Just for a moment

Getting ready for a date

*Amelia*

I’m in a great mood all day, and I have to admit, I have a hard time not thinking about Cory. But when I have not heard from him the next afternoon, my stomach twists with the thought that he might have changed his mind. Maybe my outburst of jealousy scared him away after all.

“Ami, there’s a hot guy asking for you!” Maria, my colleague, bursts into the kitchen where I have been chatting with the chef.

I walk into the restaurant and spot Cory standing by the bar. My heart skips a beat as I head over. “Hi Cory, what are you doing here?”

“I thought it better to come here in person than to just text you,” he says, smiling. He pulls out a long-stemmed, deep red rose from behind his back and hands it to me.

I accept it, my cheeks flushing. I certainly isn’t accustomed to men doing things like this. “Thank you, you didn’t have to do that.”

“But I wanted to,” he replies, his gaze warm. “I would love to pick you up at your home tomorrow at 6 PM, if that’s okay with you?”

I bite my lip, my heart racing. “It would be perfect, but you don’t have to go through a lot of trouble. I can take the train.”

“It’s no trouble at all, and it wouldn’t be a proper date if you had to take the train,” he insists, a sweet smile spreading across his face.

It has to be an American thing; they’re so much more serious about dating. I actually like it, though I almost don’t know what to do with myself.

“I’m looking forward to tomorrow, Ami. It’s way too long a wait,” he says, taking my hand and lifting it to his lips, kissing it softly.

I feel like I’m just standing there, grinning like an i***t. As he turns to leave, he winks at me, and I blush, acutely aware that everyone is watching us.

“Hey, is that your boyfriend, Ami?” Maria asks, approaching as I tuck the rose into a small vase.

I can’t help the silly grin on my face. “Well, not officially yet, but if everything goes smoothly tomorrow, then hopefully.”

“s**t, he’s gorgeous and romantic! Better sink your claws into that one before someone else does,” she giggles.

I smile back, thinking yeah, he’s almost too good to be true. There has to be something dark hidden that I just haven’t seen yet.

Half an hour later, my phone buzzes, and I look down at the text:

> Hello beautiful, Joel just made me realize it might be a good idea to get your address. Love, Cory Hi, good thing you have Joel looking out for you. See you tomorrow! Love, Ami Guess what I’m doing tonight? I’m too chicken to start guessing, but it sounds exciting! I’m going on a romantic date, and I need you to tell me what to wear! Yes, finally! Who is he? Where and when did you meet him? His name is Cory, and he’s American. I literally ran into him Friday after you left. Uhh, I’m so excited for you, sweetie! Hmm, okay… clothes... Is it the first date? And where are you going? No idea. He’s picking me up at 6 PM, and it’s the second date; we had lunch Saturday. Okay, tell me about him! How far have you gone? Kissing? He’s tall, dark, and very handsome… a smashing 11! He’s sweet, funny, and very charming. Instead of texting me about our date, he showed up at work with a red rose to tell me. No, just hugs, holding hands, and kisses on the cheek. Okay, I’ve got to meet him soon! And I know what you’re going to wear… the yellow one you bought in London to sweep him off his feet! Thank you, perfect! And if tonight goes well, I’ll introduce you soon. Good luck with the date! He’s not going to know what hit him when he sees you! <

I twist my hair back into a clean and simple bun, making sure not to take focus away from the dress, and apply a light layer of makeup. Lastly, I slip on the dress.

It’s thick yellow silk and quite simple, with wide straps and a knot-like effect at the chest, plus a small train. When I put it on, I wonder if it’s a bit too much, as I have no idea where we are going. It gives me quite a bit of cleavage. As Linda would have put it, it might make babies cry for milk.

I accessorize with a simple Swarovski crystal necklace and a pair of understated golden heels.

When the clock hits 5:30, I’m ready but start pacing nervously. I have butterflies in my stomach. Is the dress too much? Where is he going to take me?