The Ten Year First Date

Blame It On The Alcohol

That night, I decided that mind-numbing alcoholic oblivion was on the agenda. Ollie and Ben had taken me to Ollie's local, an excellent little pub just around the corner from the house. It was small and comforting and more importantly, had Fosters on tap. Coupled with a few well-timed Southern Comforts, it was turning out the way I had intended. My fellow drinkers were also in high spirits especially when it came to my soon to be ex-wife.

'To the cow-bag from Hell!' Ollie exclaimed, raising his glass for the fifth time that night. Cow-bag from Hell was one of his less crude insults. There had been others, but I dared not repeat them!

'Well said my friend well said.' Ben agreed as they clinked their glasses together. I rolled my eyes and took another sip of my drink. I took in the lovely surroundings of the pub. All dark wood and brass with a vast, roaring fire in the wall opposite the bar. It was all somewhat comforting and familiar. I drained my glass and placed it back on the bar.

'Have another one mate.' I heard Ben's voice say. My head was already spinning with booze, and I honestly didn't think I could take another drop. It had started off as a good idea, but now regret was starting to seep in. It was time to start sobering up. Especially the way Ben and Ollie were sinking the demon drink! Someone had to be in the right frame of mind to get them both home.

'I'll have a coke.' I said, finally accepting alcohol defeat.

'A coke?' Ollie exclaimed, sitting bolt upright on his bar stool. 'Don't be sad. You need alcohol in that. Cassie darling, chuck another So Co in that will you?'

'If he said a coke, then that's what he's getting.' Cassie was the barmaid. Even though my drunken haze, she seemed sensible and almost used to having three men in their thirties propping up her bar. She smiled graciously as she handed over the glass of fizzy caffeine filled water.

'Thank you.' I said, gratefully taking a sip before handing over the small change in my hand.

'I don't envy you, you know.' Cassie, said as she walked back over from the till. Her dark hair was pulled back with a dog clip, and her green eyes sparkled in the light of the fire. I had to admit, she was gorgeous. I smiled gently and shook my head.

'They aren't that bad.' I said, glancing over at my drunken companions. They were now happily engaged in a deep and meaningful conversation, or rather argument, about Spurs' upcoming match. It wasn't going to end well, so I left them to it. Cassie was the far more entertaining company.

'Do you want me to cut them off?' Cassie asked, nodding her head towards Ollie and Ben. I sighed and shook my head.

'Nah, they'll play for hours.' I answered. 'So how long have you been working here?'

'A few years.' Cassie answered, leaning forward on her arms. 'It's a nice little earner. I actually quite like being a career barmaid.'

'It does sound like fun.' I said, slightly envying Cassie's freedom.

'It is.' she continued. 'I get to meet new people like yourself, and I also make friends like dear old Ollie.'

'Dear drunk Ollie.' I laughed, after catching sight of my now swaying brother-in-law.

'Yeah.' Cassie giggled. 'Imogen is going to kill him. Are you sure you don't just want to call it a night?'

'No, I'm having fun.' I said, surprising myself. 'I'm Harry by the way.'

'Well, nice to meet you, Harry.' Cassie smiled, as we continued to talk until way past last orders.

I hadn't planned on walking Cassie back to her flat. The words had tumbled out of my mouth not long after I threw Ollie and Ben in a taxi. I didn't know what was drawing me to the pretty barmaid I had just met, but I was starting to like it. Cassie was easy to talk to and unlike Jeannie; she seemed to smile at everything. It was entirely refreshing to be around someone happy. Cassie had taken her hair out of the dog clip, and now it was cascading down around her shoulders in loose, curly waves. It was utterly gorgeous. I couldn't help but feel more drawn to her; the longer I was at her side. She was a breath of fresh air, and I hadn't felt this good in weeks.