Novella
Happy Hour @ The Empire Way-stop
# Brigadoon
Chapter 1: The last Way-stop in NY
I wore a royal blue knit dress with cowl-neck to hide my turkey neck. I wound a bright chiffon scarf around my wrist to attract attention when I clapped for the musicians, or while taking a dramatic sip from my drink. I was attempting to distract from my 323 pound frame. I wore shimmering seed-pearl earrings to catch the evening light as I moved to the beat of the band. Again, to distract from my 323 pound frame. I was as primped and ready as I could be short of emergency liposuction.
I was headed to the last way-stop in New York, The Empire. This tavern and inn had been in continuous operation since 1835. I arrived at The Empire hoping to meet a man.
No, affirmation/intention, I will meet a man who will change my life.
Beating back my fear and shyness, I counted each riser on the steps to calm my anxiety — a trick learned in childhood to counter my fear of the stairs. I leaned my head forward to propel me through the narrow door. In the tiny foyer I straighten up, suck my stomach in as much as possible, take assessment in the hall mirror and head held high I go to my safe place, the bar.
