Unexpected Gift

The Meeting

I see a girl in a corner booth. She is petite and blonde. I watch as she sits alone reading something. So intriguing I wave the bartender over to ask what she is drinking Jack and coke. Hell we are in TN so why the hell not.
Just as I start to take it over a man obviously drunk sits across from her. She says no thank you. I am not interested. This asshole reaches across the table and puts his hand around her neck. He is choking her and she looks at me and mouths help. I sit the drinks on the table and choke him.
                    
Ass: WTF are you doing
A: I thought that was how you said hello considering you have your hands on my girl.
Ass: This is your bitch?
Just as I start to punch him a bouncer removes him from the bar.
I sit beside her checking her neck. Are you ok? Did he hurt you?
She sobbed into my chest.  I look at her again.   He hadn't left a mark, but she was shaken.

A: My name is Austin. Do you want to get out of here?
C: Please.
I held her close to my side so if that asshole was out there he would leave her alone. I took her to my brother's car and we drove to a 24 hr diner.
A: What is your name?                   
C: Charlotte thank you for what you did back there. That asshole was the reason I cried everyday from freshman year to senior year.
A: I should have choked him out. I had people like him too.
C: So, are you from Texas?

I freeze. She is onto me. Now she is looking at me funny
Oh well, it was good while it lasted.

C: Sorry, if I am wrong you just have a beautiful draw to your voice.
A: Yes I am from TX. What do you do for work?
C: I am a teacher. I was grading papers when Dale came over. So, what is his last name?
C: Yes, Dale Brady.
A: Does he still live close?
She points to a house across the street.
                    
I came back to the table and she was gone. She is standing outside. She comes back in and says, hey you, I already paid if you are ready to go. WTF?
A:Why did you pay? I can buy my own food.
C: I am so sorry, I didn't mean to insult you or imply that you need me to pay. I am just grateful for what you did for me tonight and I wanted to buy dinner as a thank you. I am sorry if I offended you.
                   
A: I'm sorry it has just been a long day. Thank you for dinner.
C: Where are you staying?
A: I have a hotel room outside of town.
C: When do you leave?
A: I can stay a couple of extra days. I would like to get to know you.
C: I would like to get to know you too.
This girl wants to know me. The guy with Walmart clothes on, driving around in a
Camry with no jewelry and she doesn't know I'm Post Malone.

I take Charlotte back to her car. I followed her home to make sure she made it safely.
I get out of my car, run to her door and open it.  She gave me a funny look.
A: I am walking you to your door.
She smiles and takes my hand.  When we get to her door she takes the keys out.
C:Thank you for a wonderful time.
A: Can I see you tomorrow?
C: Yes.
A: Can I have your number?
I hold my phone out. She puts in a number I call it and smile.
A: Now you have mine.
I kissed her on the cheek.
A: I will see you tomorrow.