~
Wilson knocks on my door at seven pm sharp. It annoys me that he is precise. It shouldn’t, because all girls want a man that takes life seriously and doesn’t make you wait. This guy, though. He is way too serious and stiff for me.
I open the door with my fake smile plastered across my perfectly made up face.
“Hello Katie. You look beautiful.”
“Thank you. Are we ready to go?”
“After you,” he says, with his arm outstretched.
Wilson isn’t bad looking. He would be a great catch for someone. He’s tall, perfectly tanned, and well groomed. Tall, dark, and handsome would work for him. There is just something about him that doesn’t call out to me. I believe in chemistry.
Wilson and I do not have any. If anything, he gives me the creeps.
He opens the door to his expensive car and waits for me to get situated before shutting it. I watch him as he walks around to the driver side. He has a type of arrogance that screams douche. I roll my eyes as he gets in and quickly put the smile back on my face. I just need to get through tonight and I won’t have to see him again.
We pull up to one of the most expensive Italian restaurants in Martinsville. I’ve only been here one time. It was with my dad and a client of his. It isn’t my favorite place because I am much simpler than this. This is his doing, though. Apparently, he thinks he is impressing me by being able to afford this place.
He’s not.
The maître d’ leads us to a table on the right side of the restaurant. Outside the wall of windows is a fountain and a garden lit up with lights. They have several arbors set up with white lights strung up over them. It is quite beautiful and romantic.
Somewhere you would love to be, if you were really enjoying your date.
I’m not.
After being seated and placing our wine order, Wilson tries to engage in conversation.
“So, Katie, how have you been lately?”
“I’ve been good. Working. That’s about it.”
“That’s good. Your dad said you were doing well at his firm.”
Of course, he and my dad have talked about my job there at his firm. I’m the part time secretary and the part time office assistant. Judy has been with my father for as long as I have been alive. She was my mother’s best friend and basically helped my dad and me stay afloat after my mom passed. I seriously think my dad wants me to take her place when she is ready to go into retirement.
Dad just doesn’t realize that Judy isn’t going anywhere until he does.
“I am. I help where ever he and Judy need me.”
Our wine arrives, so we pause our conversation and test it. After taking a sip and liking it, I take another.
“Are you going to do anything else with your life?”
I choke on my wine.
“Excuse me?”
He places his napkin on the table and says, “I’m sorry. That didn’t come out the way I intended for it to.”
His facial expression says he said exactly what he intended to.
“Listen Wilson. I appreciate this date. I understand that you are doing this for my dad. I don’t know why, and I don’t really care. What I do care about is my life. It’s none of your concern what I do with it. Your question came across exactly how you intended it to, and I don’t appreciate it.”
I gather my purse and stand.
“You’re leaving? Don’t be such a bitch, Katie.”
