The Date

When they reach the restaurant, it is only eight, but the night life is going strong. It’s the way of the city, always on, all the time, lights flashing, girls dancing. They’re going to some fancy new French restaurant, because he really likes her, and he tries hard on second dates. First dates he think, are destined for failure. Both parties are like the Titanic’s captain, bravely staying at the helm even thought there’s no way the ship won't go down. There are silences, and awkwardness, and verbal blunders. But eventually, if things go well, something might click. Something worth exploring, which is why date number two happens. So he for this second date, though he’s nervous, because she isn’t talking much. But she’s got a nice laugh, and a pretty little body, all golden and Asian, and straight black hair and a nice red dress and diamond earrings. They get to the door and the annoying guy in a tux at the door informs hi they have no reservation in his name. “What?” he says. He’s sure he called. They wont be let in. he argues, and the girl shifts her weight from one foot to another. “Well…Mr. Wolf did call for a reservation, and he is late. Very late.” “Good. Well if he doesn’t come well…I mean stuff happens. Sometimes you can’t make it.” the doorman says he’d gladly take Wolf’s reservation, for a price. The man flushes deep red, but takes the deal. They sit, and order, and an uncomfortable silence soon descends on the table, like a buzzard on a cactus, an ominous sign in old Westerns. They eat, silent, and next to them, a flambé trick goes horribly wrong, and the dinners stare dully at the burning table cloth. Then comes dessert, and he think second dates might be worse than first one. In the kitchen, it seems a cockroach was discovered, and people run, shrieking and tripping, and the chef runs out, met cleaver n hand, wailing “Come back! Come BACK!” He stares down at his dish. He’s blown it. Her hand slides across the tabletop and lands on his. She smiles, and reveals perfect tiny white teeth. “Thank you, Paul. I’ve had a great time.” He smiles back. Next to them, the charred remains of a table are still smoking.