"Who was she?" The mysterious bar woman focused her head in the direction of the shelves of alcohol but darted her eyes in Romo's direction. She wore a smile used to cover up her cruel intentions and devilish desires.
Romo sighed. "Darling, I never kiss and tell." He put back on his sunglasses and shot her a coy smile.
"They say that when one is at a loss for words, or simply spouting out lies, they smile. It's supposed to throw off the person they are talking to and cast away all their doubts of that person's honesty. You aren't a very honest man, Mr. Lampkin."
He chuckled. "You're not easily fooled. Neither am I. There's something about your smile. It's crooked. You're not smiling because you're lying. You haven't spoken a single lie since the beginning of our conversation. Instead, you've dodged all questions you didn't want to answer. Which was basically all of them. You're smiling to conceal your true nature. Those dark impulses you house. You know you want me, but your pride is too great for you to concede. For you to lose to someone else."
"It bugs you, doesn't it?"
"What is it you think troubles me?"
"You're a lawyer. Your entire career is based off having an amazing way with words and the master ability of persuasion. Your job is to confuse and trick people into believing the words you say. A man with power such as you is quite dangerous. But see, you don't want me. No not at all. Not anymore. You approached me, hoping I would be enthralled by your words. You're only pursuing me because you're intrigued. That, and I exceeded your expectations."
"And what am I intrigued by?"
"By the fact your in a bar, talking to a woman who is not naïve enough to be victim to your lies. You don't run into many of those, I gather. I bet women fall to your charm with those pretty words spoken with that alluring accent. I wonder how many women have been your preys. But this is quite a challenge for you. You have to really pull something off to turn a predator to prey. Then again, a man who has a way with words, has a way with women."
"I take it your not the least bit impressed?"
"Hardly."
"Can I offer up my own insight?"
"If I said no, would it matter?"
"No."
"Then why bother to ask?"
"It's polite."
"A man with manners."
"There are so very few of us. I know. Most women have come to believe we are myths."
"Quite true. What is it you wanted to say?"
"Ah, yes. You think you have me pegged? Well, I believe I have you figured out as well."
"I take it your about to fill me in?"
"Well, why is a woman such as yourself in a place like this? Usually, people in a bar come with friends for fun. People who fly solo in bars are generally looking for comfort in the bed of another. But you, you're here alone and you shot me down without a moment's hesitation. Someone's a man eater."
"Are you sure it's not just because of you?"
"Darling, if I didn't look like I do, I might have given that a second's thought." He smirked.
"So, continue. I'm listening."
"Your lack of compassion and kind words were a giveaway."
"Of?"
"Why your really here."
"Which is why?"
"You wear that face and I could tell. A woman torn."
She grinned.
"My guess, you don't spend your nights alone in bed. Your love is shared. You are a woman with more than one lover. Am I correct?"
"If I don't get your story, you don't get mine."
"Your one to play that card. You won't even give up your name and you expect me to give up my story? I'm just a man in a bar." He smiled.
"Everyone has a story. We all have a past, a tragic childhood, or a painful love. We all have history. Why do you think you're here? Why do you think I'm here? I'm not drinking because it suits me." She chuckled. "How about, you tell me your story and I'll tell you mine. Do that, and I'll consider telling you my name."
"Unfair terms."
"Best you'll get."
"Well played."
"We are playing a game. I'm playing hard to get. This is your challenge. I'm your prize." She smiled sinisterly.
"So I've noticed."
"Deal or no deal?"
"Deal."
"Spill your guts to a complete stranger."
"Sometimes it's simpler to tell your darkest secrets and your most painful memories to someone you don't know. The fear of their judgment and criticism disappears when you don't give a damn about the other's opinion."
"Let's hear your story. I promise I'll be gentle."
"Her name was Kassandra. Oh, she would walk into a room and turn all the heads in her direction. She was heaven sent. The gods had blessed that one with beauty and grace. A smile so lovely it lit up a dark room. Her beauty was a double-edged sword though. She was filled with such passion and fiery desires. She had the face of an angel with the tongue of the devil. The coldest woman you could ever find that looked so beautiful. Her words were spoken with an intent to kill. She had a way of walking like she was going to her own execution."
"Sounds to me that you like going for the impossible. You love being shut down and shut out. Suicide missions. You aren't afraid. You go for it simply to say you tried. Is that correct?"
"Possibly."
"Tell me the ending to this story. I love a good tragedy."
"We were together for ten years. We fought often but she was great in bed. The love we shared eventually turned into hate. No longer could we even bear to be in the same room together. I still cared deeply for her though. I still needed her touch. I needed the taste of her soft lips. I fought so hard to forget her but I couldn't do it. When I finally realized what it was I was losing, I had already lost her. The world we had created together collapsed below us. The only thing I have to be grateful for is that she left me my cat, Lance. She hated the little thing. The feeling was mutual between the two."
"I'm sorry."
"No you aren't."
"I should have said it a bit more sincere."
"I may have actually believed it then. No matter. It's in the past."
"She left you recently."
"Ah, your very good at guessing."
"You wouldn't be here if her leaving hadn't happened recently."
"Good point." He grinned. "Now, it's your turn. We had a deal."
"Where to begin?"
"How about the reason why you're here?"
"Good a place as any."