My heels click on the marble tiled floor of the lobby in the hotel. It's beautiful, but I shouldn't be here. I have a home. Yet, I repeatedly tell myself I can do this.

Standing at the entrance to the bar, I debate where to sit. It's early so there aren't many patrons. There are sofas and nice chairs currently void of people. I could sit there, and people watch. On the other side of the room, a man plays a keyboard while a woman sings jazz music. A few couples sit near them as their audience. I'm not here for the music. I could just belly on up to the bar—if nothing else I could chat with the bartender. He looks kind of cute, but not really my type.

I decide on the latter. At the bar, I order a rum and Coke. The bartender gives me a once over then pushes himself off to make my drink. He returns moments later and waits for me to take a sip.

My lips grip the straw as I slurp up the alcoholic concoction. "Mmm, this is great." I forgot how good these really are. We talk casually about the weather, the game on the television behind him, and his girlfriend.

He recognizes I am almost done with my drink so he asks, "Shall I make you another?"

"...uhm... not yet, but thanks."

He is about to respond, but I catch his eyes looking behind me. After quickly walking away, a nice looking gentleman with a blond ponytail approaches. He pulls out the stool next to mine and makes himself comfortable. There are about 15 stools. All but mine are empty. He must have an agenda.

"I'll have a Corona." The bartender nods his acknowledgement of the order.

The thirty-something man looks at me. I can tell because I am cautiously watching him out of my peripheral while pretending to watch the game. I'm nervous about my mission here and at the same time, I want to have a little fun.

"Excuse me, Miss." I turn and look at him. "May I buy you a drink?"

Yes, but no.

But yes.

But no.

This is why I came here... to drink... and meet someone. One drink can't hurt, right?

"Uh, sure. That would be nice. Thanks."

The bartender returns with the Corona as my companion for the moment says, "This beautiful lady will have a..." and he waits for me to answer.

"I'll have glass of Malbec."

I return my attention to the man next to me. He's cute, but certainly not the one by my standards.

"The name is James, and you are?"

"Bella. Nice to meet you. Thank you for the drink."

"The pleasure is all mine. You certainly do look ravishing in that dress."

And this is the moment I begin to lose my confidence and question my sanity when coming up with this idea. I see his eyes glance down, perhaps to where my cleavage is highly visible. I'm a little uncomfortable, but after a little alcohol I try relaxing a bit. He doesn't mean to cause any harm, right?

His hand, originally placed on the bar in front of him, slowly encroaches into the space near mine. Not comfortable with his forward actions, I move my hands to my lap. After a few minutes of get to know you questions, I realize I'll just enjoy drinking my free beverage. He seems focused on one thing. I know I am too, but he is not the right one.

He receives a phone call and explains he has to take it. Picking up his drink, he walks away.

And I glance at my watch.

A/N: Thanks for reading!

Sentence teaser for next chapter: I glance over at the two men, catching the bartender motion in my direction.

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