Page 12 of The Blind Date

That’s just a saying

Men like that only exist in books and movies

Victor:

You won’t be saying that when you see him

I gnawed on my bottom lip and took another sip of my wine, mulling over the offer to join them at The Dark Side. It was very tempting. The only thing holding me back was that I knew my parents were genuinely worried about me ending up sad, alone, and the mother of three cats–apparently two was fine, but three was a scream for help. I told them they were being dramatic, but I couldn't deny that the smallest part of me feared the same.

Surely, if I left now, then no one would know. Cedric–if he even bothered to turn up–would think that I stood him up, and I would tell my parents that he never turned up. It would be a win-win situation. For me, anyway. I would be able to spend the rest of my Friday evening clubbing with my friends, my parents would think that I had made an effort for this date, and Cedric would get his Friday evening back.

Lottie:

Come dance with me, Saff!

I'm so lonely dancing all by myself here

I’m going to wait another ten minutes, and then I’ll join you guys

I should be there in half an hour

Someone please order me some chicken wings

I’m starving!

A round of cheers sounded in the chat, and I grinned in triumph. Unfortunately, the excitement didn’t last long, and it appeared that wings and dancing the night away would have to wait.

Before I could slip my phone back into my purse, it rang in my hands.

I answered on the first ring. "Calling to check up on me?"

"Yes,” Mum answered, unabashed. "How has the date been so far? Don't you think he's handsome? You like him, don't you? Oh, I knew you'd like him!" She all but gushed, and I couldn't help but laugh at her excited antics, even more so when I heard Dad laugh in the background.

“He hasn’t arrived yet,” I said, taking great joy in bursting her bubble. Maybe she’d ease off the ten blind dates a month deal for at least a little while if she felt bad for Cedric standing me up. It was wishful thinking, but I remained hopeful.

I made a mental note to space out the dates next month. Perhaps they wouldn’t be so mentally taxing then.

“What do you mean he hasn’t arrived yet?” I could hear the frown in her voice. “His parents told us he’s been so excited about this date all week. I refuse to believe that he would turn up late.”

I found that hard to believe but dared not voice my thoughts aloud.

"Excited or not, I'm sat at the bar at The Ivy and he's not here."

“Are you sure?”

"What do you mean, am I sure?" I pursed my lips. "I've been here for fifteen minutes, and there's no one here looking for a blind date."

“Maybe he got lost.” Her voice trailed off, not sounding too sure of herself.

“Maybe, but I’m not going to stick around to find out.”

“I think you should wait a little while longer, Saff,” she said, trying to convince me. “I know Cedric wouldn’t stand you up. He’s probably just running a little late.”

“How can you be sure?” I asked, my voice dripping with suspicion. “What do you know that I don’t?”

“Since you’ve twisted my arm, fine,” she sighed dramatically. “I called him a few minutes ago to–”

“You did what?” I shrieked quietly into the phone, my eyes wide with embarrassment.

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