Resolutions (a short story)

I thought about making a resolution this year. There are plenty of things I want to do and areas for growth. But I am just not in it. Most of the things I want can’t just happen this year.

But that’s ok. I am enjoying seeing what others resolve to do. I was not surprised when my friend declared this was her year to socialize more. Both of us have been in a bit of a slump lately. I know more about the lives of reality stars than I do about my friends. 

That is why when she asked me to go with her to her office happy hour, I said yes. I might as well get out. I have some pretty black dresses that haven’t seen the light of day. I also suspected we would both end up just talking to each other so nothing too out of the ordinary. 

Walking Into the bar, I see I am a bit too early. The crowd is very thin and no sign of my friend. I saddle up to the bar planning to play it safe with my usual order of the house red. It won’t be that good but it will give me something to sip on. I am perusing the shelf while the bartender finishes up an order for the only other person at the bar right now and I notice a bottle of Aviation Gin. I do love Ryan Reynolds. I also remember loving a gin drink made for me one time with lavender syrup and creme de violet. We are going to live a little tonight. The bartender seems to know what I am talking about and makes me a drink he calls an aviation. It is not exactly the same but it hits the spot nicely.

“Interesting drink choice.”

“Thanks. I thought it would be a nice change from my usual red wine order.”

His voice is nice and smooth as is his manner. But I am not here for this. I am not ready to be sucked into something, and I can already tell this is the kind of man that would suck me in so easily. He has that air of confidence and I can smell him and the attraction that is sizzling at least on my end of things. 

I am just waiting for my friend. 

That is what I keep telling myself as he looks at me with that gorgeous smile and eyes that seem to see me and pierce into my soul. (A bit cheesy for the first five minutes of meeting someone, but if you know, you know. )

Attraction and intensity like that don’t last, though, do they?  

“What brings you out tonight? Waiting on someone?”

“My friend. I am trying to help her with her New Year’s resolution of being more social.”

I debated about giving a more clipped answer to show there was no interest or need to continue the conversation. The guys you want to pick up on that hint never do. He seems smarter, though. Definitely less socially awkward than me. 

Like I said smooth. Smooth the way he gets up out of his seat, smooth the way he leans up against the bar next to me inching closer as he pretends to just be shifting his weight. Smooth as he finally grabs the seat next to me and gets it as close as he possibly can.

Picking up on his scent makes me sigh almost too loudly. No, I don’t mind him getting closer. My body is quite sure of that. And maybe I don’t need the conversation to end. Maybe he can entertain me while I wait. Help me open up a little just for fun. 

“Is that your resolution, too?”

“No. I am not a resolution type person. I don’t want to place an end on growth or try and fail at something and lose my motivation.”

“But if you don’t name something, will you even start with any motivation? What if you try and succeed? Think about how that feels.”

Point well made. I know the questions are rhetorical so no need to argue.

“No need to answer, but I wish I was in a position to challenge you. Make you try something new?”

Ok. He can’ quit reading me so well, but let’s play this out.

“What would be one thing you would challenge me to do?”

“Convince me to make out with you. Start with getting me to kiss you.”

“You think that would be difficult, do you?”

“I want to see you try.”

“Not much of a challenge, but I will play your game.  I am going to start walking to the back towards the bathrooms. I dare you to chase me slowly, and then we will see who kisses whom.”

I try to get up as smoothly as I can and keep up the pretend bravado I just acted out. I’m brave but not that brave especially in front of the handsome devil before me. 

I don’t get very far, though before he gets up and starts walking slowly behind me. I stop around the corner giving him a chance to catch me. He easily corners me against the wall both of us staring and not moving. Who will be the first to give in to our bodies’ desires? 

I can feel the heat between us and know we will both win as soon as someone makes that first move. 

As I lick my lips, I can sense him tense up and lean in for that kiss I will not be able to step away from anytime soon. 

Right at the cusp of our lips combining, I hear my friend out in the bar and I’m jolted out of the moment. She is now coming our way. We separated just as she walked by.

“Oh hey, I didn’t know you knew the new boss at my company.”

“We just met, but I was encouraging your friend to think more about her resolutions. Don’t forget my challenge.”

And now all I can think of is how to get that kiss as he walks away. I won’t forget.