Our First Date

He’s here!

Excitement runs through my blood and I race to the full length mirror to check my final look. I smile, pleased with myself. My skin glistened, and the waves of my hair set perfectly and I am absolutely radiant! Of course, it’s because of John.

John looks at me in a way that makes me feel magical. Every exchange we’ve had the past few weeks has been warm and electrifying. Our eyes meet whenever we’re in the same room and John gives me his focus and attention over every other woman in the building. I wasn’t surprised when he finally asked me out but I wondered what took him so long.

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

I peer out the blinds to check his attire once I hear him exit the convertible. He’s in a tan suit, white button-up shirt, and a burgundy tie that paired perfectly with my dress! I don’t believe in coincidences, and the butterflies explode within me and I can’t stop myself from grinning.

My intuition told me that John may be my match made in heaven. He 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 smooth my hair out before opening the door with my best smile.

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

“Thank you John. You clean up nice as well. Nice to see each other outside of the gym wear” I joke as my cheeks flush in thrill.

“Absolutely. I’m sorry I took so long. Here these are for you”.

John hands me a dozen long-stemmed red roses and our hands momentarily touch as his hypnotizing green eyes lock in to my being.

“Thank you John! They’re absolutely beautiful. Please, won’t you come in?” I offer, widing the door for him.

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

I glance his way as I set up the flowers in the vase. John patiently waits in the living room, viewing each picture on the wall and every piece of artwork on the mantel. Every so often he asks a question or gives a compliment to my home decorations. I grab my purse and when I look at John I catch him staring at me before giving me his famous smile and I feel incredible. I can tell he’s impressed by me and comfortable at my 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 tell me that he’s just as excited as I am. Just before he reaches 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 to our destination.

I enjoyed riding in his car. John handles the machine like a mature man and skilled driver. Each bend in the convertible was like a roller coaster. John single handedly switched gears like an expert and not once was I afraid. He’d accelerate the car just enough for a thrill before calming 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 was settled in by the pier, but 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 joke.

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 stone path to the central park. I’m confused initially, as everyone knows the park is closed at dusk. I also wondered why John would wear a suit and tie if he knew we would be at a park. As we get closer, I take notice that the park is full of people and there’s a giant white sheet stretched across the trees.

Some were sitting on the ground with blankets and others in lawn chairs. Some set up little bbq pits and we’re having their meal in the park as well. As I studied the people around us, I saw that they were dressed similar to John and I and that most of them appeared to be married. Couples of all ages, overly dressed for a picnic in the park. It was adorable. I look over at John to see him already smiling at me.

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

“It’s a movie at the park. It’s a date night. They do this the last weekend of each month. They play silent films to not disturb the animals. You can bring your own food and bottle. I thought it would be something nice 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. The idea sounds ridiculous but I was having fun. I was very much enjoying our time together and his uniqueness amongst the crowd of couples. 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 two 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 based on 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. I received the box on Monday, I couldn’t wait to ask you out. For our first date, I picked this bottle.” he confesses before placing the glass in my hand.

John melts me and now I know why he took so long to ask me out. He was putting in a strong effort to gain my interests, and I melted. I eagerly wait for John to pour the glass to taste what he thought of me.

While still holding my hand in his, John 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 fruit forward medium bodied red. The notes of tart cherry, violet, and vanilla enthrall my senses. John pulls out short ribs, roast turkey, and rustic ratatouille from the basket. I swallow the smooth wine with my eyes closed and when I open I see John, 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.