“Until we meet again,” he said, making me smile.
“Hopefully soon.” I still couldn’t look away even as another man stepped closer to the table, unsure if he was interrupting. “It’s okay,” I said and winked at Spencer before taking a seat at the next table.
“You two looked like you were getting along really well,” the guy that was already seated at the table said.
“Yeah, I guess we were.” I looked over at Spencer in time to catch him glancing at me.
“Don’t let that one get away. If you’re really interested in him then don’t throw away your chance to get to know him better,” he said, making me turn to look at him. He was a little older than me, obviously fit, and very put together. His tuxedo had a deep black floral pattern that suited him with his neatly cut greying hair.
“It sounds like you speak from experience,” I said.
“These events are fun and entertaining, but I know there’s no one here that I’ll match with.”
“Are you sure? You never know.” He didn’t seem sad about it, more like resigned.
“I let the love of my life slip away years ago, and I’ve never met another that would ever take his place. But it is fun looking.” He glanced around the room and my eyes followed where he looked. There was such a variety of men here, and those I’d had the chance to visit with were friendly and inviting.
“My ex is here,” I blurted out, not really meaning to but making him laugh.
“See? You get what I mean only for other reasons.” His eyes lit up before he looked past me at Spencer.
“Don’t let that one get away,” he whispered.
Three
Spencer
I was anxious forthis round to end so I could spend a little more time with Jake. It seemed the more time we spent together, the more time I wanted. There was just something about him that made it so easy for us to talk and made me feel very comfortable in his company. So, when it was announcedthat this round was over and we were to report to the Superhero themed area, I was more than ready.
“Hey, how did it go?” Jake asked as he appeared at my side.
“It was okay. To be honest I wish you and I would have had more time to chat,” I said. I wasn’t normally so open, but we were on limited time here tonight and I wanted to make sure I took every opportunity.
“I was thinking the exact same thing. What do you think about skipping the next round and having a drink?” he asked, and once again that smile got my attention.
“I think I’d like that,” I said, and we turned away from the superhero area, and almost ran into the guy in the sparkly jacket, Ian.
“It looks like you two gentlemen are hitting it off. I’m going to give you this sticker to put on your name badge,” he said and handed us both a round red sticker that saidoff limitson it. Jake shrugged and put it on his name badge, and I followed suit.
“Thanks, Ian,” he said.
“The buffet is open if you want to get something to eat and of course you know there’s an open bar.” He nodded before scanning the room and hurried off to another group of people who looked like their focus had shifted to finding a party rather than their perfect match.
“Ready?” Jake asked.
“Yes.” And I was, in more ways than one. He led us to the bar and since this was a limited entry event we were able to find two barstools without an issue. “What do you like to drink?”
“It varies. To be honest I’m not a big drinker, but I do enjoy a nice whiskey,” Jake said, and I tried to hold back my smile but his hand on my arm made it impossible. “What is it?”
“I loved drinking when I was younger, but now I’d rather enjoy the drink than try to survive it the next morning. We seem to keep finding more and more in common with each other.” His eyes were nearly as dark as his hair, but once again I was drawn to his warmth.
“Those are not good memories for me. I think twenty-three-year-old me thought if I drank more, I’d eventually get used to it. That never happened,” Jake said with a chuckle.
“Gentlemen, what can I get for you?” the bartender asked. She was dressed the same as the others with a black vest and white button-up shirt. Her hair all over the place while somehow looking perfect.
“We’d like a nice whiskey, what do you suggest?” I asked.
“That depends on if you’re drinking to get drunk or to sip?” she asked with zero judgement while wiping out two tumblers before setting them on the bar and waiting for an answer.
