Matt Perkins is quite the character.
As his name implies, there are some perks to knowing him—his spontaneity, loyalty and generosity.
The latter quality has gotten me out of the house this evening. Things are tight financially for me right now and Matt has offered to treat me to a night out at a pub
The pub is jumping this evening, with everyone happy and getting into the festive spirit, no doubt.
Such mundane things people take for granted—hell, I used to, until my business partner liquidated my assets and I lost my company.
But I'm not going to dwell on that tonight. Matt wants a break from the daily grind and I'm happy to tag along and share his night of freedom.
But Matt's not the kind to get too wild—he loves his wife and I don't blame him. Midge is part-pixy, part Siren and sweet as they come. I like her and always have.
I figure the wildest Matt will get tonight is to down too many drafts and if he does, I'll drive him home or we'll take a cab.
Yeah, not exactly 'born to be wild', but neither of us is prone to those kinds of excesses.
I 'm comfortable with Matt—I've known him longer than I knew Jeff, but without the surprises, like coming back home after a three month absence and finding your bank accounts cleared out.
But enough of that—I promised myself not to dwell on the downside, and besides, I'm not casting Matt in the role of agony aunt having to watch me cry in my beer all night.
But the best-laid plans always go astray and Matt can't resist asking.
"How are you getting by these days, truthfully?"
I"m good, Matt, don't worry about me, it'll all work out in the end."
"You know if you're strapped for cash, I'm here for you. It must really suck right before Christmas."
I shrug, "Really Matt, I'm alright. Actually, I'm figuring on volunteering because I see a lot people worse off than me. And it'll keep me busy."
"You're one of a kind, Cole," Matt smiles, "I admire you."
I get up to go to the washroom. "You may lose your respect for me," I deadpan, "if I get tanked tonight and start crying in my beer."
"That's not your style," he parried, "but even if you did, I wouldn't blame you one bit."
I clap him affectionately on the shoulder and head to the rear of the pub.
The pub is crowded and some of he patrons have added chairs around their table making it tight to navigate.
And sure enough, I end up colliding with a woman exiting the female washroom.
"I'm so sorry, " I say apologetically, staring into her huge dark eyes. The girl is attractive and I probably stare a bit too long.
"It happens," she smiles, "sometimes it's a happy accident."
I smile back and head to the facilities, but when I come out, she's waiting.
"Hey," she chirps, "I didn't catch your name."
"It's Cole," I tell her.
"You're not referring to what bad boys get in their Christmas stocking are you?" she teased.
"Naw, it's spelt like Cole Porter—and I'm not a bad boy—this is a rare night out for me."
She looks me up and down. "Why do I doubt that?" she muses. "Want to buy me a beer?"
"I'd like to, but I'm a bit cash-strapped right now—and my friend is here with me."
I point to Matt sitting alone near the front.
"He can meet my friend," she offers, pointing to a blond girl smiling at us .
I shake my head. "He's married and his wife is my friend—that wouldn't work."
"Well, you owe me something for bumping into me. Why don't you give your number and we can meet sometime?"
I'm not used to a woman being this direct and I'm not sure if I like it—but I like her. Her huge eyes stare into mine and I find myself reciting my number that she punches into her cell.
"By the way," she says, "I'm Greer Kinsley—what’s your last name?"
"Stevens...Cole Stevens," I tell her.
She giggles. "You say that with the same suave air as James Bond. Are you a man of mystery, Mr. Stevens?"
I shake my head, "Far from it. I'm actually quite boring. You might be disappointed."
She leans in close to me, so close I can inhale the soft powdery scent of her perfume.
"I doubt I'd find you boring," she whispers. "It was nice bumping into you."
I walk back to the table in a haze.
"Who was that gorgeous girl you were talking to?" Matt asked.
"I don't know—maybe my Destiny. I have no idea if I'll ever see her again."
He shakes his head in disbelief.
"You're a strange guy, Cole—I think I know you, but you're still a mystery. You surprise me sometimes."
It’s weird—first Greer and now Matt, seeing the same thing in me. But why don't I see it myself?
Maybe Fate is smiling at me. If so, I’m curious to know how this turns out.
