Infatuation

Prologue

I remember when I first saw her.

Lord knows I didn't think anything of the girl; she seemed nice from what I could see.

I sat on a wooden stool at Dicky's bar, near a fireplace.  The flatscreen in the bar was connected to a radio stream, playing oldies. Frank Sinatra played through the television's speakers, creating the perfect atmosphere. Some guys were playing pool, about 5 couples were sitting in booths. 2 kids sat at a table, quietly coloring with their parents. Several business men discussed upcoming events at a table in the back. I was passing through town, pulled over for a drink. I was on my first glass of wine. Red, I believe. It was my first time trying the infamous chili that my fiancée had raved about. It was cold out, I knew a hot meal would best benefit me. It was savory, and spicy, and perhaps the best chili I had ever had. I tugged at the plaid scarf that was tight around my neck. It was snowing, and was around 15 degrees fahrenheit.  My coat laid on the chair next to me. I remember having a stimulating conversation with the bar tender; he liked my books. Nice guy. He wasn't obsessive like she was. He simply complimented and gracefully moved on to another conversation. Why couldn't she do that?
About 15 minutes after finishing my second bowl of chili, I heard her voice. Her innocent voice.
"Excuse me, but are you Christopher Attwell?"
I smiled big, hearing these words from an obvious fan.
"Yes ma'am. I am." I turned to look at the speaker.
She was young. 17, 18 maybe. Shoulder length length brown hair that was somewhat curly, the top part bound by a black headband. Big, pretty eyes, a mixture of green and brown. Toasted brown skin, cheeks flushed from the cold. The tip of her nose was red. She wore a coat, black stockings, a red scarf and a button up shirt tucked into a black short skirt. A semi-thin black choker adorned her neck. Her ears weren't pierced. On her feet, she wore black booties with a slight wedge, making her to be at most 5'7.

Overall? Cute kid.

"Oh my goodness gracious, I can't believe it's you! I'm such a big fan!"

Typical.

My smirk showed obvious signs of cockiness; if I could go back and change it I would.
"Thank you. I appreciate it."

"Your books are absolutely amazing. I've read every single one. I even bought your biography and your bonus chapters! And I watch for all your sneak peeks on YouTube! "

Cute.
Or so I thought.

"Thanks again, sweetheart. I appreciate it."
The pet name I had given her made her blush.
"Are you here by yourself?" I asked. A little strange for an 18 year old to be in a bar by herself so late at night with a snow storm brewing.

"Yes, I just wanted to grab a quick sandwich before I head home. " she said. Sure enough, the bar tender set out what looked to be a turkey and avocado sandwich wrapped in paper, and bottle of Coke. "Thank you, Henry." She said politely. The bar tender, Henry, nodded and smiled, and went back to tending to his other customers.

It was then when I realized how late it was. I really needed to get going. The conference started at nine am, and I wasn't even at the location yet.
"Well, I have to get on the road myself. It was nice meeting you...um..."-
"Marie. My name's Marie." She said, smiling so wide, I thought her cheeks were going to burst.
"Well, Marie,"  I took her hand, "It was a pleasure meeting you."
I brought her fingers to my mouth and gave them a small peck. A simple gesture that I do with most of my younger fans; makes them feel important. I liked seeing their reactions. Usually they giggle, squeal, jump up and down, or faint.

Though her reaction was different. 

Her smile dropped. Her face grew redder; I didn't think it was possible. Her hand shook. Tears welled in her eyes. For a few seconds, I thought she was going to throw herself into the floor in a convulsion.

And then she smiled so big all of her dimples showed.  Tears streamed down her face fast.
"Oh, Christopher Attwell. I always knew you were a charmer." And with that, she turned, grabbed her food, and walked out of the bar.

I, and Henry who had saw everything, laughed.
"That was the weirdest fan reaction I've ever seen." He said, clutching his stomach from laughter.
I shook my head, laughing along.
"You're telling me." I patted his shoulder in a friendly manner.  I reached for my wallet.
"Forget it, man. It's on the house." He said, still chuckling.
"Thanks, Henry. I'll make sure to stop by on my way back. " I said, putting on my coat and adjusting my scarf.
"Alright, man. Sounds good. I'll keep some chili waiting for ya'." He said, smiling proudly.
"I appreciate it. Thanks, Henry. Have a good night." I said, walking towards the door.

"You too, man. Take care. Stay safe." He said

Stay safe.
I wish it would've been as easy to do as it was to say it.