I A BEAUTIFUL FRIENDSHIP

My usual Saturday night. Sitting alone in a corner of the pub, by myself, nursing a beer, watching

all the other young people dancing, mixing and matching. But not me. I've tried but I seemed to radiate the plague germs. I think they just sense that I'm a bore. I can't be too bad, my work colleagues come to me for tech advice. Mind you they don't invite me to the Friday pub lunch get-together. I probably was a bore.

Even the doorman slash security man looked through me. I'd done the rounds as usual. Asked a few girls for a dance but always got a polite refusal, a regretful smile. I supposed that's better than a "bugger off, weirdo!"

The music was blaring, everybody was bouncing more or less rhythmically except me. I was recessed into a corner, not about to burst into tears, I'll wait until I get home.

"Hi, care to share some of your bench?"

What? I looked around and saw a nice looking girl. Young lady? "Um," I said coolly. Gathered my startled wits, slid sideways and said. "Be my guest."

She turned slowly and eased herself down onto the bench. That's when I noticed she had a walking stick. "You're welcome," I said, "so long as you don't hit me with that thing."

"I'm not likely to so long as you're a gentleman and or don't try to take my drink."

"Promise," I replied.

"Could you hold my drink please, while I make myself comfortable?"

"Is it anything interesting? Something that might appeal to me?"

"A very weak white wine and soda water."

"All yours. It's too girly for me," I said.

"Well, the night's afoot and we haven't introduced ourselves. I'm Bonnie. And you are?"

"Barry."

She was wriggling and twisting. "What on earth are you doing?" I asked.

"I've got a damaged back- a car accident- several vertabraes were fused together so my movements are somewhat restricted."

"I'm sorry to hear it," I said. "Do you get much pain?"

"Not if I'm careful, sometimes I forget and get a sharp spasm when I tango. It can absolutely floor me."

"Don't tango," I laughed. "What a load of rubbish. Can I get you another drink? That one's nearly gone."

"No thanks, that's my second, my limit."

So we talked and laughed for about an hour and she told me that she had to go home. Her back was starting to bother her.

"Damn it," I said, "I was enjoying your company."

"And I enjoyed your company. I found you quite sympatico. Now could you help me through the heaving masses and out to the front door. I'll call an Uber."

"Or," I said, "I could drive you home."

"A bit forward. Are you trustworthy?"

We were out the front of the pub. The large security bloke stepped forward and growled, "You'll look after our Bonnie, ay mate?"

"Of course," I told him. I certainly will! I like her and I wouldn't fancy that lump upset with me.

She lived nearby, we were there within minutes. "Would you like to come in for coffee, Barry?"

I smiled and did the eyebrow thing with her. She laughed. "Definitely not!"

She made coffee and produced half a bottle of Scotch. "It was Dad's. I don't drink it."

"I do but it's getting a bit late and I've got to drive home."

"Stay a while, I rarely get to have company." So I stayed a while and we talked and laughed.

"Bonnie, I really should go."

"Barry that sofa there," she pointed, "folds down into a bed. I've got a brand new tooth brush and, listen to this - I cook wonderful omelettes for breakfast. Would you like to stay over? I promise you I will not compromise your virtue."

"Damn, I was hoping---" I said looking glum.

"Well not tonight. Here, I'll show you how to fold out the sofa." She then went to a cupboard and pulled out an armful of bedding. "Oh, my hubby, the security bloke will be home shortly. Pretend to be asleep or he'll want to sit up and talk all night."

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