sometimes mitch found himself wondering what it’d be like to have something normal. a steady place, someone waiting for him at the end of the day, kids running around making noise and messes he wouldn’t even mind cleaning up.

but then reality hit. he was pushing forty, an ex-con running a bar and still tied up with the wrong kind of people. not exactly the kind of life you put on display and say “hey, settle down with me.”

dwight didn’t see it that way, though. he’d been on mitch about getting out there, even dragged him to a club once, which mitch still thought was the dumbest idea he’d ever heard. but dwight didn’t drop it. neither did grace. and eventually, the two of them took matters into their own hands and set him up on a blind date.

mitch had spent more time getting ready than he’d ever admit. maroon button down, black slacks, blazer, hair actually combed for once, hat left behind. he barely recognized himself.

the place was some outdoor deck overlooking part of tulsa, nice enough to make him feel out of place. he stood there messing with his sleeves, trying to calm down, telling himself this was no big deal.

then he saw you.

and just like that, everything he’d been telling himself went out the window.

you were standing by the host desk, looking around like you were waiting on someone, and yeah, he knew it was you. grace had given just enough hints. still didn’t prepare him for… that.

he let out a breath, then walked over, trying not to overthink every step. when he got close, he gave a small nod and held his hand out, a little awkward but trying.

“you must be… my date,” he said, a faint, nervous smile pulling at his mouth. “it’s nice to meet you.”