Staying Casual

CHAPTER 2 - GEO

She was dressed in a floral tube top, which accentuated her shoulders; her faded blue jeans hugged her figure, she was sexy and the mere sight of her was almost enough to give me a semi. A lot of men in the bar have already taken notice of her, and I knew I had to make my move, if there's any way I'd get her home tonight.

I approached her, which earned me annoyed looks from the other guys, making me more confident. "What are you drinking?" I asked.

I'm wearing a simple black shirt, but the way her eyes assessed me, I knew I have her full attention. I repeated my question, because I don't think she heard me over the loud music.

She smiled, and I took note of how delicious her lips look, "Margarita".

I flashed her another smile, and called to Jordan with our orders. Jordan and I went to the same school, and were in basketball together; his uncle owns Boozy and since he has a degree in catering and restaurant management, hence, bartending. Jordan gave me a thumbs-up, letting me know he's got it.

I'm a regular in Boozy since it opened a year ago, spending my Saturdays here meeting women - I don't do commitments but I treat my casual hook-ups with respect, I don't just shove them out the door the morning after.

I eyed the woman beside me, she's got brown hair just past her shoulders, and she's definitely gorgeous even without heavy make-up. I extended my hand, "I'm Geo"; she didn't take it, and instead her face was written with confusion. I'm used to that look, my name sounds Asian, but it's just actually short for George - pronounced as "Ji-yo" which was my sister's doing, because she wanted our names to have a certain similarity.

After I explained it, she smiled and offered her hand, "I'm Ali, nice to meet you".

I wonder what that's short for, Alice? Alyssa? I didn't bother asking, it's not like I'm dating her after anyway. I asked her if she's new in town, because I definitely should've seen her if she wasn't. I take our drinks from Jordan who smirked, shaking his head and eyeing me as if to say really bro? goodluck.

"I'll be starting grad school in USC" she replied.

I stare into her eyes, offering a smile. "You're" I started, before a blonde girl interrupted us. A few seconds pass, Ali introduced her friend, Lucy. She's petite, long blonde hair but she's nowhere as striking as Ali; I'm not up for a three-some tonight and neither of these two seem to be the type who's interested in that set-up anyway.

Lucy started babbling away about a bride ripping her dress and about a guy named Liam who needs to be in operation. I sensed the urgency in her movements, and wanting to secure my night with Ali, I offered to help them out, but Lucy cock-blocked me - not intentionally, I think, but still.

Ali waved her goodbye and thanked me for the drink before running towards the door. I can't say I'm not deflated from the failed encounter, so I took a last swig of my beer was about to make my way to the door when Jordan appeared, "Where'd the chick go?" he asked.

I shook my head, "She had to leave".

"Well, there's plenty more out there. She didn't seem like someone who's up for a casual hook-up anyway" Jordan retorted, taking my empty bottle and wiping the bar.

I just shrugged, and he smiled before turning away to mix another drink for another customer. That's when I noticed a few girls giggling and eyeing me seductively; I move towards them, pushing Ali out of my mind.