Our company has an annual gala or awards night to celebrate the accomplishments from the previous financial year. Members of the management take turns leading the preparation for this event, and this year, I was on queue to lead it. Unfortunately for me, the week has been a bit rough at work, and when you add the stress of the event preparation to the mix, it's safe to say that it's been "hell week" for me. As if these were not enough, my husband is out on business travel the whole week, and I have no one to share a bottle of wine with at home to unwind. So, as soon as we finished the awards night, I gave a thank you speech to my organizing team, then I went straight to the wine and tapas bar my husband and go to frequently so I can unwind and relax while heading into the weekend.
Coming from a gala, I was a bit overdressed for the place since it was a casual Spanish bar and bistro. I was in a long, black, backless dress with just a G-string underneath, and a pair of six-inch stilettos, while everyone else were in their jeans and shirts. I sat by the bar where my husband and I usually stay so I can at least have a chat with the resident bartender whom we know very well, but luck was really not on my side since he called in sick. and a different guy was standing in for him. I got myself a glass of my favorite Rioja and a small chorizo and cheese platter so I could unwind quietly after what seemed like a very long week.
I was just staring blankly at the bottles of wine in front of me while sipping from my glass, and I didn't even notice that a gentleman sat on the bar stool beside me until he talked to me.
"Hi! Are you expecting anyone?" he asked.
"Oh, hi! No, I'm not." I responded with a polite smile
"Great! Mind if I sit here?"
"No, go ahead! It's vacant."
"Thank you. So, are you looking for some company tonight?"
"No, sorry! I'm married and just trying to relax after a long day." I responded while showing him my wedding ring.
"Oh, no! Sorry, I meant no offense."
"It's okay! None taken. Don't worry"
"Thank you! I feel embarrassed."
"No! Don't be, it's okay!"
"I..I just exposed myself. I hope you don't think of me as a pervert." He said while blushing, obviously embarrassed with what just happened.
"Don't worry about it! I won't judge you!" I said with a soft laugh.
"I'm really sorry! But would you mind if I chat with you and just forget that I tried hooking up with you?"
"Haha! I guess I should be flattered that at my age I can still attract men!"
"Well, you look stunning! I'm Javi!" he introduced as he extended his hand to me.
I introduced myself to Javi, and when I reached out to shake his hand, he took my hand and gently kissed it. I haven't been paying much attention to him until he kissed my hand, and it was only then that I noticed how handsome he was. He had salt-and-pepper hair which was groomed nicely and blends very well with his 5 o'clock shadow, and from my vantage point, he looks very fit. My mind started wandering a bit as I admired his looks that he had to snap me out of it by asking if I was okay as I was giving him a blank stare. I apologized and blamed the stressful week as an excuse which I hope he bought.
We started chatting more and he shared a lot about himself. I learned that he is an engineer on an expat assignment from Madrid, that's why he chose the Spanish place to have his drinks. He also shared that he is divorced, and his 2 kids are living with his ex-wife, but they would be flying over in a few months to spend the holidays with him. From my end I didn't want to divulge much information, but he asked questions, so I shared that my husband is currently on a plane flying back home, and that we had 2 girls who are currently staying with my mom as I was working late the whole week. We did talk about our work a bit, but after that we talked more interesting stuff like travels and hobbies.
I started enjoying the evening and I was glad that I decided to be polite to Javi even if I was tired. I ended up staying longer than I initially planned, and we ended up ordering a bottle of wine on top of the two glasses we each consumed. He started getting very comfortable, and a bit touchy at times, while I was also warming up to him and allowed him to rub my back or my hand as long as he didn't go too far. He wanted to order another glass of wine when we consumed our bottle, but the bartender told us that they were closing soon and can no longer serve more drinks. We ended up settling our bill and as the bartender couldn't be convinced to give us a last round.