Dream Date

Deep breath, calm down, you can do this.

She studied herself in the full length mirror. A vision, if she did say so herself. Long, dark blonde hair with a just a hint of strawberry, Deep grey blue eyes and sun kissed skin. She felt much better now but it had taken hours to pull herself into this state.

Lila had never properly dated and always managed to meet someone through hanging out with friends. She was shy and really very fussy. They say you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but the problem with dating apps is that the cover is the only thing you have to go off. As far as first dates go, Lila’s only dream was for it not to be awkward. Her last relationship had been over two years ago and she still didn’t feel ready. Her ex had treated her particularly badly, starting something with someone new, months before she even realised it was over. The man was coward and never actually spoke to her about it. News had filtered around gradually via the friend grapevine, he had been seen out with, kissing someone else. His cool and distant behaviour had suddenly made sense. When Lila heard the news, she had simply sent a text telling him not to bother with her anymore. She wasn’t sure what she was expecting but his complete silence in response was a real shocker. Men, who needs them right?

After much badgering from her friends, Lila agreed to try the online dating scene. Everyone was coupled up and it was useless to assume that anything was going to drop into her lap by accident. The first few weeks were fruitless and Lila realised how fussy she truly was. Too short, too young, too many children, job not prestigious enough and, boring!

Then there was Alex. Alex was tall, dark, and incredibly good looking. Bit slow to reply but very, very smooth and a decent job to match. Head of some corporation which had something to do with oil. The man had clearly stayed in school.

Following a few weeks of flirting and witty repartee, Alex asked Lila out. She eagerly agreed but wondered if they should have some form of virtual or telephone conversation first. Alex brushed this off. “I take it you are trying to establish if I’m an axe murderer?” He teased. “Well, you could be an axe murderer regardless of any conversation we may have.” she had responded. Alex didn’t reply until the next day and did not further comment on the situation. “How do you feel about Bar Blanc on the Marina?” Lila was pleased. Bar Blanc had the best seafood in a 100 mile radius, and a waiting list full of local celebrities. “If you can get us in there, I would be delighted.” “Wonderful, what about 8pm on Thursday?” “8:30 and you have a deal haha.” Lila countered. “Done, I’ll meet you there then. I hope you’ll be wearing something sexy!” Alex signed off. In man speak this meant something overly short and revealing, Kit thought to herself. I will wear something tasteful and you will just have to deal with it.

Thursday evening came round and Lila could think of everywhere else she wanted to be other than this date. True, Alex was good looking and charming, but, no matter how fun and cute their online chat had been, there is something distinctly terrifying about going to meet a stranger for the purpose of evoking romance. She thought no amount of good food or drink would make her relax. She managed to get herself into the shower, groom, and apply a minimal amount of makeup. She chose a loosely fitted white midi dress and strappy block heels. It’s not too late to back out! Sudden, life threatening emergency, involving close family or a lost passport. No, you have to go. You’ll feel better after and if you don’t, you’ll just have to go through this all again, another time, and then justify your story. Or worse, go through the whole thing again with someone new. Deep breath and into the taxi.

Lila arrived at Bar Blanc at 8:20. She gave Alex’s name at the door and was advised that their table was not yet ready, nor had Mr Hetherington arrived. Did she wish to wait at the bar? Lila did. She really needed a drink. The bar tender was quite possibly, the most beautiful woman Lila had ever seen and she self-consciously ordered a small glass of merlot. “First date?” the bartender smiled. “Oh my god, yes, so awkward.” Lila laughed. “Haha, I can always tell. Don’t worry, everything will be fine. If it isn’t, you can escape via the ladies room which exits onto the boardwalk.” the bartender winked at her. “I’m Sadie, I’ll keep an eye on you this evening.” “That actually sounds really comforting,” Lila smiled back. “Thank you.”

8:40pm and no sign of Alex. Lila checked her messages. She should have insisted Alex came to pick her up. Nothing worse than hanging about in this fashion obviously waiting for someone who was late. She had finished her wine and didn’t want to have any more until he turned up. “Lila! There you are. Sorry I’m late, I was held up at the office” Alex was suddenly in front of her, all white shirt, just the right amount of buttons undone, and a cloud of Bulgari cologne. “Are you ok?” he kissed her on the cheek. “Yes, lovely, I was starting to think you weren’t going to show. Nice to meet you.” Lila smiled at him. Alex looked her up and down and Lila wondered if her outfit was “sexy” enough for him. “I need a drink, then I’ll see about our table. Hope you’re hungry.” he smiled at her wolfishly. Sadie appeared to take Alex’s drink order. Whiskey straight, no ice. Lila thought that she didn’t really care for the way Alex was looking at Sadie but she supposed it couldn’t be helped, having done a double take herself earlier. Alex knocked his drink back in one as the maitre’d appeared to show them to their table.

