Fierce novel Chapter 1

Reunited

I pulled into the bar and put my truck into park. Life is funny you never know when it’s about to change forever. I had no clue but in mere moments I was about to find my life taking a new and unexpected turn.

I got out of the truck and headed to the door of “Cues and Pockets” a little pool hall dance bar. I was new to town and a co-worker introduced me to this little watering hole. The prices are good the bathrooms are clean, and it attracts a crowd in my age range. Besides, I figured after my Friday work schedule it was the perfect way to chill out for a bit before heading to my lonely apartment. Walking up to the doors, I saw my reflection in the mirrored windows, and I slowed a bit to make sure I looked good.

Looking back at me was my 6-foot frame, thick sandy blond hair wavy and parted to the side. I was glad to see my grey button-down shirt was slightly tight emphasizing my shoulders and stocky build. Brown face made my blue eyes and white teeth pop out. As I turned to enter, I got a glimpse of my long legs in my slightly tight Levi’s. I grinned because even though I am closing in on 30 years old my body is still much the same as it was in high school. Yep, I smiled to myself glad I started learning Karate so many years ago it helped me stay in great shape.

The door swung open, and some people left the bar. A bit embarrassed, hoping they didn’t notice my self-appraisal I slipped right into the open doors. I made towards the bar, allowing my eyes to adjust to the dim light. My mood began to elevate as I noticed the crowd was good and at first glance it looked like there may be a good ratio of ladies. I finished my casual survey of the dance floor and tables and made a beeline to the bar. I leaned up against the bar trying to look cool and carefree.

“What can I get you sweetie?” inquired a cute girl bartender. “I think a draft Heineken would go down good.” “You got it.” I casually glanced around the bar while I waited for my beer. I cut my survey short. Close to the bar were a few tables set off to the side, making a loose ring around the dance floor. At one table near to me, I spied 2 ladies having an animated discussion. One lady was sitting with her back to me. Her blond hair spilled down her shoulders in waves that looked soft as silk. Her clothing looked of an expensive cut and she had very shapely legs jutting out from the table at a right angle. She was wearing nice slacks and black heels. Her friend was facing me, and I could only really see her face. Black hair framing her face very straight. Her skin seemed fair and her full lips were shiny with bright red lipstick.

She and the blond were oblivious to anything around them as they laughed and spoke in a conspiratorial and animated way together. I wanted to glimpse the blonde’s face. I figured if she was half a pretty as the black-haired girl, I might need to introduce myself.

“Here’s your beer, sweetie,” said the bartender as she plunked the pint on the bar. The momentary distraction was good as the black-haired girl started to pick up I was paying her and her friend a lot of attention. Reluctantly I turned away and towards the bar and my cold beer. I sat there sipping my beer trying to hear the ladies’ conversation. They were too far for me to hear the words, so I looked in the mirror behind the bar and continued to study them as covertly as possible.

As I sat, watching the blonde’s hair sway and bounce with her animated head movements, I got a funny feeling. I started to think her movements were in some way familiar. I silently chided myself for dreaming. James, I said to myself; you are a hopeless optimist. Do you really believe it possible that you know one of the two most beautiful girls in this bar? I laughed out loud at myself.

I just moved here less than one month ago. After I graduated college in Ohio, I moved to Miami to work as an estimator for a large commercial HVAC equipment firm. That was 4 years ago and then I took a transfer to Dallas just recently. I literally knew one person, a male coworker named Jeff. Snapping myself back to reality I tried to survey the room and decide if I would drink or maybe pluck up the courage to mingle and play pool or strike up some conversation.

Like a fish to a worm Blondie’s bouncy, wavy hair drew my eyes back to her. Then I saw her push her hair back behind the right ear. Oh my God, the way she did that was so familiar! My mind drifted to my first love back in college. Alexa was blond, witty, athletic, and beautiful. We met during my senior year. We had so much fun but when I graduated and went to Miami, we just lost touch. Waking from my daydreaming of Alexa I noticed the black-haired girl was vaguely gesturing towards me. I quickly turned my head away towards the bar so not to get caught gawking. In my peripheral vision, I saw the blond turn towards me. Holy crap why did I turn away?!