On hunting

On Hunting

Life is a constant chase. The perfect job, a nice apartment, that new pair of shoes… There’s always something we want. And for some, there’s always something else, after they’ve got the prize.
My friend Tom always suffered a lot on his relationships. He treated women like queens, offered them flowers and always called them the morning after. Somehow, he always ended up alone and his girlfriends, who claimed they weren’t ready for a serious relationship all got married right after dumping him. He had recently moved to Germany and had a top job in a multinational. New life demanded new rules, he said.

That Friday night he met Elektra, a successful photographer for drinks. Elektra was trying to initiate him on the art of hunting. Girl hunting, actually. For her, it was all about the chase. The trophy wasn’t the most important thing, she liked the process of getting there, of scheming, seducing, the phone calls and flirting.
- See that one? Very pretty face. – She gave a little nod pointing a blond girl right over his shoulder.
- Hmmm… She’s cute. Kind of old, though.
- Oh well, how about that one? Red heads are quite exotic.
- Now we are talking. – He smiled. – So, what now?
- Go talk to her. No pick up lines for heaven’s sake!- She added hastily.
- Oh, come on! I know how to pick up a girl!
- I kind of doubt that, but… How about a bet? If you get her number I’ll buy you a beer. If you kiss her, I’ll pay tonight’s bill.
- And if I take her home?
She smiled. Male egos, she thought, were so easy to manipulate.
-I’ll take you out for dinner.
- Deal.
He stood up and faced the girl, stared for a few seconds and then smiled. The girl smiled shyly and then turned to talk to her friend.
- Good one! – Elektra seemed impressed. – Wait until she looks again and then go talk to her.
- Right. – He seemed a little nervous now, but she gave him a wink and sent him off.
Elektra always had fun watching people. That’s what made her such a great photographer, she enjoyed catching glimpses of people’s lives, imagining what was behind everyone’s smiles. She looked again and saw Tom chatting with the girl and smiled. What’s life without passion? She crossed her legs and took another sip of her drink when she noticed a guy staring at her. She raised an eyebrow in acknowledgement and went on with her drink. That was Tom’s night and she would not steal the spotlight. But then again… What’s wrong with a little flirting? She smiled and watched as the guy came to talk to her.


- Come on Elektra! Open the freaking door!
She finally did it. Tom looked down at her and her sexy little nightdress. Her hair was messy and her eyes still red from sleeping.
- What?
- We need to talk.
- God… Come in.
They went to the kitchen where she started making cappuccinos with her shiny new expresso machine. Tom leaned on the kitchen counter and had a “guess what” smile on his face.
She stared at him and smiled:
- So?
- I slept with her.
She laughed and said:
- That was fast. I guess I owe you a dinner then…
- Yeah, I know… But like you said, she was just there! It was so…
- Easy?
- Yeah. So, now what?
- Now you wait. Do you want to see her again?
- Well… She said goodbye very easily today.
- Ok… Said goodbye as a friend or said goodbye as a possible lover?
- As a friend!
- So, you’re fine then. No trouble. Cheers. – She handed him the coffee. He took a sip and smiled:
- It’s like… Like you said before.
- Addictive? – She asked with a condescending smile.
- Yes…
- Oh well, you’ll get used to it. In fact, it just gets better with time…
The phone rang before he could say something else. She picked it up and started speaking fast in Spanish. She mouthed the word “Alice” and listened on, occasionally grunting as a response. Finally she said:
- Rescue party…
- What’s wrong now?
- Her boyfriend again…
Tom shrugged and said:
- I’ll get your coat.

Alice suffered constantly on the hands of her patronizing and macho boyfriend whom she left back in Peru but couldn’t seem to be able to disconnect from. Everyonel had tried taking her out, showing her new possibilities but it was just too hard for her to let go. She said he was safe. Elektra said he was boring.
- It’s all about the chase Alice. He doesn’t take you seriously because you’re always after him. You’re here and still you care about everything he does instead of doing something yourself!
Tom looked at Elektra astonished at her harsh truths, but Alice seemed to consider this. She sighed and said:
- I guess you’re right, but he loves me. He does… And he’s there.
- Yes, you’re used to having him around. But you can go on rehab and get rid of that too. – Elektra looked at Tom for some back up, but he was busy writing an SMS on his cell phone. After her inquisitive look he answered:
- It’s the girl from last night. She wrote me a message.
- So why are you answering now? Just give me that. – She took his phone and read the message. – Wow, she called you honey after one night? You must be good! – She said smiling. He blushed but managed to keep a straight face.
- Yeah, I know… A bit too much right?
- Way too much.
- How do I answer in a polite way but without her getting her hopes high?
Elektra sighed and said:
- First, answer in a few hours. No honey, no kisses, maybe a happy face. No plans for a date. Just hi, how are you, this kind of thing. Don’t even think of saying I’ll call you either!
Tom handed her the phone with a “you better do that then” look. She started typing furiously but at great ease. Tom raised his eyebrows and thought that although he needed new rules, only time would help him memorize them all…