rocksoliddowntown

Crowded room, people moving if not dancing. Gregarious, friendly, on the border of those the judgmental would care to talk to but alarmingly within the comfort zone.

A man shaping air with a hand, describing the person he is looking for to some stranger. Nodding in return, pointing into the shadier area. Going up on the bar.

Half a smirk with a trace of horror in response. Thanks and a polite excusing of self back toward the window at front. Still light outside, a man on a unicycle passes by and keeps going on a direct line along the road. There is a white convertible car parked firmly there. Beside it a man pulls off his sweatshirt to show a zebra-print body suit, near iridescent. It pulls over his head and zips over the crown of his skull. Movement begins to look otherworldly as he puts down a skateboard with one hand and takes off fearlessly down the hill to yelling and laughing.

A collection of men holding tiny digital cameras has lunged into hand steadying crouches in front of the show.
Did you hear that? He turns away from the window suddenly, as though he's felt a small earthquake.
What? It's a girl with tiny chess boards dangling from her ears.
Did you just feel something? She raises a brow, returns to hip swaying as he faces back toward the full room.

Someone has recognized him and held out a business-like hand which he shakes looking vaguely troubled. A glance at his watch excuses him. Starting toward the door he pauses and regains the man's attention. Hands him a card from his pocket. Gesturing again he's half-hearted indicating the card be passed along and then he's gone.

A moment later she shoves away from the counter, leaving her head-shaking companion and a layer of note sheets. Through the somewhat denser collection of bodies and out the door at breakneck pace, aggitated. Leaning back against the wall catching breath, then running hands over disheveled hair. Tugging up a green dress over long black sleeves and pants, reflective sunglasses pushed higher.

Another man has followed her out. It almost seems as though she's been watching for him and she surprises him with a hug before stepping back an extra step. Distance, shaken.
It's the noise, it's too loud.
It's loud, of course, he's saying. Crossing his arms over his chest and glancing at the showmen as though they are all his playmates. She listens to the laughter like it's aloe. Listen- can I get you a drink?

Look at him quizzically, not sure what to say but broadcasting a call for water with eyes. A light bump behind her pushes a step forward but with hands at sides there is still no other response coming. There is a more serious collection of people out front on the sidewalk, calmer. The sky blue-ing but still early evening. He gestures that he'll be back, turning to reveal a stranger and his handheld smiling at her- But they are walking in separate directions. Nearly registering the other's motion, associations and connections crossed.