The music boomed around me as I threw back the last drops of my cocktail. I had been to this rooftop bar a few times before it was renovated and thought I would try it again since re-opening. It turned out to be one of my better decisions. The place was packed but I managed to slip into a seat at the bar. It seemed the renovations and rebrand had brought a younger generation into the place. No more middle-aged office parties. The bar was now packed with people in their late teens and early twenties. A cavalcade of mini dresses and stiletto heels made their way past me with each emptying of the lift. I stole glances at the selection of immaculate pedicures, varying from white to blue and shades of barbie pink. Amidst the fray of the crowd, I first saw them sitting in a corner booth together. The girl was gorgeous. About 5 feet tall with a sender but athletic body, sun kissed skin and flowing blonde hair. The guy was brawny. Easily six four with a broad chest and tanned complexion. His black shirt was unbuttoned halfway down his chest. The girl occasionally slid a hand inside playfully as they kissed. She was wearing a figure hugging bardot mini dress that cut across her chest and accentuated her toned legs, paired with a pair of sexy stiletto slingback heels with a peep toe that showed off a French tipped pedicure.
Perhaps it was the strong cocktails, but I stole a few more looks as they sat flirting. I stretched my luck too far on the fourth look as the guy broke off from a kiss and made eye contact. I flicked my gaze away before slowly returning. He was still looking at me but whispering something in the girl's ear. Her gaze followed his and their eyes met mine. I returned to my drink just as she slid from the booth and began walking towards me. I felt her arrive at the gap in the bar beside me, leaning forward to attract the bartender's attention.
"Are those any good?" She said, pointing to my drink.
"Strong. But very tasty." I replied.
"How I like my men!" She giggled. "Here alone?"
"Just out for a few drinks. Thought I'd try this place since it re-opened. How about you?"
"Just on a date night with my boyfriend. I hope you don't mind me saying, but I saw you looking over. See something you like?"
"Well, I just wanted to say that dress looks spectacular on you. If you don't mind me saying with your boyfriend there."
"Thank-you. He won't mind at all. He likes to show me off. But, if you're worried about pissing him off, how about you buy us a round of drinks?"
"You sure about that?"
"Why not? Seems fair for admiring the view. Besides, you could come join us. Better than drinking alone."
I looked into her mischievous eyes and flicked my gaze to her watching boyfriend. Intrigued I thought I would bite.
"Ok, seems fair."
She ordered a French martini for herself and a whiskey sour for her boyfriend. I ordered another martini and paid, directing the waitress to the booth. The girl guided me back to her waiting boyfriend.
"This kind stranger bought us a round babe. Mind if he joins us?"
"Cheers mate. No problem, take a seat."
"Enjoying your night?" I asked as the girl slid back against her boyfriend's shoulder.
"It's a fun spot. I've been a few times with my girlfriends but thought we would come by ourselves for date night."
"They don't skimp on the drinks." Her brawny boyfriend chipped in. "I'm Theo by the way." He said, extending a hand.
"I'm Natasha."
"Nice to meet you both. I feel bad interrupting your date night."
"Don't be. Better than having you sitting over there all alone."
"Meeting someone for a date? Or just window shopping the talent?" Theo asked sipping his drink.
"Just thought I would head out for a few drinks and see where the night takes me."
"I love those kinds of nights!" Natasha chirped. "Never know where you might wind up!"
"I'm really not imposing?"
"Only interrupting us getting a bit frisky." Theo said, placing a hand on Natasha's thigh.
"I swear these booths are a bad influence on you!" Natasha giggled, slapping his forearm playfully. "I am sure he doesn't want a show with his drinks."
"Well, you never know. Some people like to watch." Theo said with a smirk.
"Honestly Theo!" Natasha said laughing.
"He's not wrong though and as a couple I reckon you would put on a good show." I said playfully.
"You're as bad as each other!" Natasha giggled.
My eyes met Theo's again as he held a brief stare over his drink. We continued to another 2 rounds which I offered to cover. The chat flowed as well as the drinks. I found out Natasha worked in a marketing role whilst Theo worked for a contractor business. They both loved the gym but Theo also played some rugby and football. They met at a mutual friend's house party and hit it off just over a year ago.
"What about you? Any action in your love life recently?" Theo quizzed.
"Some connections on the dating apps, but nothing long term. I broke up with a long-term girlfriend last year but keep in touch a bit."
"That's brave. Don't know many exes I would keep in touch with."
"Well, it's complicated."
"Why nothing long term?" Natasha asked.
"No specific reason. Chemistry not there. Wanting different things. Into different things. Usual stuff."
"And what exactly are you into?" Theo asked with a wry smile.
"Theo! You're getting so personal!" Natasha said. "But maybe it would be fun to talk about it..."