Tough Life, Tough Pride

Punch Drunk

It's 9:30pm and I'm in my room watching television. I use the remote to screen the guide for what's on. It's 2017 and we've just rung in the new year. I decide to look through my photos on my iphone to look back at the memories stored. As I scroll, I notice a few screenshots of Johnny Depp. I remembered that when I was bored at doctor's offices or just bored, I would look at pics of this handsome man who has entertained us since we were young girls. I never really became a "fanatic", but more of an admirer of fine men. Fine men being entertainers. The ones that are just shoved down our throats through pop culture and TMZ. But with me, it was never the ones that were my age. It was the older ones who had experience that seemed to turn my senses on. I'm in my early 30s. Probably not relatable to some but believe me, the feelings are the same as those of a teenager when it comes to "crushes".

I decided I needed to get out. I needed to get a drink. It was the weekend and I did not want to be in bed early. I showered, put my best makeup on, and get dressed. Gave myself a once over in the mirror. I was wearing black skinny jeans, black short sleeve v-neck shirt, motorcycle jacket, and over the knee boots. All black. It was one of those kind of days. Where I wanted to appear tough, but sexy. Decided to not go to my usual local spots. This time I decided to go North to LA. I figured I could use a new scene and was definitely dressed for it. Plus too many people knew me in my county and I was in the mood to see some new faces, meet some new people, maybe make a few friends. I had the gift that many people wish they had. No fear. I wasn't afraid to go alone to bars although as I grew up, my mother taught me that a "lady" never went into a bar alone. "Well mom, I'm pass 30 so at this point, people fear me," I told myself.

I had made a pretty good living for myself. I was a nurse that worked 3 days a week and was the type that liked to enjoy my money. I drove the latest 5 series BMW. I had my own home with more bedrooms than I cared to clean and no roommates. However, it was the home that I inherited.

My home was right off the freeway 101, so I immediately got on my way. Passed the Conejo grade, passed Thousand Oaks, Westlake, Agoura Hills, Calabasas, and was already in Woodland Hills. I hated passing through this city because it reminded me of an ex. But it'd been so many years and we moved on. However, just seeing the sign made me roll my eyes. I always speed through there. It was now 10:45pm...damn traffic. Especially on Fridays. Everyone from the Valley frequented "Hollywood". Mostly because they got tired of hanging out on Ventura Blvd. Besides good restaurants, there really wasn't much else but your everyday hole in the wall bar. I was trying to figure out where exactly to go because there were so many options. West Hollywood, Hollywood, Downtown LA, etc. I didn't want to get lost either because I didn't want to depend on my navigation system. I finally got off at the exit for Hollywood Blvd. Decided to get past the touristy part since it was so full. Then I saw the Rainbow Room on my right. Parking was available for $10 so I just paid it because I probably would've wasted that much gas anyways trying to find a free parking lot. Which is super hard to find in this area.

I got out of my car, locked it, and made sure I had just the few things I needed: my ID (everyone still gets carded out here), my debit card, a few hundred dollar bills, cell, and my key fob. Didn't want to be lugging around a purse for the thought of it getting stolen, plus I just really didn't want to carry it. You don't get much love when you carry around a LV purse in a bar.

I approached the doorman, let him know I wanted to sit at the bar. "Yeah, just one," I said. He looked at my ID and said, "pretty full but you should be good on your own." "Thank you, 'preciate it", I said as I walked past him grabbing my ID in the process.

I looked around and he wasn't kidding. The place was pretty full. Booths were full from people ordering food. I actually saw a few teens in there and that made me cringe. Those were mostly the hipsters that posted everything, their location, what they look like on Instagram and Facebook. I was the type that liked to live in the moment. I always make sure to do a complete walk around to make sure I'm familiar with my surroundings, in case things get rough. Finally, a couple of people got off their stools at the bar and I immediately went over to sit. It took a while until the bartender came around. "What can I get ya?" he said smiling.

"Get me an apple martini with grey goose with cherry garnish," I said. He made it pretty quick and so I was sure it would suck. But with one sip, "Mmm, thanks I needed that." "Not too strong?", he asked. "Not at all, keep 'em coming boss," I said with a smile and a wink. I handed him my debit card to hold onto.

I looked at my watch after my 2nd martini. 12:30am. I was getting a good buzz going and felt a little sad because last call was at 2am. I was feeling the rock music playing in the background and started to have a few laughs with the bartender and some people that were seated around me. By this time, some people began emptying the booths to end their nights. The guy seated next to me that I'd been talking to was named Garrett. We were bullshitting a lot. Talking shit and laughing, which I loved doing. "Hey that's your 4th martini, you doing okay?", he asked. I laughed and patted him on the back, "What's it look like to you Garr? I'm not a lightweight." He laughed and said, "I guess I should've known better, you look tough." I just shrugged my shoulders and continued on. "Why are you still here anyways? You were here when I got here and haven't left," I said. "Well I'm next to a good looking girl and she's entertaining me. Why would I want to leave?", he said patting me on the back.

It was now 1am. A lot of people were now gone and maybe just 6 other people were hanging at the bar. Most of them had just got there and others were there for a few hours already. "Jeez, 5 martinis! How about a change up for minute?, asked the bartender. "Whatcha got?" I asked. "Shots?" he asked coyly looking at Garrett. We agreed and had two rounds of Patron. I waited a bit before I continued my martini. I knew this would put me at the edge. "You okay?" asked Garrett. "Oh yeah but you know how it is, gotta take my time now since you two want to see me fucked up." I said laughing. Garrett frowned and said, "Not really. We're not like that. I come here all the time. I'm not a creeper or anything." I just smiled and asked for water. The bartender said, "no prob hun". I heard Garrett's phone go off. It sounded like someone was going to meet him at the bar. I figured it was probably a chick so I just said, "so is your lady coming to take you home?" As he slipped his phone back in his pocket he said, "nah, a buddy of mine wants to meet up."