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“All I’m asking for is one date, Gail. One. You can do this for me.”
Gail stared at her father, the pleading look in his eyes. Whatever her mother was scheming up, she didn’t want any part of it. But she would agree to just about anything for her father.
“Okay, Dad. One date.”
“That’s my girl. He’s gonna pick you up at eight.”
“Nope. My one rule, Dad. I’ll meet him somewhere, but he’s not picking me up,” she said, shaking her head.
“You don’t have a car,” said her father.
“I’ll take a taxi or something. Let me know what restaurant, and I’ll meet him there.” Gail went back to her bedroom, gathering a few items and calling for a cab. She didn’t bring anything to wear on a date, and if this guy was a neighbor, chances are she would have to dress up.
By the time she’d returned from shopping, she had a note on her dresser that her date, William, would meet her at the Copa. Her parents had gone out for the evening, and she was on her own. Hearing the ping of her phone, she looked down at the message.
Hey Gail – Tobias – just hoping you’re doing alright.
Gail felt the butterflies flying in her stomach and held her hand against her abdomen. At first, she thought she’d make him wait a while, but something made her text him back.
Hi Tobias – all good here. Hope you’re well also.
“God, ‘hope you’re well also,’” she said, talking to herself. He sent back a thumbs-up emoji, and that only made her smile. At least they were communicating with one another.
Dressed and ready for her date, she called the taxi company and then stepped outside the front door to wait.
“Gail?” She jumped, startled by the voice.
A handsome man was walking toward her in a suit. He looked like a banker, nice looking, clean, polished, but there was nothing appealing about him for Gail. In fact, everything about this man was the opposite of appealing.
“Yes, I’m Gail. Who are you?”
“I’m William. I saw the taxi out front, and since I was getting ready to leave, I thought I’d just send him away and give you a lift.”
“That was nice of you, but please don’t do that again,” she said firmly. “I like taking my own transportation to a first date.”
“I understand,” he said, holding up his hands. “I won’t make that mistake again.”
Gail wanted to tell him he wouldn’t get the chance again, but just nodded. He led her to his waiting BMW, sliding into the leather seat beside her. She wondered why he had a driver when the car was clearly meant for the driver to enjoy.
The Copa was a Miami Beach staple. A high-end restaurant and club, it was always busy and always jumping. Normally, this would be exactly Gail’s scene, but for some reason, tonight, she couldn’t think of anything, or anyone, except Tobias.
“Gail?”
“Huh? Sorry, I was distracted,” she said, shaking her head as she took another bite of the lamb.
“Yes, you seem to be very distracted tonight,” he frowned.
“Listen, William, this is nothing against you. My parents asked me to go on this date as a favor. I’m just not interested in dating anyone right now.”
“Right,” he nodded. “Well, why don’t we head home.”
“I’m sorry. Really, I am. Let me pay for dinner.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. That would make me look like a fool. Come on.” Suddenly, Gail wasn’t very comfortable with the idea of getting in the car with this guy. His mood had switched dramatically.
“You know what? I’m just going to get a taxi home.” She started to move toward the taxi stand, but he pulled her back.
“Gail, you’re being ridiculous,” he said, waving at his driver. “I brought you. I’ll take you home. Please don’t make a scene. I live here.”
