Are You The One?

“Turn right at the next light,” she said.

“Right? No if I take the highway it will be faster” he replied.

“I know. There’s a park, with a koi pond and garden up ahead. Maybe we can share dinner,” she suggested.

He looked at her with a curious expression.

“I would like that,” he said finally, turning right at the light.

They parked and made their way to the pond. On the way they stopped at a vending machine and bought sodas. Not exactly the cocktails and wine at the restaurant but they would do.

They sat at a small table in the middle of the garden eating. Brit had to admit the food was delicious. They had some of the appetizers and a Chinese-Italian fusion pasta dish that was incredible.

“This is so good,” she said between bites.

“It is very good. Not the egg rolls though,” he joked.

“Even the egg rolls,” she conceded.

“So tell me about yourself Brittany,” he said after a while.

“I thought I did during our interview,” she replied. “Sorry,” she added quickly.

“No it’s okay. That was my fault. I should have said something once I realized,” he replied.

“I’m sorry too. It wasn’t entirely your fault.”

“I wasn’t trying to be arrogant about the restaurant either. I was just trying to impress you. I haven’t dated since college. I guess I’m rusty.”

“To be honest I was nitpicking. I was aggravated when I found out you were my date and I was looking for a reason,” she admitted.

“And now? You still regret going on a date with me?” he asked quietly.

“Less,” she replied.

“Well that’s good to know.”

“Only because it would be a shame to waste this outfit,” she laughed.

“I agree. You look stunning,” he whispered.

They ate and talked some more. Cliff told her about his work and living abroad. Brittany told him about life at home and moving to California. They talked about his charities and her aspirations of becoming a writer. The more they conversed the more Brit was warming up to Cliff. After a while she realized that they had been talking for hours.

“What time is it?” she asked.

“A little after eleven,” he replied looking at his watch. Brit retrieved her phone from her clutch. Sure enough she had several missed calls, texts and voicemails from Tara. She made a quick call reassuring her that she was fine and they made their way back to the car.

“Maybe we can do this again?” he suggested when he pulled up to her apartment.

“Maybe,” Brit agreed with a small smile.

Cliff leaned over and was about to kiss her goodnight when his phone rang. Holly was displayed on his car’s GPS screen.

“Sorry I have to get this,” he said suddenly.

“Holly?” he said into the phone.

Brit wasn’t sure if she should leave or wait for him to finish his call. She bit her lip uncertainly.

“No. You’re not bothering me. Where are you? I’ll come right now,” he said into the phone.

“Uh,” Brit said softly in shock.

Cliff hung up.

“I have to go,” he announced getting out to open her door.

Brit had barely gotten to her door before Cliff sped off, their goodnight kiss forgotten.