She was sitting in the hotel lobby
Perched in a
velvet chair
Her head leaned to one side, she exhaled
Swirls of cigarette smoke, a gray scarf unraveling
toward the ceiling above her
I walked slowly in her direction
As she regarded me cautiously
Peering over dark glasses
her Crimson lips formed into a straight line
Looking for someone?
She whispered
As though the conversation might be overheard
No, I offered, trying to appear disinterested
Not just anyone
Good, she purred
Extending her right hand and a Cheshire grin
I’m Delia, and I’m not just anyone
Later events would prove that to be an understatement