Apprehension: Part One

PICKUP LINES

It was a Friday. A year from the day she was told Ian died—two years since she had the company of a man. Allie sat down at the bar. It was karaoke night, but she only wanted to drink first.

"Hey there, beautiful, can I help you?"

The bartender was a stunning redhead with eyes of emerald green. The Dolly Parton song 'Jolene' played in her head. It was the first time Allie was attracted to a woman. It was the eyes.

"I want something strong, like forgetting my name strong," she said.

"Two shots of tequila with lime and salt coming up."

"Want a chaser?"

"Bud Light will work."

"We only have Bud Light Platinum," she said.

"Then I shall try a platinum."

"Coming right up, Babydoll."

Allie watched her walk away.

Damn, I would love to take her home, she thought.

She came back with her drinks. She finished them before the bartender even walked away.

"Would you mind getting me another round? Maybe three shots of tequila with one beer," she said. "My name is Allie, by the way."

"Hi, Allie. My name is Courtney, but you can call me Cory. And any other time you, for that matter."

"Well, thank you, Cory, and keep em' coming," she said.

"Is something going on, Allie? I can sense that you are in a bad place," she said. "Bardar. Bartender radar."

"Yeah, it's a really dreadful day for me."

"Can I ask what is going on?"

"It's the first anniversary of the death of a very good friend. So, like I said, please keep the drinks coming," she said.

She sat there for a couple of hours. She finally sang a song after drinking a lot of booze and beer. It would have made Katy Perry proud.

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'This was never the way I planned

Not my intention

I got so brave, drink in hand

Lost my discretion

It's not what I'm used to

Just wanna try you on

I'm curious for you

Caught my attention

I kissed a girl, and I liked it

The taste of her cherry chapstick

I kissed a girl just to try it

I hope my boyfriend doesn't mind it

It felt so wrong, it felt so right

Don't mean I'm in love tonight

I kissed a girl, and I liked it

I liked it.'

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She garnered a fair amount of applause as she returned to her barstool.

Cory put down one last round and gave her the check.

"That was an impressive performance. I loved the song choice. I am off now, and I just wanted to say a little goodbye to you. I hope that I see you again."