The day I met Thom, I knew something big was coming. I locked eyes with him and something inside me clicked. I knew this person would change my life.

“Is this seat taken?”

“Yeah”

I look up and see him, but only those hauntingly dark blue eyes. I was immediately hooked. He blinks. I change my story.

“I mean, it’s my date’s, but I think he might be climbing out the bathroom window right now.”

I smile and place my hand against my cheek in a mock whisper, “It’s not going well. Please sit down.”

He smiles and sits.

“Maybe I’ll just keep you company until he comes back.”

“Good idea. This place can be pretty dangerous if you don’t know what to look out for.”

I see my friend Kira, the true owner of the seat, come out of the bathroom and clock my new friend. She scratches her ear while making eye contact, our symbol for “are you okay?” and I nod. She heads to the bar. She’s a good friend. She knows when to stick around, just in case. She knows if she’s not there to keep me level I might end up on the back of a motorcycle headed out of town. Not to worry, though, she’s making fast friends with the freshman finance bro at the bar. Based on his expression and gestures, his new colleagues probably sent him here alone as a prank. Joke’s on them, he met Kira.