King of Swords - Flash Fiction/Short story collection

Hope

She arrived in her evening attire with a large yellow fur coat draped around her.

She shrugged it on the sofa, slicked her hair back and combed her brows. she headed for the bar.

'Gin and tonic, thanks'

'Isn't it a little early for that?' a voice asked.

Another woman, in a shimmery black dress, had sat beside her. The lights made her peach skin glow. She asked again, 'Isn't it a little early for that, Hope?'

'Excuse me?' Hope slurred.

'You know Hope, I thought you would turn out alright compared to us tramps, but I guess you didn't do so well, did you? I mean, you did well enough but still...'

Hope squinted, trying to see through her hazed eyes, and the fluorescent light.

'I'm sorry, wh-who are you?'

'I guess you've already wet your nose.'

She looked distastefully at Hope, as she sipped her own drink. 'I guess someone like you wouldn't have learnt how to hold down your drinks. How many have you had?'

Inhaling deeply, Hope answered, 'Three'

'Three drinks?'

'Three bottles.'