Chance Encounter

Chance Encounter
Or:
Nice Guys Don't Always Finish Last

I had arranged to meet a friend of mine to do an exchange of some computer software. He was new to the area, but he did know the Hop, a good size nightclub that catered to the 30 and over crowd.

It was right after I'd played a ball game, so I was sweaty, dirty, in a grubby half uni when I got there.

He waved to me at the bar, we did the exchange. I ordered a quick beer, he left. It was mid afternoon, the place had just opened and there couldn't have been 12 people in the place, if that. We were the only ones at the bar.

I was downing the last of the beer when this guy sat down next to me, looking like he was going to bust. Before I could say anything he ordered me another beer. I said I'm straight, he said no problem, then proceeded to tell me what happened to him. He was a golfer, and for the first time in his life he broke par.

Now I want to get home, shower and take a nap so I can go out partying later on. But it was easy to see he wanted to tell someone, anyone, about his feat. So I thought, what the heck, give him a little time, let him enjoy his moment.

He talked, I nodded. Finally he was done, he thanked me for listening. I got up to go.

Just as I turned around the main door opened and in walked someone. Couldn't tell at first, because of the glare from the outside sunshine.
I walked toward the door. The "someone" turned out to be a very pretty Lady.

She sat down at a small table near the door. I slowed, then stopped a few feet from her, staring way to long at that pretty face. She finally broke the stare with a half smile.

I sat opposite her, fully expecting to get the heave ho. After all, I'm dirty, grubby, and I smell.

We didn't leave the place until around midnight. We spent the next day together. I married that pretty Lady a few months later.

We were together for over 18 years, until she died in April, 2007.

But if I hadn't of been a nice Guy and stayed to listened to that golfer, I would have missed her.

You never know.

So the next time you have the chance to do something nice for someone, do it. It just may result in a chance encounter that will change your life.