First Date

He’s here! Excitement runs through my blood and I race to the full length mirror to check my final look. My skin glistened, and the waves of my hair set perfectly. I’m pleased and amazed at myself for how absolutely radiant I am and I know it’s partly because of John. I like him and I’m certain that the feelings are reciprocated just by the way he looks at me.

I study the burgundy silk dress, hoping I wasn’t overdressed for the occasion. But this dress flatters my figure the best and the black pumps highlight my oiled calves. I want to look nice for John. I want him to recognize my effort and know that I think he’s someone special.

I peer out the blinds to check his attire. He’s in a tan suit, white button up shirt, and a burgundy tie that paired perfectly with my dress. The butterflies explode within me and I can’t stop myself from grinning. John man does something to me that I’ve never experienced before. It tells me that he’s going to play an important role in my life but I don’t want to place any expectations, it’s only our first date.

He knocks twice on the door, and I run my fingers to smooth my hair before opening the door with my best smile.

“Wow, Mary you look great! I’m astonished that you’re my date” John exclaims.

“Thank you. You look good too. Nice to see each other outside of the gym wear” I joke as my cheeks flush in thrill.

“Absolutely. Here these are for you”.

He hands me a dozen long-stemmed red roses and our hands momentarily touch as his cologne hypnotizes my senses.

“Thanks John! They’re absolutely beautiful. Please, won’t you come in?” I invite.

John steps into my home with a subtle confidence that I find completely attractive. John and I only see each other during the days that I go to the gym. We’ve never truly engaged in any type of conversation. He is a complete mystery to me and yet I feel a certain familiarity with him that I don’t normally get with strangers.

Every exchange we’ve had the past few weeks has been warm and electrifying. Our eyes meet whenever we’re in the same vicinity as each other. Our chemistry is off the charts and other people notice it as well. I wasn’t surprised when he finally asked me out but I wondered what took him so long.

I glance his way as I set up the flowers in the vase. He patiently waits in the living room with one hand in his pocket. John walks the floor viewing each picture on the wall and each piece of artwork on the mantel while complimenting my home. Just as I grab my purse to tell himI’m ready, I catch John staring at me again with that grin and I feel incredible. I can tell he’s impressed by me and comfortable at home. And knowing this puts me on cloud 9.

“I’ve never rode in a sports car before” I admit as he opens the passenger side door.

“Really? You have no idea what you’re missing” he chimes before gently closing the door behind me.

My gaze follows his body as he runs behind the car to jump in the driver’s seat. He’s quick steps tells me that he’s just as excited as I am. Just before he reaches for the handle, I open the door for him from inside.

“I knew you were one of the great ones” he comments before taking my hand and driving off and it’s Christmas morning.

John handles the car like a mature man and skilled driver. Each bend in the convertible is like a roller coaster ride. John switched single handedly switched gears like an expert. He’d accelerate the car just enough for a thrill before regaining control of the powerful engine. Each time, throwing a smile at me and sending a surge of adrenaline through my core.

It’s a short drive before we’re at the heart of a little town famous for its Italian dining. John hops out and is at my side to open the door and help me out the low-seated ride. I expected that we would be eating at the grand opening of the restaurant that settled in by the pier before John popped the trunk of his vehicle. To my surprise, he pulls out a large picnic basket and red plaid blanket.

“I see we’re not going to the restaurant” I state.

John closes the trunk, his handsome face holding that smile.

“No, I was thinking something different today. Come on, let me show you”.

John takes my hand and we walk down the path to the central park. I’m confused initially as everyone knows the park is closed at dusk. As we get closer, I take notice the park is full of people of all ages. Some sitting on the ground with their blankets and others in lawn chairs. Some were families with small children and others were elderly married couples eating together. Laughter and friendly chatter fill the park as John searches for a place for us to seat. A giant white sheet is stretched across the trees.

“What is going on?” I ask John in amusement once settled on the blanket.

“It’s a movie at the park. They do this the last weekend of each month. They play early silent films. It's a bring your own food and bottle atmosphere. I thought it would be something cool to do with you” he tells me.

I can’t stop smiling at John as he takes his suit jacket off and lays it on the blanket. We’re completely overdressed but it’s fun. I was very much enjoying our time together and his uniqueness amongst the crowd of families. Everyone at the park was happy and eager for the movie to start.

John begins taking the food he prepared from the basket and setting up our area and I feel like the luckiest girl in the world.

“Care for a drink?” he offers, showing me a bottle of wine.

“Hmmm, Bright Cellars” I don’t think I’ve ever tried this brand before.

He coyly smiles before placing the glasses in front of me.

“Then you’re in for a treat. They are a favorite of mine. It’s a monthly club that matches you with wine that you’ll love with a taste palate quiz. I thought of you when I took the quiz. I thought of you and the places I wanted to take you and how I hoped for the evening to go. For our first date, I picked this bottle.” he confesses before placing the glass in my hand.

While still holding my hand in his, he slowly pours the wine into my glass and pours another for himself.

“To the beginning” he toasts.

While staring into John’s green eyes, I taste the smooth, fruit forward medium bodied red and I know that it is the beginning. A beginning with a man that I knew I would love and who would love me in return. A man of great elegance, taste, and class. A man that I knew would be my future husband.

“How is it?” he asks with flirty eyes.

“It’s perfect” I exhale at last and with John's receptive smile, I knew that all was right.