A Glass of Promise

Madison stole another glance at her phone for what felt like the millionth time today. The presentation was never-ending, and she wondered if she would be left with enough time to get ready for her evening plans. She laughed at herself at the thought of ‘getting ready’ – what she really needed to do was fully transform. She hadn’t slept for days in anticipation of being taken out by Luciano Di Robilant IV, former heir to his parents’ throne. Despite their sudden fall from grace following the unfortunate abolition of his country’s monarchy, he remained very much endowed with a healthy dose of riches and infamy all the same.

Luciano Di Robilant IV was notoriously good looking but was also distinguished by an air of grace and elegance - one certainly unfamiliar to the juiceheads and stock jocks of our day. He was also known for winning multiple academic awards for his scholastic achievements and later accomplishments in innovating the merlot brewery of his father - undoubtedly a lost art he kept alive and beautifully if she may add. She couldn’t believe Janice had scored her a date with a man with such prestige and even more so that she had pulled it off without the slightest use of a dating app.

“How did you even get his number?!", she had asked Janice, amazed.

“Listen, you don’t get to do someone’s PR campaign without getting seriously involved with their details”, Janice replied.

“And he just agreed? Just like that? How did you even phrase it? My best friend is unabashedly single and would love to be taken out on a royal date?”, she said not entirely convinced.

“Maddie you need to relax. I know what I’m doing. I’ve been doing it forever, even before you decided to dig that solitary hole out of your apartment and haven’t been out since”, Janice was not one to sugarcoat.

“Have a nice weekend everyone and don’t forget this Monday is our funday potluck and product meet”, the speaker concluded.

Finally, she was liberated from work and its unforgiving Friday practices. As she rushed home into the shower and into her carefully selected outfit for the evening, she couldn’t help but recall something Janice had told her earlier about the faux prince: “Luciano apparently never drinks on any of his first dates as a rule of thumb. Don’t take it personally, he doesn’t like to be caught off guard with strangers they say.”

She remembered thinking this was slightly off-putting but was too excited to meet the esteemed Luciano she decided to brush it off instead. Janice had put so much effort in planning their special evening, she was not going to risk ruining it over a few minor details.

It wasn’t long after she had arrived (early) that she was met by the gaze of her familiar stranger. His warm hazel eyes smiled before she could, and after they briefly introduced themselves, were seated by the waiter. After they got past the awkward trivialities, she spent the night legitimately entranced by what Luciano had to say. He too could not believe the attentiveness she paid him. Madison could not believe how smoothly the night was playing out.

The waiter returned with more dessert and was about to serve them before Luciano stopped him and insisted the bill be taken care of. He had been called into his parents’ office and apologized profusely for this but promised on his faux monarchical claim that he would be in touch. Madison couldn’t help but let out a giggle and they quickly embraced before he dashed out of the restaurant.

It wasn’t long after he left that she noticed, much to her disbelief and quiet pleasure, that his only glass of merlot was completely emptied. Filled to the brim with excitement, she stepped out onto the street and in sweet reverie, began the way back home.