I walked down the crowded Main Street, feeling the eyes of drunken men and women on me. Maybe it wasn't such a good idea to wear a revealing outfit on a Friday night.
As I approached the small bar and grill the neon red sign lit up my hazel eyes.
"Jerrys.." I whispered under my breath as I read the sign. My eyes scanned the crowd outside for any sign of Steven, but I internally laughed as I remembered I had never seen him.
I took a deep breath before entering, my hands shaky as I approached the bar, taking the only empty stool. A petite bar tender greeted me warmly and I reciprocated.
"What can I get for ya, Doll"? She asked kindly, ignoring the whistles coming from two drunk college kids at the other end of the bar.
"Can I just get a Sprite"? I asked, my eyes nervously scanning the bar.
"Waiting on someone"? Her voice brought me back to attention and I noticed the drink was in front of me. I pulled out 6$ and told her to keep the change.
"Yeah, supposed to be meeting a guy" I laughed a bit and she nodded, a smile on her face. A new patron approached the bar and she disappeared. I took a sip of my drink and turned towards the pool table, where men were having a small tournament.
---
It had been about an hour since the scheduled time and I found started entertaining myself. I walked around the bar and chatted with a few drunk strangers. My Sprite had slowly turned into alcohol and for some odd reason I was having a conversation with a girl named Amanda about the time I broke my arm in Quebec when I was 3.
In the middle of my story I felt a warm hand touch my lower back and I jumped. My head whipping around.
"Hey you look a little lonely.." a tall handsome man with Auburn hair and green eyes stood behind me and I pulled away from him, continuing my story with Amanda. A strong laugh interrupted me and I turned to the man once more.
"Y..you need something"? My eyes met his and he put his hand on my shoulder. Amanda stumbled away, not a care in the world.
"Caroline"? The man said and I smiled, my hands going around his waist.
"Steven jeez, you scared me, thought you were one of the drunken gropers" I laughed pulling back and looking at his gorgeous features.
"Nope just one of the sober ones" he laughed before taking my hand leading us to a table towards the back of the bar.
"You're tall" I said as I looked up at him. He looked down at me amused before pulling a chair out for me. I happily sat, not wanting to stand in my heels any longer.
He took the seat next to me, his eyes scanning me up and down, causing me to squirm slightly. "And you're beautiful".
Blush covered my freckled cheeks and I pushed a strand of curled hair behind my pierced ear.
"Thank y..you" I said not knowing how to start conversation. "So, umm you were a bit late".
He sighed, sitting back in his chair "Yes, I'm sorry about that I had to run some errands".
"At 11 pm"? I teased, but my smile faltered as I saw a bit of anger flare up in his eyes.
"Won't ever happen again, I promise" he chuckled his cheerful demeanor returning.
---
We spoke till closing time, I sobered up a bit and was only a bit buzzed by the time we exited the pub. We had a great deal in common and he gave me his jacket as we walked down the street towards my apartment.
My phone began to ring interrupting a conversation about childhood pets and I heard a sigh escape Stevens lips. I smiled wearily at him as I walked a few feet away answering.
"Caroline, where is the ketchup?" Michael's voice filled my ear and I rolled my eyes.
"I don't use ketchup, how would I know"? I retorted. "Also why the hell do you need ketchup at 1:30 am"?
"You're no help, also where the fuck are you? Shouldn't you be home asleep or reading or something"? He grumbled.
"If it's any consolation to you, I'm out on a date" A burst of laughter bombarded my ear lobe and I pulled the phone away scowling. "Whatever good luck with your ketchup".
"Wa-wa-wa-wa-wait" I hesitated before hanging up and sighed, bringing the phone back to my ear
"What"?!
"Can you get some on your way home"? He said slyly.
I scoffed, hanging up and throwing the phone in my clutch. Smiling apologetically I turned back to an awaiting Steven who offered his hand. I took it gladly and we continued or journey.
---
We made it to my building stopping in the driveway to say our goodbyes.
"I had a really nice time, and thank you for walking me home-" I started but he cut me off.
"So you're not gunna invite me in"? His intense gaze was on mine and I had to look away.
"Steven, my roommate is here and I'm not re-"
"We can just cuddle, maybe watch some TV or something"? He suggested, budging me slightly, a playful look on his face. I smiled, my buzz still evident as I nodded.
"Fine, but you can't stay the night" I laughed as he silently cheered.
---
