CAN ANYTHING ELSE GO

“This is a date from hell!!” Lara mused.

“Why oh why did I allow Sandra to get me into this mess? She said he is nice, outgoing and fun to be with. I mean he’s not bad looking. But what in the world does he think he’s wearing? The color combination is outrageous! Who does that? And the way food keeps falling out of his mouth, I’m going to have a heart attack!! I’m so embarrassed!!!”

Across the table, Dike thought to himself, “She has a pretty smile. I can’t get her to say more than a few words. Does she not like the restaurant I picked? Maybe she doesn’t like the food. I think it’s great. I mean it’s a lot better than what I cook. What do I know about cooking? I just want her to smile more. And those eyes… I think I’m in love.”

“Please excuse me. I have to powder my nose.” She said in that sonorous voice. She didn’t need the toilet. She was going to rant and rant to Sandra until she got blue in the face. “How could she set her up with this guy? What was she even thinking?” These were Lara’s thoughts as someone rammed into her from nowhere, spilling red wine all over her lovely dress.

“Watch where you are going! Are you blind? Look what you made me do. This is a very expensive wine. Very expensive!” yelled a woman as she walked away. Lara was shocked into speechlessness. “Can things get any worse tonight?” she thought as tears welled up in her eyes. She did not see Dike go past her. She only heard his voice.

“Oh no. he’ll make things even worse. What does he think he’s doing?” She thought as she hurriedly tried to catch up with him. “Good evening ma. The young lady you were just speaking to is my date. I think it is all a misunderstanding. She wouldn’t have deliberately pushed past you. I understand you are upset but this was clearly not her fault. Her dress is ruined. She is probably embarrassed. I was really hoping to impress her tonight. Now, I'll just take her home. I hope you have a nice evening.”

Lara was gobsmacked. He just stood up for her. She could hardly believe it. “Listen, he said, I’m very sorry this happened. If I’m honest, I don’t think you’ve enjoyed yourself at all. I like you. I think you’re great. I wish we could do this all over again and it could be perfect the next time.

“This is really beautiful,” she thought as she looked up at him. “I think this is the best part of the whole night. Thanks for standing up for me with that woman. Let’s go home.” They were already out of the door heading to the car when a staff ran up to meet them. “That madam wants to talk to you.”

“I want to apologise to you two. I’m so sorry I ruined your dress and screamed at you. I was upset about something else and took it out on you” she turned to Lara. “Let me make it up to you.” She said. I own this place. Here are two tickets to the VIP lounge. You get the best table in the room, a 5-course meal with a bottle of our best wine, and the best service in town. Just call the restaurant when you have picked a date.”

“Wow! What an evening.” Lara said to Dike.

“I know. I can’t believe it either.”

“There’s one-stop we have to make before that dinner. You and I are going to Poise Nigeria. We are going to learn the etiquette of fine dining. It’ll make it all even more special”.

“That sounds great. I’m game.”