Commitments

Andrew and his wife wait outside.  They wait on last call or a bad song to force out their friends.

A drunk woman eyes them.  She wears too much make up.  She stands away from the two of them - a satellite - but orbits closer for a better look.

The three of them talk.  The wife is the first to introduce herself.  She mentions how she can’t keep dancing, though she planned to.  More and more, the drunk woman squints at Andrew, trying to read an answer on his face.

Though the wife continues about the night she’s having, the drunk woman steers the conversation to Andrew’s hair.  She even goes so far as touching it.  Finally, the woman speaks her mind, “Honey, you got to choose one,” she tells Andrew, “You can’t do both half-assed.  You’re either all the way sexy, or you’re a dude.”

“Mm,” Andrew replies.

“I’m sorry.  I’m drunk.  Am I too in your face?”

“No.  But you’re getting there.”

“It’s just that, your hair is so long and pretty.  But you part it down the middle like a man.  You’ve got to commit, honey.”

Neither Andrew or his wife acknowledge the drunk woman after the comment.  When she leaves, Andrew tries to share a look of relief with his partner.  He rubs his wife’s shoulder - his fingers tipped in coral polish - and asks, “Are you tired?”