One Glass of Merlot

Note: I will try to post a chapter of this story every few days. Enjoy! <3

Introduction

“I don’t know why I thought this was a good idea” I said to my roommate and best friend of 5 years. The thing I was talking about was a blind date that my needy and desperate self, convinced me to go through, a few days back. I was minding my on business and watching my favorite show, when suddenly, I felt my phone buzz on the nightstand. Now, normally I would leave it there and check it in the morning (you know, with all that stuff that’s been going around about how you’re not supposed to stay on your phone before your bedtime and so on), and although I do want to set in motion a new self-growth plan called “New me every day”, it was almost like something urged me to read that message, this or it was just an old reflex of reaching for contact.

“Listen” said Ginny in a reassuring manner, “if things don’t go well, you can always excuse yourself and call me to pick you up”. I knew she was right, this blind date was my “new thing” to try for that particular day. “Alright then. Let’s find an outfit for me to wear”.

…

I was supposed to meet this guy at “Green Aventurine”, so I took a cab there. I finally arrived at the restaurant but I was 15 minutes early so I took a seat at the table reserved for me and my date. I was deep in my thoughts, processing whether I should just make a run for it or stay there, when the waiter came at my table and asked if I would like something to drink while I waited. “A glass of Merlot”, I caught myself saying, “I guess I can stay a few more minutes than”.

“I certainly hope so”. I whipped my head around to see who dared interrupt my train of thought and there he was, I only assumed, my date for the night. I wouldn’t say it was my type on paper, but he was definitely charming in a familiar kind of way. After what felt like the polite amount of time for chit-chat, I was dreading to ask him something that bothered me from the get go. Not feeling quite courageous, I threw back the rest of my wine and said bluntly “Are you going to tell me know where did you get my number in the first place?”. Feeling a bit dizzy but proud of myself for being this brave, I looked at him, trying to analyze his expressions when I heard him say “So, after all, you don’t remember me?”.

Well, that certainly threw me off for a few seconds. Come to think of it, I did felt like I was talking to an old pal, but I couldn’t put my finger on it, on why I have had this feeling from the start, so it slipped in the back of my head at the time. “No, sorry”.

The corners of his mouth arched a little bit in a wistful manner “Yes, I expected that, after all it’s been 18 years since we last saw each other”.

Flashback from 18 years ago

I only wish it would just stop with that on the news. It’s been one week, and I can’t catch a break after what happened. The cavalcade of journalist peering outside my house while trying to talk to me it’s just getting tiring. I just have to endure this whole charade for two more days and then I’m out of here, hopefully, disappearing for good from their radar.

Present day

“Still don’t know who you are” I said, hoping if I pretend a little longer, I could go back home and forget this whole night. “Maybe it’s best if I go, but good luck on finding the one you’re looking for”. I didn’t wait for a response, instead I just hurried outside and frantically texted Ginny. I couldn’t wait anymore, and I couldn’t afford on taking a cab, who knows what else might happen. I only trusted Ginny, so I called her at the same time I was walking towards the house.

“You need to come here, and hurry”. She picked up on my shaky voice and just said “Be right there”.