Iron(y)

My Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “iron(y).

Toby stood in the doorway of the restaurant, watching his date make her order.

It paid to be observant, in those first few moments, that way he could catch them unawares. Every so often she looked up, and he side stepped back. She was definitely the strong type – her order of two beer’s showed that. He would have to let her pay for her own meal, and it wouldn’t be the normal diatribe of nails and make-up.

This date would go well, up until the end that is. They always fought back at the end.

‘Toby . . . ‘ she looked up from her drink, and passed one over to him. ‘I’ve ordered your drink.’

Toby thought about his other dates. Each one different, but each one the same. His last victim lasted longer than the rest. She was feisty. Talkative at the beginning of the date – sister, brother, and a large family. Her sister’s name, Dana, was the last thing she said.

He took a swig of his drink, murder was thirsty work.

As he followed the normal order of his dates, she went to the toilet, and returned to a full glass of wine. He was tired though, tonight would have to be quick. His wife would be waiting for him at home. He urged her to drink, but she only took a sip before her glasses fell on the floor.

Ever the gentleman, he picked the up.

By the time he placed them on the cloth, she had finally drunk her wine.

The rest of the evening went as normal, but he couldn’t keep his eyes open. She was the one to suggest fresh air this time. Outside, she helped him into her car.

‘Irony isn’t it,’ she said. ‘What goes around, comes around.’

Looking back, he did think she looked familiar.