A Night at the Theater

Deborah Hendrick on Tuesday, May 23rd, 2006

James couldn’t concentrate on the play because the woman sitting in front of him was losing a hair pin. It was pretty, jeweled and sparkling, and slowly working out of her sleek French roll. Every time she moved, or tilted her golden head toward her unworthy date, it slipped out a little more. It was certainly more entertaining than the action on stage.

There was a funny scene and everyone laughed, except James, who was holding his breath. In a twinkling he watched the hair pin drop, and she shivered delicately as it slid down her neck, slowed a bit as it passed the upper turn of her shoulder, then disappeared down the back of her dress.

Without thinking, James shot out his hand and stopped its fall, about where her brassiere would pass across her back. He leaned forward, whispering “Be still,” and then with his other hand, warm and dry, he reached in and retrieved the runaway hair pin. He passed it to her on the leeward side, away from the hot air of her companion.

Finally the play was over; the applause died, and the lights came up. They all stood, and she turned around. Her lips said, “Thank you.” James replied in kind with the barest nod of his head, “My pleasure.”

Her date said, “What a bore; let’s get out of here. I need a drink.

She said, “I don’t know when I’ve enjoyed myself more.”

Topics: Short stories

2 Responses to “A Night at the Theater”

Eric Says:
May 24th, 2006 at 10:28 pm

This one’s electric.

Got me wondering if James had a date, and if not, why not?

Deborah Says:
May 25th, 2006 at 8:19 am

I truly don’t know, but that leaves your imagination free.
Thanks, Deborah

 

Leave a Comment