chapter 2

Jim brings the drinks back to the table and sees Carol is on the phone. He stands back to give her privacy but she waves him on to the table.

"I know it's incredibly rude to talk on the phone when with a friend and I apologize Jim. I wanted to get a friend to walk my dog. I don't know how long we will be here and well Snowflake is just a dog. He without a doubt needs to go tinkle."

"Oh no problem Carol. I have an iPhone habit myself. I just don't really have any friends to talk to so I use it as a computer most of the time. I like people but I am so shy that it's easier for me to meet them online. They are always a world away though."

They talked about their jobs and the people coming into the bar for another hour. Once the drinks were finished Jim told Carol that he had a two drink in three hour limit when he has to drive home.

"I brought a cab. Why don't we take your car to your place and go out tonight. Check out another place maybe. Might even come back here but we need to go somewhere that has something other than peanuts to eat. I'm getting hungry. What do you think?"

A world of thoughts ran through Jim's mind. From things like was his apartment clean to wondering if she was pranking him. He decided to risk it and take Carol up on her offer. They slowly navigated the busy city streets until Jim's navigation system said they were there.

"Don't tell me you need your nav. to get home jim?"

"Ha, no it's just always on. When it talks I feel less lonely. I told you before I don't have a lot of friends. Heck I don't even have a pet. Not even a gold fish. I have some friends at work but they are all married or gym rats. Not my speed for sure. Away from work I live an invisible life really. Come on up if you want. If you don't feel safe I understand. We just met."

"I feel safe Jim. I got straight away that you weren't a douche bag. Lead the way big guy."

Jim not being the most self confident guy on the planet he didn't know how to take the 'big guy' comment. Here she was fit and trim and he was a bit over weight and after working all day he was covered with thread and feather pieces. He asked if she minded if he changed and she happily said she'd wait in the kitchen. She wanted a glass of water anyway and for him to take his time.

About fifteen minutes pass. Starting to worry about Jim, Carol knocked on his bedroom door.

"Hey Jim? Is everything OK in there? I'm not rushing you but it's been fifteen minutes and I'm starting to worry not to mention getting hungry."

Jim nervously walks to the door and opens it enough to talk though it.

"I have no idea what to wear Carol. I've tried on ten shirts and I just don't know what to wear,"

"Put your boxers on. I'm coming in to help you. We would make a good team. I am great at making decisions for other people. It's how I deal with patients children at work. And some of the patients too if I'm being honest."

Jim lets her in and she heads straight to the closet. She grabs a pair of black wrangler jeans and a light blue dress shirt.

"You have boots?"

"Yes I have a pair. This is what you want me to wear?"

"Yes. Get dressed, leave the shirt untucked and let's go get something to eat. I get moody when I am hungry."

As uncomfortable as it made him feel, Jim got dress with her standing there watching. She adjusted his shirt collar and with a happy rushed voice said 'lets eat'. She then grabbed Jim's hand and led him to the door as she dialed for a UBER car.

"I am thinking steak and a potato. I feel the need for red meat and baked goodness covered in cheese, bacon, and butter. That sound alright with you Jim?"

"Sure. I like to eat good food so steak sounds great. Kind of celebrating our meeting each other. I don't know a nice place though Carol. I'm sure you do though so I will leave this part of our evening up to you."

Carol texted the UBER driver the name of the restaurant she wanted to go to and they headed to the south side of the city.

"I don't come down here much. This is where the upper class live. My job doesn't afford me this lifestyle. I hear the warehouse condo's are half a million dollars for the smaller ones. This should be a great dinner. I'm getting excited Carol."

"Don't worry about the bill tonight Jim. I invited you. This is 2018 big guy. Strong women take the lead these days. Just let go of all that you've been taught about first dates and allow yourself to have a good time. "

Not sure how to react to what Carol said, Jim just sat back and a devious grin came to his face. He was living out one of his fantasies and it was happening in real time. No X-Box or fantasy chat room. This was real. This was happening.