It was half-past ten when they finished dinner, and as they stepped outside, Sarah was certain that she didnt want the date to end just yet. Dinner had been wonderful, their conversation liberally greased by a bottle of excellent red wine. She wanted to spend more time with Miles, but she wasnt quite ready to invite him up to her apartment. Behind them, just a few feet away, a car engine was clicking as it cooled, the sounds muffled and sporadic.  Would you like to head over to the Tavern? Miles suggested. Its not that far.

Sarah agreed with a nod, pulling her jacket tighter as they started down the sidewalk at a leisurely pace, walking close together. The sidewalks were deserted, and as they passed art galleries and antique stores, a realty office, a pastry shop, a bookstore, nothing appeared to be open at all.  Just where is this place, exactly?

This way, he said, motioning with his arm. Its just up and around the corner.

Ive never heard of it.

Im not surprised, he said. This is a local hangout, and the owners attitude is that if you dont know about the place, then you probably dont belong there anyway.