Chapter 3: Affair again or?

Although she was close to him, Gary could actually see her completely now because his table was better lit. She had long dark hair, a regular face like the most beautiful actresses, and beautiful medium breasts. A body like a violin. Gary clinked his glass lightly against hers. “Cheers,” he said.

She echoed it with a soft smile. “Cheers.”

They talked in small pieces—she shared a little, then he did. Gary felt a quiet fear under the surface, a sense of where this could lead, but the pull toward her was stronger than his caution. Her presence, her voice, her calm confidence ... it all drew him in more than he wanted to admit.

He asked her name.

“Sabina,” she said. “My mother is Italian, my father Thai.”

Gary gave his real name. He didn’t want to lie. In his mind, this was a brief encounter, something that would end tonight and disappear forever. At least, that’s what he believed.

Sabina mentioned she carried many secrets—things she didn’t want to talk about. Sabina’s tone made it clear she meant it. Then she suggested moving to the bar, and Gary stood up immediately, following her without hesitation.

They found a spot at the counter, ordered more drinks, and the evening blurred into warm lights and laughter. Sabina drank more than she should have, and eventually Gary realized she was too unsteady to get home on her own. He guided her into a taxi, but when he asked for her address, she couldn’t give one clearly.

Not wanting to abandon her in that state, he decided to stay with her for a while—just until she sobered up enough to get home safely. She leaned against him, her head resting on his shoulder, her movements loose and unfocused.

As she shifted, Gary felt something press lightly against his leg—something unexpected. His first thought was that she might be carrying something like a small weapon or spray for protection. He adjusted slightly, trying to understand without invading her space.