My friend Brendan throws these random parties that I have long stopped attending. They're always either all night dance fests or awkward dinner party setups. And you never know which until you show up. So when he insists I come to a 'garden party' at his inner city townhouse, I figure it has been long enough to make refusing quite rude.
There are around 80 people there when I arrive, some who I know by sight, but most who I don't. As is my usual preference at such things, I look for a spot that isn't too loud, too high traffic or too far from the alcohol, but not so antisocial that I'd be rude. The kitchen seems perfect.
There is ice in the sink, booze on the bench and a few people already hanging there who look like they're doing the same as me. I drop my six-pack on ice, grab one and look around for a bottle opener. "This what you're looking for?" asks a friendly voice and a friendly face. "Yes please." I say with some relief, opening my beer and handing the opener back. "And don't go too far, I'll be needing it again soon."
"Dominic. At your service."
"Angela. In need of your service." I don't mean that to be as flirty as it comes out and I burst out laughing and so do you.
Within a few hours of meeting each other we establish we're both single, I haven't been out with anyone in a while and you've had a few weird experiences. I think we are both a bit surprised to find a little 'normality' in each other, although my friend Brendan will later exclaim he knew we would hit it off.
The good thing is that there's no false effort, and no forced conversation. There isn't really any intense spark either, but there are a few bright moments. I like your height the minute we meet. As a tall and fairly broad woman, I love taller broader men who make me feel smaller. I think you say you played rugby. But I could be wrong.