Straight Man
“Ah, go on.” Bryn
pushed the drink toward her. “I thought you people liked Coke.”
Mel scowled. “What do
you mean, 'you people?' Black? Would you prefer I sit on a different
table?” She pushed the glass away from her, into the neutral
territory of the middle of the table.
“God, no.” Bryn
held his hands up, fingers splayed. “I didn't mean that. I meant
--” He lowered his voice to barely above a whisper. “I meant
lesbians.”
“Right, because
that's so much better.” Bernie tut-tutted at him. “Manners, dear
brother.”
“It wasn't an
insult.” He took a long swallow of his own drink, wiping the foam
from his mouth with his forearm. “I was just trying to be
inclusive.”
“Honestly, I don't
drink any pop. Or beer, for that matter.” Mel forced a smile. “It's
too full of sugar. I prefer wine, thanks. Maybe a cider on a hot day
but that's about my limit.”
“Okay. Do you want me
to get you some wine? Red or white?”
“Honestly, I'm fine
with this one. I don't want to drink too much and give the wrong
impression.”
“I won't say no,
though, Bryn.” Bernie reached for the discarded Coke. “I'll have
a Blue Nun.”
Bryn snorted. “You'd
have anything in a skirt, you would.”
Bernie leaned toward
Mari and nudged her with an elbow. “Don't believe him. I wouldn't
at all. I draw the line at anyone over forty.”
“I should hope not.”
Mari sipped at her glass. “That's like, as old as my mom. I can't
imagine... doing it... with someone that old.”
“Why not?” Bryn
heaved himself to his feet and collected up the empty glasses in one
meaty hand. “Isn't that being as exclusive as you thought I was
being? I've seen plenty of younger women with older men.”
“That's different.”
“Why?”
“Old men are generally well off.” Mel grinned, dispelling the oppressive mood. “I'd abandon my principles for a rich older woman.”
“Widows.” Bernie
raised her half-glass of Coke into the air. “God bless them, every
one.”
2 comments:
Clever story! I love all the missteps in communication. Enjoy this!
Thank you :)
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