Writing for Fun
The Long Awaited Date - Gwenda Syratt
May 2014
'What shall I wear?' Janice asked her friend Sue as they drank coffee at their favourite coffee house on Broad Street.
'Dress to kill, baby,' teased Sue.
'Oh, be serious, this is my first on line dating experience I must get it right.'
Whilst Sue was contemplating, Janice offered a suggestion. 'I was thinking my corduroy trousers and the pink top from Marks.'
'Definitely NO!' said Sue, 'Much too casual.'
'My blue skirt and white blouse?'
'No! Are you going to the office or going on a date?'
'Well, I feel smart in my black dress, shall I wear my pearls with that?'
'The black dress is perfect but not your pearls – too Mumsy, your Chinese beads would look good.'
'Sue, I am not sure I should be doing this; I feel so nervous and guilty in an unexplained way, as though I must keep it a secret.'
Sue looked at her very dear friend who was three years older than her but seemed very much younger. She really was very naïve about many things, always saw the best in people, didn't recognize when she was being manipulated; far too trusting. Sue smiled, that's what sixteen years with one man and two children can do to a woman.
'You have absolutely no need to feel nervous. Keep to the rules and you will be fine. You are meeting at a wine bar, a public place; keep to that Janice. You are only having a drink and chat not a meal so even if you don't like the guy you won't have to be there for long. Chances are he is in the same situation as you. A nice ordinary man looking for company. Don't worry. What is the saying? A stranger is a friend you haven't met. There is really no need to feel guilty, you are not doing anything wrong, and you are doing the sensible thing trying to widen your circle of friends. There is no need to tell Jeff at this stage or the children, you may have to kiss a few frogs,' Sue chuckled.
'Supposing we don't have anything to talk about?'
'You have lots to talk about. The current news is a good start, holidays, films, TV, even books you have read.'
Sue gave thought to how she should say this kindly. 'Don't say much about your family Janice, it is safer not to give too much information away about your private life.' Sue avoided saying, talking about her ex husband and children will bore the pant off the brand new date.
'What if I really do not like him Sue?'
'Easy, you stay for an hour then look at your watch and say, goodness, is it that time already? I have promised to visit my friend in hospital, it has been really lovely meeting you Richard, I'll give you a call, and then you make a quick exit. And if he is really awful, you feel ashamed sitting there with him, excuse yourself and go to the ladies room then don't go back to the table, go home.'
The coffee had long gone, and the two women decided to order another and change the subject, although Sue knew Janice still had her mind on the forthcoming date.
Richard was also dressing to kill. He decided on his grey slacks and a blazer. He chose a sombre tie; women seemed to trust a man with a tie. Part of the pleasure of going on a date was to go as someone else. It really was great fun. He was enjoying the current TV programme called 'The Americans' where the two main characters changed their appearance constantly. He decided to wear a moustache, not a bushy one but the distinguished kind and the gold rimmed spectacles. He hoped the nice young lady would approve, and she really did sound very nice on the telephone, he wanted to make a good impression. He was not worried about how the conversation would progress, he could always get the best out of people, and he was a good listener.
Determined to arrive before Janice he took one more look into the full length mirror, gave his hair another pat, slipped on his wedding ring and made his way by foot to the wine bar.
He stood up as Janice entered the bar and the first impression was very pleasing. Janice was smartly dressed, not too much make-up and had a very pleasant smile for him as they met.
Janice was both relieved and pleased as she instantly realized Richard was waiting for her and immediately offered to buy her a drink.
Settled in a corner of the bar away from most of the noise they said, 'cheers' and began to talk.
Richard began to tell Janice about himself. The work he did, where he lived and why he had joined online dating.
'When I tell you what I do for a living you will not like me.' He said this with a beautiful fresh sincere smile. Seeing Janice's bewilderment he added, 'I work for the Inland Revenue!' That made Janice laugh. 'I have a garden flat not far from here and the reason I am trying to widen my circle of friends is that my wife died tragically 18 months ago. Debbie was a midwife and was called out one night during the ice and snow of February to an area that was unfamiliar to her. The lane was winding and pitch black; the car skidded and hit a tree then rolled into a ditch.
'She really should not have been driving that night but she would never let anyone down.' He said this proudly. 'I am not looking to replace Debbie, it is that I am so lonely in the evenings, the flat is so quiet. I have no proper home life, Janice. I have never been one to go drinking with the boys, so I thought by joining an online dating club I may be able to meet someone in similar circumstances.
'How about you Janice?'
One of the most striking features was Richard's beautiful brown sparkling eyes and Janice now looked into them and began to tell him about her divorce and her two boys. How they got on much better now she and Jeff lived apart, how they still brought the boys up together and that she didn't feel she was alone as a single Mum. Being school holidays her sons were with their father this week, which was only fair for everyone. 'I miss the children so much,' she said. 'Just like you, the house is unbearably quiet, and the contrast between having not a minute to spare and feeling exhausted at the end of day, to having too much time with very little to do, is stark.'
When Richard went to the bar to replenish their drinks Janice thought how fortunate she was to have struck lucky on her first date in 18 years. Richard was very attractive, interested in everything and knowledgeable. He really listened to her when she explained something and into the bargain made her laugh.
Janice found the ladies room and made a brief call to Sue who must have been standing by the 'phone because she picked up on the first ring.
'He is very nice, Sue, it is all going so well.'
'What does he look like?'
'He has gorgeous brown eyes. And a small moustache that really suits him.'
'Height?'
'I don't know Sue probably about 5-10.'
'Janice, keep to the rules.'
'I am fine, Sue, really, must go, 'bye!'
They continued to talk and found they had a lot in common. Richard looked at his watch, 'Goodness is it that time already?'
Janice's heart stopped beating. He must be bored with me and is trying to get away she thought.
'Since Debbie died I have taken in a spaniel called Lucy, she is wonderful company and was desperate for a good home. I need to get home and give her a meal and take her for a short walk, would you like to come with me? Lucy would love to meet you! It won't take long.'
Janice loved dogs and happily agreed to go.
'I will make us a snack as we haven't eaten anything with the wine then we can take a short walk with Lucy, there are some very interesting buildings in this area.'
True enough the garden flat was part of a large Victorian house standing stately on a tree lined road. 'I keep Lucy in the kitchen when I am out, make yourself comfy in the lounge and I will be with you in a few minutes.'
He switched on the TV so she could watch Sky News to while away the time. Janice noticed an interesting magazine on the coffee table and began to flick through the pages.
In the background she heard the announcer give some breaking news. A serial killer had escaped from prison; he was Adam Stone, a master of disguise. He was advising not to approach Adam Stone. The face looked familiar, there was no moustache, no glasses, but the beautiful brown eyes were unmistakable.
Richard entered the room carrying a plate of dainty sandwiches. There was no spaniel.
'Aah,' he said, 'I see I have made the big screen.'
He settled in the seat beside her, his beautiful brown eyes shining with excitement of events to come. With a pleasant sincere smile he handed her a plate and said, 'I hope you like smoked salmon and cream cheese.'