Dinner to Remember

She didn't know why he had called her after all this time. In fact, if he hadn't called her by her name, she would've thought he had the wrong number. Four years ago, she would have been over the moon that he had asked her out, but now she felt only curiosity. He had been her crush all through high school, but she was too shy to ever approach him and he was too cool to ever notice her. At home she would doodle their names together in hearts, Kelly and Conrad forever, or practice writing her married name, Mrs. Kelly Smith. She cringed at the silliness of it. She had come home from college a different person. She was a strong, confident businesswoman now working in the HR department of a successful IT firm. She was no longer a shy immature child who would fall for a vain, self-absorbed jock like Conrad Smith.

She didn't know why she agreed to meet Conrad at the Windsor Dynasty Hotel restaurant. Actually, it was quite a swanky restaurant specializing in lobster and seafood and she didn't have much other opportunity to go there. Walking from her car to the restaurant, she felt a sense of dread - like she was a shy awkward girl going to meet the star quarterback. She half-expected to see a contingent of giggly mean girls lining the hallway as she entered the restaurant. Instead she found a tuxedoed maître d' waiting to take her to her table. She passed several tables occupied by respectable-looking business people and couples out on a date. Each table was expertly styled with crisp dazzling white linen, flowers and candles arranged just so. The lighting was dim but not dark providing the perfect ambiance.

Conrad was already seated and rose when she entered the room. He looked the same as she remembered, only about four years older. He wore a navy suit with a burgundy tie and pocket square. She subconsciously glanced down at her burgundy dress. He noticed and laughed at the coincidence. He had already ordered a bottle of wine and poured each of them a glass. They exchanged pleasantries - you look nice and so do you . She was impressed with his style and his manners. She began to relax. When the server came, she ordered the lobster with steamed clams and coleslaw. He also ordered the lobster but with shrimp and asparagus. They were each presented with a beautiful garden salad. They reminisced about their days in high school. Actually, it was more like she listened. The topic had changed by the time their meals had arrived, though. She talked about her experience at college and how she was enjoying her job at the IT firm. She made sure to brag a bit about the responsibility she had there. He told her that he too was looking to get into the IT field. They spoke effortlessly about many things as if they had been friends all along. The feelings she had for him in high school were still there, only now in a more mature, informed way. She was stuffed after her meal, but they split a Bananas Foster for dessert. It was the most delicious thing she'd ever tasted. When he suggested that they retire to his room in the adjoining hotel, she giddily agreed.

Conrad excused himself to use the restroom. She noticed his briefcase open on the table by the window. She slyly sashayed over to it and looked at the papers inside. There was a stack of resumes and a list of names to contact. She saw her name written in pen beside the name of her company. Conrad appeared just then and she jumped - embarrassed that she'd been snooping. "I wanted to ask you," he said in response, "if you would hire me at Browns" He put his arms around her. "Wouldn't it be great if we could work together?" Her heart sank. So that's why he asked her out. "I-I don't have the authority..." He pushed her away. "Yes, you do! You could at least recommend me." Now he was acting like the Conrad Smith she remembered. "I took you to this fancy restaurant...you had the lobster!" She grabbed her shoes and purse and went running for the door as he called after her "Tease..." and other names. Tears streamed down her face as she got to her car. She was so embarrassed. She sat in her car for a few minutes before driving home. So that's what it's like to date Conrad Smith.