2 minute read
And the Story Goes On
from Unfinished Stories
by James Morris
I sat waiting. Having a drink before she shows sounded like a good idea, and a good thing to do. I wasn't used to blind dates. And going on a blind date that my younger sister set up for me seemed like even a worse idea. It reminded me of the time she had to pick me up from the airport. She arrived on a bicycle built for two. It probably would have been okay if it wasn't for the luggage. Not exactly a great idea. So, I sat waiting. Drinking. Wondering, what is this girl going to be like? This is the girl that my sister had described as a fun, outgoing, gal with a great personality. Decoded, that means lonely, desperate, and fat. Not that there's anything wrong with that. I, myself, am no longer in any kind of shape
to be making fat jokes, believe me.
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I sipped the cocktail in front of me, vodka martini, and lemon twist… my drink of choice when I want to be social. My mind started to wonder and think back of all the past girlfriends, and my last wife, god rest her soul. Not that she’s dead. She’s just going to need God when she’s standing in line in Hell waiting to get in. I tried to remember what to say and how to act. It had been over twenty years since I had been on a date. I had to start thinking of how to be a gentleman all over again. When you're married for fifteen plus years, you tend to forget those basic gentleman things you ought to do. I must look nervous. The bartender keeps looking at me as if I'm turning whiter before his eyes. "You okay," he asks, "You look like you need some water. Let me get you some."
He brought me a tall glass of ice water and I nodded as if to say thank you, but the words couldn't escape my mouth. Dry mouth. That's all I needed. I went to take that first sip of water when I noticed in the mirror across from me, a woman that appeared to be alone. She looked as if she was looking for someone. Could this be her? She notices me sitting alone at the bar and starts to walk over. As she got closer, I couldn't believe my eyes. (Your turn... Finish the story.)
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