The First Date
999 Words
Lisa’s phone buzzed early the next morning. She rubbed her eyes, rolled over in bed, and reached for it. Her heart gave a little jump when she saw the name: Edward Taylor. She sat up quickly, suddenly wide awake. The message was short, but her heart was already racing.
Dinner tonight? I know a great place.
A huge smile spread across her face. She didn’t even think before typing back:
Yes! What time?
After sending the message, she hugged her pillow and screamed into it like a teenager. She felt dizzy, like something magical had started. He remembered her. He really wanted to see her again.
All through breakfast, she could barely sit still. Her father, Mr. George Martin, sat across from her reading the morning reports. His suit jacket was already on, even though they were at home. He looked up once and frowned.
“Lisa, are you paying attention?” he asked, tapping the papers in front of him.
“Huh?” She blinked. “Oh, yeah, sorry.”
George sighed. “This is important. The company’s launching new software next week. You need to understand this. You’ll be part of the business sooner than you think.”
“I know, Dad,” she said, trying to smile. But her mind was far from software updates and business strategies. She was thinking about Edward’s smile. His voice. The way he had looked at her.
She didn’t mention Edward. Her dad wouldn’t understand. He always said romance was a distraction. He wanted Lisa to learn the business, not fall in love.
After breakfast, Lisa tried to focus on her business course, but her thoughts kept drifting. She imagined Edward’s hand in hers, the way he had whispered, “Call me,” at the gala.
By late afternoon, she was digging through her closet, pulling out dresses; she finally chose a soft pink dress with a flowing skirt. It wasn’t too flashy, but it made her feel pretty. She curled her hair loosely and dabbed on a little lip gloss. When she looked in the mirror, she felt… excited. Nervous. Happy.
Edward picked her up right on time. He stepped out of his car and opened the door for her, smiling.
“Hi,” he said.
“Hi,” she breathed.
“You look amazing.”
“So do you,” she said, her voice soft.
They drove downtown, chatting the whole way. The restaurant he chose was tucked between two tall buildings. Small, quiet, and cozy. A soft Italian song played in the background. Inside, the smell of garlic and herbs filled the air. Edward held her chair, and they sat across from each other, sharing a bottle of red wine. They ordered pasta and garlic bread, laughing about little things. Bad dates, childhood stories, favorite songs. Edward told her about growing up in Chicago. He’d lived in a small apartment with his mom and sister. His dad had left when he was young. He’d worked through college waiting tables and studying late into the night.
“It wasn’t easy,” he said, sipping his wine. “But I always knew I wanted more. I worked hard for everything I have.”
Lisa watched him, amazed. “That’s… really impressive. I’ve never had to struggle like that.”
He smiled. “That’s okay. What matters is who you are, not where you started.”
She looked down, smiling. “Sometimes I feel like people only see me as George Martin’s daughter. Not me.”
“Well,” Edward said, leaning closer, “I see you. You’ve got a spark, Lisa. You’re not like everyone else in this town.”
After dinner, they walked to the nearby dock. The night was cool, the city lights dancing on the dark water, and the wind played softly with her hair. They walked slowly, hands brushing but not quite touching. It felt like a dream. When they stopped under a streetlamp, Edward turned toward her.
“I had a really nice time tonight,” he said.
“Me too,” she whispered.
He looked at her, eyes gentle, then leaned in.
His lips met hers. Warm, careful, sweet. Lisa’s eyes closed, and for a few seconds, the world disappeared. She felt his hands on her waist, steady and soft. Her heart raced in her chest.
When the kiss ended, she looked up at him, breathless.
“I’d like to see you again,” he said.
She nodded. “I’d like that.”
He drove her home, walking her to the front door. “Goodnight, Lisa.”
“Goodnight, Edward.”
She slipped inside quietly, her shoes in her hand. The house was dark, except for one light in the living room. Susan sat on the couch in her pajamas, flipping through a magazine.
“You’re home late,” Susan said without looking up.
Lisa paused. “I was out with… a friend.”
Susan finally looked at her, raising one perfect eyebrow. “A friend, huh? Let me guess. Tall, dark hair, expensive suit?”
Lisa tried to hide her smile. “Maybe.”
Susan gave a fake laugh. “Be careful, Lisa. Guys like that usually want something. Especially when they find out who you are.”
Lisa frowned. “He’s not like that.”
“Oh, sure. He’s different. They always are, until they’re not.”
Lisa didn’t say another word. She walked past her sister and went straight upstairs, her heart still full but now mixed with a little doubt. In her room, she closed the door and leaned against it. She touched her lips, still remembering the kiss. His voice. His eyes. She climbed into bed and stared at the ceiling. Susan’s warning echoed in her mind, but she didn’t want to believe it. Edward wasn’t after her money. He didn’t ask about her father. He made her feel seen and understood.
She fell asleep with her phone beside her pillow, hoping to wake up to another message.
- Writer
