Author's Note: While writing this story, it came to my attention that there was a movie from 1960 called
The Apartment,
some of which might have a similar story line to
Sports Night.
I have not seen the movie, and purposely have not watched it, so any similarities are purely coincidental.
He was on top of the world as he left the building. He'd aced the interview, expertly answered all the questions, and received an offer for the job, which he accepted. Out on the street, he realized he was starving, having been too nervous to eat breakfast. A block away was a fast-food burger joint, not ideally what he had in mind, but at least close, so he headed for it.
Standing in line, Evan Connolly couldn't help but notice the attractive woman in front of him in business attire. She wore a short dress, form-fitting, and though not low-cut, did hint at rounded, sizeable breasts. His attention was so focused on her appearance, he was brought back to reality when he heard her swear, then the exchange between her and the person behind the counter. Apparently, she was short cash.
"I work down the street," she was saying, "I can bring you the difference later."
"Or you could use a credit card," the employee suggested.
"I didn't
bring
a credit card."
Evan didn't know what suddenly possessed him, but he reached for his wallet, pulled out a ten-dollar bill, and handed it to the person behind the counter. "Allow me."
The woman in the short business dress looked at him with her mouth hanging open. "Oh, you don't have toβ"
"It's only seven dollars and forty-five cents."
"That's very kind of you. I can meet you here later and pay you back."
In another self-surprising move, Evan said, "Why don't you let me sit with you and we'll call it even."
With raised eyebrows, she hesitantly said, "Well, okay, I'll find a table." She grabbed her bag of food and walked away.
"Thank you, sir. What can I get you?"
Evan placed his order, and when he received it, he easily found the table with the young woman. Sitting down, he said, "I'm Evan."
"Katherine. And thank you very much. Not many people would have done that."
Evan shrugged. "You're very welcome. It was my good deed for the day."
"Do you perform a good deed every day?" she asked with a glowing smile.
"Not often enough." Even though he had just met her, there was something about her that had him liking her for years. Of course, up close she was as beautiful as his first glimpse of her. And though they'd only exchanged a few words, she was very engaging. "Do you eat here often?" Evan asked to make conversation. He didn't want to be creepy by asking anything too personal.
"No. Occasionally, I just like to get out of the office at lunchtime, and this place is just convenient. I don't eat fast foods much."
"Neither do I. As you said, this was just convenient."
"I have to tell you, I'm really embarrassed," Katherine admitted.
"No need to be. Things like that happen."
"It's
never
happened to me."
"There's a first time for everything. Besides, you saved me from having to eat alone."
"Glad I could help."
They lapsed into silence to munch on their burgers and fries.
After a couple of bites of her small burger, Katherine made a sour face. "Even though it's convenient, I don't know why I come here. I really don't care for the food."
"I agree. It's just sustenance. Something to eat."
She made a face that said she agreed but still didn't like it as she finished her meal. "Well, gotta go. Thanks again."
"Leaving so soon?"
"I have to take lunch when my boss does, and I need to be back before him. I don't always know what time he's going to go. Sometimes he tells me, other times, like today, he just comes out and said says he's going to lunch. So, I reached in my wallet, grabbed a few bills, and rushed here. Obviously, I didn't watch what I reached for."
"He sounds like a tyrant."
"Not at all. He treats me very well."
"Any chance I'll run into you here again?"
She'd lifted her hand with thumb and forefinger a half-inch apart. "Very little." And with that, she was gone.
It occurred to Evan that she had been uncomfortable with the arrangement and ate quickly so she could leave. He considered for a second following her to see where she worked, but if she caught him, that would work adversely. So, he had to let a chance encounter slip away.
* * *
The two men stepped aside to allow the two ladies to enter the elevator first. It was the gentlemanly thing to do. Both ladies were quite attractive and dressed to be alluring in short dresses that showed off their shapely figures. Once the doors closed and the four could see one another, the men each recognized one of the women.
"You," Katherine said.
"Katherine," Evan said.
"You two
know
each other?" Todd asked as he recognized the other woman. "Hi, Barbara."
"Hello, Todd," Barbara returned.
"We actually met at for a fast-food lunch," Evan revealed.
"Katherine,
you
went to a fast-food restaurant for lunch?" Barbara asked.
"I just wanted to get out of the office for a bit," Katherine explained.
Standing next to one another, Barbara nudged Todd with a sway of her body. "It's good to see you again."
"And you," Todd agreed.
"We need to catch up," Barbara suggested as the elevator doors opened. "Buy me a drink?"
"Of course." Todd took her by the arm, and together, they walked across the hall and entered the apartment where the party they were all attending was being held.
Katherine stopped outside the lift. "She dragged me to this party, now she's gone off and left me."
"Likewise, for me. Todd insisted I come with him. But I don't know the host, nor any of Todd's friends."
"It's the same with Barbara and me."
"Well, I was hoping I'd run into you again," Evan said.
"Oh, really? Why? Want your money back?"
With a chuckle, he said, "No. I felt a connection. I thought you were nice, and to be quite honest I think you are very attractive."
"Thank you. You're handsome, too." He was, she thought.