by Jack Stratton | May 21, 2026 | Uncategorized
She came to the bar a lot, usually alone. She was post-college aged, dark hair, dark eyes, very good posture, she radiated awkwardness. She had a sort of uniform, tight high waisted black jeans, cropped blouses which were often striped, and a black beret. The bar was...
by Jack Stratton | May 21, 2026 | Uncategorized
The bar was beautiful, dimly lit, with dark wood paneled walls, black lacquered tables, low music, and the hushed buzz of conversation. The bartender nodded at me as I walked the length of the bar. His muscles rippled as he shook a chrome mixer of ice and some...
by Jack Stratton | May 21, 2026 | Uncategorized
“Explain how it works again?” Olivia said, looking at Ella and Victoria as they walked south on Bowery. Ella, the dancer, wore a flouncy little black dress and cowboy boots, even though it was fifty degrees out. Victoria, the librarian, wore a gray wool pencil skirt,...
by Jack Stratton | May 21, 2026 | Uncategorized
Old Pierre stood at the back of Simone’s studio and watched as his lover and her students drew. He said nothing. He did not ogle the models. He simply put one hand in the pocket of his vest and leaned against the wall, and watched his love direct her students. The...
by Jack Stratton | May 21, 2026 | Uncategorized
It was 10:15 am and from the corner of my eye I saw Sophie check her phone again. Same little smile, same red in her cheeks, as her face was illuminated by the faint blue glow for the fifth time that morning. “I’ll be right back, Lily,” she said without looking at me,...
by Jack Stratton | May 21, 2026 | Uncategorized
Mark was addicted. It was something he needed to admit to himself. It was something he needed help with. It was something that was part of him. “Can I get a quad shot cappuccino, very dry, non-fat milk?” He stood at the counter digging deep into the pockets of his...