A Bar in Denver

Hours later, Scarlett has returned from the photographer's gala, exhausted. A vodka and cranberry with a splash of lemon-lime soda, sits on the bar in front of Scarlett. The drink she requested moments before. She slowly sips on it with a straw. Hanging lights above make her fair skin look radiant, whilst a nearly empty ballroom seems warm and cozy despite the vacant seats surrounding her. She gazes around the hotel ballroom, her eyes like blue sapphire and hints of green amber find a man entering the ballroom. She breathes, not nervous but captivated. The man she saw at the park earlier is here, now dressed in a blue suit, appearing athletic and built, she notices his chest expand and shoulders rise, as if he has taken a deep breath. His eyes look her way.

Oliver standing about six feet tall, observed Scarlett at the park earlier, he was taken back by her. Now she is in front of him again, his heart beats faster and harder in his chest as his attraction to the woman, excites him, bringing a breathless feeling to his core. He approaches Scarlett, “Excuse me ma’am, may I sit beside you?” Oliver rumbles in a deep southern voice holding his beige western hat, exposing a reddish brown comb over and beard. Scarlett looks at him head to toe and notices his western boots, she smiles, showing her white pearly teeth. “Okay, that’s fine.” exposing her Texas twang. Oliver orders a drink from the bartender and turns toward Scarlett. He introduces himself, “Howdy ma’am, my name is Oliver.” Scarlett smiles and responds tiredly, “I’m Scarlett.” She lets out a sigh afterwards, then gracefully lifts her drink to her pink lips, sipping briefly, her back straight, shoulders drawn back, projecting a calm air.

“So what do you do and how old are you?” Scarlett asks Oliver politely.

“I’m an architect, I work remotely most of the time, and I’m thirty-one. How about you?” Oliver mentions and asks Scarlett, while he gazes genuinely into her eyes. A subtle smile appears on his face. His eyes are like green amber and whiskey. Hazel.

“I’m twenty seven and a travel photographer. I had a work function earlier.” Scarlett replies smiling with tired eyes. In the background, country music is playing.

Oliver smiles charmingly, “I am here for work as well. Did you enjoy your work function?”

Scarlett smiles sweetly at Oliver, her eyes sparkle while gazing at him. “Yes, I did thank you for asking. So where are you from, you sound southern like Texan?”

Oliver chuckles, “You are correct, I’m from Texas. A small western themed town just north of San Antonio; Bandera. The cowboy capital.”

Scarlett’s eyes light up, the woman feels excited now. “I’m from near there, Helotes, it’s just about thirty minutes away, as it borders San Antonio. How neat. I’ve visited your small town since childhood.” Scarlett speaks appearing humored, smiling. “I also enjoy joyriding out there. You know the scenic hill country, open rural roads. Nothing but mostly hills, some tall maple trees.” Scarlett’s eyes appear dreamy, and distant while she pictures the scene of highway sixteen from Helotes to Bandera. Miles of hills, and gorgeous sunsets. The woman feels breath taken at the thought. “I like the hilly rural road to escape the busy hustle and bustle of the city. So you are just visiting for work? Do you like traveling?” Scarlett asks, now very interested, twirling her reddish brown curls with a finger.

Oliver takes note of her gesture, thinking she is feeling flirty and attracted to him. He focuses intently, his eyes resonating on hers. “ It’s a good road, highway sixteen. If you drive at the right time, the hills and sunset project a pretty scenery. I enjoy traveling, I’ve been to most of the states. My parents took my siblings and I around the world as kids, and I revisited many as an adult.”

“I agree, I was thinking of sunset drives towards the hills. Wonderful, after college I began traveling, seeing the world and taking photos. It’s been amazing. I love Texas, it’s my home, but I enjoy seeing the world. So, You have siblings? I have a younger brother and older sister.

“Yes, ma’am, I sure do, I’m the oldest of three, my brother is just a few minutes younger than me. We’re twins, and I have a younger sister.” Oliver smiles politely while discussing his siblings.

“Oh, how nice. Do you like outdoorsy stuff, and visiting the beach.” Scarlett maintains her straight posture effortlessly, on the bar stool facing Oliver, she shifts her legs on the stool foot rest, bringing her dazzled grey boots with a heart and white angel wings, to Oliver’s attention.

Oliver gazing into her blue sapphire and green amber hinted eyes, takes a calming breath, then relaxes maintaining focus on her, loosens his tie, sips his beverage. “Yes, ma’am I sure do. I reckon, you like all that since you asked.” A smile spreads on Oliver’s red toned tanned freckled face, Scarlett admires him silently to herself while listening to his deep southern voice. She is mesmerized, and surprised at this moment.

The bartender glances at them smiling periodically as he checks on others, makes drinks and cashes out the other guests. Scarlett glances at a clock by the wall, about one twenty-eight am.

Gosh, he’s so handsome, his eyes, the reddish brown hair, white spotless teeth, a deep southern accent And he is from near me, and likes traveling. Am I dreaming. Scarlett releases a sigh.

“Do you like country dancing?” Scarlett asks curiously attempting to hide her attraction to the Texas man sitting in front of her.

“Yes, ma’am, do you want to dance?” Oliver asks, reaching a red haired lightly tanned hand towards her as he sets his drink down with the other.

Scarlett calmly responds, “Yes, I do.” The woman feeling a light buzz from her drink combined with the guy from Texas in Denver excitedly, twirls herself after rising from the black cushioned and metal bar stool. Oliver grabs her hand, sparks jolt his soul. He takes a deep breath in, smiling charmingly then releases it.

They dance over a few songs. Some are upbeat and quick, whilst some are slow. Oliver frequently spins Scarlett round and round. Oliver spins a few times. As Oliver spins Scarlett, her blue dress twirls and flares up but is long enough not to expose her. There’s an outdoor dance floor with lights draped around the deck. Oliver opens the door for Scarlett. They continue to hold hands as they reach the dance floor. A slow song plays, Oliver holds Scarlett close, one arm wraps around her waist, one is holding her hand, as she positions her arm around the back of his neck, his eyes glimmer in the light, looking green with hints of brown, appearing soulful, and genuine.

He speaks respectfully, what a breath of fresh air, and most definitely a sight for sore eyes. He’s a relief from all the other disgusting, distasteful, rude men encountered lately. What a delight.

Oliver dips Scarlett, her back relaxes as she bends back, and he kisses her lips. He lifts her back upwards and spins her slowly as the song ends.

The bar closes down for the night, so hotel staff announce the ballroom is now closing. “Oliver, I’ve had a wonderful time, however I am simply exhausted.”

“I will escort you to your room then, ma’am! I reckon it’s pretty late.” His rumbling voice carries to Scarlett’s ears pleasantly.

Walking side by side, then at Scarlett’s door, leaning close to her, his hands embrace her face then, his lips find hers for a moment. He releases her, “I’m glad we met, sweet dreams ma’am.” Scarlett sleepily smiles back, and says,” You too Hun.”

A tiredness brings Scarlett to her slumber, in a king size mattress. She shimmies into the soft sheets, her silky pajamas are the only thing between her fair skin and the cotton sheets. Remembering her water at bedside, Scarlett takes a few sips, and places her satin eye mask over her heavy lids. Restful she becomes, as a quiet peace pours into the room, Scarlett's breathing is the only sound.