When commuting during rush hour in New York City, you’re constantly tasked with having to make quick decisions that will ultimately affect the rest of your ride. Decisions like “do I sit next to the clearly incoherent junkie on this overly crowded C train?”. Those two unoccupied spaces on either side of him are vacant for a reason, girl. So when you DO decide to sit next to him, and he’s nodding off and leaning on you while spilling iced tea everywhere – meanwhile you’re shoving your tote bag in-between the two of you, as though this is some kind of effective barrier that prevents him from using you as a pillow (it isn’t) you have to wonder… who’s really to blame for your shitty post-work ride? 

It was considerably early when we walked into the bar. They wanted to go somewhere close, and this place was always fun and at the very least walking distance to my apartment. I wasn’t expecting him to be there, but half-hoping he would be. When we met only two weekends prior, I stumbled in around 1am and found myself in a dance party packed wall-to-wall (not a major feat, as this place is considerably small). I went up to the bar where my friend Shain was working when I spotted this 6’1” dark, bearded beauty. I worked up some drunken banter, he smiled and bought me a shot. I was shocked the next morning to find out from Shain he wanted my number. How I could have been attractive to anyone after a solid eight hours of day drinking is really beyond me.

Sure enough, he was there working. I went up to the bar, luckily it wasn’t very busy which let me steal his attention for a few sweet moments. We met eyes and I shot a half smile and a nod. “Shot?” he smiled back. He explained that he was just finishing up his shift… how convenient for me. So he bought me a drink and hung out with my friends and I for a little bit.

We played Cards Against Humanity and then danced for a little. My friends motioned to leave but I was way too happy with this completely organic series of chances that for once happened to work in my favor. You crave these things when everything is apps, and swipes, and profile photos that never look like what you expected, or they don’t match up to the character you’ve created in your head.I knew I had to stay right where I was and dance with him a little more. I knew that this night was nowhere near being over. I knew that being walking distance from my apartment would no longer be the highlight of this this.   

The following morning, well… afternoon. Ok, late afternoon - I woke up under that magnificent beard in his sun drenched bedroom after an evening of questionable choices. Funny enough we had already made plans earlier in the week for late afternoon drinks that day, so really I was just one step ahead. We got out of bed, washed our sleepy faces and went for that drink.