15.2 Deviation

After a little over an hour of driving you find yourself entering the city limits. A tall skyline cuts across the setting sun, providing you with a small sense of relief. The thought of mystical beings and strange creatures seems a bit silly now that you've reached the bustling, modern city. Pulling over at a gas station, you decide to fill up before going any further. You're still unsure of your plans but you might as well refuel in case you decide to head back home tonight. A bell jingles overhead as you enter the mostly vacant store and head to the counter. An initially disinterested looking man is staring listless at the tv screen mounted on the wall as you approach.

"Ten on pump four, please." You request, setting some cash on the counter.

"Sure." The man mumbles, finally tearing his eyes away from the screen before they widen in what appears to be surprised. "Um, I mean yes, ma'am."

Your brow knits in confusion as he fumbles to work the register. Offering him a sympathetic smile only seems to bolster his nervousness.

"Here you go." He replies breathless a few moments later when he hands you back your change. "Come back anytime."

"Yeah, okay." You laugh awkwardly before making your way back to your car.

The sun has just finished setting as you stand beside your car waiting as it fills up. Tilting your head to your side you catch a glimpse of your reflection in the side mirror. All you see staring back is a pale, somewhat gaunt face filled with wide, slightly dark eyes, a plain nose, and small, partially full lips. Yet you swear the cashier had been staring at you as if you were some kind of model if not goddess. Shaking your head as the pump clicks indicating it's done, you decide you must be crazy as you clearly are neither of those things. Another car approaches as you're removing the pump and a few men near your age get out.

"Hey there, doll." One of them throws you a wink as the group walks by.

Increasingly perplexed, all you can do is frown in response before quickly getting back in your car. While you've never considered yourself unattractive, you're certainly not used to receiving random attention from strangers. You might chalk that up to being in the city, yet, you've visited plenty of times before without attracting much notice from anyone. Pulling out of the lot, you continue driving around aimlessly wondering where you might go right now. After a while, you pass by a blinking neon sign simply stating 'beer'. Given the month you've had you figured you could use a distraction and a drink. The place looks slightly run down and off the beaten path, something that might typically concern you. However, now, you appreciate the anonymity and hopefully less boisterous crowd. With your casual dress, you're hoping you'll be successful in maintaining a low profile.

This hope is almost immediately dashed as you enter the joint. A loud rock song is playing over the jukebox only slightly muffled by the general sound of conversation and the clatter of billiard balls. A blush quickly spreads over your cheeks when a wolf whistle cuts through the noise followed by a raucous of laughter. You consider turning around and leaving but your pride won't allow it. Swallowing dryly, you ignore the commotion and take a seat at the end of the bar.

"Don't mind the boys." The bartender offers you a friendly smile as she sets a napkin down on the counter. "They're not used to seeing a lady in here."

"I'm not the only one here." You comment, gesturing towards her and some of the other women you see around.

She laughs at your reply, exposing some of the wrinkles on her slightly weathered face. Reaching beneath the counter she grabs a bottle and pops it open.

"I don't think we've ever had anyone like you in here before." She replies, setting the drink down before you.

"I haven't ordered yet." You state more in surprise than protest as you reach for your purse.

"Someone in here is bound to buy you a drink." The woman chuckles again, indicating for you to put your money away. "I'm just getting ahead of it."

"That's... not reassuring..." You mumble to yourself as the woman walks off to help another patron.

True to her word, it's not long before the woman is bringing you a second drink before gesturing over to one of the tables. Your brow knits together as you apprehensively glance over at the group sitting there, none of which look particularly charming or attractive. Warily, you tilt the drink towards them in a small gesture of appreciation. You decide you should get out of here before any more are sent your way. You're just about finished with the beverage when movement to your side catches your attention.

"I'd offer to buy you a drink." A deep voice speaks as someone takes a seat beside you. "However, it appears I'm too late."

Quickly setting the bottle down, you turn ready to rebuff the stranger's advances. Your words quickly fall short when your eyes fall on the speaker. Dazzlingly green eyes stare down at you as a self assured grin tugs at the corners of the man's mouth. His jet black hair is pushed back but some more unruly strands hang around his pale, chiseled face. Still momentarily lost for words, you find your gaze briefly glancing over his broad physique. Though seated, the man still sits ahead above you, putting his chest at eye level. He's not dressed as casually as the rest of the patrons and is instead wearing a well-fitting black sweater and slacks. It's especially odd dress considering the hot temperature outside.

"Umm, I was just leaving actually." You hear your voice speak though you don't remember opening your mouth.

"That's a shame." The sound of the man's deep, almost melodic tone seems to be all you can hear now. "Are you certain you can't stay for one more drink?"

"I- uhh..." You trail off as you see the man motion to the bartender who walks over looking more stunned than before.

She nods slowly, seeming almost in a daze as the man orders another round. Though the man is stunningly attractive, you're not nearly as captivated as she appears to be. You're at least cognizant enough to be mildly annoyed that he didn't wait for your answer. Still, in spite of your earlier words about leaving, you can't seem to bring yourself to do so.