She looked around for the table Laura was talking about, then located it. She scooted by several tables and sat down, frowning a little as she glanced at her watch. She was on time, so where was everyone else? Menus and silverware were in front of each empty chair.
A waitress appeared and placed a cardboard coaster in front of her. “Can I get you something to drink?”
“Water, please.”
She nodded and walked away, while Amy tried to relax a little. At least the music wasn’t too loud, and the karaoke thankfully hadn’t started yet. She felt like a little old lady shaking her cane at kids running across her lawn, but she couldn’t help it. Even now she was trying not to wonder if Daniel had frequented this place during their marriage. She knew he’d hit numerous bars over the years they were married, usually after they had a fight about his drinking.
She shoved her ex out of her mind. Even though she didn’t want to be here, she would make the best of it. She just hoped Laura would arrive soon.
“Is this seat taken?”
Amy looked up to see a clean-cut man with black thick-framed glasses standing across from her. “Uh, kind of?”
“Are you with Single Mingles by any chance?”
“Ah... yes.” She so badly wanted to say no, but obviously he was here for the group.
“Good, I’m at the right place.” He paused, half smiling. “At least I think it’s good. Mind if I sit down?”
She shook her head and he lowered himself into the chair. “Max Monroe,” he said, holding out his hand. “I’m brand new to the group, so I’m not sure what I’m doing.”
“Amy Branch. And ditto.”
The waitress brought out her water, and Max told her he’d have a Coke. As he ordered, Amy got a better look at him. The frames were trendy, not nerdy, and he wore a crisp white shirt, sans tie, with a nice gray jacket and navy blue pants. His short brown hair had gray threaded through the top but was completely white on the sides. She had to admit he was a good-looking man.
The waitress went to get Max’s drink, and he glanced around the tavern. “I’ve never been here before either. Seems like a nice place.”
“This is my first time too.” She pulled her phone out of her purse to check her messages. Nothing so far. “My friend Laura should be here any minute. She’s running late.”
“I figured I’d be the tardy one.” He scooted his chair a little closer to the table and leaned forward.
“How did you find the group?” she asked.
“Online, I’m embarrassed to say.” He ran his thumb across the edge of the table. “My wife died five years ago. I figured it was time to join the world again. Socially, I mean.”
“I’m sorry for your loss.”
“Thanks. Crystal would have wanted me to move on...” He looked up. “I’m doing exactly what I told myself I wouldn’t do—jump in with my sob story.”
“It’s okay.” She smiled. “How long were you married?”
“Thirty years. She died of breast cancer.” He cleared his throat. “Anyway, tell me a little about yourself.”
“I’m divorced and I’m here against my will.” At his wide-eyed expression, she laughed. “I’ve been happily divorced for a little over twenty years. My friend Laura seems to think it’s past time for me to mix and mingle, and I’m here so she’ll shut up about it.”
“I see... I think.”
Her smiled faded. Maybe she shouldn’t have been so honest. “Don’t get me wrong. I love being around people. I’m just not interested in romance.”
His shoulders relaxed and the waitress returned with his drink. “Thanks,” he said to her, then looked at Amy again. “I’m so glad you said that. I’m not looking to date either. But I’ve got all these well-meaning people in my life who are so pushy. Including my former mother-in-law, if you can believe that.”
“Oh, I believe it. It’s like no one’s allowed to be single and happy.”
“Exactly.” He grinned and lifted his drink. “To being single.”
“Here, here.” She tapped her glass to his just as her phone screen lit up and Laura’s text appeared.
Still running late. Tell everyone to order without me.
