Chapter 2 Samantha and Mr. Shortstuff - Chapter 2

McGill's Pub wasn't quite as hopping as June had hoped, but the night was still early. The bar was a bit on the smaller size, compared to some of the other bars in the area. It was a few blocks away from where the real "night clubs" were. McGill's did have a few dart boards, a pool table and dance floor downstairs. The building itself was old, however renovations in the early 90s had helped with its appeal, at least on the main floor. "Is this really what the club scene is like here?" Whined June. "How are we ever going to meet some guys?" Sam just rolled her eyes.

This was June's normal attitude lately. If it didn't involve meeting guys she wasn't interested. Granted she had lost a lot of weight since High School and was gaining self-confidence, but she was way too eager about hooking for Sam's taste.

"Just give it time, June. It is only 9 o'clock."

"Alright, but if there aren't any cute guys here by 11 we are headed to the club of my choosing next."

"Fine, but if you think I'm going to dance...then I am going to need another drink." Sam walked over to the bar and ordered a couple more beers. As she paid for the drinks she saw Jackie walk in. Jackie was a grade ahead of June and Sam in school, and was friends with Stuart. Jackie was shocked to see Sam, and although they weren't close, Sam was happy to see her. Although Jackie was very pretty and athletic, she was also sweet and everyone loved her. Sam went over to Jackie and got a big hug.

"Sam! What a wonderful surprise running into you!" Jackie said in her usual cheerful self. "Did you come to dance?"

"Well, June is home from college right now, so we are out catching up. What brings you out?

"Just out with some friends for a fun Friday night! Where is June? You guys should come downstairs and dance with us!"

"I will let her know. Knowing June, she will be eager to get on the floor. So we will probably see you down there."

"Great. See you in a little bit!"

Sam returned to the table only to see June eyeing up the latest guys to enter. "Look at that one!" she said. June was already picturing how she would find a way to talk to him.

"Jackie is here," Sam started ignoring June's comment. "She is here with a group of friends and they are going downstairs to dance. Did you wanna head down that way?" June was still busy drooling over the guy at the bar, so she added, "Bet there are probably guys down there playing pool." That seemed to peak June's interest.

"What are we waiting for?" June said with a smile.

Sam almost tripped going down the stairs. June turned around. "Are you drunk already Sam?"

Sam replied "Of course not. It's these damn shoes. I don't know why you made me buy them. I'm already taller than most guys, this just makes it worse."

"Are you kidding me? Guys think tall girls are hot!"

"Well I feel like the Jolly Green Giant."

"You know what would take your mind off of that? SHOTS!"

Sam looked at June and shook her head. "I said no shots tonight, remember?"

"We can do one or two. The night is still young! And you can follow it up with water if you want."

Sam couldn't remember the last time that June let her order an actual water after a shot. She did want a shot, but she also didn't want a hangover. "Fine, but I call the shots. I don't like the girly ones you take."

"But nothing too rough, we have a long night of dancing ahead of us." June was happy she won.

They walked over to the bar and Sam ordered, "2 Tequila shots, please, and a couple more beers." She threw the money down on the bar. That was the other thing about June, she almost never paid for the drinks. June's parents were rich and did everything they could to keep their baby girl happy. Sam, on the other hand, was raised mostly by a single mother. Her father was only in her life long enough to give her a couple of siblings and then he was on to greener pastures.

"Cheers." They said in unison. As they took the shot, Sam thought, "This might be a long night."

A few shots, and many beers, later June finally had Sam on the dance floor. The dance area was dark, and had a DJ on the stage tonight. The room was filled with cigarette smoke and had a smell of sweat and alcohol. Sam had enough of a buzz to forget her insecurities and just have fun. Jackie and a few of the girls she was with were on the dance floor as well. It was midnight, and the guys had finally started to come to the dance floor too. Sam finished another beer, even though she said she wasn't going to have anymore another one appeared in her hand, courtesy of Jackie.

The music was loud and the dance floor was packed. Sam and the girls were standing up next to the stage. Everyone was having a great time. Sam noticed a guy starting to dance next to Jackie and her. Thinking he was interested in Jackie she moved further away. The guy tapped Sam's shoulder and asked if she wanted a drink. Sam had been told many times to never accept a drink from someone she didn't know, but she was thirsty. She told him she would go with him to the bar to get one. Sam noticed he was short, but then again who wasn't compared to her tonight. Besides being short, Sam noticed he looked quite fit. He had short blonde hair and green eyes. It also looked like he hadn't shaved for a couple days, as his face had the beginnings of a beard. He asked if she wanted to sit down and talk.

She went to an open table and sat down. She had not noticed until that point how much her feet hurt wearing those shoes. He sat down in the chair beside her and asked her name. "Samantha, what's yours?"

"I'm Stan." He replied. "What brings you out tonight?"

"Just out with the girls, having fun. What about you?"

"I usually head out for a few after a game. Did you want to go back out and dance?"

"Yeah, I should get back to my friends."

"You know you are prettier than the other girl."

"Who?"

Stan pointed to Jackie, "Her."

"Jackie is great. She is smart, funny and pretty..."

"But not as pretty as you," he interrupted. Sam always thought Jackie should be the kind of girl every guy wanted. She was the epitome of the girl next door, naturally good looking, smart, and was always the kind of girl Sam wished she could be. Guys were always around her and she always seemed to know how to act.

"Well I should really be getting back over to them before they wonder where I ran off to."

"Can I join you?" He asked. Sam shrugged and started walking back to the dance floor.