Heated Abscondment

Chapter Ten - Part Nine

Etienne stared mesmerized at the woman speaking to him, “My friends dared me to buy you a drink and make conversation. So, bear with me for a few sentences, then I’ll leave you alone and tell them to can it. I see you’re drinking scotch. I’d suggest to instead be drinking their number three or four beer. This is a local brewery, they’re known for having a few exceptional beers, but not their liquor selection, sorry Lurch.

She continued, “If you’re into stouts, this milk stout’s pretty good. Mari, my friend, likes their oatmeal stouts, but I don’t. There. I’m done, I’ll leave you all alone.” She slid off her stool, and said, “Nice suits, by the way.”

As she started to walk away, Etienne reached out to touch her elbow.

“Wait. Please, stay. That wasn’t much for conversation.” She quirked an eyebrow at him.

“You are under no way obligated to waste any more of your time.”

“You’re not, I’d like you to stay and have a qualitative conversation.”

“What the hell.” She said, sliding up into her seat.

“So. What’s up with the suits?” she asked.