Order a Tequila Shot

I sat at the bar alone waiting. In all fairness, I went a little early to have a glass of wine in hopes of calming my nerves before my date arrived. I had been out of the dating scene for a while. I wasn’t very confident in online dating. But, my co-workers convinced me to try it. So, here I sit with my glass of Merlot. Honestly, I needed to get out of my house and meet new people anyway.

“My name is Brent. Let me know if you need anything,” smiled the bartender as he poured pretzels and whatnots into a small bowl then pushed it in front of me.

About the same time, a man walked up to the bar and sat down two seats away. He smiled at me then ordered a drink. As I returned the smile, my phone buzzed and startled me. It was a text message from my date. He was caught in traffic and running late. He asked me to order him a tequila shot, top shelf. He would be there in five minutes and would need that shot after this traffic. He apologized and looked forward to meeting me.

“Excuse me, Brent,” I said raising my hand. “I’d like to order a tequila shot, please. Oh yeah, make it top-shelf tequila.”

The stranger two seats down leaned over to me and said, “Hi, my name is Jack. Are you waiting for someone?”

“Yes, I’m meeting a date,” I replied. “I’m Abby.”

Nibbling on a pretzel, I returned to my Merlot and scrolling through my phone. My date texted again. He said that he was sorry that he was so late but that he was still stuck. I texted back that it wasn’t a problem even though I was starting to get hungry.

Matthew and I had met on a dating app when he sent me a message. He was handsome with an athletic build, who billed himself as a successful attorney that was too busy to go out and meet people. We had been messaging for about a month when he suggested that we meet for a first date. I insisted that we meet at a public place. He picked this piano bar that was popular with businessmen.

“It’s a cozy, quiet place with exquisite food,” he had said. “And, a piano player that knows all the classics. It’s perfect for us to get to know each other.”

“Would you like another glass of wine?” Jack asked. I motioned with my hand, held up one finger, and mouthed “one minute.”

Matthew was now 30 minutes late. I was beginning to think he was going to stand me up. I texted to ask where he was but my text didn’t go through. That was odd. So, I called.

“The number you are trying to reach is not in service. Please hang up and check the number,” played the recording.

“What?” I stared at my phone. I was certain this was the right number. I had just received a text 15 minutes ago. Now, it’s not a working number?!

“Yes, Jack, I’d like another Merlot,” I responded. Jack moved to the seat next to me.

“Would you like for me to remove this tequila shot?” asked Brent as he placed the glass of wine in front of me.

“Yes, please,” I replied. “It doesn’t look like I’ll be needing it after all. Thank you.”

“It appears as if your date isn’t coming,” said Jack sympathetically. “His loss is my gain. Would you like to move to a table and have dinner with me?”

“No, thank you,” I said. “I’ll just finish this glass of wine then head home.”

“I really hate eating alone. Just have dinner with me, then you can go home,” he pleaded. “Why let that jerk ruin your evening?”

Jack was extremely persistent. And, he was rather cute. Definitely a sharp dresser. It couldn’t hurt to get to know him better.

“I am pretty hungry,” I said. “Let’s get a table. But, I’m paying for myself.”

“If you insist,” he laughed. “But, I pay next time.”

Finishing my second glass of Merlot, we moved to a table. I placed my purse and coat on the chair then excused myself to the restroom.

As I was washing my hands, the waitress entered the restroom in a hurry.

“I need to talk to you,” she said. “Watch out for that guy.”

“Jack?” I asked.

I don’t know his name, but the one you just moved to a table with,” she said almost in a panic. “He comes in here about once a month and it’s always the same scenario. The bartender and I have both noticed it.”

“Oh no, I left my purse with all of my personal information with him,” I said.

“He comes in and sits close to an attractive young woman who is meeting a date for the first time. She orders a tequila shot, top shelf, for the date who never shows up. This guy swoops in and saves the day. He buys dinner and drinks. The woman is usually extremely intoxicated when they leave together,” she said hurriedly. “I don’t know what is going on but it’s not good.”

“Thank you,” I replied. “When I refuse desert, will you order me a ride?”

“Of course,” she said as she ducked into a stall. “I’ll have Brent walk you out.”

When I returned to the table, Jack had ordered us martinis. My purse and coat appeared to be exactly where I left them.

“I hope you don’t mind,” said Jack. “I took the liberty of ordering us martinis and an appetizer.”

“Thank you, Jack,” I smiled. “That was very sweet, but I think I’ve had enough to drink tonight.”

I called the waitress over. “I’d like a water with lemon, please.”

“I just thought we’d get this party started right,” smiled Jack.

“Really, I’m pretty tired,” I said. “I just think I’ll eat and go home. But, I do appreciate your company for dinner.”

After talking to the waitress in the bathroom, I was ready to go home now. I was hungry and had my escape plan. I decided to stay and eat before I left.

“I was thinking we could go out dancing after dinner,” asked Jack.

“No, thank you,” I replied cordially but he was starting to annoy me. “I’ll just go home.”

During dinner, we made small talk. Jack did his best to make me feel at ease but I remained vigilant. I was adamant about my plans for the rest of the evening.

“Would you like desert?” asked the waitress as she cleared our dinner plates.

“No, thank you,” I said. “I’ll take my check.”

“Wait, it’s my treat,” said Jack. But, I insisted that I pay for myself.

“I don’t want the night to end. I enjoy talking to you.” Jack was becoming agitated. “Don’t go. Let’s go to a quiet little jazz club I know of if you don’t want to go out dancing.”

“It was nice to meet you, Jack,” I smiled a fake smile as I pushed my chair in and started to leave. “Thank you for saving me. Good night.”

Jack stood up and slammed his chair under the table. “No! You cannot go!”

As I walked towards the door, Brent met me and walked me out to my waiting ride.

“Thank you, Brent, and please thank the waitress, too,” I said as I pulled the door closed and locked it.

I never went to that piano bar again. I never saw or heard from Matthew or Jack. And, I never went on another dating app.