A Night of Solace

I tugged at my dress as I entered the restaurant-bar. I mentally kicked myself in the behind for dressing uncomfortably on a first date. Who does this to themselves? I thought. I shook my head at myself. I wore one of those body-con dresses that hugs oh too tightly. I could barely breathe.

I found an open seat at the bar and decided to wait there. From here, I can see the entrance. I wanted to make sure that I did want to date the guy. Shallow, maybe. But I am a woman with safety concerns.

Please let him be halitosis free. I was hoping my prayer would be answered by the time of the date. I hopelessly kept sending messages to the universe. Please make sure I do not say anything silly, like “I think I left my towel hanging on my chair, instead of placing it where it belonged.” Just the thought alone made my stomach feel nauseous.

I loathed dating. It was one of those things in life I saw as a task; something to check off the list, like getting married by an “acceptable” age. What was that? Why do we do this to ourselves? Are we not the ones who set goals for ourselves? My parents tell me I have not found someone for that very reason—I was not fully invested.

I just sat there at the bar of the restaurant where I was waiting. I motioned for the bartender to come over. I politely asked him to provide me with a glass of solace.

I took a glimpse at the bartender. He had a traditional “tall, dark, and handsome” look. Average, but not bad. He wore the restaurant’s black uniform shirt with dark blue jeans. His loafers were nicely designed. He had a gold-plated chain, watch, and bracelet to match. I looked around the restaurant, not much of a crowd.

The bartender placed the glass on the counter. I slid the glass closer to me and lightly held it close to my nose. My nasal passage can smell the scent of richness in aroma. I inhaled deeply. This truly was the solace I needed…Merlot. I took a swig and then another. I could taste its warmth as it navigated down my esophagus.

Mm-mm-mm that was definitely needed.

Who agrees to meet at six o’clock in the evening, after work? I feel like a millennial just thrust into oblivion. Before I knew it, I was on my third glass of Merlot.

I was not sure if it was me, the loneliness, or the Merlot, but I felt inspired to spark a conversation with the bartender.

“So do you always get sad cases like mine?” I asked.

“What do you mean?” He asked with a smile.

“Well, what do you think about—never mind. ” I was starting to feel slightly silly for speaking with this stranger. Maybe because the merlot was taking affect.

“No continue. I’m intrigued.” He encouraged.

At this point I did not know what to expect but what the heck? The bar was not full yet.

The bartender must have read my mind because he looked around and said, “No one is here. Happy hour will draw the crowd in but not for a while.” He wanted to keep the conversation going.

I was feeling too comfortable with this man and decided to oblige with the request of continuing the conversation.

“So, I am currently sitting here waiting to meet someone for the first time—”

“As in a first date?” He asked me.

“Yes, it is an interesting process for me. Dating is so hard these days.” I said trying not to whine.

“Where did you find him, one of those dating apps?”

I blushed with embarrassment, “that obvious, huh?” I replied.

“No, but it has become the norm. You never know who you will meet or how the circumstance may present itself.”

“That sounds deep and all but how did the world become obsessed with perfection?”

“Blame the tabloids!” He said with a grin as he slid another glass of Merlot across the counter.

“Listen, I may not make it if you keep pouring me a glass.”

“You asked for solace…again. But I guess that will be your last.”

Just as I was getting ready to order another glass of Merlot. I received a text message from my date’s number. It was a link to a video call.

I slightly stumbled to the bathroom. I think the drunkenness was getting to me because it made no sense for me to be in a stall and trying to impress the man.

I followed the address link and waited for the other person to respond. When the person responded, he was tall, dark, and handsome. I was taken aback when I realized my date was the one pouring all the drinks.

I nearly dropped my phone in the toilet, fumbling and carrying on like a fish out of water. I was like a grape before fermentation.

At that moment I mustered what energy and strength I had. “So you got me drunk to video chat?” I asked.

“I guess Merlot was the solace of the night.” He replied.

I could not help but smile at the cheap line he threw at me. I then unlocked and walked out of the stall. I washed my hands and then I took a quick glance at the mirror. I adjusted myself and tugged on the darn dress, which by then, was trying to become a camisole.

I tugged on the dress and shook my head. What a first date.