Finally

Chapter 11 - The Final Blow

I arrive at the bowling alley and wait at the entrance, our agreed meeting point. I’m early so I’m not surprised he isn’t there yet. My nerves are starting to kick in and I feel a wave of nausea run through me. I never used to feel nervous before a casual date, but it’s been a while and I’m totally out of practice. 

I spot him instantly, he’s hard to miss. He’s a good bit taller than me with smooth caramel skin, cheekbones a model would die for and warm almond shaped eyes. He’s even more gorgeous in person and he smiles at me as he spots me. 

“Zara right?” He asks with a smile that reveals his perfect white teeth. He really could be a model. 

“Yes,” I answer, trying to be confident but I’ve lost a lot of that in the last year. “Zane?” I ask checking it’s the man I’m supposed to meet then instantly feeling stupid because of course it is, he knew my name. 

“Yes,” he answers laughing. “Shall we do this?” He asks offering me his hand. 

“Sure,” I reply grinning like an i***t.  I'm loving being out with such a delicious looking man and the envious glances I'm getting from other women sure is a confidence boost.  He could definitely take my mind off he who I don't want to think about anymore. 

We head inside and check in at the reception desk then collect our clown shoes, which I’m sure they only make you wear so you look ridiculous. 

“Lane 4,” the spotty teen behind the counter tells us and gives us a ticket. 

We head to lane 4 and Zane sets it up while I look through the drinks menu. 

“Ladies first,” he says with a smile and indicates it’s my turn first. 

I put the menu down still undecided and choose a medium weight ball with the smallest finger holes. I have stupid child sized hands and I learned to use the small holed balls the hard way when I dropped one on my toes once. 

I do my usual three runs and a lunge before throwing the ball as hard as I can. There’s a moment where time stands still as the ball makes its way down the alley. It seems straight, but it’s taking so long I clearly didn’t throw it hard enough. It gently knocks down eight pins, most looking like they lie down out of pity. Still, eight isn’t bad and Zane nods pulling his lips between his teeth. He looks reasonably impressed, at least I didn't make a fool of myself. 

That feeling soon fades when I miss the next shot, but he still claps and tells me it was a valiant effort. I know he's only being kind, but it's adorable and he's only going up in my estimation.

The waitress comes over just as Zane is about to take his turn. 

“I’ll have a beer please,” I ask. I don’t drink much these days with all the medication I’m on but one beer won’t hurt. 

“A coke for me,” orders Zane. “I don’t drink,” he explains to me. 

“Oh! Errrr...” I stutter. 

Maybe I should have ordered a soft drink too, but the waitress has gone already. One beer it definitely is. 

“It’s fine if you want to though, I just don’t. I never have and my family don’t approve,” he explains. 

“Oh ok, for religious or personal reasons?” I ask curious, I hope it isn’t a prying step too far. 

“Religious, they are Muslim. I’m not very devout these days, but there are certain things I still stick to and the drinking thing is one,  It's just never appealed,” he clarifies. 

He takes his shot and of course he gets a strike first time. I’m going to get thrashed so badly, I give up any thoughts of trying to win immediately. 

“What are your family like?” I ask trying to make conversation, but also because I'm curious now.  They are obviously very different to mine. 

“My mother is from Sudan and my Father is from Egypt, my sisters and I were all born here. They are strict parents, but more so with the girls, being the baby boy definitely has its perks,” he says smiling. 

No wonder he’s so gorgeous, such an interesting mix of genes. He has the beautiful Egyptian eyes and his skin is smooth and a beautiful colour. He’s handsome, but unique looking and he’s definitely inherited the best from both sets of genes. 

“I’m the second youngest and the youngest girl so I know what you mean. I get protected and taken out and I’m not expected to look after anyone or be a good role model, which is good!” I joke. 

He laughs, but assures me I’m probably an excellent example to my younger brother. If only he knew! 

He doesn’t judge when I drink my one beer and we have a great evening, both being competitive and laughing. He beats me by a mile, but I honestly don’t mind, I’m too busy enjoying myself and I haven’t laughed like this in so long, this was definitely a good idea.

When we’ve finished our game we head for food and he tells me more about why he joined the dating site. 

“My parents are keen for me to marry, but I haven’t met the one yet. They’ve introduced me to lots of girls, but none of them are what I’m looking for,” he tells me looking deep into my eyes. 

His honesty is refreshing, but makes me nervous. This is exactly the opposite of what I’m looking for. 

“I figured I’d date a bit and see what happens,” he continues. “I know most people on the site are just looking for fun, but not me. Besides, I'm not that comfortable with the idea of s*x before marriage,” he ends delivering the final blow. 

Damn it! I knew he was too good to be true. There’s no way I’m even looking for a relationship, let alone marriage. I’m out. 

“I’m not looking for anything serious right now,” I say honestly. “I’ve had too much heartbreak and if I can be as honest as you've been with me I believe in trying before buying,” I admit. 

He laughs and takes it well, but by the end of the date we can both see this won’t work. 

He kisses my cheek and tells me he’s had a great night. If I’m honest I have too even if it’s likely to be a one off. 

My Mr Right Now is still out there somewhere, but the search is still on.