Arrow's Heir

Why do 4 of every 5 relationships begin in the weirdest places? Spots like the park, some store, a restaurant, or even while walking down the street. All of those places seem decent enough. Still, where had I ended up today? In a no-smoking bar. I'm sure you can tell what I really wanted right then: a cigarette. I sighed, tapping my fingers on the tabletop. I sat by myself at a little round wooden table with a rum and coke in front of me. I took a drink and glanced around this cheap excuse for a bar. The guy only a few feet from me smelled like he'd gone through two packs before coming inside, and he was driving my senses crazy. If I hadn't been working, I would've stepped out for a smoke, but instead I took another swallow of alcohol and kept watching my client. He was a college kid hanging out with his friends, unaware of what was about to go down. I kept him in sight while one of his immature buddies cracked a joke and the whole table burst out laughing, loud and shameless. My client looked like he wanted anywhere else to be, but he still gave the joke a courtesy laugh. I sighed, checked my watch, and lifted my gaze back to my client. I saw him excuse himself from the table and head for the bartender, probably to ask for another round. I ran a hand through my dark red hair, got up from my table, and took my drink with me. All I could think about was how much I wanted a cigarette while passing the man stinking of smoke. I made my way over to my client, who was standing there waiting for the bartender to finish his drinks. He glanced at me, then looked twice. His eyes traveled over me, and a wide grin spread across his face. "Hello," he said, and I noticed he had a nice smile, probably thanks to years of dental work. I gave him a polite smile. "Hi." "Can I help you?" His grin never slipped. I glanced back at his friends, who looked like they were watching every little thing we did. "Actually," I murmured. "I want to offer you a favor." "Oh?" He looked surprised as I slid onto one of the barstools. "How?"