Hard Feelings

Thirteen

Alex went out to a different bar then where she had been going. For the first time in the past couple of months that she had known Nate, she did not want to even see him. Alex knew that if she had seen him, she would have done something irrational that would end the relationship before it even truly started.

The irrationality was not gone when she showed up at the bar. Alex wanted to forget what she had just gone through and started to drink. A random body came to occupy the empty barstool beside her.

"This seat taken?"

Alex looked to the man who had spoken. She took in every feature, she thought he looked around her age, twenty-three, but maybe a bit older. He had short dirty blonde hair, a kind face, dull brown eyes, and an almost perfect smile. He was dressed in a navy blue Carhartt sweatshirt, and lighter blue jeans. He had a country twang to his voice that Alex thought would make any girl blush. Alex thought he looked like the kind of guy one would spend the rest of their life with.

"I think I'm supposed to say yes, but I don't want to."

"How could you deny this gorgeous face anyway."

"Easily, but I won't... this time."

"You're a real tough one, aren't ya?'

Alex just laughed. She was drunk and wanted nothing more than to just have fun.

"Maybe it would help if you bought me a drink."

"You heard the lady, another round of whatever she's having for the both of us."

Two drinks were placed in front of Alex and the mystery man. Alex all the while was still having an internal debate about Nate. She did not know how he could just brush her off so rudely. The other part of her wanted to forgive him just to get him back.

"What's goin' through that pretty little head of yours?"

"Guy troubles."

"Well, I'm gonna be straight with ya, if the guy ain't here for you than he ain't worth it."

"He means a lot to me."

"Well honey, if he means that much why aren't ya chasing him down then?"

"I don't want to scare him away."

"If he gets scared that easy then he ain't a man worth ya."

"Do you really think I should go to him?"

"I think you already know the answer to that one."

"You're right. Thank you..."

"The name's Dan, Dan McQuigg.

"Alex, Alex Vosler."

"Well what are ya waiting for, go get your man Vosler."

"Thanks McQuigg."

"Anytime, but if your man don't work out, I better get a call from ya."

"And how would I call you?"

"With the napkin I slipped in your pocket that has my number on it."

Alex shoved her hand into her coat pocket and felt a ripped piece of napkin crumpled into her pocket. She laughed and shook her head. Nonetheless, Alex smiled at Dan and waved as she had run out of the bar to catch the cab she had called.