The bar was busy and I was extremely nervous but Paul (my husband) standing a little down from me gave a gesture that I needed to head to the dance floor. Thinking back I'd never, in my entire life, been alone (well Paul was pretending not to be with me so it was practically the same) in a club or bar before. Sure I'd waited nervously for friends to arrive once or twice but this was different.
I took another slug of the wine, finishing the glass, then took tentative steps towards the dance floor. I felt very exposed partly because I didn't have a crowd to hide within and secondly the dress I wore was rather short.
Now I know I'm not glamorous in the way some women are, I'm a little gauche and I guess at times look it, nor would anyone call me a stunner. I do keep my figure trim so with the current dress I was getting a few looks especially as it was barely mid-thigh so most of my stocking covered legs were on display.
God, I'd virtually never worn anything as short as this! Sloppy jeans were more my thing and tight leggings were about as sexy as I got and then only worn with a long top! Now I approached the dance floor showing an awful lot of leg under my figure hugging powder-blue dress with matching killer heels.
At least I was fairly used to heels; being only five one meant I wore them more often than not, although not ones quite so high nor so dressy. But now here I was stepping onto the quiet dance floor attracting attention that I was certainly not used to. A glass of Pinot had followed the larger one I'd guzzled at home before we'd ventured out giving me a slight buzz and taking the edge off, thank goodness.
I began to dance, self-consciously at first then, although I was far from relaxed, I began to move with less concern and soon I was flowing to the music. No one came near me throughout the three tracks I remained on the floor before I retreated to the bar for some more courage. I spotted Paul, who had moved to stand viewing the dancing and he gave me a look and a shake of the head indicating he didn't think I should have left so soon.
I waited to be served then stood sipping my drink watching the world go by alone. I was really not comfortable with this at all and felt like leaving but I decided I'd give it another shot. We'd agreed this after months of discussion and Paul's prompting, besides the dress and shoes were, as my husband had put it, an expensive investment which he wanted to see reap rewards. I downed the wine and once again headed for the floor.
I was a little tipsy which is why after three more tracks I held my nerve and that was when I got my first hit. The guy danced closer then opened with some banal comment that I found impossible not to be cutting about. He looked embarrassed then drifted away. So much for that!
Another guy tried his luck after the next track but he was one of those annoyingly cocky guys who frankly had nothing about him except a few smart remarks and a bad line of pseudo-American slang. He lasted until I excused myself to the bar. It was as I stood waiting to be served again number three hit on me.
"Looks like you need a drink!" He stated as he waited for his own to arrive. I gave a weak smile and he said 'sorry.'
"What for?" I asked.
"I was just being light. You're with someone so I won't bother you."
"Err... No, no I'm not... I was just..." I gave him another smile, better this time. Paul was around somewhere but as he'd reaffirmed a dozen times before this evening; tonight I was alone... and single.
"Oh! Would you like one... a drink? While I'm being served?" He gave a warm smile again and I realised that if it was going to happen then this guy might be ok.
"Sure... err yes thanks! White wine please, Pinot." Christ this was it! Well it was the first step anyway. I glanced about me looking for Paul but didn't see him then turned my attention to the man ahead of me.
He was my sort of age; mid or early twenties possibly just a little younger, probably five ten, nice face great smile and now from behind had a decent profile. I couldn't see yet if he was fat or thin, not with the press of bodies around, but he certainly wasn't huge.
My drink arrived and after he passed it over he pushed himself away from the bar clutching three pints of beer. He made a move with his head indicating he was heading towards the same area Paul had been previously and I followed.
He was carrying a few pounds I realised but nothing excessive and his glance at me was warm and easy. I felt safer. His friends took their beers then turned to me and it began: Kevin, the man who'd supplied the wine was first off the blocks but it was clear his mates considered me fair game and I must admit I enjoyed how they verbally fought over me.
William (Will) was the one with the smoothest lines and quick banter but he wasn't my type at all while Kevin was fun and relaxed but a little too alternative, which left Craig. He was actually rather quiet, compared to his friends but I liked his bright eyes and sharp comments, when they came. He seemed to accept he was not a contender but I hoped he might be.