“What’s the drinking game of the week?” the bow-tie wearing bartender asked his lone patron, a regular named Donny who’d arrived in a decidedly more casual getup of blue jeans, tennis shoes, and t-shirt.

Donny took a sip of his beer then eyed the ceiling for inspiration. “How about I ask the next single woman who orders a beer on a date?”

“I like it,” the bartender said with a laugh. “What’s it been, six months since the divorce?”

“Eight,” Donny corrected. “Not even a wink from a woman since then, so I’ll try anything.”

Minutes later, a stunning blond in a sequined red evening gown and matching heels entered and took a spot at the far end of the bar. Fortyish, she looked about Donny’s age, and wore no rings on her fingers.

“What’s a pretty lady drinkin’?” the bartender asked her, keeping one eye on Donny.

Frowning, the woman consulted the assortment of liquor bottles lined against the back-lit bar. “Not my usual, but how about a shot of Jack. My blind date just stood me up for the symphony, and his name was Jack. It’s appropriate.” She reached into her purse, produced two tickets, then slapped them down resignedly atop the bar.

The bartender offered Donny a shrug before reaching for the requested bottle of whiskey.

“Wait—” the woman said, smiling. “On second thought, liquor makes me sad. Give me a beer instead. Beer’s a happy drink.”

The bartender poured her a pint, watching as Donny grabbed his own drink and moved to the stool beside the blond.

“I can take you,” Donny offered her, introducing himself.

Looking him up and down, she laughed good-naturedly. “Confidence is a sexy trait, but the symphony is formal.”

“It’s just down the block, right?” Donny asked.

The woman laughed again, but her growing smile and blushing cheeks betrayed possible interest. “It is…but it starts in five minutes. They don’t let you in once it starts.”

Quick on his feet, Donny motioned the bartender over then whispered something in his ear. Thirty seconds later, he’d fastened the bartender’s loaned bow-tie around his bare neck and offered the woman his arm. “Shall we?”