Page 26 of Sunsets and Happy Ever Afters

CHAPTER 13

Hey, Wendy, you about for a chat? Peter.

Maya smiled at the message, and at the nicknames she and her anonymous friend had adopted. I’ve got a date tomorrow. I’m a bit nervous. He’s been very flirtatious texting me. Wx

You’ll be fine, he replied.

Yes, it’s just the way my luck’s going, I’m not sure I’m going to find anyone. I’m starting to think DIYDes was my best offer! Maya answered.

He was quick to reassure her. Haha! You can do better than him! But in all seriousness, be like the rhino. Not the big arse, but the thick skin.

Yes, that is good advice, she typed. You need thick skin for online dating. You can’t take anything personally. I get men being quite rude really, because they think I’ve got my head up my arse because I’m ‘so attractive’. I don’t think I’m like that … but I need to fancy them. I don’t fancy dating someone who looks worse than my dad.

Just be careful, though, he warned.

Yes, I always message my friend to tell her who I’m with and where I am. And that I get home safe. W.

Good to hear. Can’t be too careful these days. P.

Late on Saturday afternoon, wearing her favourite leather boots and skinny jeans — not flip-flops — Maya walked down the hill towards The Golden Lion. The air was still cold, even though the sun was shining and there was not a cloud in the sky. She closed her eyes briefly, tilting her face up to the light, like a flower. She breathed deeply, calming the nerves that now jangled as she neared the pub. Would she ever get used to this ‘first meet’ feeling?

She’d texted Pierce earlier, after stepping out of the shower and worrying about what to wear, and admitted how nervous she felt. Butterflies were spreading through her tummy. They’d been flirting quite a bit online, and now it worried her. What if he wasn’t what she expected?

He’d texted back: It’s okay, it’s just a drink. I don’t expect anything more. It’ll be fun.

She really hoped she would like Pierce. He was apparently six-foot-two and although he lived in Portishead, he worked and usually socialised in Bristol.

As she entered the pub car park, where clumps of daffodils flowered under a bare oak tree, a sudden burst of laughter and chattering turned Maya’s head. She wanted to hide but couldn’t. Sam was walking out of the pub garden into the car park with his sister, Heather, and a man who she assumed was Heather’s husband as he was holding her hand, plus three girls, one of whom was Chloe. Before she could turn her back to pretend she hadn’t noticed them, Sam caught her eye and waved. Maya walked towards them — very slowly — fearing her embarrassment was written all over her face. At least she looked a darn sight better than usual.

“Hey,” Sam called out.

“Hi.” Maya waved nervously. “Just meeting a friend.”

“We’ve just had a late family lunch.” Sam shoved his hands in his pockets. Heather acknowledged Maya with a wave, and she and the rest of the family walked on in the direction of the marina.

“Was it good?” Maya turned her attention to Sam, thankful she’d agreed to meet Pierce at four o’clock now. Otherwise Chloe would have spotted her in the pub and reported back to Amber.

“Yes, yes,” Sam said, briefly looking behind Maya. “Right, well, best not let you run late to meet your friend. Have a good catch-up.”

Maya’s heart pounded harder as she smiled weakly and waved, mumbling her goodbye.

Her phone buzzed. It startled her, a reminder that she was still standing stock-still in the car park, as if frozen to the spot.

I’m at the bar. What are you drinking? Pierce wrote.

Her fingers not quite finding the letters properly and relying on autocorrect, she replied: White wine, please. I may need it. This is where I find out you’re nothing like your photos.

Yeah, I’m the old man wearing the flat-cap at the bar, he joked.

Don’t I’m nervous enough already, she quickly texted back.

It’s just a drink. Two friends. No pressure.

Maya breathed in deeply then blew out through her mouth, trying to relieve her anxiety. As she entered the pub, she spotted Pierce before he noticed her and her heart lightened, relief washing over her. Unlike with her previous dates, she felt an instant attraction. He was wearing dark blue jeans and a micro-checked blue shirt with short sleeves, revealing muscular arms. His brown hair was quiffed back a little, rather like Tintin. As if his sixth sense had kicked in, knowing someone was staring at him, he turned. After a moment of recognition, he beamed at her with a gorgeous smile.

Pierce greeted her with a kiss on her cheek. He smelt fantastic. Maya’s excitement went up several notches.

“Hello, Maya. Great to finally meet you.”

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