‘Mypromised land?’ I chuckled.
‘Yes.Please tell me you’ve pruned your pussy?’
‘Did anyone ever tell you have a way with words?’
‘What can I say?It’s a gift!’ she cackled.
‘FYI, lots of women choose not to shave these days.’
‘Sorry!I didn’t mean to body shame.You’re right.To rock or not rock the bush is a personal choice.’
‘Exactly.But fear not, thegardeninghas been done.’
‘Cool.I’ll let you get to your date.Break a leg!’
As I headed to the restaurant, my heart thundered in my chest.It’d been ages since I’d had a first date and so much was riding on this.
Normally, the most you’d have to lose would be your time, the cost of your travel and a drink.But I’d used all my savings to pay the balance to come here.Vanessa had invested in this trip too.I couldn’t afford for anything to go wrong.
I took a deep breath.
It’ll be fine.
The experts know what they’re doing.
‘Good evening,’ a hostess with a southern American accent said as I stepped through the huge glass restaurant doors.‘May I take your name, please?’
‘It’s Halle.Halle Remington.’
‘Oh, yes, here we are.’ She pointed to my name on the iPad screen.‘Nice to meet you, Halle.You’re looking gorgeous!Your date’s a very lucky man.And you’re sure in for a treat with him!He’s not here yet but we’re allsoexcited.’
‘Great!’ I said, thinking that everyone seemed very enthusiastic.He must bereallygood-looking.Or maybe he had a cool job like working in an animal shelter.That’d be right up my street.
Anything would be better than my ex.Once he got his record deal, all he ever spoke about was how many followers he had on social media or the pretentious parties he loved going to.
My pulse raced.I was so nervous.Even though I’d just checked myself in my room, the urge to make sure I didn’t have lipstick on my teeth was suddenly overpowering.
‘Do I have time to use the ladies’?’
‘Sure, honey.It’s just down the hall on your right.’
‘Thanks.Back in a mo.’
When I got to the bathroom, thankfully everything was fine.I went for a quick wee, washed my hands, then gave myself a final once-over in the mirror before heading back out to the restaurant.
When I arrived, a crowd of people had gathered by the bar.I hoped someone hadn’t fainted.I quickened my pace, eager to see what was going on.The hostess approached me just before I reached the crowd.
‘Halle!Hi!Your date’s arrived!’
‘Great!Is he at the table?’
‘If only!’ She laughed and I frowned.‘He wasn’t able to make it that far.Looks like I wasn’t the only person who was excited to meet him.’
‘Huh?’ My face creased.
‘Your date is… well, I don’t want to ruin the surprise.Come with me, honey,’ she said, leading me towards the swarm of guests.‘Sorry, everyone.I need to steal him away.His date is here.And remember the hotel rules and the NDA you all signed.No photos, please,’ she said sternly.
A collective disappointed groan echoed around me.
