The trouble with Debbie

chapter 13

"So don't forget, the dinner is booked for 8pm," it was Friday and Klara was on form, "and your friend is still coming?"

"Jesus Klara, relax would you?" Debbie laughed, "anyone would think you were getting married again. Yes, Keiron is still coming."

Debbie wanted to wait before telling her cousin just how close she and Keiron had become. She knew Klara was already worried and she wanted her to see them together for herself so she could see, first hand, that their chemistry was genuine. They hadn't slept together yet, although they had come close a few times and Debbie was feeling like tonight may be the night. She felt giddy thinking about him and couldn't wait to see him. He was at the new house, meeting with decorators after surprising his mother. His engineering firm was almost ready to go and he was very excited. Debbie loved listening to him talking about his work. His passion shone through him. Maybe all the bullshit with Matt earned her enough brownie points to win Keiron. How else could she be so lucky?

"Alright," Klara laughed, "I guess I'll see you later girl. Bye."

"Bye." she smiled and the call ended. She finished up the last of her work and headed out to her hair appointment.

Debbie arrived back home quite some hours later and found Keiron in the living room.

He stood up to greet her, "Hi beautiful," he beamed, "your hair looks amazing."

"Thank you," she grinned, "I'll be ready to leave in an hour okay?"

"No problem." he kissed her cheek. She ran upstairs to get ready and true to her word, she was ready within the hour. She came down the stairs to find Keiron waiting. His eyes widened when he saw her. Her hair expertly slicked into a ponytail with her soft kinky coils twisted into ringlets, her subtle make up letting her natural features shine, a figure hugging red strapless dress, down to her knees, simple but effective. High wedge strappy sandals finished the look. She looked amazing.

"Do I pass?" she asked as she did a little twirl.

Keiron was speechless.

"WOW!" He stuttered, "You look stunning! You're so beautiful. Let's just stay home, me and you..."

"Thank you very much," Debbie laughed, "but my cousin would actually murder me!"

Keiron straightened himself up to show off his smart, sleek suit.

"Talking of cousins," he fixed his collar and tie, "will I make the cut?"

"Well," Debbie ran a hand down his chest and over the buttons on his freshly pressed shirt, "I think its safe to say that you officially look like the most handsome man I've ever seen. I'm glad I'm the one who gets to go home with you tonight."

"Mmmm," Keiron kissed her gently, "I'm looking forward to that."

They made their way to the car and Keiron took the keys, "I'm driving tonight. I want you to enjoy yourself." they got in the car and made their way to the restaurant.

Klara breathed a sigh of relief when she saw her cousin walk through the door and her jaw nearly hit the floor when she saw the handsome man who was on her arm. He was gorgeous! She scanned the rest of her party and tried to find a woman that would be a good match for him but, he's exactly who she would have set Debbie up with. She spotted her work colleague, Charlene, and decided she was perfect. On the other side of the room, she saw Ronny, getting himself a drink. She smiled and made her way over to her cousin.

"Hi! You must be Keiron. I've heard a lot about you. Nice to finally meet you. Thank you for looking after my cousin!" she beamed as she spoke.

"Hi," he smiled, "nice to meet you too. Excuse me for a minute, I need to move the car to a better parking spot, I had to brave it on a double yellow so I could walk Debbie inside. I won't be long." he stroked Debbie hand and left the restaurant.

"He's hot!" Klara winked and nudged Debbie, "and you look amazing by the way. Come on, I have someone I want you to meet."

Debbie didn't like where this was going. She had been quite clear about not wanting to be set up and she was here with Keiron.

"Klara, I said..." she started.

"yeah, I know, just say hi that's all," Klara pulled her across the room, "it can't hurt."

Ronny turned around just as they approached him and he instantly smiled at the sight of Debbie.

"Wow, Debbie," he stretched a hand out, "nice to see you again. You look amazing. Still as beautiful as ever."

"Hi Ronny," she shook his waiting hand, "thank you. You look well too."

Ronny was a good looking guy, he was about 5 ft 9, dark skinned, slim build and lots of thick hair, pulled back into a neat 'puff'.

"I just have to go mingle," Klara set up her exit, "I'll be back in a bit." she walked away leaving them both standing at the bar.

"Can I get you a drink?" Ronny asked

"Er, sure," Debbie smiled politely, "I'll take a gin and tonic please."

The bartender gave her the drink and Ronny proceeded to make a move.

"I always remember you from the wedding," he smiled, "you were so funny." he patted her shoulder and she immediately remembered that Ronny was Handsy. The day of the wedding, she had to physically move his hand from her leg. She willed Keiron to hurry up and come back. Ten minutes that felt like 2 hours later, Keiron finally returned. He stepped back through the door of the restaurant and searched for Debbie with his eyes. "there you are!" Klara appeared.

"Where's Debbie?" he asked.

"Oh she's fine," klara smiled, "I'm sure she'll join us in a bit. I want you to meet my friend Charlene."

A nervous looking Charlene gave him a shy smile and nod.

"Hi," he responded "nice to meet you" he continued to scan the room for Debbie. Finally he caught a flicker of red and thank goodness, he'd found her. But just as quickly as he felt joy in finding her, he felt actual real pain at what he was seeing. She was sitting in a corner by the bar with a guy who's face he couldn't see. The guy had a firm hand on Debbie's leg and she didn't seem to mind. The man had his back to Keiron so he couldn't see his face but, Debbie definitely looked like she knew him. Keiron wasn't happy at all and made his way through the crowd to find out exactly, what was going on.