Always the Charmer
Sometimes, he falls prey to their antics and whispers and thinks of himself as a stalker. Quiet and wispy and prowling through the night (crowded, jostling, loud and obscene hallways). He is like a ghost that can't be grasped and moves along smooth water.
And then, he sees her. And smiles. And thinks that (at last) he has found something of interest.
She says nothing at first, judges him with cold, calculating (shrewdly lit) eyes. (She decries his games as chauvinistic and pretentious and other long-winded, smart-sounding words.) So, he tries harder.
"All the more to get your attention."
(He says this so often even he thinks it's taking effect.)
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Out of curiosity—and pure scientific gain—he gives her six and a half (then bumps her up a quarter). Mainly to see her reaction, and partially to goad her goat (whatever that meant). And maybe, hopefully, he wonders if she thinks about him too.
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Emily is an incorrigible gossip and dedicated friend. Emily is like a safe he cannot crack no matter how hard he bangs the steel-shut doors.
But Truman keeps his hopes high and eloquently orders their dinner. (She smiles and blushes when he compliments her dress.) And in that moment, he is almost guilty (almost repents) but rushes on, telling him that the prize is waiting.
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Kendra is different from Emily. Kendra proves to be too easy. She sways to whatever tune he spins from his magic flute, bats her eyes ready and dangerously. And even though Kendra's a really nice girl, he can't help getting bored.
There's a million and one of her, and a million he's encountered already.
And so, Truman snatches the opportunity and corners Derek for a small, manly interrogation.
"No hard feelings right?"
(Neither Kendra nor Derek answers.)
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Much to his surprise (he lies, he expected that from her) Casey rejects him after the fashion show. (A fifty-dollar bouquet wasted.)
She turns on her heels and exits in a confident flurry. And he can barely catch the scent of her low perfume hanging in the air. And thinks: what an interesting girl.
(Truman smiles to himself and sharpens his tongues and claws. It's all a matter of persuasion, given the time and chance.)