Chapter 2
675 Words
Emma's POV
Outside the Gold Vine, I began to rethink my decision. I was not in the right frame of kind to be on a date.
My golden bandage dress and vintage heels suddenly did not feel attractive anymore. I wanted to turn back, to go home and bury myself under my covers.
But instead, I took a deep breath and entered. My eyes scanned the restaurant for my date, Mark Vespers who told me he'd be in a dark green shirt and black pants.
Once. Twice. No sight of him. I hoped I was not being stood up.
I looked around the restaurant again. Slowly, this time paying close attention to the outfits.
And then I saw him, sitting at a table close to the window, staring out of it as if there was something of interest out there, in the same outfit like he said.
I felt grateful – at least, Mark respected my feelings.
I walked up to him and slid into the chair opposite him.
“Hi, Mark, sorry I'm late,” I said, placing my bag on the table.
Then I looked up at him. And my breath caught.
From his pictures on Tinder, Mark looked like your normal corporate guy.
But the man that faced me looked anything but. He was a literal god. His features were perfect – sharp nose, a heart shaped mouth and steel eyes that focused on me, like he could read my past, present and future. He leaned back on his chair like he owned the place.
Weird.
People used catfishing to look better in pictures.
This man did it to look worse.
“Excuse me?” He said, his voice deep, a perfect match for the face.
“You're…you're Mark right?” I stuttered.
“Uh…” His eyes narrowed.
“So nice to meet you,” Although the air-conditioning was working perfectly, I felt hot. I extended my hand for a handshake. He held my arm, his grip tight and I felt a flutter in my stomach.
When I withdrew, I fanned my hand at my face.
We ordered – ordered filet mignon for me, truffle cream tagliatelle for him.
As we ate, I talked about a lot of things – my favourite movie, my Roman empire, the principles I stood by while he watched me like I was the only person in the room.
“You talk a lot,”
I laughed, “Nervous habit. You’re not exactly chatty yourself.”
“Maybe I’m just enjoying the show,” he smirked.
He didn't say much else after that.
And when he offered to drive me home, I jumped at the chance. Anything to save some money right?
When we pulled up infront of my apartment and I turned to him,
“Well, I guess this is it. Thank you for tonight.”
“Yeah. Thank you too. It's not easy to come across a woman who can hold a conversation this long,” He said
I grinned, unsure if it was a compliment or a jab.
He stepped out of the car and then went around to open the car door for me. Holding my hand, he helped me out of the car but I stumbled with a yelp and fell, landing…in his arms.
Before I could think I leaned in and kissed him.
His lips were soft, perfect, and for a moment, he kissed me back as he steadied me.
My cheeks were burning by the time we pulled away from each other.
Embarrassed, I bolted into my apartment. I exhaled and turned to peek at him from the small hole in the door.
I watched him get into the driver's seat of the car and drive away.
“Stupid. Stupid. Stupid,” I muttered as I pulled out my phone to text him, to apologise for my senseless actions.
I sent a quick text and in the next second, I received a text back.
Emma, what the hell? You stood me up! I've been waiting for three hours now?!!!!!!
- Writer
