Merlot

The small café was hazy, with overhead lamps turned off and wall sconces dimly lit. Well used candles flickered within glass centerpieces on each table. An ambiance of romance pervaded the quaint establishment.

In the corner furthest from the door, isolated from the majority of patrons, sat a young woman with dark, shoulder length hair. She wore a perfectly form fitting dress that ended just above the knee. It clung to her in a way that stated both elegance and grace. Despite the charm of her attire, her manner was anxious and uncertain. She fumbled with the napkin on the table.

“May I bring you a glass of water, ma’am?” asked a young waiter who identified himself as Daniel. She accepted with a smile, but she remained preoccupied.

Several minutes later, Daniel returned to take the woman’s order. Her fingertips circled the top of her glass as she stared blankly through it. “May I refill your glass?” asked Daniel. She nodded absentmindedly, then asked what else he might recommend.

Daniel thought briefly. He looked at her. As her eyes met his, he quickly looked down. He muttered to her nervously. “How about a glass of Merlot?” She accepted the recommendation.

When she showed her identification to Daniel to verify her age, he saw that she was a few years his senior and that her name was Victoria. He repeated the name in his head, so he wouldn’t forget. Victoria…

Daniel returned a few minutes later holding a glass of Merlot, the wine a deep ruby hue. The candle light danced on the surface of the fluid, changing its appearance from red to black, then red again. Victoria sipped the wine slowly over the course of the next hour, recognizing dry, smooth notes of plum, as she waited for her date to arrive.

The man for whom Victoria sat expectantly was a law student. Victoria was introduced to him via a dating site online, and they agreed to meet in person for the first time. Not just their first meeting, it was to be their first date.

Victoria bounced her left knee unconsciously as she wondered what her date would be like in person. His online photo was impressive – handsome, wavy golden hair, slightly tanned skin, a chiseled jaw line. Victoria reviewed the equally impressive profile description of the ambitious, future attorney as she continued to sit while each minute ticked by sluggishly.

Daniel tended to Victoria attentively. He poured more Merlot for her carefully, so as not to spill or splash a single drop. When she accidentally knocked her fork to the floor, he was there quickly to replace it. Without neglecting his other customers, Daniel ensured that she was well taken care of.

The absentee dinner partner was at the forefront of Victoria’s thoughts. She already knew he was handsome, but would he be loud or quiet? Speak hurriedly or perhaps with a casual drawl? Would his gait be commanding or reserved?

While her focus was elsewhere, she couldn’t help but gradually notice the kind attentiveness of her waiter. What was his name? Ah, yes. Daniel…

Victoria, now seated at the corner table for over an hour, was hurt at the thought creeping forward in her mind that she was being stood up. She was frustrated and a bit embarrassed. After all, she had spent a great deal of time on her hair, makeup, and the perfect dress, all to make a good first impression. She decided not to wallow in her perceived defeat.

“Daniel, what would you say pairs well with a dry Merlot?”

Daniel intentionally averted his eyes from the dipping neckline of Victoria’s dress, so as not to be rude. He contemplated for a moment and then recommended a filet mignon with gorgonzola, sautéed mushrooms, and roasted Brussels sprouts brushed with a garlic butter glaze.

“I’m sorry. I don’t like Brussels sprouts.”

“Oh, but these are a house specialty. Quite delicious.”

“I don’t know…,” she hesitated.

“Please. If you are willing to try something new, I promise you will not be disappointed. And, if by chance I’m wrong, I will bring you a replacement of your choice.”

“Um…”

“At my expense,” he quickly interjected.

Victoria was surprised and impressed. She accepted. She proceeded to enjoy a delightful meal, interspersed with pleasant snippets of conversation with Daniel, as time permitted.

Daniel had been cautious of Victoria initially. She was quite beautiful, but beauty doesn’t always extend beyond the surface.

Victoria, who was at first indifferent toward Daniel, began to really notice him – not just his kindness toward her, but his diligence in his duties, his caring service toward the other customers, gentle mannerisms and soft smile. She also noticed that the seemingly timid young man who did not make eye contact at first gradually began to do so over the course of the evening.

They chatted briefly, quietly, politely. He learned some of her interests. She learned a bit of his goals.

She finished her dinner and enjoyed a sliver of cheesecake for dessert, garnished with sweet strawberries. After payment of the bill, Daniel returned her credit card to her and commented that he was sorry her evening didn’t go as planned. She smiled as she gently twirled her wine glass and replied, “It was a wonderful first date, Daniel. I look forward to seeing you again.”

She rose, pecked him lightly on the cheek, and departed. Daniel stood like a statue, wide eyed, staring after her, his face a ruby red shade – you might even say a tad like Merlot.