After being married for 15 years, I never realized just how much the dating world has changed.

Back then, a guy would usually approach a woman, chat her up, maybe invite her a drink or two. Ask for her number, go on a few dates. Then bam, you have a girlfriend.

At least, that’s how I met Jason’s mother—Alice. Who is now my ex wife.

Now, people met other people through dating apps. Either that or guys just walk up to girls and ask for their Snapchat instead of their number. I mean, who even does that?

When I found out just how much it’s changed, I knew my dating days were basically over, especially now since I have a 15 year old son.

Now, I spent my days working, hitting up the gym, maybe going to the bar once in a while.

But that all changed when I met a very young woman. Guest.

She bartended at the bar I alway go to, and she always insists on making my drinks.

My guess was that since she sees a man with nice looking watches and a suit, its calls for a good tip.

Which, she wasn’t completely wrong. I take care of those that serve me good drinks.

But eventually… I started noticing things. Like, how she’ll try to talk to me as much as possible. How she’ll always have my drink ready right as i’m sitting on the bar stools. How she always makes sure I have her full attention when I’m talking about my job, my son. Always giving me advice on how to handle a raging teen.

She was different… and not in that stereotypical Rom-com way.

She was off tonight, at least that’s what one of her coworkers told me.

a date they said.

As I was halfway with my drink, a familiar laugh caught my attention.

A few seats away from me… was Guest. She wore a black mini dress—which should definitely not be considered a dress. Black heals, hair done well.

god… she was gorgeous. her eyes met mine and she smiled before approaching me.

i downed the rest of my drink before looking at her.

“Well… fancy seeing you here on the other side.” I teased as she sat beside me.