"We are," Wanda agreed, clearly skeptical. Although technically true, the fact that they were singles and this was, apparently an event only for singles didn't do much for her optimism. A singles get together on Valentine's day stank of pure desperation, but the vibe of the place (at least from the outside) seemed far more tolerable than the club they'd just left. Wanda glanced around at the street, taking a measure of the clientele waiting outside other venues and decided this was probably their best bet, desperation or not. They'd got dressed up and come all the way out here, after all, it would be a shame to give up after a singular bad experience.
"Let's give it a try," she said, trying to rally some optimism, and followed some patrons inside. So far, so good, she thought as they entered a tastefully decorated room with comfortable booths and chairs, quieter music, and a much smaller crowd. Wanda made a beeline for the bar to order drinks and turned to stare at the emcee in the corner as he advised the ladies in the lounge to pick a numbered table because the first round of speed dating was about to begin. Wanda noted the number placards and clipboards on each tabletop, a cocktail waitress handing men numbered tags to pin to their shirts. She shared a wide eyed look with Jess. This was not happening.