Izzy finished off the last of her alcohol-free beer

and made eye contact with the cute brunette woman across the bar.

It was only two days into the new year,

and Izzy reminded herself of her resolution,

to be bolder. She wanted 2025 to be the year of approaching women, of making things happen.

No more sitting back and just waiting for magic to appear. Taking a big, steady breath,

Izzy walked through the crowd of people, sandwiched between the back wall and the bar,

until she was only a foot away from the brunette.

Hi! she said, pushing her fingers nervously through her blonde bob.

"'I was wondering if I could buy you a drink.'

Izzy pointed to the woman's near empty cocktail glass.

The brunette smiled.

"'I would love that.

I'm just drinking a cranberry and soda. Dry January. She playfully rolled her eyes.

Every month is dry for me. Izzy laughed. Come on. The two of them grabbed drinks from the bar,

in Izzy felt herself start to relax.

"'You should know I'm only in town for two more days,'

said the brunette, who had introduced herself as Diane.

"'Is that okay?'

"'Secretely, Izzy felt relieved. That's okay by me. Diane bit her bottom lip,

and Izzy felt her stomach swoop. Come on, said Diane. My old college roommate owns this bar,

and I want to show you a secret.'

...