I step nervously into the bar, a bit awkward in these new surroundings.
Ahead of me, I see the bar, and I step forward to get a soda. As I wait for the bartender to notice me, I look around curiously, noticing the band warming up in the corner. Paying for my soda, I wander over to take a stool near the band. I look around for , trying not to look like I'm looking for him.
Time passes, and the crowd grows, and I begin to worry I won't find him at all. By this time, my soda is gone so I head back to the bar for a juice this time. There is a large crowd around the bar, and I distractedly wedge myself between two medium-sized men, trying to get the bartender's attention. Just as I turn away with my drink, the man to my left glances down and grins broadly.
"! You made it!"
It's ! He looks very handsome and classy in a white dress shirt and a black suit jacket, even holding a large beer.
"How was your holiday? Did you have a good time at home?"
He's very cheerful and enthusiastic, and as I chatter on a bit about my holiday, he turns to the bartender and orders a screwdriver, which
he sets down in front of me.
"If you don't want it, that's fine, but it's a special occasion and I thought you might like something a bit more...potent." He glares at my plain juice with distaste, and I giggle at the look on his face. I take a sip of the screwdriver and smile happily.
As the evening progresses, we talk about my academic and nonacademic interests. listens attentively, and often makes suggestions for books to read and classes to take that will nurture my interest in psychology. The band starts playing, and we dance and drink, and I find I'm having one of the best New Year's Eves I've ever had. I feel good, tipsy, happy, and valued.
I'm heading back from a trip to the restroom, when I hear someone say "Five minutes left of the year!!"
I hurry back to , to find he's gotten us each a glass of champagne. I hear the singer on the microphone stop and start counting down....
"Five! Four! Three! Two! One! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!"
I cheer and toast along with everyone else, and turns and glances down at me, smiling mischeviously as he puts an arm around me and pulls me against him. |