It was Friday afternoon, marking the end of another mundane work week. I just wanted to go home, change clothes, and relax. However, I didn't go straight home. I stopped in at a little joint on Southwest Third Avenue, a place I had frequented a few years back. The place had a cool vibe, a pleasant environment, and, for my money, the best cold beer on tap. I was about to approach the bartender and order when I saw her.
She was blonde, busty, and very appealing. She sat at the bar, her hand wrapped around a rum and Coke, and she smiled at me. I thought at first she might be a vamp looking for an easy mark. But then I sensed a difference: She was lonely, seemingly a bit sad, and just wanted someone to talk to. I ordered and got a draft beer, walked over to her, stood by an empty seat next to her, smiled, and said, "Excuse me, is this seat taken?"