Tuesday Tales - Thanks

 

Welcome to Tuesday Tales! This week's word prompt is “thanks”. We are back with my new Sci-Fi story. 

Be sure to check out the other Tuesday Tales by clicking here!

Dani was flustered at his words. Was he flirting? Did he think she was that much of a lightweight that she would get drunk on water? Truthfully, he wasn’t far off but he didn’t need to know that. 

She was just grateful that the room was dim enough to hide her scarlet cheeks. “Thanks,” she finally sputtered out.

The hustle and bustle of the room encompassed them while they sat in awkward silence. Dani drew circles in the perspiration that drizzled down her glass. She glanced up to Ezra then dropped her gaze back to the table. 

Was he staring at her?

She cleared her throat, took a deep breath and looked at him again. The corners of his mouth twitched upward in a smile. “What led you to start hacking or ethically hacking or…”

She sighed. She really sucked at this. 

Ezra shrugged one of his shoulders. “I really don’t like being around people. I am better off being alone. I’m not social and have a difficult time talking to anyone unless I really know them.”

Dani cocked her head towards her shoulder. “You talk to me and you barely know me.”

“I don’t know what it is about you. I feel like I can trust you.”

Dani smiled at him. “I’m not comfortable around strangers either. Maybe we’re two peas in a pod. Kindred spirits of sorts.”

Any joy in Ezra’s face seemed to fade. “I doubt that.” He took a sip of his beer then continued to speak. “So tell me, what inspired you to be a librarian?”

“I’ve loved books as long as I can remember. I knew my alphabet and could read a few words before I was enrolled in preschool. I would rather enjoy a good story instead of going partying. I figured being a librarian was a good career choice.”

Tuesday Tales - Mouse

 

Welcome to Tuesday Tales! This week's word prompt is “mouse”. We are back with my new Sci-Fi story. 

Be sure to check out the other Tuesday Tales by clicking here!

Dani felt her mouth drop open at Ezra’s words. When she realized what she did, she snapped it up just as quickly. She had to look like one of the goldfish in the children’s section of the library. She felt about as foolish. 

It took a few tries to find her voice. “I asked you to dinner. I should cover the tab.”

“I insist,” Ezra answered. “Have you gotten a paycheck yet?”

She felt her cheeks heat up. “No. I don’t want you to overextend yourself. Your money should go to the things you need.”

He cocked his head to the side. The corner of his eyes wrinkled like he was fighting back a grin. “I’m not. I have plenty. What would make you think I didn’t?”

Dani noticed she was full body squirming when she almost fell off her stool. “You spend all day every day in the library reading, quiet as a mouse. I guess I thought you didn’t have a job or a home.”

The smile he must have held back broke through. “I work at night. I’m a consultant. Billion dollar businesses hire me to try to break into their networks. Once I’m finished, I report back to them on what I found and the best way to fix it so someone will ill intent can’t do it too.”

“So you’re a hacker.”

“An ethical one, yes. Now that you know all about me, let me get this dinner. You can get the next one once you get paid.”

Dani nodded at him. “Deal.”

Ezra motioned to the glass sitting in front of Dani. The waitress must have been a ninja. Dani never saw her bring it. “Would you like something stronger?”

She stared at the clear beverage in front of her. She shook her head. “I am parched and I didn’t get to eat all day. Water may be a little too much for me tonight.”

Ezra winked at her. “If you get a little tipsy on your water, I’ll make sure you get home safe.”

Tuesday Tales - Fan

 

Welcome to Tuesday Tales! This week's word prompt is “fan”. We are back with my new Sci-Fi story. 

Be sure to check out the other Tuesday Tales by clicking here!

Dani took in the place as she followed Ezra and the hostess through the establishment to their table. A long wooden bar the color of honey ran along one wall. It was topped with brass rails, giving it an antique vibe. It was lined on the patron side with about a dozen stools with black padded leather seats. Behind it was a stained glass mirror surrounded by rows of various liquor. 

The floor of the bar area was filled with tables circled with the same type of seats as the bar had. The walls were adorned with brass sconces. The bulbs they held were dimmed by frosted glass shades. Along the far wall were a few black leather booths. There were a couple of televisions in each corner of the room playing various sports. They were tucked back enough not to be an eyesore. Above then were two gigantic ceiling fans pushing the air around so the space was comfortable for those inside. A doorway led to another room painted a few shades lighter. By the layout of the space, it must have been strictly dining. 

She nearly bumped into the table as they came to a stop. She looked up to find Ezra climbing onto a stool. The woman gestured for her to settle on the other. Without a word, Dami scurried onto it. Grace was not her friend as she nearly toppled off it. Then again, grace was rarely her friend. 

“Veronica will be here in a moment to take your order,” the hostess informed them before she sashayed away. 

Dani gave the place one last inspection before turning her attention back to Ezra. “This seems nice. Have you been here before?”

He glanced around and sighed. Whatever was on his mind, he didn’t seem too happy about it. “A few, yeah.”

A bubbly blonde wearing the same uniform as the hostess popped up out of nowhere like a tightly sprung jack in the box. “Hi. My name is Veronica. What can I get you to drink?”

“Water, please,” Dani answered. She could barely hear her own voice. However, Veronica must have because she was scribbling furiously. 

“I’ll take a 20 ounce mug of the special beer on tap.” Ezra pointed to her then himself. “This is on one check. You can bring me the bill.”

Tuesday Tales - Push

 

Welcome to Tuesday Tales! This week's word prompt is “push”. We are back with my new Sci-Fi story. 

Be sure to check out the other Tuesday Tales by clicking here!

Ezra motioned to the right as he smiled at her. She returned the grin and started in the direction he indicated. It took a few steps for him to catch up with her. 

Although the sounds of the city blared around them, their walk was quiet. Dani glanced up at Ezra from the corner of her eye. His plain white t-shirt and jeans were a little rumpled from sitting on the floor all afternoon. His shoulder length black hair was tied back with a ponytail band and his beard was neatly combed and trimmed. His dark eyes were focused ahead of them and looked determined, like he was on a mission. 

Admittedly, Dani always fell for the standardly handsome, popular guy. She had a huge crush on the quarterback in high school. She asked the theater president in college to go to the movies. 

They both laughed at her. She kept her feelings, and her lovesick heart to herself. Her pent up desire was focused on rock musicians and movie stars. 

Until now. He wasn’t the type of guy she normally found attractive. Truthfully, he was kind of cute. 

The elegant storefront of the sports bar appeared as they rounded the corner. The deep caramel wood and gold lettering blended in with the neighborhood. As they approached the glass door leading inside, Ezra pushed it open and held it for her to pass through. The cool of the air conditioning and the melody of voices greeted them. 

A girl dressed in a polo embroidered with the image of the business and a pair of tight fitting slacks greeted them. “Table for two.”

Dani stumbled over her words. She did this when she was confronted by a stranger. The only place it didn’t occur was behind the desk at the library. 

Ezra covered for her. “Yes, a table for two.”

“Bar height okay for you?”

“That will be fine.”

Dani didn’t know why but she scowled. Was the woman flirting with Ezra? She had no idea but it seemed like it. She was so out of her league.