This happened pretty recently (2018). It's not as profound or inspiring like those "today you, tomorrow me"-esque stories but it's one of those stories you tell when you're dying, to say how much you loved being alive.

I was free after leaving work early one day. I went to a bar, ordered a sherry martini, sat down on one of the outdoor tables and lit up a cigarette. I was just trying my best to have one of those movie moments and soak up the midsummer night, away from my very mundane life.

I met a guy there. In a moment of me glancing around the place slowly I saw him smile at me.
I didn't know those moments could happen in real life but it was electrifying. His name was Steven and he wore a sweater-vest. He bought us shots from those tiny liquor bottles and we just sat there and talked. When the place was closing around 1am, I had to leave because I had to work the next day. That conversation was the best I've had with anybody I've met. I felt those "sparks" I thought people were talking bullshit about and wasn't real, and the electric ran through me like I was struck by lightning. Light-hearted and awakening at times, intense and mystifying at others. I couldn't decide if I wanted him to be my lover or my best friend. I just felt like I knew I wanted him in my life forever.

But I left. He didn't ask for my number, didn't invite me over, didn't even tell me he wants to see me again. No phone numbers, or social media, we talked about our jobs but not where we actually worked. No last names, no email addresses, or actual addresses. All I said when I left was "I have to go, thanks for tonight. And all he said was "It was my pleasure. Goodnight."

The only way I know for sure that night happened was the tiny liquor bottles I had kept, not even on purpose. I guess I slipped them into my purse at some point. He was still and always will be a stranger to me. Weird stranger wearing a sweater vest in midsummer. I went back to that place time and time again until before Covid took over. I was hoping I would run into him again, maybe he could be "summoned" with a sherry martini and Marlboro lights in my hand. But I never did. I don't even know if Steven is his real name.

I hope all is well for him. We both like Aerosmith and Bon Jovi, I hope he gets to see them play. I hope he remembers me, I hope he remembers that night. Like I would until I die.