Page 86 of The Twelve Dates of Christmas
“I also think I’m a cross between Fred Astaire and Usher on the dance floor after a few pints,” said Jim. “Unfortunately, I think the reality is more Mr. Blobby on acid.”
“I take it you didn’t sign up for any of the salsa dates, then?” said Kate.
“I’m trying to attract women,” said Jim. “Not repel them.”
Kate laughed. They’d finished their main courses and the waiter brought over more wine.
“Have you got work in the morning?” asked Kate. Jim had drunk twice as much as she had and it was starting to show.
“Nope,” he said. “I booked the morning off. How about you?”
Kate shook her head.
“Well, in that case,” said Jim with a smile, “we’ve got the whole night to get to know each other.”
He poured Kate another glass of wine, which she determined not to drink.
•••••
“Oh God,” said Kate.
She’d excused herself from the table and was sitting in a toilet cubicle talking to Laura on the phone.
“I don’t understand what the problem is,” said Laura. “You signed up to this thing to help you meet men and that’s exactly what it’s done.”
“Yes, but I didn’t expect to like anyone else,” said Kate. “What about Richard?”
“WhataboutRichard?” Laura asked. “A couple of dates and a few cheeky phone calls does not an exclusive relationship make. Richard’s tuned in to your horny wavelength, that’s all.”
“Oh, you’re right.” Kate sighed. “Of course you’re right. I’ve just always been a one-man-at-a-time type of gal.”
“Did you never watchSex and the City?” asked Laura. “Dates are not relationships. Dates are the prelude to a relationship. You go on the dates first to see if it’s worth pursuing as a relationship.”
“You’re absolutely right,” said Kate. “I’m not being unfaithful to Richard because I’m not in a relationship with Richard.”
“Precisely!” said Laura. “He’s signed up too. And don’t you go thinking he’s not out there right now flirting with his Bond girl.”
Kate’s stomach squeezed. She didn’t like the idea of Richard flirting with other women, but Laura was right; this was the nature of the Twelve Dates beast.
“So, get back out there quickly and enjoy your evening with sexy Jim, before you’ve been gone so long he thinks you’re having a poo,” said Laura.
•••••
Kate wandered back through the restaurant. Several couples had already left. Kate wondered if maybe they hadn’t hit it off. Then again, she thought, maybe they’d really hit it off!
Jim smiled at her as Kate took her seat and laid her napkin in her lap.
“So,” said Kate.
“So,” said Jim.
“Have you chosen a dessert?” Kate asked, picking up the menu and flicking through to the back page.
Jim smiled.
“I think we both know what’s for dessert, Kate,” he said.
“What?” asked Kate. She looked up from the menu to find Jim staring at her intently.
