Raining After Work

She sat down two tables away from me and asked the waiter for water. I looked back down at my coffee and lit a cigarette, she wasn’t bad looking. She was jumpy when the waiter came with the water and then settled back down into the half booth that lined the wall. I looked over and asked her if she would like to join me, we’re both alone I said. Without a smile she came and sat across from me. I offered her a cigarette and lit it for her. I saw a couple of fresh bruises up the left side of her face and asked if he hit her often.

“No,” she said, “once a man hits me it’s over.”

“How many men have hit you,” I asked.

“Four,” she said. She took a long drag on her cigarette and looked at the table and then back at me. I called the waiter for another coffee and asked if she wanted one. She declined and said it was too bitter and asked for tea.

“So why do you keep picking men that hit you,” I asked.

“Why do you keep picking women who beat you,” she asked.

“I don’t date women who beat me,” I told her.

“Yes you do, look under your eyes, you’re slightly unshaven which is sometimes a good thing but not on you and your coat is wrinkled,” she pointed out. “You have some girl in your life who beats on you.”

I finished my cigarette and put it out. The waiter set down the drinks and left. Her interpretation of me wasn’t good; no man wants to be told that he’s run down by a woman. I forced a sigh out and lit another cigarette while I watched her sip her tea. I liked how she could see me.

“I work hard for the women I date,” I told her.

“And they exhaust you,” she sighed. I continued to look at her. “She tests you with every look, every kiss, every word you say to each other. And she expects you to anticipate each test and pass with flying colors, never once thinking about how tiring it is for you.” She was getting worked up over it. “You pick women who don’t want to be in a relationship, all they want is validation. It’s all so material” she added.

The rain was starting to die down and the coffee wasn’t hot anymore.

“Did you leave him before you came here,” I asked.

She smiled, “What ever gave you that idea Sparky?” Her tea was gone. I looked at her for a minute and smiled before the waiter dropped the check. It was getting late, Ruth would be waiting. I went for my wallet and glanced at the check.

“Would you,” she asked looking over at the check, “hotels are pricey.”

“Of course” I replied and she smiled again. I left some money on the table and walked with her to the door. She smelled good standing outside of the café.

“Take care,” I told her, “maybe try being single for a while.”

“That’s no good” she said.

“Why not,” I asked.

“Because what do you do when you meet someone.” I didn’t reply and instead watched her. She was watching me too, then smiled and left. I was still watching her.