Ok if this is your first time reading the story carry on, if this is not your first time note that the way I'm telling this story is no longer just from Justin's point of view, but Austin's and maybe others as well if I feel inclined to do so. Regardless I hope you enjoy. Part of the great big reconstruction.

'So I Know this guy, newly single, really cute and oh so-'

'No.'

'Oh come on what do you have to lose?'

'I have better things to do.' He objected.

'Liar, I make your schedule, you have nothing better to do.'

'No offense, but the guys you set me up with never work out.'

'That's because you don't go with an open mind.'

'The last guy you set me up with murdered his husband.'

'It was self-defense.' She retorted.

'I'm not doing this with you.'

'Please just try this guy. I already told him you'd go. If it doesn't work out this'll be the last date I try to set you up on ever.' She had raised her right hand over her heart. 'I swear.' She had said. That is the story of how Austin Marley was manipulated into yet another dead end date by his friend/assistant Shatoya.

The guy himself was actually better than most of the men she managed to find. He had perfect teeth and a nice build. Although he had a few flakes of gray throughout his hair and very mild smile lines there were few other indications that he was that old. He didn't seem crazy or off. He had a great job and did well for himself. He'd be perfect actually if it weren't for one massive character flaw. The man was dull as dirt. The night started off awkwardly when he brought up his interest in vintage doll collecting to which Austin could only smile, nod, and feign interest. It only went downhill from there. The man, George was his name, kept droning on and on about God knows what. The more George spoke the more Austin's craved a cigarette. He had to struggle to pay attention as George's words slowly degenerated into what could only be described as an adult speaking in a Charlie Brown special.

When a waiter finally came back with their order Austin breathed a silent sigh of relief for this reprieve from the one way conversation. At least now if he had food in his mouth George wouldn't keep talking or so he thought. To Austin's internal horror his date pushed his food to the side and kept talking. On and on George chattered away as if trying to beat a record for most mundane conversation, until finally God took mercy on Austin and the waiter brought the check. He secretly cheered; he was free to leave now. The two left the restaurant together, George taking his entire meal.

George was rocking back and forth on his heels as he spoke. "So"

Austin rubbed his neck and responded with the same single word.

"Did you have a good time?"

"Um, yeah sure." Austin lied.

"So do you want to continue this back at your place or…?"

Austin dropped his gaze still rubbing his neck awkwardly. 'If he was this boring at a table I wonder how boring he is bed.' Austin thought. "Look… I think you're a nice guy and all, but well… I don't think this…" He gestured between the two. "…Is going to work."

George was quiet for a moment. "Alright then" He breathed. "It was nice meeting you."

The two shook hands and parted ways.

Austin walked silently alone through Prospect Park. He had no particular destination in mind, but kept walking further into the green space. It was still relatively early, only 9 o'clock and it just seemed a little too depressing to be home so early after a date even if it was a disaster. A couple strolled passed him; talking, flirting, and caught up in their own world and he couldn't help, but feel slightly jealous as they walked along absorbed in each other's glow. He honestly couldn't remember the last time he was in their shoes, but he knew it was a while. He found a solitary bench to settle down on and pulled out a pack of cigarettes as the couple kept their stride, completely oblivious to his presence.

The smoke mixed with the cool air of early spring and filled his lungs with its usual crispness. He laid his head back blowing smoke rings into the sky.

The next morning he was immediately ambushed by Shatoya upon stepping into work. She had an overly eager look on her face as if she were a child at Christmas and was close enough to him to smell her perfume.

"So" Shatoya inquired.

"So what?" He responded flatly.

"How was it? Was he a keeper or what?"

"He was better than what you usually set me up with."

"Oh I knew you two would hit it off!"

"But it was still an awful date."

Her expression immediately fell. "Of course it was."

"What's that supposed to mean?" He asked defensively.

"You have such high standards of course the date was gonna fail. Lower the bar a little."

"I didn't think wanting a sane guy, with no criminal history, a job, and a personality was considered setting a really high standard."

"Ugh you're just so hard to please. I don't get paid enough for this." She bellowed.

"I don't pay you for this at all."

"My point exactly." She scoffed. With her point made Shatoya walked back to her front desk; presumably to do what she was actually getting paid for. Austin shook his head amusedly before following her example. Before he could make his way into his back office Shatoya spoke again. "Oh yeah, before I forget; those people at that fashion magazine keep trying to gyp us on the price. What should I tell them?"

"The same thing we tell everyone; the price is what it is. We don't haggle or negotiate."

"Fine, fine, whatever."

TBC