He was in a bad mood on the ride over to the pub. He hadn't showered early enough to clean his hair and get it dry by the time he had to leave the flat. Didn't get to get his hair into the right shape. So his date might not like him. Girls weren't that shallow were they? Whatever it didn't matter. The thing was he was insecure about it.

He began imagining the girl who was supposed to meet him. He was already anticipating her ghosting him. They had agreed to meet at the pub around 7:30. That was around 4:14. However... he hadn't heard anything from her since. He'd re read the texts a thousand times since. She had explicitly said, "yes that sounds good." however... she never responded to his latest text: "great! see you then."

He had thought she might reply. An emoji maybe. After a few minutes of silence he thought of asking what she was up to. Had typed it out, but then decided not to send it. Desperately waited for her to ask him something else. But nothing. Not until before or after his shower. And now on the subway en route to their meeting location, no messages.

If she didn't show up the evening wouldn't be a complete wash. The bartender was a good enough guy. He always enjoyed having a few beers and chatting with him, Pete was his name. Yes... even if Zara were to ghost him... He'd at least get to talk with Pete.