Page 70 of The Blind Date

“We’re going to do The Ivy today for a re-do of our first date,” Cedric told me, his lips curling up in excitement. “But we’ll do it properly this time, and it’ll be on our terms.”

"That's not a bad idea," I murmured, impressed.

In what felt like no time at all despite how packed the tube had been–we had no choice but to stand in a corner, probably too close for two people who were supposedly on their first date–we arrived at The Ivy.

“Ready for that re-do?” Cedric asked, holding out his hand expectantly.

"I am." I placed my hand in his, and my lips turned up at the corners when he squeezed it before tugging me toward the entrance.

Ironically, Cedric and I were greeted by the same waiter as last time. The one that broke up our argument. The shocked expression on Logan’s face was comedic and set us off in a bout of uncontrollable laughter, completely misfitting to the fine dining experience of The Ivy.

“Did you see the look on his face?” I asked Cedric as he held out my chair for me, tucking it in once I had sat down.

Cedric nodded his head, still chuckling to himself. "He did a double-take. It was like he couldn't believe his eyes."

"I don't blame him. The last time we were here, we were literally at each other's throats.” I still blamed Cedric for it.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" Cedric scoffed, taking a sip from his water.

"Like what?" I blinked innocently at him.

“You blame me for ruining our first date, don’t you?” He accused me, but I couldn’t take him seriously. Not when his eyes were swimming with mirth.

“I thought you planned for this to be our first official date.” I teased, but our playful conversation was paused, as fate had it, Logan arrived at our table with an iPad in hand, ready to take our orders. The unsure expression on his face made me want to burst out laughing, but to avoid looking unstable–not that either Cedric or I had done a good job at looking remotely sane thus far–I kept my mouth shut.

“I have to admit, I didn’t expect to see you both back here anytime soon,” Logan chuckled nervously as he glanced between Cedric and me. “Or ever, for that matter.”

“I don’t blame you,” Cedric said, amused. “How about we start with some starters?” He asked, turning his attention to me.

The last time we were here, we had both unofficially agreed that we would have just a main so the blind date would end as soon as possible. This time, Cedric was asking about starters. I called that progress.

"I'll have the grilled halloumi and pecan salad, thank you," I smiled politely at Logan.

“And I’ll have the barbecue chicken wings. To share, how about the smoked salmon and soda bread?” Cedric asked as he closed the menu.

“Sounds great.” Logan tapped away on his iPad as he noted down our order. “And to drink?”

“Your finest bottle of red wine,” Cedric said, all but reading my mind.

“Good choice,” Logan grinned. “Would you like to order your mains now or later?”

Cedric turned his questioning gaze on me, silently asking my opinion.

“We’ll order later, thank you,” I answered for both of us.

“I’ll be back soon with your drinks,” Logan told us and turned to leave.

“Smoked salmon and soda bread to share?” I arched an eyebrow at him.

“I actually ordered it for myself, but I didn’t want Logan to judge me for ordering too much. I skipped breakfast, so I’m starved.”

“Since you used that as an excuse, I’m definitely having some.”

“We’ll see about that.” Cedric grinned. “Now, as this is our official first date, I think it’s only appropriate that you tell me everything about you and then some more.”

I quirked a teasing brow at him. “And what if I want you to start first?"

"Well, it was my idea. That means you have to go first."

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