Micheal was going out on a date, with none other than Trudy. He just couldn't believe he'd agreed to that. Whatever the outcome, he just wanted a peaceful and condusive work environment.
Trudy had planned the dinner for Saturday evening. At a French restaurant, because , well "You can never go wrong with French cuisine." Or so she said. Micheal dressed formally, in suit pants a shirt and a jacket. He was not excited for the evening at all. Infact he couldn't wait for it to be over and done with.
Micheal was going to be as chivalrous as a guy going on a first date ought to be. He'd open doors for her, pull out her seat, even hold her purse. And at the end of the evening he planned to tell her off in an equally chivalrous manner. That's one nut however that's going to be very difficult to crack, but as a business man, Micheal had learnt to be very flexible so he was certain he would make it work.
Micheal offered to pick Trudy up infront of her apartment building. Micheal was right on time for their little rendezvous, and Trudy surely gave new meaning to the phrase "dress to impress". If Micheal had the slightest bit of interest in Trudy, he'd be elated by how much work she'd put into her appearance. Micheal could only think of one word to describe her appearance, "stunning". Trudy really had done her homework. Passersby on the street were gawking at her. They just couldn't help staring. It was then that it dawned on Micheal that he had got his work cut out for him.
"Hello Mickey." Trudy said. Again with that nickname.. Micheal thought, but instead he replied "Hello Trudy. You look beautiful." Trudy's smile positively shone. If the brilliance of her smile could be measured, then it could be said with all certainly that the visibility of that smile could only be measured from without the earth's atmosphere. Trudy was pleased that her appearance had the desired effect. Micheal on the other hand after witnessing that smile could only manage a grimace. He should have known better than to compliment her on her appearance, because it was evident that he could've been
giving her false hope.
He decided that he'd not speak again until the night was over unless it was absolutely necessary, or she asked him a direct question. So he opened the car door for Trudy and she got in. Then he got in on the other side and typed in the name of the restaurant on the GPS only to discover this very well known french restaurant was a forty five minute drive from Trudy's appartment. Once more Micheal came to the conclusion that he must be losing his marbles.
Ofcourse at the start he had told Trudy to plan the date, because he couldn't be bothered, but now he was discovering that,that decision would cost him quite a bit in terms of patience and mental peace.
Micheal started the engine, revved it and they were off. Micheal was expecting to sit awkwardly behind the wheel for the next 45 minutes, but Trudy decided that awkward was never to be associated with her. She then asked Micheal what his hobbies were, not because she didn't know but just to create small talk. Like I said, Trudy did do her assignment. If there was anything at all about Micheal on the internet, be assured that Trudy had seen it all. Except well the information was kept behind a firewall. Trudy was good at finding stuff on the internet, but she was no hacker.
Micheal told Trudy he liked to sprint, to read and sometimes play chess, and that on occasion, he loved to spend some quiet time alone at his penthouse suite with a bottle of wine and Mozart, Beethoven too.
Trudy smiled. The internet wasn't always accurate. She was happy to be hearing about him from him. She then asked what type of French food he liked.
Micheal wasn't one much for talking, but Trudy seemed to be a smooth talker. Micheal found himself speaking.
"Do you mind if I turn on the radio?", Trudy asked. Micheal said, "knock yourself out."
Trudy started surfing through the channels, and stopped when she came to this one that played country music. Micheal laughed then. "Who would have thought that you like country music?"
Trudy blushed. "I used to live in Texas. That's where I grew up. I even used to have a Southern accent, i just lost it while in college at NYU. Well lost isn't exactly what happened. I just learned a different accent. I still use my Southern accent when it's beneficial to me. Care to hear it?" She asked.
Micheal nodded, and she said, "Howdy there Mickey, beautiful night for a ride, ain't it?" And Micheal thought to himself, "She sounds awesome. She should really use that accent more."
But he'd be damned before he said that out loud. So he smiled instead.
They finally arrived at the restaurant. It was only then that Micheal realized that the ride had not been as awkward as he had thought it would be. Surprisingly enough, Trudy turned out to be good company. Never judge a book by its cover eh...
They got into the restaurant and we're directed to their table. The restaurant operated on reservation only since the food there was coveted my many.
They took the menus placed their orders and asked for some water while they waited for their meal to arrive.
Trudy said, "Mickey, do you like the restaurant? I thought you'd like the classy, fancy atmosphere here. I'll let you on on a secret. I don't think i can go to a place like this twice. Much too fancy for my taste." Micheal smiled.
"Well Trudy since we're being honest, i have a taste for the finer things on life, and i do love "fancy". But i enjoy a normal day with normal activities just as much as the next person."
Trudy excused herself to use the bathroom. Micheal offered to escort her as any gently bred young man should, but she declined.
Upon Trudy's return their food had been served. "You see why I can't come to a place like this twice? How am I supposed to get a full stomach from that?"
It was going to be a four course meal. But the first course looked almost non existent.
Micheal couldn't help it, he laughed. "Trudy it's alright. If by the fourth course you've not had your fill of food, then we could always get dessert. Sound good to you?", He said.
Trudy smiled. "Sounds great."
They finished their meal and then Micheal offered to take Trudy home. He decided to tell Trudy that he couldn't date her on the drive back to her apartment.
While they were seated in the car, ready to drive away, he said, "Trudy, you're very beautiful, with a bubbly personality, a strong woman who knows what she wants, and that is indeed admirable. You are admirable. I had a nice time tonight. Thank you. But i don't think I want to date you or be in a relationship with you."
Trudy replied, "Somehow i sensed this was coming, Mickey it's alright. Thanks for indulging me so much and for the meal. I think I'll take a cab home." She then stepped out of the car and called a cab. Micheal waited until the cab arrived before he left.
Lisa was more than excited. The day they've prepared so hard for was tomorrow. She double checked to make sure everything was in order. Lucas was home. He wanted to be present for the events of the next day. Micheal arrived later that evening, after his date. He went up to his bedroom to shower and sleep.
Micheal sat in the spa for a few more minutes than was necessary and then he got out, with his fingers looking wrinkly . He heard a knock at the door just then. He got a towel and wrapped it around his waist and called out "Come in".
Since Micheal was so late, Lisa had decided not to disturb the maids and bring him his supper herself. She placed the tray on a table in his living room and was about to leave, when he said, "Lisa, might i have a word?"
Lisa wasn't against having a word with the boss, but she was against having a word with a half naked, male boss.
Lisa's job description didn't involve "voicing opinions", but she would not discuss with Micheal while he was in such a state of undress. Because first, how could any girl actually put together a sentence when staring at that? And second, it was not proper.
So she said, "As soon as you're fed and dressed, we can."