A few people had gathered at the local pool hall to blow off some steam. It was Jerry, Alicia, Janet, Brad and a few other people from work. The conversation was light. The pool games were sloppy. But they were just having a good time.
"I am so glad that my work week is over," Alicia said as she raised a cold beer to her lips.
"Don't rub it in too hard. Some of us still have one more day to go," Jerry said. He stepped up to the pool table with his cue and attempted a shot. Unfortunately for him, it missed. "That's just typical of my week," he laughed.
"But like you said your week is almost over. One more day. You can do it!," Janet mocked from the corner.
"One more day? That's right. One more crap-tastic day. Fuck!" Jerry moaned as he watched Brad sink his shot on the pool table.
"I hate to make your week even worse, but that would be another victory for me. And another loss for you," Brad laughed.
"Pile it on, man. Just keep piling it on," Jerry grinned. He took a drink from his beer that was on the table.
"It can't be all that bad, right?" said a voice from the crowd. Karen stepped out of the large crowd that had gathered to watch the pool game. She looked absolutely ravishing in a tight black T-shirt and blue jeans. Jerry almost choked on his beer when he saw her. He didn't expect her to show up tonight.
"Karen! You made it. Did you bring Jerry?" Janet said. She looked at the Jerry who was standing next to her. "I meant, the other Jerry. You know? Your Jerry?"
Jerry began to drink a little faster. He excused himself quickly to use the bathroom.
"He couldn't make it. He has to work early tomorrow. He said he will come one of these nights though. I will make him," Karen laughed.
Jerry stood by the sink in the men's room. He splashed cold water over his face. He mumbled under his breath. Jerry reached for a paper towel and dried his face off. He composed himself and made his way back to the table. A game of pool had gotten under way between Karen and Sarah, a cute redhead that had just arrived. Jerry stood back and watched them. He couldn't keep his eyes off of Karen. Her smile, her long flowing dark hair. She was drop dead gorgeous.
Thirty minutes later, it was almost midnight. Jerry looked at his watch. He said his goodnights to every one from work. He looked around to say good bye to Karen but she was no where to be seen. He mumbled quietly to himself and headed for the parking lot.
Jerry made his way slowly through the crowded parking lot. Faintly, behind him he thought he heard his name called out. He turned around and saw nothing but empty cars and street lights. He turned back in the search for his car but again, stopped when he heard his name. This time it was unmistakable. Jerry stopped and waited until she was visible beside the parked cars. Karen made her way through the dimly lit lot.
"Hey stranger. Where you going?" she asked as she approached him.
"Hey, Karen," he said nervously. "I was just headed home. Unlike some of you, I have to work in the morning"
"Oh. Leaving so soon? I guess I don't blame you. I probably wouldn't have even come out if I had to work tomorrow. That sucks." She said.
"Yeah. I just wanted to get out for a while. Blow off some steam, you know?" he grinned at her.
"What time do you work tomorrow?" Karen asked.
"Eight fifteen until five. Not too bad. At least it's an eight hour day," Jerry remarked.
"So were you just going to leave and not say goodbye to me like that or what," Karen grinned.
"Don't be silly. I looked for you, but I couldn't find you. I figured you were at the bar or in the bathroom. And there was no way I was going to go looking in there for you," Jerry joked. They both laughed.
"I wouldn't have minded," she smiled.
The sexual tension was clearly in the air. Jerry looked around and saw that no one was around in the parking lot. They were alone. Without even realizing it, Jerry realized they were moving slowly closer together.
"I wouldn't have minded either, you know," Jerry whispered.
"I know. Next time, maybe you can join me," Karen grinned back at him. "Have a good night, Jerry," she smiled at him. She opened her arms and Jerry moved forward. They embraced tightly. Jerry's hands moved slowly up and down her back. She shivered in his arms. They pulled away for a moment and looked in each others eyes. Out of nowhere from a row down, a car door slammed. Suddenly they jumped back away from each other. "Good night. I will see you later," Karen said quickly as she turned away and disappeared into the parking lot.
"Good night, Karen," Jerry said. He reached into his pocket and pulled out his car keys. Silently he made his way to his car and drove home.