Page 2 of Perfect Date
Strike one, I think to myself as I try not to roll my eyes.
“Ha, yeah,” I say with zero humor. Like I’ve never heard that one. Only a million times.
He moves toward me to give me a brief hug and I somewhat awkwardly return it before returning to my seat. “I hope you haven’t been waiting long?”
I have because it was my choice. I wanted to get here ahead of time so I could order a drink to calm my nerves, to pick my own table, and to try to shake off my long day and relax.
He doesn’t need to know that, so I shake my head, “No, not long at all.”
I hear a choked laugh and realize with a start that it isn’t Chad laughing, but the bartender who has returned with my drink.
“Your fresh drink,” he smirks at me and I feel my cheeks flush a little. I also narrow my eyes at him wondering what he’s doing. He only smirks which makes me narrow them more. I have to be full on squinting at this point.
“Well, long enough to order a drink,” I smile and shrug at Chad doing my best to ignore Hottie McBartender.
“Two,” the unhelpful bartender says like keeping track is his job.
I frown at him hard, my eyes widening now while silently conveying,seriously?
He just delivers his wide mouth smile showing perfectly aligned pearly whites, that I can’t help but notice, and winks at me.
“Hey man,” Chad says to the bartender and looks at him like he’s trying to recall his name.
“Justin,” he says.
“Yeah, Justin… can I get a Coors light?”
“I’ll send your waitress over to get your order.”
He shoots a quick look my way, winksagain,then leaves. I refuse to stare after him, though it’s not easy.
“He took your order, but not mine?”
“Uh, I guess,” I shrug also confused.
“Weird,” he shakes his head. “Anyway, are you hungry? I’m starving! It seems like lunch was forever ago.”
“I could eat.” I nod.
We pick up the menu and take a few minutes to look it over and finalize our choices.
“Hi guys, I’m Brenda. I’ll be your waitress tonight. It looks like you need a drink,” she says smiling at Chad.
“Yes, please. I’ll take a Coors Light.”
“Sure, in a bottle or glass?”
“A cold glass, please.”
“Okay, you’ve got it. Are you ready to order, or do you need more time?”
We go ahead and place our orders and when Brenda walks away promising to return soon with his drink, it’s just Chad and me. My brain starts to spin thinking of what I should talk about.
“So, I know you said you’re new to town…”
“Yes, I’ve been here about six months now.”
“I remember hearing about a new person in town,” he smiles.
