.

     Reaching above her, he held the door open and they both walked back into the throng of music and white noise.

     “Took you long enough,” Essa smirked as Carrie settled the bourbon and Coke in front of her. “I’ve been fighting off the men since you left.”

     “Yes, I noticed a man sitting with you. Looked like you were in deep conversation—find a boyfriend already?” she teased.

     “Pfft, just another loser trying to get lucky.”  

     She is pretty, Carrie thought. I can see where men probably fall at her feet. And she’s got that aura of confidence about her; a man would have to be very bold to approach Essa. “I bet you do have to fight off the men.” Settling herself in the chair, Carrie slid an envious glance to meet her new friend’s eyes.

     “Men…humph. They always want something.”

     Carrie lifted her glass of cola, “I’ll drink to that.”