Liquid Gold

I waved at the Maitre D as I brushed past the long line of patrons waiting to enter the five-star, high-rise, restaurant. The bar was in directly in front of me and the bottles of liquor and wine shone brilliantly in the ambient lighting. The bartender was fast and efficient, but took her time to get to know each person and make them feel special. Her black slacks and navy top stood out against the cherry wood that encased her work area. Her long chestnut hair was pulled back into a neat bun that left her youthful face free. She stood there cleaning glasses as she laughed with a customer.

I went to my normal table. It was a steel high-top meant for two. It was next to the floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked the city. Two long stem crystal wine glasses sat atop the table, twinkling with the light of the moon as if they were giggling about some unknown secret. I perched onto my chair. I was short and I hoped it looked as graceful as I tried to make it.

I wore a simple maroon dress that complements my caramel-toned skin. It covered my neck and upper body until the middle of my forearms and ended at my knees. I left my curly hair loose so that it fell to the middle of my shoulder blades. It started dark brown on top and naturally lightened to a deep blonde at the ends. I don't know why it was that way, but I was weirdly proud that it was. My shoes were simple black flats. I was never good in heels. I tripped while standing still, so why tempt fate?

The bartender came up to me holding a special bottle. Wine only meant for me. I liked to savor each bottle and always picked out a new one carefully after much research. She smiled. I smiled back and she slowly poured my glass.

"How are you liking this merlot ma'am?"

"Good! 1975 was a great year, wasn't it?"

"I suppose so ma'am, you always like the older wines"

I tipped my glass to her as she poured the last of the '75. I smoothly twirled my fingers around the stem, up to the cup, and cradled it gently in my hand as I brought it to my lips. It was cool. I could taste a hint of black cherries and cocoa, mixed with a hint of the oak barrel it was aged in. My wines had a special way of aging and I enjoyed the dryness that accompanied the soothing flavors.

The Maitre D brought my date to my table, slightly bowed, and left; a somber look in his eyes.

I smiled at the man in front of me. He was of medium height and a medium build with warm amber eyes and messy blonde hair. He was cute, but someone who could easily blend into a crowd. I liked that. His voice was smooth, like a thick maple. It was enticing. Soothing. He said his name was Shawn and he worked in accounting to put himself through college.

We spent the night laughing and I listened to him talking about his life, his job, his hopes. . .his dreams. I ordered him an Auchentoshan Scotch, 1978, that contained a hint of vanilla. Only the best. Before I knew it the night was almost over. I could feel the sun only hours away. I finished my wine and asked Shawn if he wanted to go to the back room before we parted ways and he eagerly agreed.

I signaled the bartender and she came over, keys jingling. She let us through the back and I smiled my appreciation. I led Shawn to a small and cushioned room. I loved it because it was cozy and smelled like an old oak cabin. We sat down and I snuggled in close, breathing in the scent of his cologne. I told him how I missed the simpler times and liked to take a breather every once in a while. He laughed saying I was too young to remember "the simpler times". I laughed in return saying he was too young to say that as well. He told me he was older than he looks, and that he was born in 1975.

"I love that year!" I exclaimed. "I'm sure we'll get along great!"

A few months later I was back at my table, alone. The bartender came up to me with a bottle of wine.

"Hello ma'am, you've been away for a while"

"Yes, I have. I've been waiting for my new bottle of wine to be ready."

She held the bottle up for me to see. "Your new merlot it ready ma'am, would you like a glass tonight?"

"Yes, that would be great."

I looked on eagerly as the deep liquid swished around and filled my glass. I brought it to my lips. A dry sweetness of oak and vanilla graced my tongue.

"It tastes perfect. Thank you."

"You're welcome, ma'am. Will you be on a date tonight?"

"No, not tonight. I'm still enjoying my last date."

I always did like my wine from 1975.