** Disclaimer – This is a writing exercise responding to a challenge: create a short story in exactly 55 words.

“This is it, I’m leaving this place with her, or leaving for good”.

The final number: Reinhardt’s “Farewell Blues”. He knew it by heart.

He stopped her before she reached the changing room, as planned:

“Miss, I …”

“Oh my! Will you finally buy me that drink?”

The dark venue was lit by his smile.