CONCEALED

the meeting

CONCEALED

 

Amid the first scanty seconds

We nip our libations

Entirely concealed in our own momentary notions

In wait for one of us to speak

He invites me to join for a smoke

Yet I gracefully decline

 

Our conversation is pleasant and reserved

I waver as to how much I am willing to share

He cannot apprise too much about me

as my fingers are bare

a precaution against loss or theft

I shall never mention  my wounded soldier

I solely speak  of my impending holiday in London

He discloses his plans to meet up with friends and

Eventually sojourn to the beach

 

After three glasses of champagne

I detect my eyes at half mast

And begin to giggle like a silly old fool

He grins at me as if he is entertained

By my idiotic self

 

Tis after midnight, the waiter arrives

And hands him our bill

I reach to snatch it from him

Yet he insists to pay with a gentle smirk

I thank him for the intoxicants

And offer a nod to leave

 

He insists on walking me to my cabin

I blush  and  politely decline

Though I must say the persuasion lasts a few seconds

Before we part, he  formally invites

Me to the Captain’s dinner

I reply, perhaps

 

 

 

 

Author's Note

series> At Bridges End
Thank you for reading!

Reviews

[Neville]

my word, this has just about everything going for it Betty .. need one say more ... under the circumstances, perhaps not .. I think it best just to leave them to it .. and maybe wait a little .. Like McDonalds is said to say .. I'm luvin it .......... Bestly N :)

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you so much for a fine review Neville
Warmly, B

[Neville]

my absolute pleasure Betty .. Neville

[Lorry]

Good girl Betty. What with being one of those male type thingies, I am quite positive that he would have been after only one thing, and that thing was not looking for hints and tips about what to wear for the dinner at the captains table. So we'll done for keeping your reputation in tact, as I may have called you a hussy, had it had a differing ending, as well as me remembering you and the character you write of may not be one and the same, which is why I usually tend to stay away from fiction, because I'm having the same trouble right now reading about a group of murderous pensioners, that I keep forgetting are only characters in the third instalment of the Thursday murder club, which I can almost probably assure you are fictional characters from a fictional book, written by a person who is better known for hosting some quiz on TV that I have never watched.
But I digress... So did you? Don't worry, I won't tell. 😊

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Lorry for a usual excellent review... she might have a little tit a tat with him, but i don't think she'll go "all the way" at least I hope not!!!!
Warmly, B

[Shelley Warner]

The details really add to the narrative. Like you choose not to talk about your wounded soldier. That caught my attention. Maybe the wounded soldier is a lost love. Then the details about the ringless fingers, shows a cautious approach to dating. I see a conflict between loneliness and reluctance. Well written.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Shelley for your review; you're spot on!
Warmly, B

[William Michael Reeves]

Ok, I'm all caught up now. There's no way she's going to be seduced by this handsome interferer, is there? You wouldn't do that to him, would you? She loves him so. I want to believe she'll love him till the Bridge's end. But she is a bit buzzed at this point and we know anything can happen. You must have been a bit hungry while you wrote these last few chapters. Hungry for love and suspense.

[William Michael Reeves]

She loves her soldier. I should have been clearer. But if she takes a lover ... well, we'll see where you steer her.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you so much for catching up!!
Warmly, B

[Patricia]

I'm loving this, waiting to see how this goes. my first thought was hmmmm typical male, ply a few drinks and take advantage but apparently my girl knows her limit and her responses, open ended.... only cuz he didn't press it. Well that is just my thought on this, my thoughts are very simplistic these days from being overtaxed of late, I really love reading your writes! Book, poem, oh yeah, good stuff! :) HUGS!

[Betty Hermelee]

Hugs back to you P!

[Betty Hermelee]

And thank you for a very intuitive review!
Warmly
B.

[Ken e Bujold]

ah the mysteries of forbidden fruit, whether like eve to pick or adam to eat, or to remain virtuous and in Eden's good graces? very much enjoyed the poem Betty

[Betty Hermelee]

Thanks for a lovely review Ken
Warmly, B

[emmajoygreen]

A tale, a poem, romance and mystery - all and more in this finely conceived write! Seems you, the ring-less lady might be playing games or - playing rings around the new friend! Your final stanza, re-read three ti mes, really does suggest you are out for little fun.. poor guy!

'After three glasses of champagne
I detect my eyes at half mast
And begin to giggle like a silly old fool
He grins at me as if he is entertained
By my idiotic self

An idiot self - I suspect not one little bit.. .. unless you are in the secret service, of course! .

[Betty Hermelee]

Ah sweet Em you really have it in your soul. The little tidbits and such….thank you my friend for firing this out…a wonderful review!
Warmly, B

[hiren]

You better stop writing like this Betty, I treated you as a woman younger to me , tidbits who has everyone knows, who blindly came for your family leaving her son, looks fool and selfish pig with farts mental patient what not and now you say tactics, you will know soon the truth of woman and her suffering, one experience has not let you know and the second will haunt you like anything.

[Betty Hermelee]

E me, dear friend, you cleverly picked up all the nuances in my poem, it’s a compliment, please accept it as is
Warmly, B.

[emmajoygreen]

(The previous person is a pest!)

Your writing always offers this and that to think about it.. such a skilled Betty you are!

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Em! Much appreciated ( yes I will block him)