While travelling down the quiet country roads, we pass farm after farm before finally hitting the bright lights of the retail centre on the outskirts of town. We're almost at the restaurant and I'm so nervous. I haven't been on a date in so long and I can't help but lose myself in the enormous list of things that could go wrong that is currently occupying my brain.
“Here you go miss.” the taxi driver calls as I grab a couple of notes from my purse and hand them over before stepping out onto the pavement in front of the black and white restaurant front.
“Thanks very much. Have a good night.” I call back as I take a step towards the perky little platinum blonde host standing behind a wooden podium located inside the entrance.
“Good evening miss, how can I help you tonight.” She beams as I step inside.
“Erm, I have a date tonight but I'm a little early.” I reply, looking around to see if I can catch a glimpse of Elijah anywhere. “I'm not sure what name it would be booked under so is there any chance I can wait inside?”
“Of course, you're more than welcome to have a seat at the bar.” How is she this happy. “Our bartender has an amazing selection of signature drinks to choose from, so I would recommend trying at least one while you wait.”
“Thanks, I'll take a look.” I breeze past her, into the candle lit restaurant and continue towards the bar at the back.
After what seems like the slowest walk ever, I finally take a seat on one of the tall wooden stools topped with a red crushed velvet cushion and order a small glass of white wine. Looking around, the restaurant is absolutely packed out with couples, but one particular couple catches my eye and I can't stop watching them.
They must be in the seventies, both with a full head of thick silver hair, he's wearing a tweed jacket with a plain shirt and a pair of trousers, and she's wearing a gorgeous black dress with a gold bolero jacket that compliments the gold jewellery that she's draped in.
The two of them look so happy and seeing them together fills me with hope that someday, that will be me and my man.
I sit watching the two of them for what seems like an eternity and when I finally check my watch, I notice that an hour has passed. Elijah should have been here half an hour ago but there's no sign of him, so I head over to the host and showing her a picture, I ask if she's seen him. She shakes her head and reassures me that he's probably running a little late.
Stepping outside for some fresh air, I check my phone and try to text him, but it won't send. I can't find his profile on the app anymore either. What the hell is going on?
Hurt and rejected, I find a taxi and head back to the house, giving Lexi a call on the way.
“Hey sis! How's your date?” It's hard to understand her over the music in the background.
“He didn't show.” I can sense the taxi driver’s eyes on me, judging but it's not my fault. “Who just decides not to turn up for a date without saying anything. And now I can't contact him because my text's keep bouncing back, and he's deleted his profile from the app...”
“Ooh, sounds like he's ghosting you.” She interrupts, “Don't worry about it, come over to the NQ, and we'll find you a dirty little hook up to help take your mind off it.”
“I'm heading back to the house.” I sigh. Sometimes it feels like she doesn't know me at all. “You still coming for lunch tomorrow?”
“Yeah, I'll be there at around two-ish.” She pauses, “Mia, if a one night stand isn't negotiable, don't forget the housewarming present I got you.”
“You're disgusting. Goodbye Lex.” I hang up the phone and sit in silence for the rest of the journey.
When I am back in the house, I hear Ethan in the bathroom and as I get to my bedroom door, he appears ahead of me in the corridor. Judging by the grey towel wrapped around his waist and his glistening inked torso, he's been in the shower and instead of going to his room, he is walking towards me.
“You're home early tonight.” He smiles and my heart starts racing as my eyes explore his almost naked body, the little bit of ink I’ve seen poking up over his collar is actually a full chest piece — a mix of black and grey filigree surrounded by Egyptian patterns that also spread down his arms and are contoured to stop at the ‘V’ shape by his abs, disappearing under his towel. “I hope it's not because of what happened with Maddie last week.”
“No, just a disappointing night.” I sigh, not wanting to go into the details with him.
“Well, you shouldn't be spending a Saturday night alone so, let me throw some clothes on and you can come watch a film with me.”
“It's okay, I think I'll sit in my room and watch something. Thanks though.”
“Not a chance. Living room, five minutes.” He's not taking no for an answer as he turns away and heads for his room. “Oh, and Mia, if you're not there, I will come into your room and carry you to the living room myself.”
“Fine.” I huff, a little turned on by how forceful he's being. That's new. “I'll just get changed and drop my bag in my room and I'll be right there.”
By the time I finish my sentence he's gone and I'm talking to myself. Grabbing my phone from my bag and putting it on my beside table, I notice a text message from Lexi.
Lexi: Hope you're feeling better. Remember women have needs too!
How are we even related?
Mia: I’m fine. Ethan invited me to watch movie so chilling for
