John Meets Marie

Harry invited John to come out for drinks with some of Harry's friends from college.  They arrive at the Franklin Bar on 18th St. at around 6pm, and Harry sees his crowd at a table towards the back of the bar.  Four people are sitting at the table - Jamal, Flynn, Jenny, and Marie.

Harry: Hey what's up?  Jenny!  Hey Jamal, hi Flynn.  Hello...

Jamal: Hey Harry, how's it going bro?

Harry:  Good Jamal, how are you doing?

Jamal: It's all good.  

Jenny: Harry, this is my friend Marie.  She's from Cherry Hill too.

Harry: Nice to meet you Marie.  And I'd like to introduce you all to John - he's a bud from work.

They all give John a warm welcome greeting while Harry and John sit down at the table.

John: Great meeting you all.  So you all went to Penn?

Flynn: Yeah, but we didn't all graduate the same year.  Some people are slower than others. Glancing at Harry, with a devilish grin...

Harry: Very funny.  Well, I for one have a larger brain than the rest of you, so it took extra time to fill it up.   All laughing...

The waiter comes over and takes Harry and John's drink orders, and they order a couple of things off the bar menu to munch on.

Jenny: So do you both work in the same group at Comcast?

Harry: Yup, we do basically the same job in the engineering group.  Our boss - her name is Elaine - I think she has a little crush on Johnny here.  

John: I don't think so.  John said laughing... I hope not!  But if she comes on to me, does that qualify for "Me Too" harassment?

Jenny:  I think that is just for us girls. Jenny said smiling... 

Harry: Ok Ok.  So Marie, tell us how you know Jenny.

Marie: Well, we grew up in the same neighborhood in Cherry Hill.  My family moved there when I was 8.  Jenny's mom brought Jenny over to meet us on moving-in day.  From that day we became best buddies.

John:  So, you went to high school together?  

Marie:  Yes, we did - we both went to Haddonfield. Then we went to different colleges, but we stayed in touch.

They stayed at the bar for another hour or so, talking about various topics ranging from work, politics, and sports.  Then it was time to go.  After saying their farewells, Harry and John started walking back towards the subway station.

Harry: So, what did you think of Marie?

John:  Ah, she seems very nice.  I am kind of surprised she is still single.  

Harry: Yeah, she had some tough times.  Jenny told me that Marie got married when she was still in college, but it only lasted 10 months.  So, she's probably pretty cautious about who she gets involved with.  

John: I see.  Well, to be honest, I'd like to ask her out, but is there a way to see if there is any interest from Marie before I do that?  As you know well, I take rejection badly.   Grinning.

Harry:  I'll ping Jenny later and see where we are.  Talk to you tomorrow at the office.

John: Ok, sounds good.  

Meanwhile, Jenny and Marie walk back to the parking lot where Jenny parked her car.

Jenny: Well, you and John seemed to hit it off. Interested?

Marie: I knew you were going to ask me that.  Did you guys plan this?

Jenny: Maybe we did, maybe we didn't.  Jenny said giggling.  So what's your answer?

Marie:  Hmmm, well, ahhh, I guess it wouldn't hurt if he called me.

Harry reaches his apartment, and texts Jenny.

Harry Texting...   Are we a go? 

Jenny Texting... Yes we got the green light.   She's expecting a call tomorrow evening.   Jenny adds a Smiley face emoji.