Page 3 of Jared

Today is indeed my lucky day, he thought to himself.

“Sure, I don't mind. I'm Jared.”

The two men sat down. “Thanks. I'm Chris and this is my buddy Joe.” Joe gave him a quiet nod in lieu of a greeting. Jared's previous waiter flitted to the table and Joe ordered their drinks, including a refill for Jared.

“Thanks,” Jared beamed at his new acquaintances. Joe waved his thanks away as no big deal. “You can get the next one.”

“Sure,” Jared replied. “I can run to a round. That's my limit though. Be my third drink and I'm just a lowly sales assistant at a clothing store.”

“Been here before?” Chris asked.

“No, but Desmond- he's one of the guys from work- he talks about this place so I thought I'd check it out.”

“We've not been here before either,” Chris said.

They sat and chatted despite the noise from the dance floor, Jared getting the next round and then allowing himself to be persuaded to have a fourth drink when Chris sprang for the round of drinks after that. Not having eaten since a light lunch at work, Jared began to feel rather light headed.

God, I'm such a lightweight. Better switch to soda or maybe bottled water.

“You all right? Maybe we shouldn't have pressed you into accepting that drink,” Chris said worriedly.

“I'm feeling a bit off actually.Not sick exactly, but I think maybe I should stop now and go get some air, then switch over to soda.”

“You eaten anything?” Chris asked. “Food helps soak up the alcohol.”

“I skipped dinner, actually,” Jared said ruefully. “Thought I'd order a pizza when I got home. Treating myself tonight.”

Chris gave Joe a long look, then seeing agreement, turned back to meet Jared's gaze. “Actually, Joe and I haven't eaten either. There's a diner just up the road a little ways. How about we walk there, use the fresh air to clear our heads, and grab a bite to eat?”

“No, no. Not on my account. You guys have sat here just chatting with me. You haven't had a chance to go dance or find a guy or anything.”

“It's cool. We made a new friend instead. Let's go.”

Chris and Joe rose from their seats.

“Um, okay. A walk in the fresh air will probably do me good. Diner food sounds better than pizza.”

Chris threw him a big grin. “And you get to eat with friends.”

Jared brightened. “Yeah, I get to eat with friends.”

Jared excused himself to go to the toilet before leaving and then followed the two men out of the bar and to the edge of the parking lot. The light was dimmer here but several feet away from where the back alley met the side street, a street light cast light upon the pavement and street. The rest of the street appeared to be fairly well lit so Jared reckoned they would be safe enough walking that way to the diner. He hoped it wasn't very far as his stomach was now rumbling for something to eat. He felt decidedly lightheaded and was beginning to suspect that had to a lot to do not only with the four beers he'd drank but only having eaten a blueberry yogurt for breakfast and eating a bologna sandwich for lunch and nothing else.

“What?” He stopped in surprise. They weren't heading towards the brightly lit street. Instead Chris and Joe turned right to go into the alley.

“It's down the other street,” Chris said, pointing down the dimly lit alleyway.

“Umm...can't we go across the front where it's better lit to get there?”

“Just come on, there's three of us, we'll be fine. It's just a short walk to the other side.”

Alarm bells began to ring in Jared's mind.

They seem nice enough, but I don't really know these guys. I'm just going to turn around and walk back the other way. If they're legit, they'll follow me and we can cross to the other side street by going out front and around, where's it's well lit.

Jared turned around. “I'll meet you guys there. Dark alleys and me don't mix. God knows what's down there.”

He never expected the blow from behind that knocked him onto his hands and knees.