Best Day Ever

                                                            By Ethan Hamill

Garrett Lawson woke up on Monday the 6th certain that this day would be the best day in his twenty-nine years.  He would be meeting Jill Preston for lunch at Sinbad's on the River.  Garrett had met her at the public library.  They had connected at once over mystery fiction and scheduled Monday's lunch.

Two minutes after being seated, Garrett's heart sank.  Jill wore a large wedding ring and band he had not noticed on Friday.  His usual glib conversation went downhill from there.  The only consolation had been the restaurant's great scrod.

Jill left at ten after one to return to her office and Garrett lingered behind.

"Can't I get you anything else?" the waitress asked.  She was a petite blonde he had hardly noticed.  "Is there anything wrong?"

"Just my heart," he smiled wryly.

"She was very pretty," the girl admitted  "May I suggest a substitute that is not on the menu?"

"Not on the menu?"  he inquired curiously.

"I get off at six."

Garrett was right, after all.  It turned out to be the best day of his life.