‘Well, like I said, it was you or sit by myself.’ Her eyes sparkled at him in a way that suggested she very much wanted to be sitting right here next to him. And then she shifted a little closer. She wasn’t the type to waste any time. Even better.

‘I’m Darren,’ he said, figuring they ought to at least know one another’s names before the flirting went any further.

‘Sage,’ she replied.

‘Pretty name.’

‘It is until you find out it’s short for Sagittarius.’

‘Really? As in the star sign?’

‘Yep. And even worse, I was born in August, so it’s not my actual star sign. I’m a Leo.’

Darren laughed. ‘So how did that happen?’

‘My parents’ names are Maureen and Graeme. Apparently Mum always hated growing up with such a boring name. And then she got caught up in the whole hippy thing and she never grew out of it. So, here I am. Sagittarius for a first name, Moon for a middle name.’

‘Love it,’ said Darren, clinking his beer against hers. ‘It’s the cutest name I’ve ever heard.’

‘You wouldn’t be saying that if they’d gone with Libra. Imagine if I had to get about with the same name as a tampon brand.’

Darren laughed. ‘I reckon you’d make it work. So they wouldn’t be a fan of my name them. Can’t get much more boring than Darren.’

‘Yeah, but it’s a classic, isn’t it? Dazza. Perfect Aussie name.’

‘True.’

‘Anyway, I don’t think you need to worry about what my parents think of your name. I’m not exactly planning on taking you home to meet Mum and Dad.’

They chatted back and forth as they drank their beers, the flirtatious banter continuing. He noticed she was a toucher. She would put her hand on his arm or press her leg against his as they talked. On their third round, he decided to level with her.

‘You know how you were up front about that extra beer you needed to get rid of? I’m going to be upfront too.’

‘Go for it,’ she said.

‘I’ve got dinner tomorrow night with an ex and her new girlfriend. I need a date because I lied and told them I was already seeing someone. Any chance you want to take on the role?’

Her mouth dropped open. ‘Are you for real?’

He cringed. ‘Uh, yeah. I know, I know, it’s asking a lot. But I’m seriously desperate.’

‘I’ll tell you what, grab us another round and I’ll think about it.’

‘Done. Take all the time you need.’

Darren jumped up from the table and Sage called after him. ‘Can you get a bowl of fries or something too? I’m starving.’

He grinned and nodded.