WAIKIKI NIGHTS

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The bar is sleepy.

Dirty dishes and half empty glasses glossed with lipstick residue and finger prints race around the counters.

She picks a barstool and as she sits she grabs the end of a used black napkin to wipe everything in front of her to the side.

There is a basketball game on. It’s March madness.

The bartender dances from patron to patron for a few minutes while she admires his easy charm.

Mixing a drink in stainless steel he winks at her. I’ll be with you in a sec.
She smiles. He is thin, dark and long. He hasn’t shaved for a few days.

What are you feeling?
Tell me what I should order.
He points to a drink on the menu. She shakes her head.
Dry. A dry version of a jalapeño Margherita then.

Tell me other things you enjoy on this island.
He throws a potion together while she speaks.
Mango, Grand Marnier, ice, spice.

He works for a length.

He passes her a drink with a serrano in his other hand. The green pepper swings through his fingers in a pencil turn.

I got this ready if you need more. Tell me your name.
Nadia.
This is the Nadia.
She laughs and takes a sip.
Like you don’t do that for everyone.

He dances down the bar isle.

The seat beside her is empty. Beside that is a man. He was there before her and she's startled.
He sips on a pale ale. They both stare up at the basketball game.

A storm appears rousing the room. Two couples seat themselves on his right.
Closest to him is a young woman in her early twenties. To her right is a man in his early fifties. They both speak loudly.

She is focused on the screen and the bartender. He is light and airy.
She sips on Nadia and in her right periphery she sees a hand wave. Fifties is waving and making direct eye contact.
She puts her drink down as he bellows across the countertop leaning in.

What does your ring say?
Something I won’t be yelling.
Oh c’mon say it.
She shakes her head.
Come whisper it to me.

She looks away and grabs the menu. The man to her right turns towards her.

It’s still happy hour look at the smaller one.
What’s good? Surveying his saucy plate.
This and this he points.
Done.

The bartender smiles.
I heard that. They are enroute my dear.

Are you visiting?
Yes I am. You?
I’ve been here for a few months and I think I’ll stay for one more before I head back to the mainland.

Hola! Hello! A hand waves at her again interrupting them.
Hey Girl! Twenty squeal’s grinning.
Me?
Of course you! My daddy here asked me if it was ok with me if he talked to you. Girl! You alright!
Girl? I don’t believe I’m a girl.
Haha! You are funny! We are from Cali that’s our lingo.

She turns back to her conversation.
Well it’s pretty amazing that you can take such a long vacation.
I’m a retired marine. I’m going to consider my options when I get back. This is getting old.

Fifty is standing between them. One arm hanging on each chair. Eying her barely touched drink.
I just ordered the whole bar another round.
I may not get through the drink in front of me.
The bartender puts another in front of her while he sets another beer by her neighbour.
Salut! Salut! Did I hear you say you are a war hero? Show me photos! Where were you stationed?

She turns back to the screen and starts on the food growing cold in front of her.

She can hear Bush, Faluja, Rumsfeld, and laughter. He’s small in stature and there were no weapons of mass destruction.

She alphabetized them.

Fifty places a hand on her shoulder for a moment. When she makes eye contact he pulls back.
Honey! Why are you still on your first drink?
I suppose it’s the muslim in me. I’m a lightweight.
Where are you from?
Canada.

Twenty squeaks Daddy! He gives everyone a big grin. His daughter bangs on the bar with her fists.

We love Canada!

She takes a moment to take in the pair. The Cali girls cotton eye-lit dress rolls up and is two sizes too small. The seams are begging to be released. He is wearing an expensive watch, Hawaiian prints and flip flops. He eyes quickly.

Are you really muslim?
Why?
Do you believe and everything?
It’s a culture to me. They are my people and I love them.
Where were you born? Oh wait. Tell me what your ring says.

She turns back to her food.
The marine asks her questions people ask visitors and tourists.

What keeps you busy?
Space. I am an amateur astrologer and rocket scientist.
She puts her cutlery down.

Fifty breaks her mid open mouth.
You need to join me! Tomorrow I’m taking you and you. You, the war hero on a private tour of this island. I have a driver and a car booked. Twenty giggles and high fives her father.

War hero turns back to her. She continues.
I need to know about space rockets and stars. You can’t leave me hanging.
Fifty is standing between them. You two make a great couple. And where are you staying tonight? This hotel?
Excuse me she says. I need to use the restroom.

Looking at her new friend she motions to her bag and drink.
I’m a marine. I got it.

Twenty jumps up to follow her to the bathroom.

Girl hugs her arm tight as she barks I’m very protective of my papa.

Standing still, her right arm metres ahead, she says pointedly, Nice I have sons who’d flip tables.
Fifty coughs and feigns a laugh.
Are they cute? The seams giggle.

When they arrive back she sits down and pushes away the drink she was gifted.
So are you coming with me tomorrow?
It’s kind of you to invite me but I have plans.
What plans?
A hike.
Fuck the hike. Come with me.

He will come too (pointing at space scientist) I know he is priority one right now and I may be five.

He’s, him. Look at him. I don’t blame you.

She looks back at the screen.
Do you have a boyfriend.
I have things I care about.
Things? I bet your boyfriend is cheating on you right now. You are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen.
Well that’s a lie.

Fifty is unnerved. Spaceman is holding back laughter.
It’s not a lie. It’s true.
If I was the most beautiful woman in the world I’m certain I would not be sitting here talking to you.
You are. You are. Exotic. There is something. Eccentric. Look at you. This guy. The war hero. He’s in love with you.
I’ll take eccentric. Thank you.

I don’t care if you have a boyfriend. Come tomorrow. It will be fun. We can do fun. You know. Fun. He shoulders her and licks his lips in full.

Define fun.

You know. You know. And this guy. You have chemistry you two.

So is this what you do?

Huh? What?

Matchmake? Are you a matchmaker?

Fifty chuckles. No. So are you really a muslim?
They are my people. I love them. I stand with them.

See your phone. Because of me that phone works. I do fibre optic lines. I have a house in the mountains. Do you know Cali?

So you matchmake and proposition women at bars? With your daughter present? Is that your bit?

Twenty bangs.

She spills her entire refill over Space Scientist.

Grabs her bag, shoves her sunglasses over her eyes and stomps into the sunset.
Fifty stands in silence. His words expired. He walks back to his chair.

So there is a mount here in Oahu. To see the stars. Kaena point.

Fifty throws a wad of bills on the counter and shuffles away.

As she concentrates on space travel Fifty returns.

He sits in the same spot he left behind. The bartender welcomes him.

Hey that was fast! You back already?

I just came to pay my bill.
You just paid.
He keeps his head down and walks past them again.