John headed to the local watering hole, walking distance from the office for a drink before going home for the evening part of his usual routine.
John was 6', 180 lbs, physically fit, blue eyes, mid 40's, well dressed, single, and pretty happy with his life. He was a vice president for a trading company, well respected, and was in line for another promotion. He loosened his tie as he entered the Corral Club, walking directly to the bar and waited for Scott the bartender to serve him as the place was offering two for one drinks.
He waited patiently as he grabbed a handful of peanuts and began eating them one by one when he heard a commotion to his left. A man and a woman were shouting at each other with the man grabbing her shoulders and pulling her roughly while shaking her.
John didn't hesitate but immediately moved to the couple, threw the peanuts in the burly man's face, hit him in the stomach, and then one in the face for good measure, knocking him to the floor.
He said nothing but stood over him waiting for him to get up and continue the one-sided fight.
"What the fuck are you doing?" the burly man said as he rubbed his jaw. "This is none of your business."
"Leave the women alone and get out of here or I'll hit you again," John said fist cocked and ready for more action.
The woman pushed back trying to get out of the way of the two men trying to adjust her business suit at the same time.
"You're gonna pay for this buddy big time," the man said as he picked himself up off the floor. He thought about continuing the scuffle but thought better of it.
"Apologize to the lady and you can go," John sternly advised him. "Or I'll hit you again until you do." John re-cocked his fist ready for action.
"I'm sorry Lena for getting rough with you," he said. "I was out of line."
"Forget it Mike just go," Lena said with emphasis.
Mike left the bar, John returned to his spot at the bar, and Lena took a big gulp of her drink. It was all back to normal or so it seemed.
Lena was an attractive auburn brunette, 5'8", 125 lbs, greenish-brown eyes, nice curves, pleasant face, looked like she was in her 30's. She walked over to John's side and held his arm firmly.
"Thank you very much for helping me," Lena said.
"No problem," said John. "Glad to help."
John turned away and took a sip of his Manhattan and swirled his cherry around in the glass with his swizzle stick.
"Would it be okay if I bought you a drink?" Lena offered.
"Sure if it will make you feel better. Scott, fix me another Manhattan."
"I'll have a brandy and coke please, and pay for both," said Lena.
"Coming right up Lena," said Scott smiling at her.
"Don't recall seeing you in here before Lena," said John.
"Don't recall seeing you in here either," said Lena, smiling openly to John. "We'll have to try not to be strangers in the future."
"I'm usually here after four pm," answered John. "I work at Liberty Investment and usually stop by here for a drink after work.
"I work for Midwood Enterprises, a book publisher across the street from the Corral as an editor, and I stop by for a drink too," Lena reported.
Lena took a long hard look at John eyeing him up and down and whistled to herself at what she saw. John too eye candied Lena trying to see the curves beneath the conservative outfit she was wearing. Both were sizing each other up for the next move. Lena made the first move.
"I know it's not much but I have left-over lasagna from yesterday that we could share. I've got enough fixings for a salad and some Italian bread. What do you say?" she asked with a question in her voice.
"I can't say no when I don't have to do any cooking. Sounds like a nice offer, thank you," said John.