Perfect Diction (Microfiction)

 Can you believe it's been two years since I climbed Mt Fuji? I know I can't, where the hell has the time gone? Why haven't I finished my bloody novel yet? Blah blah... Life! Blah blah... Work! Blah blah... Cute little babies and first born demanding attention. I've just celebrated the twelfth anniversary of my thirtieth birthday, so that means I'm getting on for middle aged. On the plus side at least I don't wet myself when I laugh! So I've been reading 'The Dirty Havana Trilogy' by Pedro Juan Gutierrez... So far, so bloody fantastic. If your starving, drunk on bad rum, and have no money to your name at least you can cheer yourself up by getting your sexy on. It has inspired me to throw this microfiction together. OK so the characters may not be staving, might possibly be a little tipsy, and almost certainly going to get their jiggy on. That's possibly as close to the book as it's going to get... Enjoy!

I run my fingers over my beard, I often do this if I’m thinking hard about something (or trying to give the impression that I’m thinking hard about something).

            ‘Well?’ she said and gives me a look that asks, ‘are you going to answer me tonight?’

            ‘What was the question again?’ We both know I’m playing with her.

She smiles and pours me another, repeating her question slowly letting her lips and tongue properly form the words. I adore the way they move, I could sit here and watch her talk all night. Perfect diction.

I wonder if, in the past, her parents would have been as fanatical about her attending elocution lessons, if they had any idea what she is now able to do with those well trained oratory skills. I smile and take a sip.

            ‘It’s a tough one to answer.’ I say ‘I mean if I said “alright,” for instance… well that just doesn’t sound keen enough. But on the other hand knowing how you ladies get, anything less than “Fuck Yes!” would be taken as an insult, not to mention rejected instantly as too eager.’

            ‘So?’

            ‘Well I would have to say… I’m not adverse to the idea.’

            ‘Really, that’s the best you’ve got?’

            ‘Well I’m guessing if you thought that was the best I had, then you wouldn’t have invited me back.’

            ‘That’s a fair point.’ She said stroking the side of her glass with her thumb.

            ‘I was just wondering…’ I start.

            ‘…Yes?’

            ‘If you were wearing anything sexy under that little number?’

            ‘Subtle,’ she gives a playful smile ‘and I suppose you would like me to show you?’ We both know she wants to.

            ‘Kind of you to offer, but for starters I would really like to hear you describe every last detail for me.’ And so she leans in across the table, I pour us another drink and she obliges me.