200 Words: "Timelapse" Part 8

Previously . . .

The sun went down on this strange day and Jim found himself wandering up Pearl Street. The bar was a little more upscale than the crowd inside. This was due, in large part, to the daytime clientele from the surrounding downtown business district. After work hours, most of the bar's business came from the University's overflow dorm (actually two floors of a neighboring hotel).

Jim scanned the establishment for Carla and the other Jim, but they didn't seem to be here yet. He did, however, spot a familiar face behind the bar.

"Jenna," he greeted the bartender as he took a stool at the bar. "I didn't know you worked here."

Jenna stared at him blankly. "Do I know you?"

"What do you mean? It's . . .," Jim trailed off as a realization hit him. She didn't know him, at least not yet. They weren't due to meet for another two years.

"I mean," Jenna replied, "I don't recognize you. Have we met?" She thought for a moment and added, "Was it Jeremy's party last week? 'Cause I was completely out of it that night."

"Uh, yeah. Party. That's it," said Jim, covering.

"Ah. Hope I didn't act too crazy," she said.