Swing and a Miss

Taking a brief aside here. Around this time, I walk back to get another drink at the bar. Everyone’s crowded the stage and, when I try to get back to my spot… I wedge myself sort of halfway between two rows. Half behind one guy and sort of blocking the guy behind me, I decide to cut my losses and move to the back of the room.

Once there, I spot Justin and hang out with him a while. Over my shoulder, I see a rather attractive woman who, on a few glances, seems to be looking my direction. I note this and keep talking with Justin. I look over and, each time, she seems to be looking over as well.

She walks by and touches me on the shoulder, saying “Excuse me.” I look and notice there was a fair amount of room beside me, suggesting that she didn’t really need to actually touch me to get by. I take this as a good sign, but see her leave the room. Dammit, I think. Missed my chance.

A few minutes later, she walks back in. I start to debate what to do for a while. I look over and again, each time, she seems to be looking over. Before I actually do anything, she walks by again and leaves the room. Dammit, I think. Missed my chance again.

A few minutes later, she walks back in. Justin’s walked away at this point, and I decide that yes, I should take one small step forward here. So I basically walk into her path and just up and say hello. Introduce myself. I ask if I can buy her a drink.

She politely declines, and says that she’s leaving after she finishes the one in her hand. We talk a little bit, and she asks if I know Justin. I’m surprised to hear this, and begin telling her that yes, I’ve known Justin for some time. Ten years, almost. Had a poetry class together when we were in college, and became friends after that. We talk a while more and I find that she knows both Justin and Dave, and used to go to the parties they threw at their old place. After some polite small talk, she says goodnight and leaves.

A bit later, I find out from Justin that the two of them sort of had a thing together, for a short while.

Doh.

Of all the people in the bar… why?

Ah well. The attempt is what counts. :)