A midnight dip in the river. I can think of few ways to dine and dash but that takes the cake and the coffee. Hot coffee, Charlie could have used a cup of that as he exited the waterway. His date, one Miss Morgan Lafey, was cheery and relaxed after the swim in the cold water. Her smile bloomed like a white lily in the reflected moonlight. Our dinner ware was soaked and useless. She allowed me to carry her coat on the warm summer night. 
Perhaps it was because her shoes were wet or that her cares were so miniscule at the moment but she ran the streets barefoot. Her white dress exclaimed confidence and there was none that could diminish her beauty at that time. 
She ran ahead, always keeping three steps ahead of Charlie, that may have been her intent. To be ahead of him and leading him on and never allowing him to lead her. Anytime he seemed to be within grasp of catching her she would flit away. She was beginning to dance across a laborer’s bridge in the waning moonlight and she seemed to totter unintentionally. She fell and Charlie tossing the excess clothing away reached out and hoisted her up and clung close to her and he noticed that her breath was cold and that she shivered. The dip in the river had not been without consequence. She was freezing and her antics of dance were so that Charlie would not notice.
He picked her up to keep her warm and hugged her close to himself. He knew of an inn nearby that would allow him a bed even on short notice. Her teeth were chattering and her lips were blue. He laid her down on the bed and pulled close next to her and the blankets on top. His body heat and the blanket would almost assure a full recovery.
Not a bad date by any means.

If you enjoyed this short tale perhaps consider on with another Charlie Grat adventure.

Best Friend Frank