The Green Line by E. C. Diskin Page B

big night for a good friend.” She put out her cigarette and stood up.
    He stood too. “Wait. I didn’t mean to scare you off. I’m just a straightforward guy. It’s just like in business. When I see something I want, I go after it. No apologies. And you’re lovely.” He looked into her eyes, right through her. It drew her in. His eyes were piercing ice blue, surrounded by long lashes. He had a slight tan and dimples. It was a killer smile. He was probably a master salesman.
    He put his hand on hers. It was hard to resist. She imagined running her hands through that hair. But the non-champagne-soaked part of her brain kicked in. She snapped out of the trance. “I’m flattered. I just can’t leave.”
    “We could stay here?” he said with hope. “Have some more drinks?”
    “No, I really should be getting back in.”
    “Okay, well, if you’d like to go out sometime, I’d be honored.” He grabbed a pen from the bar, wrote his number on a cocktail napkin, and handed it to her.
    She took it and extinguished the cigarette. “Thanks. It was nice to meet you.”
    As she neared the ballroom entrance, she could hear the band playing “At Last,” that old bluesy Etta James song she loved. The song, the only song, she’d ever sung to David. She smiled, remembering that night all those years ago.
    But as she got to the doorway, she saw David—on the dance floor, holding her replacement. She braced the frame of the door for support. She felt sick. It could have been the cigarette or the drinks. But it felt more like she was getting punched in the stomach every time she looked at him.
    Abby looked down at the recently acquired cocktail napkin. The Marlboro Man could take her mind off of David. At least for the night. She looked back toward the lobby bar. He was still there. She stared at him for a moment. Maybe I should just do it, she thought. Have a fling. Go roll around with that beautiful man and forget everything. He turned and saw her. He raised a glass to cheer. She waved. Just do it. She went in the ballroom to grab her coat. This is just what I need, she silently assured herself.
    “Abby!” Sarah was shuffling toward her with open arms.
    It stopped Abby in her tracks. Seeing Sarah brought tears to her eyes. She felt surprisingly choked up and whispered, “You look beautiful,” embracing her friend.
    Sarah proudly felt the dress, enjoying the compliment. “Are you having fun?”
    Abby put on a big smile and lied with gusto. “Of course! Sarah, this dress—it’s so amazing. You’re just radiant. And this place—my God—are you a Rockefeller?” They both laughed.
    Sarah scoped out the room and nodded toward her new groom. “Did you see Rick during the ceremony? I thought he was going to pass out! You would have thought he was standing in court waiting for a judge to determine his punishment. Hilarious!”
    Abby laughed. “I’ve never seen him look so speechless.” She spotted him holding court among friends. “Clearly, he’s feeling better.”
    “Yeah, we had a martini after the service. He relaxed.”
    “Well, I couldn’t be happier for you guys. You make a great pair.”
    “Hope so!” Sarah said, already ending the conversation. “I’ll try to find you again. I’ve got to go say hello to two hundred pseudo-friends of my parents.”
    “Have fun!” Before Abby could even think, the lights dimmed, indicating time for dinner. She grabbed her table assignment card and looked over at table eight. Two young attorneys from the firm, second-years, and a few strangers were already sitting at the table. The singles table. She looked at the exit sign again. If she was going to go, now was the time. A waiter walked by with a tray full of white wine. Abby grabbed a glass and crumpled the assignment card in her hand.
    · · ·
    TRIP motioned the bartender for his check. The excursion had proved reassuring. Nothing to worry about here. In fact, maybe she’d call. He should be spending time with