I wonder if it's too late to back out, message the Reddit stranger that I changed my mind and dart across the street to hail a cab. I fiddled in my seat, the bar is small but it gives me comfort that it is located in the busy streets of Makati (this is becoming my favorite place lately), meaning the stranger can't force me to do anything against my will. One scream is enough to make a commotion (i hope?). The server kept walking around my table, trying but failing to look disinterested with the fact that I am not ordering anything.
A large man walked inside the bar, and I sensed he's the one I'm waiting for. He's switching between looking around and checking his phone. He's overweight, stands about 5'4 and he wears a washed out gray t-shirt and faded baggy jeans. Straight outta 90s style. He did mention he's 45 years old so the attire checks out.
He noticed me based on my description of what I'm wearing - black band shirt, shorts and a slip on shoes. He smiled widely, showing a set of perfect pearly whites as he took a seat across my table.
"Hi." he adjusted his seat to fit his bulging stomach.
"Hey." I greeted with a nod.
The persistent server walked past us, finally cracking a smile when she noticed I have a companion who's ready to order. He ordered a bucket of beer. "I can sense this is going to be a long night." he said to me when the server walked away to get our order.
"Yeah, thanks for agreeing to be my unpaid therapist" I said with a genuine smile.
From our Reddit conversations, I know he has a qualification in Psychology and currently holds a senior management role in Employee Relations. He deals with different issues such as labor cases, harassment, adultery (yes, yikes!) and so on. Of course anyone can say who they are on the internet, so there's only one way to find out.
We forego the small talk, of course we probably we wouldn't be BFFs all of a sudden, there's plenty of time for that after this free therapy session I'm getting. How could one gal be so lucky?