I just finished my shift at the feed mill and was glad that it was over. This place can get to you after awhile but it pays the bills. I walked over to my Ford F150 POS (piece of shit) and headed for the Flying Pink Pig for a beer. There is a waitress over there I've been trying to tag for about 2 months now. She sure is friendly enough, but just won't go out on a date with any of the guys that try. Phyllis is about 25 years old, brown hair brown eyes, slender with about C cup breasts and a tight little ass, you know, just the girl next door.
Entering the darkened room I saw a couple of my friends sitting at the bar and Phyllis waiting tables. Walking up I made my usual greetings and sat down on the stool close to the end. Phyllis came over and handed me my usual draft and smiled at me. My God she has a wonderful smile.
After a few minutes of pleasant conversation I noticed a happiness in her that wasn't there weeks ago when I started my attempts to get her go out on a date with me. I have been noticing glances from Phyllis every now and then with an innocent low key smile that a girl usually has when she starts liking a guy's attention.
One more try wouldn't hurt so I asked her out again for dinner and a movie. The smile she was sporting slowly faded, her eyes showed a twinge of sadness and she said she could not go on a date with me. I really thought I had finally broken through that wall she put up to keep from getting hit on by every guy in town, but something just didn't feel right about her turning me down, not this time.
I could not hide my disappointment from Phyllis and she noticed it. Her apologies were quick and heart felt, but I could still feel she was hiding something from me. I explained to her that I wasn't after anything more than she was willing to give and I promised to be on my best behavior if she went out for dinner and a movie. I expected nothing else from her except for her to enjoy the evening out.
"Just go out on a date with me and if you don't enjoy yourself, I won't ask you again with no hard feelings, I promise," I said. I could see the hesitation on her face, but she said OK. There was no way the smile was leaving my face for rest of the night. We set up a date for next Friday night, but she wouldn't let me pick her up at her house. She insisted that I meet her here at the bar and leave from there.
We agreed that I get to pick the restaurant and she got to pick the movie. I wasn't going to blow this opportunity with Phyllis. I decided to pick the best Italian restaurant in town. It may cost me a little more than I wanted to spend for a first date, but with maybe one chance to make a great impression on her, it would be worth it.
The work week at the feed mill was killing me slowly as I couldn't wait for my date with Phyllis Friday night. After work, I rushed home and got showered. As I looked in mirror right before I left for the Pink Pig, all I could say was, "it ain't gonna get any better." I'm not catholic, but I crossed myself and headed out the door.
Phyllis and I made plans to meet around 7 o'clock and I got there a little early. 7:00 pm came and Phyllis was a no show. I was beginning to wonder if I was being stood up, but about 15 minutes later she walked into the bar looking nervous. She was dressed for the hot summer evening with a bright colored dress that was just snug enough to show her figure, but not enough to make you think she was slutty. When she caught my eye I noticed an apprehensive smile beginning to show. As I walked over to her her smile lost all apprehension and showed a true gladness I was there.
"You look wonderful Phyllis. Your a little late and I was worried you were going to be a no show," I said.
"I'm sorry John, but it is a girls prerogative to be fashionably late," she replied smiling.
"I really am glad you came. We have plenty of time to eat and make it to the movies."
I kept my restaurant pick a secret so I was coy as to our destination. She was genuinely surprised when we drove into the parking lot of the best Italian place in town. I was a little worried appearances about driving my old pick up to such a nice place, but I was saving my money and why should I spend it on a car when you have a perfectly good POS to drive around in.
"I always wanted to eat here John. I hope the food is as good as I hear it is!"
"I was hoping you liked Italian and I too heard the food was good." Store in memory banks...she likes Italian!
Our conversation during dinner was far more relaxed and fun than I thought it would be. Getting to know Phyllis was a treat and she really did seem to be a down to earth individual grounded to what was important in life. But I could sense a sadness in her. A sadness that was hidden deep down. I didn't want to say anything about it because why ruin the night over something I knew nothing about, especially on a first date.
With our meals finished we made our way to the theater. "What movie did you decide on tonight Phyllis?"
"I thought we would go see that new romantic comedy." "If that's OK with you?" she said shyly.
"We'll go to any movie you choose. Remember our deal for the night, I pick the food and you pick the movie." That brought a big smile to her face even though my mind was screaming, "Not a chick flick!"
I paid for the tickets and took out a loan for drinks and popcorn. Why does that crap cost so much?! The movie was your typical chick flick fair with the girl getting guy, loosing guy and getting guy back. I wasn't crazy about the movie, but this night wasn't just about me...was it?
I wanted to keep this night an innocent affair with no dating pressures that most guys push a girl for. But since I have been trying to talk Phyllis into going out with me for months now I thought I would take one small chance and hold her hand.
Remembering what my grandfather always said to me, "God hates a coward!" I reached over and placed my hand gently on top of hers. She did not flinch nor did she move her hand away. That made me feel good. After a few minutes we were actively squeezing each others hands and it stayed this way for the rest of the movie.