Page 73 of Elijah
Amy
aged 28
I wasn’t totally sure that I was doing the right thing, but I was going on a date with Leon. He’d called me a couple of days after we’d met and we had talked for almost an hour. He was funny and sweet and interesting, talking about his job in pharmaceuticals, his love of music, particularly nineties dance music, and his obsession with Laurel & Hardy – okay that one I could take or leave, but I was still interested in what he had to say.
“Wow,” Leon said as I got out of the taxi I’d insisted on taking to meet him. “You look amazing.”
I’d worn skinny jeans and a floaty top and felt a little embarrassed. I’d made an effort with my makeup and hair, but the clothes I’d had for ages and were nothing special.
“Thank you,” I replied with a smile. “You look nice too.”
And he did. He wore grey trousers which were fairly snug and a long-sleeved white polo shirt, which emphasised his broad chest. He wasn’t as muscular as Elijah, but it was evident that he worked out. Mentally slapping myself around the face for even thinking about Elijah, I smiled and walked toward Leon, giving him a big smile.
“Shall we?” he said, indicating to the bar.
I nodded and followed him in. It was an out of town bar but very popular, judging by the number of cars on the car park. However, despite it being fairly full inside it was quiet, everyone talking with hushed voices, as Billie Holiday played softly in the background. There were candles everywhere and the smell of sandalwood was dominant, but not too strong, and all the tables were tall high-tops, with stools to sit on.
“It’s lovely,” I said, turning to Leon.
“I’ve never been before,” he admitted with a grin. “But I heard they served amazing pork scratchings with every round of drinks.”
I started to giggle as I saw the excitement on his face. “I’d have bought you a packet at The Miller if I’d known.”
“I know, stupid reason to want to come to a bar, but apart from the snacks, I’d heard it was a really nice place.”
I looked around and nodded. “Yes, it is. Good choice.”
We found a table and as soon as I was settled on a stool, Leon went to the bar to get our drinks. I felt a little anxious, because although I’d had my little fling with Finlay in Scotland, this was the first proper ‘first date’ I’d been on in years. I fell into bed with Finlay after too much wine at dinner, and as for Seb, we’d hooked up the first time on a work’s night out. The last first date I’d had was with Elijah and that thought brought a wave of sadness. Banishing the memory, I pulled on a smile as Leon returned.
“No pork scratchings?” I asked.
“No,” he cried. “They’ve run out. I told the guy behind the bar, I’d only brought you here for the pork.”
My eyes widened as Leon looked back at me in complete horror.
“Shit, no I didn’t mean that. I meant-.”
“Leon,” I replied, placing a hand on his arm. “It’s fine, I know exactly what you meant.”
“Sorry,” he muttered, rolling his eyes. “I’m a little bit nervous.”
That surprised me because Leon seemed so confident. He held himself straight, walked tall, and his expensive suit he’d been wearing in the pub when we met, was one that screamed success – well tailored and fit to perfection.
“You’re not are you?”
He nodded. “Yeah, I really am. You’re gorgeous Amy, and seem lovely. I don’t want to mess this up.”
There was a vulnerability in his tone as his eyes searched my face. I smiled and hoped it was what he was looking for.
“Well, you’re doing okay so far,” I replied softly. “And I promise you, there is no need to be nervous around me, I’m really not that great.”
“Ah,” Leon said, pulling his stool a little closer. “I think you’re wrong. I think you are that great.”
“You don’t know me well enough to say that, Leon.”
He shrugged. “I’m a great judge of character.”
I let out a small laugh and took a sip of my wine to avoid having to tell him I wasn’t, because if I was, I’d have listened to Elijah five years ago and not run away. But, that was behind me now, I was going to enjoy my first date with Leon.
