The laws of attraction can sometimes be your downfall |
She is there. I am looking at her through the gaps between the bodies of drinkers. She looks lost…alone. I drink back my double Jamesons and attempt to make my way towards her. I freeze, turn and order another double. “Ice?” “No ice” She seems uneasy. She looks at her watch. I gulp down half of my drink. She fumbles inside her handbag and brings out a mobile phone, checks it, then returns it to her handbag. I check mine. No signal. I finish my Jamesons…and order another. A man speaks to her. I feel my neck hairs prickle. She dismisses him with a hand wave and gentle shake of her head. I should go over there. But not yet. I sip my whiskey. She walks towards the door. Is she leaving? I drain my glass but then notice she has sat down on one of the armchairs. I order one more double and drink half of it down. A man turns and succeeds in not only knocking my drink out of my hand but also in spilling his Guinness down my white shirt. He apologises. I say, it’s ok. I button my jacket closed, covering the brown stains. He buys me a double. I down it in one. It is time. I walk a little unsteadily towards her. The door opens and a man walks into the bar. I am circumnavigating the other patrons but I am getting nearer. So is the man. I quicken my pace, clipping a young waitress and almost sending her spinning. The man is approaching the woman. She smiles and stands as if to greet him. I realize I am staggering. They kiss. I trip…and fall…and land on my back at their feet. They give me a look of disdain. Then they leave together. |