Half way through my “Bartender” story which will hopefully be ready for next Monday if I get time to write it here in Philadelphia. Bruce tonight and running up the Rocky steps tomorrow so a packed schedule 😁
(If you’ll excuse the ‘double tap’, Caro, a story I wrote last year that I’m fond of).
The Looker (100 words)
He wasn’t the only one. The barman mixed cocktails on automatic as he stared at the couple dancing provocatively in the dimly lit corner. It was hard to see where one body ended and another began. What do they say? Get a room. The stranger pressed her against the wall. The barman tired of the show. I was transfixed. The woman smiled lasciviously, her lover’s lips pressed hungrily to her throat. The barman slid the martini towards me. “Maybe stop staring now, fella, give them some privacy”. My voice was a whisper. “But my wife has never looked so beautiful”.
Here is my 100 - not with a twist, but with a different view - with healthy respect for, and keeping my distance from the proverbial bartender type, I typed this:
Sober, bartender-averse for over 36 years, I’ve had some weak-kneed-need moments. While alcohol plays a big role in our social fabric, generating revenue for many industries, the bartender is just a worker, fulfilling a role—one who doesn’t argue, doesn’t judge, and isn’t incented to tell you when to go home. The bartender isn’t the guardian of the swirling drain, but they’re definitely the washroom attendant, ensuring you're flushed, without possibility of return. Bartenders are unsafe at any speed, but not as dangerous as when alcoholic's keep booze in their homes; we don’t have a bartender standing-by to cut us off.
“What do YOU think it means when she says that?” Really? That’s my best answer? Repeating back to him his question as another question? Such a stereotype. Right out of the psychotherapy 101 handbook. I really am slipping these days. Need to focus. Give clearer advice. At least act like I care. My feedback is important to this guy. I have my reputation.
Suddenly we are interrupted, rudely, by an interloper. “Dude, that advice you gave me last week was trash. My honey flew the coop.”
“Well, I guess you get what you pay for. And what are you drinking?”
Great story Caro 👍🏼
Thanks very much for the mention 🙏
Half way through my “Bartender” story which will hopefully be ready for next Monday if I get time to write it here in Philadelphia. Bruce tonight and running up the Rocky steps tomorrow so a packed schedule 😁
You’re welcome, Dan! Have fun with Bruce!
Looking forward to your story.
(If you’ll excuse the ‘double tap’, Caro, a story I wrote last year that I’m fond of).
The Looker (100 words)
He wasn’t the only one. The barman mixed cocktails on automatic as he stared at the couple dancing provocatively in the dimly lit corner. It was hard to see where one body ended and another began. What do they say? Get a room. The stranger pressed her against the wall. The barman tired of the show. I was transfixed. The woman smiled lasciviously, her lover’s lips pressed hungrily to her throat. The barman slid the martini towards me. “Maybe stop staring now, fella, give them some privacy”. My voice was a whisper. “But my wife has never looked so beautiful”.
Ha! I didn’t see that twist coming! That was very well done!
That’s very kind. Thanks so much for saying.
Wow! All that with a martini and a twist (although not lemon). Cheers! 🍸
I do love a twist in the tale 🍸
Here is my 100 - not with a twist, but with a different view - with healthy respect for, and keeping my distance from the proverbial bartender type, I typed this:
Sober, bartender-averse for over 36 years, I’ve had some weak-kneed-need moments. While alcohol plays a big role in our social fabric, generating revenue for many industries, the bartender is just a worker, fulfilling a role—one who doesn’t argue, doesn’t judge, and isn’t incented to tell you when to go home. The bartender isn’t the guardian of the swirling drain, but they’re definitely the washroom attendant, ensuring you're flushed, without possibility of return. Bartenders are unsafe at any speed, but not as dangerous as when alcoholic's keep booze in their homes; we don’t have a bartender standing-by to cut us off.
Very nicely done, Mark! All perspectives and views are appreciated here.
Doctor of Mixology
“What do YOU think it means when she says that?” Really? That’s my best answer? Repeating back to him his question as another question? Such a stereotype. Right out of the psychotherapy 101 handbook. I really am slipping these days. Need to focus. Give clearer advice. At least act like I care. My feedback is important to this guy. I have my reputation.
Suddenly we are interrupted, rudely, by an interloper. “Dude, that advice you gave me last week was trash. My honey flew the coop.”
“Well, I guess you get what you pay for. And what are you drinking?”
“…you get what you pay for.” For sure! Mixologist or therapist. The price of a drink or the price of a session. You’ve packed a lot in this! Good job!