Can’t Lose for Winning

PB – Being a Wingman ain’t very easy. It takes a lot of sacrifice to get the job done. And even then, things don’t always work out. It’s a tough job but someone has to do it.

So George, Mark, Slam and I decided to go to Martini Ranch in the Gaslamp District for Happy Hour. We arrived and noticed that things seemed a little more hectic than normal. They had a lot more staff than usual. Then to our surprise, we were notified that the bar was having their anniversary party. Unlimited free drinks from 5:00-8:00. I like it like that!

So we found a table and the drinks began flowing. We started getting on our cells. Calling everyone we knew in the area. In about an hour, we were rolling about 12 deep. A few people came too late to get the wristbands for free drinks but it didn’t matter because we were just doubling up our orders. It was going fine.

Slam ran into a friend that he used to work with. She was with a bunch of girls. Usually Slam would be trying to make some moves but his girl had showed up so he had to be on his best behavior. But he did do the intros for the rest of us. A couple of them were really, really cute.

A few of them sit down at the table next to ours. I get talking with Betsy. She’s got a buzz on and is throwing me that playful vibe. So I throw some back. Everything is going very nicely. We talk about a million things. I can’t remember exactly what because by this point I was getting pretty hammered. Then we danced a little bit. I knew she was digging me!

But I didn’t want to come on too hard. I couldn’t have her think that I was sweating her. So I made sure I kept time for the rest of the crew too. It was beginning to get dark. I made another trip to the men’s room. The line was pretty long but it moved quickly. But when I returned Betsy and her crew were gone. I figured they went to dance again. I did a quick search and came up empty. Damn it! I blew it!

About 10 minutes later, George came running up. It was really more of a stumble. He explained to me that he saw Betsy looking for me. Her friends wanted to leave. So when she didn’t see me she just left. But George being the good wingman followed them outside. There they decided to have a smoke. So George had a chance to strike up conversation.

George: What’s going on? You leaving?

Betsy: Yeah, we need to meet our friends at The Bitter End.

George: I see

Betsy: You should get your friend and come meet us there

George: That sounds good. Where is it?

Betsy: Just down the street on the left side. You can’t miss it.

George: Okay, we’ll see you soon!

So I’m psyched! I have another chance with Betsy! George and run take off to go find her. But as soon as we get outside I can tell something is amiss. George begins walking one way. Then another. He can’t remember what bar they said they’d be at. In his defense, he hasn’t been living in San Diego that long so he doesn’t know about all the bars. And we’re in a very concentrated bar area. And he’s wasted. So I try my best to get whatever info I can get out of him. He’s pretty sure it’s on the left someplace or the right.

We go to 3 or 4 bars with no success. It wasn’t meant to be. George had fabulous intentions, his execution was just a bit off. That’s what happens when you mix an inexperienced Wingman with an Open Bar.