Join and sit

“Let me guess,” the Charlie doppelganger sighs. “Charlie invited you.”

“She did.” Ethan looks around, “is she…?”

“Not yet,” the young woman frowns, looking almost annoyed. “Have a seat.”

Ethan sits across from her, suddenly feeling intensely out of place. Being in a bar was one thing, but this was just anxiety-inducing. The woman across from him was nearly a total stranger. “So, Ashley… Is it Ash or Ashley?”

“Either works.” Ashley reads the menu, not looking at Ethan.

“Got it. So Ashley, what’s going…”

“Charlie texted me telling me to meet her at the bar. So I’m here.”

“Aha…” Ethan shifts, finding the social situation extremely uncomfortable. “And did she say when she was going to…?”

“Nope.”

“Hm.” Ethan sits in silence with Ashley after that, getting a vibe that small talk isn't going to help.

After a few minutes, Ashley drops the menu looking Ethan dead in the eye. “You can go if you want.”

“What?” Ethan had zoned out.

Sighing, Ashley taps her nails against the table. “I think Charlie set us up.”

“Set us…” Ethan frowns, his brain catching up. “Like on a date?”

“That’s my guess.”

“Why?”

Ashley frowns. “Because she sows chaos? Because I’m single? Because it would be funny? Who knows.”

Frowning in kind, Ethan can’t find the words to disagree.

“If you go now, I’ll tell her you never showed up. You can find some excuse why you wouldn't have come."

“Well, I’m not much of a drinker…” Ethan suggests, shrugging weakly.

“Perfect.” Ashley clears her throat, returning her attention to the menu she’s likely memorized by now. “You’re off the hook. See you around.”