Flash Fiction |
Online Dating Jane drove to the restaurant without expectations. She wouldn’t even be going if it hadn’t been set up weeks ago. Online dating had turned out to be a crock. After her last date, Gerald, she had decided to give up and become a cat lady. Gerald collected dead animals from the streets and made them into art. Henry had sounded really nice, but was away until this week so they’d made plans for tonight. She’d considered calling it off, but her manners dictated that would be rude. It was just one dinner after all. They met in the lobby, he was attractive, actually looked like his profile picture! Tallish, nice smile. They got a table and started chatting, a bit awkwardly, as was always the case on these first dates. By the time the food came they had pegged each other. He worked construction, she in an office, he hiked, she preferred the beach. They weren’t melding, no surprise, but they both politely kept up their side of the conversation. Jane was sure this was another one-time date and felt like it would be no surprise to Henry. As they waited for desert Jane noticed a guy nearby with huge ears. She snickered “What?” Henry asked. “That guy over there, he looks like Craigwan...” “You’re right!” Henry said, laughing. Jane looked at Henry, surprised, “You play Angletown?” “I beat Angletown, twice! You?” “Just once, but on the verge of doing it again! Have you ever played Litt? “No, but I’ve heard of it, I’ve been thinking of getting it.” “I have it, do you want to come over and try it out? I’d love to try the buddy system.” “I’m in, when?” “How about now, it’s still early.” Jane never did get a cat; seems Henry is allergic. |