The Eye (Based on a true story)
When it comes to guys, I'm the laid back one of the group. Natasha says I’m old school. I would say I have a few traditional beliefs like the man should chase the woman. I don’t care how attracted I am to a guy, I can’t see myself walking up to him and making a move. Tamra says this is New York and the woman to man ratio is somewhere around 12:1 so when I see something, say something. I disagree. The entire ride over to the day party, my girls tried to convince me to try something different. All four of us were singing along to Fetty Wap’s “My Way” when Natasha paused the song.
“So LP, if you see a cutie today what are you going to do?”
“Girl, let’s not. Can you hit play? You know this my song.”
“Nope. That’s a good question Tasha. What are you going to do?” Tamra said turning to look at me from the passenger’s seat. I looked over at Amber sitting next to me in the back. She smiled. Amber is the only one of us in a serious relationship. She comes out with us once in a while for drinks and a good time. Not once does she entertain other guys’ advances.
“Um, we’re waiting,” Natasha says eyeing me in the rearview mirror.
“Dang is it that serious? I mean I don’t know. I’ll smile and keep it moving I guess. Let’s not do this today ya’ll.”
“Wrong! Look, it’s New York. You may not ever see these guys again so don’t feel a way if he disses you,” Tamra said.
“That don’t mean I gotta look thirsty either. Why does it have be about dudes anyway? Why can’t we go out and have a good time?”
“We can and we do, but this ain’t one of them times,” Natasha said making a sharp left turn.
“You don’t have to look thirsty. Why don’t you grab his hand when he walks by or walk up to him and introduce yourself. It ain’t rocket science girl,” Tamra said.
“Nah, I’m good. I’m not pressed to talk to anyone right now. I’m chillin’,” I said hoping they’d leave the issue alone.
“More like you scary,” Natasha laughed. We all did.
“Why don’t you give a guy the eye,” Amber suggested.
“The what?”
“Come on girl, you ain’t that green. You know, the eye,” she said laughing and looking away and then locking eyes with me again.
“You have to wait until you lock eyes with a cutie and then give him the eye. If he’s feeling you he’ll make his way over. If not, he’ll look away. That way you won’t have to go out of your way or look thirsty. It’s an old trick.”
“Is that how you got Chris?”
“No, that fool chased me down.”
“See!”
“Girl, just try it,” Natasha said turning Fetty back on.
The rooftop party was live. The place was packed and the DJ that Saturday knew what song to play and the right time to play it. We found a corner and vibed out. Hips swayed, hands raised, and fingers snapped. It was time for second round of drinks. I bought the first and it was Amber’s turn next. We headed over to the bar while Natasha held down our spots and Tamra was talking to some guy she’d grabbed.
We fought our way up to the island style bar in the middle of the floor. Then I saw him. The cute chocolate bar that made my stomach churn at first glance. Trying not to make it too obvious I was checking him out, I looked away.
“Girl he is fine.”
“Who?”
“Straight ahead on the other side of the bar.”
“Yea, he is a cutie.”
When I glanced back his way our eyes locked. Awkward. I immediately turned my back to the bar. Amber ordered the drinks. I decided to take her advice. I was going to give him the eye. I turned back around and his attention was still in my direction. So I did it. I squinted my eyes, puckered my lips giving semi-duck and runway model fierceness and gave him the eye. A couple moments later he was making his way over. Dang, I guess it did work. Amber, completely oblivious to my new found confidence handed the bartender her card.
“Excuse me,” he said lightly touching my elbow.
I turned around and smiled.
“Do I know you from somewhere?” he asked yelling over the music.
“I don’t think so. Why? Do I look familiar?” I said. I was really starting to get some mojo, or so I thought.
“Not really. I was just wondering why you were mugging me.”
“I’m sorry, what?”
“Yea, you were looking at me like you wanted to fight.”
I couldn’t hold it. I burst out laughing. Both chocolate drop and Amber were looking at me as if I was crazy. I thought he’d made his way over because I’d mistakenly mastered giving him the eye. No, he thought I was mean mugging him.
“No, I’m sorry about that.”
“It’s cool. You have a beautiful smile. I’m Brian,” he said extending his hand.
Well maybe the eye worked after all. Even if it was mistaken for a mean mug.
“LaParis. Nice to meet you.”
