Everyday Expat

It was late Friday afternoon and we were just about to finish up at work. The stock market was about to close in a few minutes. I was dressed in my summer business casual outfit. I had on my summer khakis and a blue blazer with an oxford shirt. My footwear was composed of ankle high calfskin leather brown boots. I was about to make some calls to confirm my plans.

At that moment I received an email which extended my stay. The head of the desk wanted some clarification on a few trades. This was the last thing I wanted to deal with. It was fashion week and all the models would be out on the town. I checked my black sport watch and it was only a quarter past four. I had plenty of time. I quickly went through my notes and sent off the relevant data.

I got out of my chair and headed to the bathroom before making a bee line for the elevators. There were only a few people heading out with me. Most had already left. The lobby was sparse with only the security guards loitering around. I took a quick look at my cell phone. There was a text message from my buddy. He was also running late. We were suppose to meet at a new hotspot downtown. It would take me at least twenty minutes to make it there.

I had three choices: walk, cab it, or ride the subway. Each one had its plusses and minuses. It was a very pleasant day except for the elevated level of humidity. This would make me a bit less than presentable upon arrival if I were to walk the entire distance. Also, at this time of day finding an available taxi would be a nightmare. Subway was a viable option, however, the rush hour crowds would also be unbearable. I decided to continue on foot for the time being until I came upon a cab.

After walking about a quarter city mile I was able to spot a quaint little bar on the side of the street. At this point the heat was starting to become noticeable and the thought of an ice cold beer was running through my head. I walked into the double swing doors and found the bar was located on the left. There were a row of chairs and tables opposite and a general seating area in front and back. At this point a tall blond woman in tight skinny jeans caught my eye. Her curves were accentuated by her walk. She was walking to the rear most probably to use the restrooms.

After staring at woman glide away, I sauntered to the bar and gazed at the bartender. She was a sight to behold. Her attire was rather opaque. She was wearing a black tank top with black tights. She was a very fit woman endowed with tremendous womanly charm. I smiled as she gazed at my eyes. She asked me what I desired and I requested an ice cold beer. She turned away with a bit of wry smile to grab a pint glass. As she was pouring the beer, she noticed another patron entering the bar.

I was awaiting in anticipation of the cold drink. I could not wait to pour the beer down my mouth and enjoy its taste. The new entrant happened to be my friend. He had ended up in the same place by happenstance. He approached behind me and tapped me in the back. I turned and upon seeing his presence responded with a customary greeting. He took the seat next to mine and began to discuss our plans.

I was at work awaiting the closing bell. The closing bell of the stock market. The work week was about to be complete. It was a late summer Friday and the seasons were clearly about to change. Fridays were business casual and I was dressed semi-formally. I had on khaki dress pants with an oxford shirt and a blue blazer. My shoes made the outfit. They were ankle high calfskin leather brown boots. After the bell, I hastily got on the phone to confirm the agenda for the evening.

No sooner was I done with my phone calls, my computer alerted me to an email. It was from the head of our trading desk. He was looking for some data regarding a few trades from earlier in the day. This was not something I wanted to deal with at this point. However, after checking my black sport watch I realized I had more than enough time to complete the task. I reviewed the transactions and compiled the relevant data.

Having sent the message, I pounced from my chair and aimed for the bathroom. This would be my last pit stop before heading out. After using the facilities, I headed straight for the elevators. The number of people leaving had begun to slow. There were not that many people at work in the summer anyway. Entering the lobby I noticed that there were only two guards behind the desk. My phone made a noise. I dug into my pocket to see that I had received a text. It was from my buddy who wanted to let me know that he was on his way out, as well. We were headed to a club downtown which would take twenty minutes by cab.

I contemplated my choices. I had three means of transportation to select from. I could walk, take the subway, or the taxi. There were positives and negatives for each. The day was a bright summer day with reasonable temperature but high level of humidity. This meant that if I walked I would look a bit haggard upon arrival. This was not my choice. Taking the subway would be convenient but the rush hour crowd would be over bearing. Alas, finding a cab on a late Friday afternoon is a challenge onto itself. I chose to walk and take in the air while scouting for an available taxi.

I walked south about five blocks or so before I started to feel uncomfortable from the heat. I found a little bar off to the side and decide to rest from my journey. I thought a nice cold beer would be very inviting at this point. I spotted the door and walked through the second set of doors. Upon entering the establishment I surveyed the place and noticed it was an upscale bar with a few patrons. One quite attractive blond woman caught my eye as she was wearing these tight skinny jeans which highlighted her curves. She was on her way to the restrooms in the rear.

After the little show, I sit down at the bar and sighed with the expectation of relief. The bartender was a brunette beauty dressed in a tight black tank top with matching black tights. She asked what my pleasure was and my thoughts ran into the unmentionable. I smiled and politely asked for an ice cold beer. She responded with a mischievous smile of her own and turned to grasp a pint glass. As she slowly poured my beer, she turned to look over my shoulder as another patron had entered the establishment.

I was awaiting in anticipation of the cold drink. I could not wait to pour the beer down my mouth and enjoy its taste. The new entrant happened to be my friend. He had ended up in the same place by happenstance. He approached behind me and tapped me in the back. I turned and upon seeing his presence responded with a customary greeting. He took the seat next to mine and began to discuss our plans.