It was well after midnight before Jon hit on what he had been looking for, a group of young ladies, probably mid-twenties, drinking together and generally having a good time. He smiled at his luck, which was rare since he hardly ever smiled anymore for any reason.

Jon got up after another sip of his beer and headed through the crowd to where he noticed the three ladies and the two empty seats at their table. He had watched for a little bit and hadn’t seen anyone with them for a while, plus they weren’t glancing around as if they were waiting for anyone. It was most likely one of their birthdays, Jon thought, 21st and out for their “first” night of drinking fun.

He approached them casually, gliding between people and stopping at the head of their table, lucky the waitress wasn’t around to get in the way.

“Hello ladies,” he said, smiling, “mind if I sit here a moment?”

The young lady who appeared to be the oldest, sitting in between her two friends, was the only one to change her expression. The others were still smiling about whatever they had been talking about but the one in the middle took up a defensive posture and said, “Just a moment?” a bit more incredulously than she might have intended.

Jon just smiled and nodded, “Just a moment.” he stated with a genuine smile.

Middle Girl glanced at her two friends as Jon sat, her friends’ smiles being replaced with smirks. Obviously they had him all figured out. Sitting around for a few moments, some polite talk, “How are you ladies tonight? Doing anything? Want to--”

Jon sighed happily, closing his eyes, his smile warm and broad. When he opened his eyes again it was to the confused look of the three ladies across from him.

“Thank you, I really needed that.” he said as he began to rise.

Middle Girl’s brow knitted together slightly, “Huh?”

Jon picked up his glass and continued smiling, “I was emotionally drained. Thank you for helping.” his smile warmed even further momentarily, showing sincerity and thanks.

As he turned away the waitress stopped just short of bumping into him. With a nod and smile to the three behind him, he started back through the crowd.