PERFECT HARMONY

Billy nervously paced the floor as he rubbed his sweaty palms together with anticipation of the unknown. He thought perhaps getting some fresh air might do him some good, so he strolled out to his front yard. He looked up at the dark clouds in the sky that had been threatening rain all afternoon, but yet to deliver. Billy prayed something arose that would deter his plans and a rainstorm seemed idea. However, he was running out of time because it was less than two hours before he was scheduled to meet the acquaintance of Lady D, a nickname for Delores Dickerson. Billy had partaken in a foolish bet with his best friend, Charles, and being the loser had him hooking up with a stranger from an internet dating site.

Billy went back inside and pondered with the idea of calling the whole thing off. He believed the gloomy day was a sign of darkness and that his blind date would be a total disaster. His nerves were a total wreck, so he called Charles to get some last minute pointers on how to make the best of the evening. Charles was quick to remind Billy that Lady D was a beautiful, educated, entrepreneur with a successful business and this date was a golden opportunity to meet a woman of such a high caliber. Charles advice sounded like a rambling echo of words that Billy knew nothing about. The only thing that stood out from their conversation was Charles warning to him not to blow it. He then hung the phone right in Billy's ear and that sent him into a frenzy. Billy slipped into a trance of self-doubt as he thought about all the scenarios that could point to him being a man that lacked confidence and self-esteem. He could not phantom the idea of his career as a garbage man being suitable for a gorgeous businesswoman, like Lady D. Billy knew he needed to find a way to relax before he triggered a panic attack. He looked around the room, thinking, until his eyes locked in on the two bottles of 'Marylin Merlot' that Charles had given him for his birthday. The gift was meant to join the trophy case of Billy's incredible collector items, but he needed to relax his mind. He swung open the cabinet, took out a wine glass, and opened the bottle. He slowly filled the glass to the rim and took a sip as he thought to himself, not bad. The great tasting wine triggered him to pour his second glass and put on a mellow jazz tune. He danced around the room until he built a sense of courage to tackle the evening.

Billy got dressed in his casual attire and glanced in the mirror. He did not know if it was the wine, but for the first time in a while, Billy liked the reflection staring back at him. He splashed some of his special occasion cologne on his neck and chest before he took one final look. He was ready with the mindset to anticipate nothing, but to expect anything. He headed out the door to the designated meeting place of a local park. Billy and Lady D agreed a public location was a good neutral meeting place for a first date. He started the engine to his sports car and an afterthought made him go back inside and grab the second bottle of Marylin Merlot, along with two wine glasses.

Billy arrived just as the presence of the sun began to peek through the gray clouds. He walked through the park until he spotted a vision of perfect beauty standing by a park bench. Her stunning features, along with the red sundress on her curvaceous body quickly captured his attention. Billy approached Lady D and extended his hand as he stared straight into her blue piercing eyes. She obliged him with a delicate handshake and with a sensual voice introduced herself. They sat down directly across from one another and Billy took a moment to admire the perfect display of cherries and berries; cheddar and gorgonzola cheese; whole grain crackers, and sparkling water. He felt relieved over his decision to grab the bottle of wine and knew it was a perfect addition to the spread. Billy carefully took out his two wine glasses and placed them in the center of the table. When Billy took the Marylin Merlot out of the bag, he looked up and Lady D was handing him the exact same bottle to open. They looked at the bottles in their hands and then at each other in shock before bursting into laughter. Lady D gently placed Billy's hand into hers and softly said, "A man that drinks Merlot is definitely a man that I would love to get to know." A huge smile spread across Billy's face and the evening took off from that point. The doubt that once invaded his spirit disappeared just like the wine that traveled down their throats. Billy discovered through their distinct differences that a common denominator brought them together in perfect harmony. They ended the night with a walk into the moonlight that brought on a comforting ambience and a promise of a second date.

On the ride home, Billy let down the droptop to his convertible and turned up the radio as the wind blew through his hair. He was in a deep thought as he calculated the events that led to perfect evening, until his phone rang. It was Charles and he had already missed several of his calls, so he turned down the volume and picked up. Charles voice was frantic and escalated, as he shouted, "What happened?" Billy quietly replied, "Merlot" and this time he hung up the phone in Charles ear. Billy turned up the music with a smirk on his face as "I Wanna Be Loved by You" blared through the car and continued driving into the darkness of the night!