Title: So Much for My Happy Ending
Feedback: Crave it, need it, want it.
Author's Note: At the end.
Chapter 2: "Do You Mind if I Sit Here?"
9:34 P.M.
Scully paid the man fifty dollars when they arrived at the diner. She gave him a sweet thank you when his face showed that he was literally struck dumb. She exited the car and approached the building he silently pointed at. It was called Rusty's Bar and Grill, and the man was right; it wasn't too packed.
She entered and took a barstool seat. A thin elderly lady from behind the bar gave her a menu.
"Alone tonight, are we?"
"Yep."
"Then your first drink is free. No one should be alone on tonight of all nights."
"Everybody's been saying that. I like being alone."
The lady gave her the look. "You need alcohol; I can tell."
"Yes, but you're treating me like I just got dumped."
"No, I just know you need alcohol. What'll it be?"
She quirked an eyebrow. "Bourbon, straight."
"Coming right up," and she grabbed an unopened bottle from underneath and popped the cork off, filling a glass pint half way.
"You're giving me this for free…as a first drink? That's a little unorthodox, isn't it?"
"No, you look like the type who can hold their liquor. You'll ask for another. I'll be back in a few to give you a chance to decide," she motioned toward the menu in Scully's hands and trotted away, on what Scully now saw to be five inch spike heels.
She just reaches five feet in those! I thought I was short.
Scully took a swig of her newly poured drink. Damn, this was premium stuff. She wondered what the date was.
She glanced at the menu. Chicken parmesan looked good, but she always got that when she went out.
"Do you mind if I sit here?"
She looked up to see a man standing next to her. He wore casual clothes, and had a bouquet of roses in his hand that hung limply at his side. He wasn't much to look at: dark blond hair, average face, about five-eight, five-nine in height. His smile was nice, however, and he didn't smell like a bum. In fact, she rather liked whatever cologne he was wearing.
"Sure," she replied, looking back at her menu.
He took the stool next to her and laid the roses on the bar table. He looked rather lost. He must have been stood up. Poor guy.
"If you're having a hard time deciding, the pot roast sandwich is to die for."
She looked at him. "You come here often?"
"Yes, they have great food and you never get turned down for it being too crowded in here."
She smiled.
He smiled back shyly, extending his hand. "I'm Ethan, Ethan Minette."
She took it and gave him a gentle shake. "I'm Dana, Dana Scully."
His grin widened and he released her. "So what is a woman like you doing all alone on Valentine's Day?"
"I could ask the same of you."
"You could, but last time I checked, I wasn't a woman."
She giggled slightly. He defiantly wasn't Mr. Humor, but at least he was light-hearted.
"But if you are asking, I was utterly stood up tonight."
"Who's the unlucky lady?"
Oh my God! Did I just say that?! I met this average looking guy what, 30 seconds ago?
He actually blushed at her remark. "I, um, she's been my girlfriend for about two years. It's been falling apart, though. I started noticing a change in her, well, us three months ago. I think she's seeing other people. As for me, well I'm sitting here talking to a beautiful red-head."
It was her turn to blush. He was gently blunt, but not an ass. He was turning out to not be such a bad guy.
"Are you ready?"
Scully jumped at the sound of the old lady's voice.
"Uh, yeah, I'll have the pot roast sandwich with a side of garden salad with French dressing."
Is that a grin on her face, or is she just smug? Who cares, I certainly don't. Now what is this guy's name again…?
"Ethan, right?"
He nods.
"I'm guessing you haven't eaten. Are you going to get something?"
"No. I'm not hungry, but I'll probably get a drink…."
And the evening went on just like that. It wasn't the greatest night Dana ever had, but it was certainly pleasant. Pleasant: that about summed up Ethan Porter in one word.
Scully finished off her second drink as the bartender came around to pick up her cleaned plate.
"Bill, please."
"I'll pay for it, Dana."
"No, I got it."
"You sure?"
"Positive."
After paying, Scully looked at her watch; 10:43. "Sorry to cut this short, but I've gotta get home."
"Are you with someone?"
She stared at him. "No, why?"
"If you don't have any plans for tomorrow morning, I was wondering if we could meet here at nine and have breakfast, if you wouldn't mind."
She searched his eyes. They were, happy; just happy.
"Yeah, I think I can do that."
He smiles, and offers her the bouquet. "I think you deserve these more than the trash can, or my old girlfriend for that matter."
She observes the bunch of white and crimson roses and takes them.
"Thank you."
"No, thank you. You've really made my night, even my whole week."
She smiled and looked down. He wasn't just pleasant; he was sweet.
"So I'll see you tomorrow?"
"I'll defiantly make an effort." She hailed a cab, and, waving goodbye, told the driver Georgetown and disappeared into the thick night traffic.
Author's Note: So, this is my second chapter. She finally meets him. What now? I will only post the next chapter if asked. Comments are appreciated; I'd like to know how I'm doing.