She's Not What She Seems - 1. Story

“Why, Natalie?”

“Why? I love it. I like it. I do enjoy it. It’s a game. A game I cannot stop to play. I sit and I watch them. I watch their eyes. I control this game. They are not aware, but I am. I return their looks when I decide that I want to.”

“A guy usually comes over to invite me for a drink. I just sit and smile. He wants to impress me and I listen to his story. I touch his hand subtly when I think the time is right. I watch his eyes. He struggles to get his reward, that one and only reward. It’s interesting to watch him. It’s pretty exciting. He puts a hand on my knee. His hand moves up slowly. I get aroused by the thought that within a few minutes I will be unmasked.”

“He leans in to kiss me. I return his kiss. A long and passionate kiss. He’s relaxing. I feel his relief. So close to his goal. So close to mine. I spread my legs. Just a little. They cannot resist. Never.”

“Imagine. We are engaged in a kiss, my hands resting on his shoulders. He runs his hand up my thigh. And then he stiffens. His muscles tense. He breaks the kiss abruptly.”

“I see the horror in his eyes. Yes, we’re sitting in a public place. Many eyes are watching us. He feels my lips on his and he feels my hands on his shoulders. I smile at him. He has just kissed me. And he has just realized that I have deceived him.”

“What do you think they’ll do? Some find a quick excuse. I watch them leave and I smile. But many stay with me, you won’t believe. They need a few minutes to regain their cool. There’s a look in their eyes that I cannot describe. Confused, stunned, amazed and surprised. Amused and proud a bit. You don’t think so? Yes, they are.”

“What’s wrong with it? I’m not a threat. I guarantee some fun. No need to ever see me again. No need to talk and no need to explain. No need to lie. They touch me and they wrap their arms around me. They relax in my arms. They even kiss me again. People just see a nice couple, a handsome man kissing a beautiful lady. I am more beautiful than many women they have met. I don’t have that haunted look in my eyes.”

“Yes, I take them home. They stay an hour or two. Some stay for the night. But I won’t take you home, Daniel. I’d never do that. Because this evening means a lot to me.”

I watched him.

“I understand, yes. I like to just sit here with you. Tell me. What’s your real name, Natalie?”

I looked out into the empty place for a while. Finally, I turned my head to him.