I stepped outside of the balcony to have a cigarette at the party; I just needed a quiet moment along with the fresh cold, muggy air. Everyone was having a good time and no one would notice me for the few minutes I was gone.
As soon as I stepped out, I pulled out my cigarettes, popped one into my mouth. I put my hand into my leather jacket to pull out my lighter when I noticed someone already flicking their lighter. I turned to my left and there she was in the dark corner sitting down smoking. I lit the cigarette, and for that moment I heard the butane under pressure hiss out, the crackle of dry tobacco -- my senses were attuned to the moment.
I've seen her at least a half dozen times at different places because we had mutual friends. A friendly face that was always there but nearly every time we were distracted with something going on. Most of the time it was a friendly smile and hello, there really wasn't any time to sit down or have anything qualitative or quantitative to talk about. This time, however, it was just us two on the balcony.