Fear Of The Unknown

“Okay, Great I’ll pick you up at 8.”

“Okay, See you soon.”

Brianna clicked off the phone and proceeded to put on her makeup. Bright red lipstick, black mascara, winged eyeliner. As she contemplated which outfit to wear, she tried to shake the uneasy feeling that was knotting in her stomach. Her friend Sharon was always better at social gatherings. She had a way with people and her group of elite friends was no different. Brianna on the other hand had a small circle of close friends and was not used to having to get dressed up to attend anywhere. Her idea of a good time was curled up on the couch at home with a book and a glass of wine. But when Sharon called her a week ago asking if she wanted to go to a party at a Lakehouse, Brianna decided it was about time she got out there and started having some real fun. She figured she was approaching thirty years old and if she did not test the waters and try to find Mr. Right sometime soon, well then, she may just end up alone forever with her books. And while the idea of not having to get dolled up sounded rather appealing, dying alone did not. So, she accepted the invitation and attempted to reach the inner goddess she had somewhere deep inside.

Brianna decided on the black dress and red bottomed heels to match the lipstick. She may not prefer to dress up, but she certainly knows how to dress when she does.

At 8 sharp, Sharon showed up at her front door in a Rolls Royce Phantom and Brianna could not help but wonder which new boyfriend of hers was letting her borrow his fancy car.

“Nice Car!”

“Oh my God, don’t you just love it? Marc is out of town and said I can use it while he’s away.”

She almost rolled her eyes but caught herself.

It took about an hour to get to the Lake, on the ride the girls chatted about recent events in their lives. Of course, Sharon had much more to say. Brianna was always a little bit envious at how easily her friend flitted through life and made it seem like an adventure every step of the way. She could not fathom the idea of being at a different party every night, traveling to different parts of the world with different men. It was such a contrast to her boring life. Most days she went to work, came home, cooked dinner and read herself to sleep. Her adventures lived within the pages of her books. It was comfortable there. But still, she was starting to long for something more. At the very least having someone to cuddle up next to each night would be nice.

When they arrived at the Lakehouse, Brianna was aghast at the magnitude of the estate. Wrought iron gates and stone walls surrounded the house, like a fortress. After getting past the intercom and driving up the path the trees cleared, and the twenty room Mansion came into view. The girls were welcomed inside and taken into the foyer. Sharon grabbed Brianna’s arm and led her through the first level introducing her to so many people it began to make her head spin.

“C’mon let’s go get some drinks.” Sharon led Brianna down a narrow hallway into another large room. This one even had a dance floor. Brianna could not say she was very surprised at this point.

When they reached the bar, she was initially thinking of a glass of wine but decided she needed something stronger.

“I’ll take a New York sour.”

“you got it!” The bartender replied.

“Wow, I’m surprised you ordered a real drink.” Exclaimed Sharon

“Yeah, I’m trying to be a grownup.” Laughed Brianna as she took a sip.

The heat went straight down her throat and into her stomach. It eased the knot that had been there since earlier. Brianna started to relax a bit. She had just worked up enough nerve to ask Sharon if they should dance when she swallowed her words. Her eyes caught onto a tall handsome gentleman sauntering across the bar.

“Hi Michael.” Said Sharon.

“Sharon it’s been a long time. And who is this beautiful woman you’ve brought with you?” replied Michael.

“Brianna, this is Michael. Michael meet Brianna. We attended Columbia together.”

“Pleased to meet your acquaintance, Brianna.” Michael said smoothly as he shook Brianna’s hand.

“The pleasure is all mine.” Replied Brianna as she stared into Michael’s green eyes.

They continued to dance the night away and to Brianna’s delight, Michael asked her to dinner on Sunday night.

As their first date approached, the familiar pit in Brianna’s stomach took its rightful place. She agonized over what she would wear. She decided on the magenta dress that had been sitting in her closet for two years. She had purchased it to go to a wedding and decided against the plunging neckline. But for her date with Michael, she wanted nothing more than to make a lasting impression. As she put the final touches on her makeup her phone dinged with a text. It was Michael reminding her of his arrival in twenty minutes.

When the doorbell rang, she answered it and was greeted with a dozen red roses and a charming smile. She followed Michael to his car and nervously allowed him to get the door for her. They made it to the restaurant with ease, making general conversation. As the hostess seated them, the waiter came to the table and introduced himself.

“Good evening, my name is Brian, I’ll be your server for this evening. May I interest you in a bottle of our Mayacamas 2015 Merlot? It pairs beautifully with our house lamb chops.”

“That sounds wonderful. Brianna what do you think?” Michael turned to her with his piercing gaze.

“I think that sounds amazing, thank you.” Replied Brianna with excitement.

“Okay Brian, we will have a bottle as well as the lamp chops medium rare if that’s okay?” Michael stated turning to Brianna.

“Actually, I prefer mine rare. Also, I would like a salad on the side.”

“Okay Great, I will be back with your wine selection and I will make sure the kitchen prepares each of your lamb chops to your liking.” Brian whipped around gracefully leaving them in silence.

“So, what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?” Brianna turned to Michael.

“I’m a bit ashamed to admit this, but my work is rather hectic, and I travel a lot, so when I do get the privilege of being at home, my favorite nights are spent in front of a fire, reading a good book and drinking a glass or two of wine. Replied Michael.

Brianna smiled to herself. She made a mental note to never let her fear of the unknown get in her way again.