Vin Fromage

Valentine's Day... Oh goody. Today is Valentine's Day. My favorite day of the year. Every year I watch all the women in my office get cheesy love notes, cheap chocolate, and overpriced flowers that will die in a week. I mean if guys actually cared wouldn't they spice it up a little?

I know what you are thinking, "Cynical much?" It's true. I can't help it. I mean I haven't been on a date in 4 years. My mother is constantly reminding me of how I am getting older, fatter, and all around less pleasing to the eye.

I'm sitting here in my desk chair just waiting to hear the first woman squeal in delight over her "I love you forever" delivery.

And wow, here we go. It's Ellis, my favorite coworker. You know the type-nails done, head to toe dressed in the latest fashion, billion dollar high heels walking in tiny steps like she has a stick up her butt. Obviously we don't see eye to eye on much. Honestly she just beat me out for a promotion and I'm pissed. I think I'll just go "congratulate" her on her ability to attract a man with her perfume and low cut blouses.

"Hey Ellis, nice flowers. Are they from Ethan, Brent, Cody, or your latest one night stand?" I snicker in contentment.

She doesn't even take the time to look up at me. "You know Abby maybe if you would try anything other than being pathetically miserable you may find that companionship actually makes you happy. Stop playing the victim."

Ouch, that hurts. She knows good and well I have had a terrible time with men. They don't even take a second look at me in the office except to ask for coffee.

What does she know anyway? I feel my face turn almost purple with anger. Before my brain can stop my mouth, I spout out "Ellis it just so happens I have a date with my new boyfriend tonight at Vin Fromage."

"Oh really? That's nice Abby. I would love to see a picture of you and your... boyfriend," she replies sarcastically.

Crap. What the hell have I done?! My big mouth and short temper strike again. Vin Fromage is the nicest restaurant in town, and I certainly do not have a boyfriend. Well it doesn't matter now, it's happening. There is no way I am letting that witch of a woman win once more. I sit back down at my desk and ferociously think of how in the world I am going to get a date, much more get him to take me to Vin Fromage.

I pull up the latest online dating app and begin filling out my profile.

Name- Abby Moore.

Height- 5'4.

Hair - Curly and Red.

Eyes- Green.

Favorite pastime- sipping a glass of Merlot while reading mystery novels.

Yikes... Does that sound lame?? Well it's true. It is what it is. Okayyyyy... submit! I feel a wave of excitement come over me in anticipation of a message from a mystery man. Now all I have to do is wait.

And wait I did. Noon- nothing. 1 pm- nothing. 4 pm- nothing. Oh well. Guess I'll have to let Ellis know she called my bluff. I now want that glass of wine more than ever. Just as I am gathering my things to head out the door, I hear a sound come from my computer. A message...A MESSAGE!!! I quickly sit back down, crack my knuckles and see what guy has decided to pretend to be interested in me.

Will Anderson. 6'2. Brown hair and brown eyes. He looks slightly overweight but quite handsome in his profile picture.

His message reads: "Hey, you interested in a Valentine's dinner? Just going to be up front and honest I told my sister I had a date tonight and she will bust my chomps if I do not have some proof. Not wanting a serious relationship or anything."

Hah! Wow, how romantic. He really lives up to my Valentine's Day standards. However, this could literally not be more perfect.

"I'm actually in a similar situation, so, sure, why not."

"I hear Vin Fromage has an excellent Merlot selection. Meet at 7:30?"

Well isn't he clever using something from my profile to pick a date spot? I guess he actually read it. Wait a sec did he say Vin Fromage... you have got to be kidding me! Is he serious?! How amazingly perfect!

"Sounds good, I'll see you there."

"I will be the guy in a suit holding a purple tulip."

...Purple tulip? Not the typical red rose? Huh, interesting. Brutally honest AND against the grain. I think I might actually get along with this guy.

Before I know it is 7:00 PM. My apartment looks like a dang tornado came through it. I must have tried on everything I own. I look in the mirror and what I see isn't half bad. I chose a knee length black dress with pearl embellishments around the neck. Complete with my pearl studs and open toe black heels. I even painted my nails red. There's something intriguing about this man, he just seems... different. I try to curb my excitement because dating has never worked out for me before.

Snap out of it Abby, the dude even told you upfront he is using you. Keep your eye on the prize- that picture to rub in Ellis's face first thing Monday morning.

I pull up to the restaurant with just a couple minutes to spare. I walk in the door and spot Will and the purple tulip at a high top table at the far side of the restaurant. He really is handsome. I start to get nervous, shaky even. As I near the table I can see Will looking up at me, smiling. His smile is warm; it is calming.

"I'm Will Anderson, nice to meet you." He holds out his hand and I shake it. "Thanks for coming, not many women would agree to this kind of date."

I feel the craziest sensation come over my body... a smile. Then, a laugh. Who even am I right now?

"Nice to meet you too. I'm Abby."

It turns out we get along great. Will and I chat and laugh for three hours over a bottle of the restaurant’s finest Merlot. We talk coworkers, family, and how much we hate Valentine's Day. Heck we even cover major league baseball and the weather. After dinner we exchange numbers and give a polite side hug good bye. I am pretty sure we will be seeing each other again.

I have such a good time I even forget to take a picture. Maybe that bitch Ellis is right about one thing- companionship is not so bad after all. Cheers to my very first happy Valentine's Day.