One Night Date (short story)

After a night of redneck theater, Mike and Brenda enjoyed a celebratory drink or two at their local watering hole dive bar. They excitedly retold each other their favorite parts of the show. He asked her question of her favorite characters and connected to her in ways he hadn't with any other.

He had nowhere else to be.

They were the only two to show up to the ticketed show. They shared in the energy of the crowd and audience as they watched the live action theater. There was flying glitter, sequin, and tassels, with loud players and even louder announcers. It was difficult trying to talk to each other in the uproar, in the moment. They were both relieved to be discussing the show, in a quieter setting, with cold beers in hand.

They thought of no one else.

After the third round, Brenda and Mike enjoyed a full game of darts. She offered a pass, and he took a puff. They talked the night away. He had never met anyone he could just smoke with.

Mike had nowhere to be. 

Brenda thoroughly enjoyed herself. She had never hung out with Mike before, outside of his restaurant. He was asking her questions and engaging in the conversation. She had assumed that was his job, but he was authentic tonight; he was real. 

She had no obligations, but a curious inquiry.

They were really getting to know each other, now. They sat closer on the stools that were bolted to the ground, at the bar. They had the entire night to themselves.

After their 4th round, Mike and Brenda decided to close out and grab food at Waffle House for an after-midnight meal. They kept talking about their shared interests and all the depths of the drama behind the players of wrestling. He was very attracted to her, and she to him. 

She had nowhere to be. She had no one waiting on her.

They parted ways in the parking lot, gleefully smiling at each other with interest. Such a pleasant surprise of finding someone with so much promise.  

Mike slept next to no one all night. The next morning, he texted her how much his head hurt. She texted him back explaining to him how she'd explicitly make him feel better. 

Surprised at her advances, he declined. She never talked to him again, but saw him every week for trivia at his restaurant. She always met up with her own friends there. 

He had no one worth coming home to. No one at all.