Meredith

[vaneramos]

This evening I went downtown to the public library to look for books on managing anxiety. I reserved one, then headed to The Bookshelf. There I spent at least an hour perusing the psychology section, then the self-help section. I found five or six titles, but only a couple that appealed to me. I was hesitant to spend the money, and got distracted by books on time management.

And even more interesting: a book on how to be a well-adjusted introvert.

Then I realized I already have a few great self-therapy books at home, so I decided to mull it over before I shell out the cash for another one.

I went upstairs to the -bar, got a pint of cider and waited for an order of chicken fingers while the staff prepared for another busy Friday night.

Meredith looked pretty as ever behind the bar. I didn't have a camera, so let me describe her. She is average height and slim-curvaceous with graceful arms. Her complexion is smooth and glossy. Her strong cheekbones catch the overhead lighting. She has dark eyes and sleek auburn hair that curls up sharply at the neck like a bell. Her eyelashes are long. Tonight she was wearing white hoop earrings and a tight pink short-sleeved top that kept creeping over smooth hips from the waist of her jeans.

She has a quiet, alto voice and an awesome Sco'ish accent. I knew she was born in Canada but had lived in Edinburgh.

"How long did you live in Scotland?" I asked.

"Only four years," she replied.

"How old were you when you went?"

"This is fai'ly recen'ly. It's a bi' embarrasin'."

"It sounds wonderful," I raved.

She fixed an El Salvador in a martini glass, white floating on red. I asked what was in it.

Rum, Frangelico, lime juice and grenadine. I'm fond of Frangelico, so I ordered an El Salvador for dessert.

It was lovely, but not nearly as lovely as the bartender with the dense brogue.

"I'm tryin' to wor' it ou' to go ba' this summer," she said.

"Do you have family still there?" I asked.

"A boyfriend."

Then she had to dart away to a table. When she came back she explained with a twinkle, "That's why I stayed so long."

The plan is for her to go visit him this summer, then he'll come back with her in September.

"He's a joiner*," she said. "There's lots of wor' for him here."

If he has any sense, he'll come.

___________________________

*joiner = carpenter

Comments

[rfmcdpei.livejournal.com]

Very nice writing; very nice episode.

[kwangjse.livejournal.com]

Now you're just going to have to go back with a camera!

And then get one of the boyfriend—with a running commentary on how they're doing.

I was totally engrossed :)

Just wanted to say,,,

[themage.livejournal.com]

Great brogue-translation into text. I could actually hear it as I read!