Naima / MxCoy Tyner

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(A story dedicated to a particular cocktail the author has a relationship with.)

I’m dating a new woman. Just so you know Steph.

She’s the Lavender Lady. I met her when I went down to get wine and vodka for Steph and me. I went down to the liquor store for the first time since arriving back from Ireland a few days ago. I get the vodka and wine and put it into the Jeep and then go into the brewery next to the liquor store. This is my reward – one might say – for making runs to the liquor store these days.

At the brewery, I first met The Lavender Lady.

* * *

I walk in a sit down at the bar. The bartender is familiar. 

I tell him I want a Lavender Lady.

We have a little discussion about the cocktail. He tells me how hooked he got on it during his first days as a bartender that it took an inner force – he told me – that came from somewhere.

Even though it somewhat looked like a “girlie” type of drink.

The gorgeous drink comes to me with a straw and the spring of the plant in the top. And the multi-color of the drink itself.

* * *

I sit at the bar watching some rebroadcast of some NFL game when my iPhone buzzes.

Its Stephanie.

“You’re with Lavender Lady,” she says.

“You know me so well,” I say to her.

“You did get my Pinot Griot,” she says.

“Yes, got what you wanted.”

“Well have fun down there,” she says.

“I’m trying to figure something out,” I say.

“What’s that?” she asks.

“Trying to get the recipe for making a Lavender Lady,” I say.

She laughs.

“Watch your driving coming back to our place,” she says.

“Of course,” I say.

* * *

In ten minutes, I’m back home. I’ve made my run to the liquor store and had my usual two Lavender Ladies nextdoor at HighBanks Brewery. Steph has her Pinot Grigio. I have my Tito’s vodka.

The world is at a certain peace one could say.

Or not.