We got into Melly’s Mini and she drove us to The Red Peahen. It was Melly’s favorite bar. It seemed that out of all the others she had scoured, this was the one that seemed to draw the most handsome male patrons. All burly farmer types. I listened to her bright chatter, smiled encouragingly and made all the right noises, but quite honestly, the local eye-candy was the last thing on my mind.

It was Friday night so there was a small band playing in one corner and an area had been cleared in front to serve as a dance floor. Melly assured me it would be heaving later, but at the moment there wasn’t a soul on it. The band was quite good though. They were playing old rock and roll numbers mixed in with a few sixties hits.

Melly bought the first round and we settled into our seats. She tossed an almond at me. "Is this how you're going to spend your night off?"

“What do you mean?”

“Like you dropped your pizza cheese down on the ground.”

I grinned. “I’d still eat it.”

“Don’t tell anyone,” she whispered dramatically, “but so would I.”

After that we had quite a nice time and I ended up drinking far more than I normally would have. About nine-thirty a couple of guys walked in and Melly’s mouth dropped open as she pushed her glass away from her. “Did you see that?”

I turned around. A brawny guy in faded jeans and a green shirt had just walked in and made his way to the bar.

I turned back to her. “Did you see the girl he’s with?”

She made a face. “Never mind. That tall guy over there, three o’clock, has been staring at you. Do you want to go say hi or should I step in?"

I lifted my head and true enough, an attractive guy was sneaking looks our way. "Why do you have to make it happen?” I asked. “Let him come over if he's interested."

She sighed heavily. “In case you haven’t noticed, gender expectations are now non-existent. Speaking about gender expectations I haven’t had sex in months and I’d really like to get laid tonight.”

Her eyes connected with a couple of guys standing at the bar she had identified earlier as potential partners. She rose to her feet with determination. “Does the guy in the black shirt seem like he’ll do, or does Mr. Brown Boots beside him appear to have more potential?”

They were passable enough. Not really my type. My type was at the castle. “How am I supposed to know what’ll do for you?” I could feel my words starting to slur. I knew I should stop drinking.

"I need to know who to invest my energy on. They came together so if I pick the wrong one I lose out on both.”

"Black Shirt's got more guns …”

“True,” she agreed and emptied her glass in one smooth movement. Black Shirt stood to his feet then and she sucked in her breath. “Jesus, did you see the ass he’s been sitting on all this time?”

Well, okay, I had to agree. Farmer Black Shirt was worth the walk up to the bar. “Go for it,” I encouraged.

She was transfixed. “I am, but he’s something to behold, isn’t he?” She plopped back into her seat. “I think I’m intimidated.”

I couldn’t contain my amusement. "What happened to gender expectations and all that?” I asked. “You were never going to go up to either of them, were you? You’re too chicken.”

She scratched her head, and sent me a sheepish smile. “You may be right. I was hoping I’d be able to inspire you and you’d lead the way. I’m all talk, I guess. Can you believe I lost my virginity at twenty-seven? Yup, and to an asshole too. After waiting that long I thought I would see fireworks, but instead all I remember are the brown stains on his apartment ceiling from a water leak. I swear one of them was shaped like a giant dick."

It would have been funny if it was not so sad. Slamming my glass on the table I pulled her to her feet. I had a decent amount of drink in me so I just took a deep breath and headed over towards Black Shirt and his friend. To my great surprise and delight, his friend rose to meet me halfway, the kindest of smiles across his face.

"Hi," I said to him.

“Hey,” he replied. “You have more guts than me.”

"I'm just a bit more drunk.”

He laughed, and I could feel the nervous tension within me begin to unravel. Maybe I could never have Brett King, but there was a sea of men out there for me. All I had to do was forget him. And what better way than with such a sweet guy.

"Can you stomach one more drink?" he asked with a slow smile.

The band was playing Great Balls Of Fire. There was still no one on the dance floor yet, but what the heck. I smiled up at him. "A dance for now sounds amazing. The drink can come after.”

"As you wish ..." he said gallantly, and taking my hand twirled me to the dancefloor. I dragged Melly with me. I was going to get her Black Shirt for her, or die trying. I glanced back and sure enough Black Shirt was watching us. I began to believe it had been a good call to come out this evening.

No matter what, I was going to forget Brett King … and his fabulous abs.