One Wednesday a buddy and I decide to go out for some drinks at an upscale jazz bar. Arriving early I mozied on over to the bar. There was a nice empty chair waiting for me and the night was still young so I posted up there waiting for my friend.

As the bar begins to fill people begin to occupy the chairs adjacent to me. On the left, a stodgy business man, the right, a woman in her late forties. I introduce myself to the woman on the right. We exchange pleasantries and have a decent conversation for about thirty minutes while she waits on her date to arrive. Receiving a call I promptly remove myself. On my way out the door to take this useless call I catch sight of the hostess at the coat check.

She's standing about five two dressed in black with nice skin and a genuine smile. I immediately hang up my phone and approach her. Luckily I was wearing a nice jacket that she could watch for me. After giving her the coat, scotch in hand, I proceed to get to know the woman. We talk about music, art, and other interests for a good while. I'll be honest, during the conversation there were times when I should have kept my mouth closed. Yet, those blunders got tangled into the rest of the interaction. As my scotch ran dry my friend strode into the bar and helped me walk away with grace. I asked her for her number and she said sure, but alas I had forgotten my phone.

Walking back to the bar we order more drinks and head over to the music. There I flirt with a woman three times my age and she offers me a job right before her fiance walks in. At this point I'm thoroughly lubricated and we decide to hit a younger venue. On the way out I ask the hostess what days she works. I tell her I'll be by later to get her number.

Later that week, I stride back into the bar. My hearts racing and I feel nervous as hell. When we made eye contact there was instant recognition. Pulling her over to the side for a moment I get her to put her number into the phone. Her hand holds my elbow as she finishes and we talk for a brief moment. I say I'll be in touch and walk out into the night.

The next day I give her a call around midday. It rings until the voice mail picks up and I leave a vague message telling her call me. She doesn't . WOE IS ME.