“A whisky thanks, mate.”
He downed it in two gulps. As its warmth spread, he relaxed. Her online profile had appealed to him. He sighed.
“Another one.”
John sipped slowly. He leaned back, looked around. Dim, warm – your average pub.
Should he leave? Nah – maybe one more.
The third one was going down well when a slender woman sat next to him. “Is this seat taken?”
Polite. Not bad looking.
“Nope.”
When her drink arrived, she asked. “Are you by yourself?”
“That’s me – solo John.”
“I’m Destiny.”
He snorted. “Destiny?”
“I know – dumb, right? What can I say? It’s my mum’s fault.”
He laughed. The night was looking up. “Let me get you another drink.”
“Are you sure?” Her smile made him feel expansive.
“Yeah. What’ll it be?”
“I’m a whisky girl. Will you join me?”
“Why not?”
They moved to a table. John spilt a little of his drink as they sat, but Destiny didn’t notice. She chatted while he tried to focus. Wonder if I can get her to my place?
Destiny touched his arm. “John, would you like to come to my house? I’ve got a housemate, but she won’t mind.”
“Or you could come to mine?” The wait was agonising.
Her eyes sparkled. “Sure, I’d love to.”
“Let me escort you.” His tongue tripped over the words. He ordered an Uber and put his arm around her while they waited. She snuggled closer.
He fumbled his front door lock. Don’t want to scare her off by making a move straight away. “Would you like some coffee? Another drink?”
“Let’s have one more. Do you have any whisky?”
A girl after his own heart.
John brought the drinks into the lounge. Destiny had kicked off her shoes and curled up on the couch. They drank in silence for a few minutes until he couldn’t wait any longer. He kissed her, slowly at first, then with more passion.
* * * * * * *
Destiny relaxed against the headboard on John’s bed. He slept, losing consciousness soon after they kissed. The drug in his whisky had helped of course. She pulled on her thin gloves and opened his wallet. Only 50 quid in cash, but it would do. Credit cards. She only needed one. Destiny held John’s phone to his limp hand and smiled when the apps appeared. The dating app had to go. No point in luring someone to a meeting if they could find you again. Next up, bank account. Huh, disappointing. Not worth the effort.
She prowled around his bedroom. Cool cufflinks. She popped them in her bag. The kitchen revealed a very nice antique tankard.
Destiny cleaned up before she left. Washed the whisky glasses, put them away. She walked to the next street to order an Uber. She relaxed on the train. A good night’s work, enjoyable too.