“No?” I raised an eyebrow and sat down at my usual spot at the bar. “No,” Lorraine insisted. “I’m working until two. And I work late tomorrow. I’m going home to sleep.” I grinned. “Can I get some whiskey first?” She poured me a glass. “I haven’t seen you in weeks, and the first thing you say is ‘no,’ not ‘hi’ not ‘how have you been.’ You know how to make a guy feel loved, Lorraine.” “Loved? Ha, All you come in here for is someone to take home.” “But I enjoy your company.” “Me and every other pretty face you see.” “Are you jealous? Do you want to date? You and me a monogamous couple? I told you, if that’s what you want, say so.” “I couldn’t keep up with you.” “Sure, you could.” “I told you, I don’t want that. I don’t want a boyfriend. Not now.” “What do you want?” “Tonight? Bed.” I shrugged. “I have one of those. Big enough for two.” “And sleep.” She went to wait on a customer. “Come over after work,” I requested again when she returned. She shook her head. “I’m going home.” “Do you want company?” “No. Why are you so desperate?” “Desperate? I’m not. I’m just lonely.” “I’m sorry, but I can’t tonight. I’ve been working double shifts, and I have another late night tomorrow. I need sleep.” “Sorry. I’ll stop pushing you.” I switched to beer. I can’t get drunk on human alcohol, but getting out around people helps me relax, and I can’t sit at the bar without drinking anything. About a half-hour later, Lorraine brought me another beer. “You’ve got an admirer.” “Oh?” “Gal in pink by the jukebox.” “Thanks.” I went up to the jukebox and slipped in some money. “What’s your favorite song?” I asked the woman. She glanced at her friends and came over to look at the choices. She pressed a button. “Thanks.” I nodded and went back to my seat. Lorraine glanced at me and then again at the women. She grinned. A moment later, the young woman joined me. “Do you often buy strangers songs?” I shrugged. “Pretty ones.” She scoffed. “Oh, please.” “You don’t think you’re pretty?” The question took her off guard. I figured it would. The line was cheesy. “Well, yeah. But buying me a song because of it?” “Why not? I need a better reason? It’s only fifty cents.” “True.” “And fifty cents isn’t much. Can I buy you a drink?” “I’ll have a beer.” She glanced back at her friends. “I’m Ava.” “I’m called Sean.” “You’re called Sean?” “Well, my name is Yesanith Wysanorin, but people have trouble remembering that.” “Yes…” She finally looked closely at me. “Your eyes. Are those contacts?” “Nope, those are my real eyes. And these are my real ears.” I brushed my hair aside, even though it didn’t cover the points. “Hey, you’re that elf guy.” “That elf guy,” I repeated. “Sorry. That didn’t come out right. But… are you really not human?” “Nope, I’m not.” “Weird.” “No weirder than you being born human, or a cat being born a cat. We are what we are.” “But, there are other cats and humans.” “And there used to be other elves. Being the last of an almost extinct species doesn’t make what you are weird.” “I guess not. Sorry.” I grinned. “You could make it up to me with a kiss.” “A kiss?” She laughed. “It was once considered lucky to be kissed by an elf.” “Oh, really?” She kissed my cheek. “Because if an elf deems you worth a kiss, it means he desires you in his bed.” I leaned in and kissed her cheek. “And elves have centuries to practice.” I kissed her lips. “Centuries?” “Would you like to feel what centuries of practice feel like?” I kissed her again deeply. “Let me make love to you,” I murmured. “What if I say no?” I leaned back. “Then you go back to your friends and tell them you just kissed a myth. I hope someone else catches my eye.” “And if I go with you? Then what happens?” I frowned. “You don’t know? Have you ever been with a man before?” “Duh, of course I have. I meant after.” “We play it by ear, but most likely, I go my way, and you go yours.” “Just one night? No commitment? After the guy I just dumped, sounds perfect.” “Your place or mine?” “Yours, I’m staying with a friend.” “Let your friends know. I’ll make sure you get home.” “You drive?” “My first car was a Model T.” “A what?” “Google it sometime.” Ava went and talked to her friends. They whispered and eyed me. One gave her some keys. “Marie’s letting me use her car. I’ll follow you.” “That works.” Back at my building, I saw a note poking out of my mailbox. It was a thank you from the landlord for dealing with the mouse. When I looked up, Ava was stepping into the elevator. My heart stopped.