Saturday night, 10PM. I was home with no plans, no interested women, and not even Greg to go get a drink with. I could either get up the courage to go to Girl Bar alone or take a shower and go to bed. I wasn't sure I could handle Girl Bar with all the women, like myself, with nothing to do and nowhere to go, so I ended up ordering a pizza and sucking down a few beers. When the pizza man came, I noticed he looked around to investigate who would be indulging in this large garlic pizza. "It's for me and me alone."

"Excuse me?" He was short, Hispanic with a face loaded with pimples, too much pepperoni I thought.

"Just forget it." I felt like a bitch so I gave him a five buck tip, even though rent was due soon and I figured Greg hadn't made any money. Surprised by the amount of cash in his hand, he grinned and told me I was a "nice lady." Whatever.

I cracked open a Molson, swung open the pizza box, and clicked on the TV--- finding only static. The cable was out. Well, it was bound to happen sooner or later considering I hadn't paid the bill in two months.

Suddenly the pizza didn't seem so appetizing without the TV. I closed the box and shoved it in the fridge, thinking it would be good for breakfast.

I decided to call Shirley and see what she was up to. Maybe we could meet for a drink? I would tell her it clearly wasn't a date or anything, just "hanging out." I dialed and her machine picked up. Figuring she had to be home and was probably screening calls, I left a message, "Shirley, you there? Listen, it's Fran. I was wondering if you wanted to go get a drink somewhere. I know it's late, but what the hell. Are you there? Oh well, I guess you're not. Maybe next time. See ya."

She probably didn't want to get on the phone with me. Keeping her distance and I suppose I don't blame her. After all, I've been on the wrong side of attraction many times and it sucks.

I just went to bed and forced sleep upon myself to sleep

.*****

The next day, early afternoon, Greg and I ate the pizza. He soon left for the park, mumbling something about going to try to hook up with some old guy with a dog.

Shortly thereafter, the doorbell rang. It was Shirley.

"Hi. Hope you don't mind me stopping by, but I had to talk to somebody. I just had the most glorious night and I was in the neighborhood so I thought I'd come by and share."

"Yeah, sure." I said, "Come on in."

Bursting with energy, "Oh, this girl is so cute. I took her to a Dodger game and she loved it and then we had ice cream sundaes at Canters. Then she invited me back to her place and oh God, I really like her."

"Who is it?"

"That chick from the party."

"Really?"

"Yeah, but you know I should go. We're getting together later for dinner. I just wanted to say hi."

"I called you last night."

"You did? Oh, did you want something?"

I didn't know what I was thinking, but I drew myself close to her and raised my hands to her face. She was surprised as I leaned in and kissed her mouth. I released my hold.

She took a deep breath and said, "You know Fran, you knew I was attracted to you and that I wanted to date you, but you were cold and now that I'm dating someone--- suddenly you decide you're interested?"

"One night does not mean dating."

She opened my door, "Next time you kiss somebody by the way, you may want to hold off on the garlic pizza." She slammed the door on her way out and I hoped that wasn't the end of Shirley.