Bar Stools and Their Occupants

When we pulled into the bar’s lot, we parked right next to the Heritage, the 2 lone bikes in a sea of cages. We strapped the helmets to our handlebars and trudged across the lot encumbered by the day’s sun, in our well intended black funeral clothes. We meandered into the bar and approached the two stools closest to us, that were the ‘return’ stools as the bar swung around 90 degrees from its 50 foot length to its end against the wall. These were, in fact, the ‘end seats.’ Perfect, as it gives ample opportunity to inspect all who enter and all who exit. Key seating position in a honky tonk is very important. NEVER, ever sit with your back to the door. This is sage advice from my father, from days gone by, when bars were rougher and people were tougher. It was obvious who the people were who came on the bike. They were seated to my left at the long length section of the bar. We were elbow to elbow on the corner, as they say. The couple was obviously together, dressed in biker regalia enjoying lunch and a drink. The guy was a bit older than I, and he had what I guessed was a date or a girlfriend to his left. She was very pretty, blue eyed, blond, and if I dare say, a very shapely figure. He was unshaven, thick set, not tall, but very pleasant and friendly. Honestly his Rolex threw me a bit as my RUB flag went right up. However, the more we spoke, the more I realized that they were actual riders, and not just that cliché we all think of when you cross paths with a ‘Rolex Biker’ (i.e.) ‘Rich Urban Biker.’ It became clear to me that these two had some miles under their belts and that they had ridden together before. It was still my impression that this was a girlfriend and not a wife. When introductions were exchanged, the titles of “husband” or “wife” were avoided, we only exchanged first names. As my first impression melted away, I began to wonder if the lady with him could actually be his wife. He was well spoken and obviously made a good living doing whatever he did (nice watch, nice bike, etc… ) so my thoughts turned to his ‘date.’ She looked a bit younger than he and better looking, no disrespect intended. Now, I must disclose here that my wife is much better looking than I, and a lawyer as well, but I am, in fact, clever, and attribute my landing her to cleverness, not looks nor money!!!! Perhaps, this was the case here. Although, maybe he’s a rich Ferrari driving businessman who hooked a hot date for a Sunday afternoon scoot on one of his bikes Who knows.