I had been driving since early that morning. As I have been known to do in the past, I took an exit off the interstate, and drove the back roads for quite a way, enjoying the scenery, and stopping places that I wanted to. Finally, after getting back on the interstate, and reaching a larger city, I decided it was time to stop for the night, and get some rest. Turning off onto a main street in the city, I began to look for a reasonably priced motel. It didn't take long. I quickly produced my credit card, and paid for the room. I took my bag from the truck, and unlocked the door to the room. The room was clean, and appeared freshly remodeled. It was apparently meant to be a handicap room, as it had a larger than normal bathtub and shower at the rear of the room. Two queen size beds, a small table and chairs, a small sofa, and a table with the television made up the rest of the furnishings.
I unpacked what clothes I would need, hanging up a clean shirt, and left the rest of my stuff in the bag. No need to drag everything out. I realized now that I was hungry, as well as tired, and decided to find a place to eat. I stepped out the room door, and noticed that next door was a Texas Steakhouse. This looked good, so I decided to try it. Since it was in walking distance, if I wanted to have a drink or two, no problem with driving!
I walked over to the steakhouse. It was getting late, and there were very few customers left in the dining area. The staff was trying to get things cleaned up, so the hostess asked if I would mind sitting in the bar. I told her that would be fine. I had a seat at one of the tall tables, and ordered a drink, while waiting for my food. The bartender did good, using a large glass, and mixing the drink just a little strong. Obviously, he was hoping for a good tip. He soon brought my food, and asked if I wanted a refill. I said sure, and he soon returned with another large glass. It was also fixed the same way. I soon began to feel a slight buzz from the alcohol, which was helping to relax me after all the driving I had done earlier.
While eating, I looked around the bar. There were only four people left, and they were sitting at the bar. A young guy, appearing to be in his early twenties, maybe, and two women to his left, maybe in their forties or so, occupied three of the seats. To his left was a woman who appeared to be younger than the other two. She was dressed nicely, in a short black skirt with a slit on each side, and a silky looking black shirt, tucked into the skirt. The shirt clung nicely to her breasts, which stood out quite nicely. Black pantyhose encased a pair of very firm looking legs. She and the guy next to her were talking quite a bit, and I turned my attention back to my dinner, glancing her way only occasionally. The lighting was low, so I had not gotten a good look at her face, which was framed by shoulder length dark brown hair. Soon, the other two women and the guy paid their bill, and got up and left. I had assumed that she was with them, but now I decided that I was wrong. By now, I was finished with my meal, and my last drink was gone. I got up and took my check over to the bar so I could pay. I stood beside the seat next to her as I gave the bartender my credit card. I noticed that she was drinking a beer, and that her mug was almost empty.
I looked over at her, and taking a chance, asked if she was going to drink alone, or if she would like some more company. She smiled, and replied that she would welcome company. I sat down, and told the bartender to get us both another drink. He returned with them, and we sipped them as we talked. I now could see her face. She was pretty, and had soft eyes that were framed by her dark hair. I guessed her age in the late twenties, but she later told me she was 36. We talked about several things, my trip, and what I had been doing. She told me that she had 2 children, and lived in a town about an hour from the one we were in. She said she came down here now and then just to get out away from everything there. I told her I could understand that.
After another refill of our drinks, I asked her what her plans were for the rest of the night. She replied that she needed to call a friend of hers to bring her some gas money, as she had left her ATM and credit cards in her billfold at home. She had enough to pay for her dinner and a couple of earlier drinks before realizing that she did not have the cards. She also said that as foggy and rainy as it was, that she really hated to drive back, but that she had to be at work the next morning. I told her that I would be happy take care of the gas for her. She said she appreciated that, and called her friend, and told her not to come. Feeling a little braver, I told her that I was staying overnight, and that my motel was right next door, and my room had two perfectly good queen sized beds. I said that she was welcome to stay and use one of them if she wanted to. She replied that she still had to be at work in the morning, and that she probably better drive on back.