As a carefree 25 years old, my life as a single male was almost perfect. I was a software analyst in a growing upstart company, with no money worries, and no dependents to take care of. I was 6'2", 180lbs, and blessed with good looks according to my former girlfriends. Every weekend I'd meet my group of friends in one of the houses or the nearest bar. We loved watching sports and discussing our successes with the other sex. Of course, failures were rarely mentioned. Failing to score with girls was considered embarrassing and most of us with fragile egos were hesitant to talk about it.
One evening we went to the bar and started drinking. Some guys went to play pool and I chatted with my best friend Joe.
All of a sudden from the corner of my eye I saw from a distance somebody staring in my direction. I looked back at her and she turned her head in another direction. I continued my talk with Joe and again she gazed at me. My eyes met hers and I smiled at her. She returned a smile.
I told my friend that I needed to go to the bathroom to pee. I did my business and on my way back I walked around to look up close at the girl who was gazing at me. She was sitting with another girl. She looked about 20 years old, with long dark hair and a nice figure as much as I could judge since she was sitting down.
I returned to my seat and glanced constantly in her direction, trying to capture her eyes. A minute later she gave me another look. I lifted my hand 'Hello'. She smiled again. I signaled that I wanted to approach her. She nodded 'Yes'.
I walked to her table and the 2 girls eyed me. They were giggling.
I came close to them and introduced myself, "Hi, my name is Harry. You girls seem to have a lot of fun around here. May I buy you all a drink?"
The other girl chuckled, "Hi to you too. My name is Janet, and this is Leah. Thank you for being generous. Would you like to join us?"
"Oh, thank you. I am here with my friend, should I bring him too?"
Janet stared at him for a long moment and blurted, "Sure, why not."
It was obvious that Janet was the more extrovert among the two girls. She also looked good but for some reason, I preferred her girlfriend. I brought my friend and told him that I set my eyes on Leah. He had no qualms and was happy to try his luck with Janet.
In the beginning, our chat was forced. Janet was the more verbal one. Slowly all 4 of us found common subjects to talk about. We all love movies and social media. As time progressed, Janet and Joe started their private discussion about the risks of putting private data on Facebook and Instagram.
I glanced at Leah and told her that it was too noisy for me. Would she join me on the attached balcony?"
She grinned, "I was thinking the same thing. The volume here is too high for me, that's why I usually avoid going to bars."
"So how do you spend your free time?"
"I read a lot, watch movies mostly on Netflix, and chat online with friends."
"I like movies as well, but I'd rather go to the movie theater to see them. I find the large screen more fun than a TV one, even when a large TV is available."
"Harry, seeing a good film on a large screen is better, but my friends are too lazy to move away from the comfortable seats at home unless it's going to a bar to meet boys..."
"Leah, we've just met, but will you accompany me to a movie theater? You choose the movie you like and I'll go with you."
"Do you mind if I select a non-horror film that doesn't show too much blood?..."
"Be my guest. In the worst-case scenario, I won't like the movie, but I am willing to take the risk. I simply wish to spend an evening with you in a quiet place."
She smiled, "It's a deal. Funny that again I had a similar idea, but you were the one who verbalized it."
"Leah, will you tell me something about yourself, please?"
"Sure. I am a 21-year-old student at UW Madison, majoring in English literature. In addition to movies and reading, I like photography and travel, although I did not have much time to visit faraway places yet. And what about you?"
"I am 25, single, and work as a software specialist. Unlike you, I am not into reading unless it's part of my job, but I like traveling. I already visited several countries in Europe and South America."
"I am jealous! Which country you liked the most?"
"It's tough to say because each country has its charm. How can you compare Italy to Chile? Or Spain to Brazil?..."
Leah looked at the time, "I need to go back. I liked talking to you. Let us exchange phone numbers. Will it be OK if we go on Thursday to the movies? I'll check what's playing and text you everything, OK?"
"Girl, I liked our short chat too. Don't forget about me. I'll be waiting..."
She smiled again and reentered the bar. I waited a couple of minutes and then also went back in. The noise was deafening and my friends were busy drinking, and playing and 2 of them were trying their luck with a couple of blond girls. I wasn't in the mood and drove back home.
An hour later I got a text from Leah, 'I hope you were serious about the movie. In the budget cinema, four movies are playing - Jerry McGuire, The Bridges of Madison County, The Bodyguard, and Four Weddings and a Funeral. Any preference among these?'
I texted back, 'If it was up to me, Jerry McGuire will be my first choice because I like Tom Cruise, but whatever your heart desire is still good. Just let me know the time and where do I pick you up.'
'Tom Cruise movie starts at 6 pm. I'll drive myself and meet you at the ticket counter 5 minutes before starting time.'
'Thanks, girl. See you there.'
...
For our movie night, I dressed nicely in ironed pants, a white shirt, and a jacket. It felt weird. I couldn't remember when was the last time I had a jacket on, except for important holidays and weddings.
Leah arrived 2 minutes later and looked amazing. Her long dark hair served as a nice frame for her pretty face. The midi-style black dress had deep cleavage, displaying the top part of what in my mind represented beautiful breasts... A 2" heels shoes completed the ensemble.
I ogled her up and down, "Dear Leah, your look is breathtaking! I liked talking to you at the bar, but I didn't realize until now how stunning you are!"
She blushed, "Thank you. You look very nice yourself. Shall we get inside?"