Fiction: Jesse's story (2)

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After Jesse parked the car, she entered and was followed by curious onlookers. Since Matthew wasn't there yet, she turned down the offer of a table and opted to wait at the bar instead. She felt at ease sitting at the bar by herself, ordering a whisky sour. She used to go to her father's pub in the afternoons to finish her schoolwork.

She could see clearly across the tables in the restaurant, which was not too crowded. A handsome man sat at the other end of the bar, seemingly in waiting for someone. He tapped the bar with his finger to get the attention of the bartender, looking very upset. When the drink was brought to him by the bartender, he appeared relieved and placed another order. I bet he had a difficult day.

After Jesse placed her own drink order, she was half done when she got a text from Matthew informing her that there was an emergency at the hospital and he was on his way.

After setting out some peanuts for the patrons on the counter, the bartender walked to the rear to retrieve some spotless glasses. Jesse finished her drink and smiled at the gorgeous man at the bar when she glanced over her shoulder. Though she wasn't aware of it at first, she quickly understood he was choking and leaped to help.

She gave him a harsh back slap and motioned for him to raise his arms. After striking him again, she noticed a peanut soaring into the air.

He looked much better after taking a taste of his drink, but he still coughed a little.

"My life was saved by you."

At least I knew what to do, I suppose. I work as a nurse at the hospital Saint Mary's. My name is Jesse. I'm glad to have met you.

"My name is Joe. Jesse, I wish that could have happened in a better situation. I had a difficult day today, and it might have been my last one if it weren't for you.

Jesse grinned. He appeared to be a good man.

"I'm happy I could assist. It would be best to ignore those peanuts.

"May I please make it right? At minimum, may I buy you a drink?

"Well, the person I'm really waiting for is still at the hospital. Maybe we could share a single beverage.

They got to talking when Joe placed a drink order. They hit it off right away, and when Matthew did show up thirty minutes later, she was genuinely sorry to see him go. He thanked her once more for sparing his life as she excused herself.

Joe observed Jesse and Matthew making their way to their table. Maybe he came to this area of town tonight by happenstance. All he knew was that he wanted to see Jesse again; perhaps they were meant to be together. Though he knew they weren't meant to be together, he prayed she and her date weren't serious.

His heart warmed the instant he laid eyes on Jesse, and he knew she was the one. It would be simple to find her because at least he knew where she worked.

After enjoying a lovely supper together, Jesse was impatient with Matthew because he kept talking exclusively about himself. When the night eventually ended and she arrived in her own vehicle, she was overjoyed. She pretended to have a headache, thanked Matthew for a great evening, and left as soon as she could, even though Matthew still wanted to go dancing.

To be continued

Greetings😊