“Been here before?” asked Alex. “Over a year ago, for my birthday, we had to book months in advance though. How did you get in so quickly?” “Ah” shrugged Alex “I know a few people. Try to come once a month at least. Best seafood around” “Yeah I know," said Lila, "What are you feeling tonight?” “Well, I can never decide on just one thing so I’m hoping you’ll be up for sharing a selection of starters?” Lila was. They ordered, pan seared scallops with pancetta, watercress and lemon crème fraiche. Steamed mussels in white wine and cream, ginger and soy salmon sashimi, crispy fried squid with a garlic/lemon mayonnaise, all accompanied by a generous serving of French bread. A lovely bottle of Sauvignon Blanc appeared and Lila was simply in heaven.

Alex it turned out was a serial dater and his longest relationship was less than a year. Part of the package when you’re a big shot, head of corporation. Alex wasn’t looking to settle down and much preferred to keep things light and let them develop naturally. No problem. Lila wasn’t looking to settle down just yet either. They declined a second course but ordered more wine and the evening ran late. Lila excused herself to go to the bathroom after the dessert of chocolate soufflé had been ordered.

She overheard a couple of girls chatting by the wash basins. “Are you sure it’s him? That’s a bit brazen isn’t it? Are you going to do anything?” Sounds like someone’s ex was in the building and things could get ugly. Lila waited until the girls were gone before emerging to wash her hands. She patted her t-zone with powder and added a slick of lip gloss. She wasn’t sure she was going to kiss Alex yet but may as well make the effort to look good in case she did.

Alex wasn’t at their table when she returned but a dessert wine was. Lila settled back in and took a sip. Delicious, like everything else had been. The waiter was coming over with the soufflé. Where is Alex? Lila scanned the restaurant but there was no sign of him. She decided to start on her soufflé as it would be a shame to let it ruin. Ten minutes later, she started to feel suspicious. This wasn’t a bathroom break or running into an acquaintance on the way back. Lila took out her phone and typed a quick message, “Where are you? Soufflé’s ruined”

The waiter was coming back over. “Excuse me, did you see where my friend went” Lila asked. “I’m sorry madam, I did not. I’m sure he can’t be far,” the waiter scanned the restaurant. “Do you need anything else madam?” “No thank you. It was delicious. I’ll just wait for my friend.” “No problem,” the waiter removed her plate.

Lila waited fifteen minutes, growing more and more agitated. It was late and service had winded down. She could see people looking over at her. She motioned for the waiter. “Could I just get the bill please?” Lila was dreading this. She had certainly enjoyed her evening but was not prepared for whatever this cost would be. Put it on the old credit card. What a nightmare. The waiter reappeared with the bill. £525.00 total. The staff had so kindly removed one chocolate soufflé from the bill. “May I pay by card please?” “No problem madam” the waiter left to get the machine. Lila seethed inwardly. How rude. How dare you stick me with the bill. Are you nothing but a low life con artist? The waiter reappeared. “I’m so sorry madam, we made a mistake. The bill has been settled and there is nothing to pay” Lila felt a jolt of relief. He wasn’t that big of dick. Only crime is leaving me in front of all these people.

Lila thanked the waiter and began leaving through the bar area, where she saw Sadie. “Are you alright lovely?” Sadie asked kindly. Lila hurried over. She was not alright and she needed answers. “Do you know what happened tonight? He hasn’t texted me but he paid the bill?” Sadie smiled. “We are not sure where Mr Hetherington has got to but he is a good client of this restaurant. We will take this up with him another time.” “He just left?” Lila was appalled all over again. “Look, are you alright? Do you need a lift home or anything?” asked Sadie. “I’m finished in 10 minutes and I can take you. Wait for me”

Lila waited. She was still seething but felt touched by the kindness of the staff at the restaurant. Sadie appeared on a motorbike. She had changed into jeans and shaken her long dark hair loose. Every boys’ fantasy. The most beautiful woman in the world also rides a bike. Hallelujah, what hope is there for us mortals? “You know, I wanted to say to before, but I was at work, don’t worry about Alex Hetherington. My family owns this place and our fathers are friends. Trust me, you’re better off without Alex” “What, why?” Lila began. She stopped. Something told her she wouldn’t like to know anyways. The only thing to do was get on this bike right now. Lila got on and wrapped her arms around Sadie. They rode along the seafront for a short while in silence. There were lights looming up ahead. A large yacht was set to sail. A swarm of beautiful people surrounded the yacht, trailing up the steps and around. Sadie slowed to a stop and turned to Lila. “Want to go to a party?”

In that moment, Lila understood, fate had planned this for her and she was with exactly the person she was supposed to be.