"That's beautiful gran. But please, don't forget the secret." Diane whispered as she squeezed her grandmother's hand.
"Ah, the secret, I almost forget. Thank you for the reminder," her grandmother teased, "The secret is to see people as they are not as you think they are. In other words get to know a boy first before deciding if he's a good match for you."
Diane sat back in her chair. "Hmm, interesting. I've never looked at it like that. I'll have to think about this."
Diane looked up as her grandfather approached their table. "My bride, here are your mints, freshly made today," kissing his wife on the cheek, Diane's grandfather smiled and then turned to Diane, "Thank you for keeping my good wife company while I was gone. Did you two have a good chat?"
"Yes, we did, granddad. It was very interesting, she told me all about how you two met, wait until I tell Sarah the gossip." Diane giggled and sauntered back to the party.
Diane found Sarah on the dance floor, Sarah was a beautiful bride, she was beaming and she couldn't her eyes off her husband. Diane was so happy for her, maybe, that would be her one day.
A slow number came on, and Diane reacted automatically and made for the bar. Out of nowhere a hand touched her shoulder and a deep voice said, "You're the one and only, Diane, right? Would you like to dance?" Before she could think up a good enough excuse she found herself dancing.
"I'm Simon, a friend of your sister, Sylvia, we're neighbors actually, I moved in across the street from her a few months ago. She told me to say hello to you so I'm doing what I'm told," he grinned.
"Oh, nice to meet you, Simon, I'm Diane, well, you already knew that. I'm a little tipsy, too much champagne flowing today, you know what it's like." Diane smiled back at him.
As they danced Diane had a good look at this new man and she liked what she saw but with a few reservations. He appeared to be about 40, he was tall, well built and looked like a guy who liked to work out. His broad chest filled the jacket of his tailored navy suit and he wore a lovely dark green silk tie, his brown hair was long, down past his collar. But his shoes, oh no, his shoes were all wrong, they were burgundy hiking shoes, he looked ready to go on a 10 mile march. He was handsome but he also looked like a geek. Kind of nerdy. He wasn't much of a dancer either.
When the song came to an end, Diane's natural reaction was to thank Simon for the dance and to disappear into the crowd, years of practice made this second nature, she had great expertise when it came to this. Before she could, Simon spoke up, "Diane, could you help me take some drinks over to Sylvia's table?"
"Of course, if you can make a bee line for the bar, I'll follow you," Diane answered, surprised at what she was saying.
"Great, follow me," Simon led the way.
Four bottles of champagne and tray of glasses later they joined Sylvia's table and shared a toast to the bride. A little light headed Diane turned to Simon and couldn't help herself asking, "So tell me Simon, what's with those shoes?"
Simon frowned, "I love these shoes. What do you mean? They're really comfortable and I walk a lot. Before I got here I did a quick lap of the lake in Hyde Park."
Diane looked away from his shoes. "Oh, I see, practical but just not that becoming with that fine suit. I love Hyde Park by the way, it's my favorite park in London. I love feeding the ducks, it cracks me up the way they swim about like that."
Simon drank some more champagne. "Yeah, it's a great park, I jog there every evening, I'm what people generally call a fitness fanatic."
"I can see that, I took you for a fitness guy, so I wasn't wrong," Diane laughed as she drained another glass. "So, do you like weddings?"
"To be honest they 're not my favorite thing. I've been to a few too many over the last year or so. It's like everyone I know got married at the same time. I could do with a break from dressing up on the weekends. It's really getting in the way of my training for the London marathon." Simon explained.
Diane had another drink. "Hmm, so I'm not the only one who is wedding phobic. I thought it was just me. I'm not that busy on weekends so at least it gets me out of the house, that's how I justify it to myself, dressing up like this in a bright pink dress."
Simon put his glass down and moved closer to Diane. "You look great. If you were wearing white I'd have guessed you were the bride. You're lovely."
Diane tried to suppress a blush and failed. Feeling awkward at the unexpected compliment she repeated to herself: he's a geek, he's a geek, control yourself Diane, stay calm Diane.
"Oh thanks, I do have a lot of experience when it comes to weddings, maybe that's what it is". Diane joked hoping she hadn't blushed too much, hoping he hadn't seen the effect he'd had on her."
Simon was surprised to see the red glow in Diane's cheeks. "Don't be embarrassed, please. I was just saying you looked beautiful because it's true."
"Thank you, that's very kind of you. But, anyway, what are we going to do about those silly shoes of yours?" Diane joked.
Simon sighed and stood up, "Lovely to meet you, Diane, I hope you enjoy the rest of the day. There's some people I promised to catch up with. See you later." Simon turned on his heel and stormed off.
"Bye, Simon, nice talking to you," Diane called after him as she watched him disappear into the crowd.
Sylvia got out of her chair and rushed over to Diane. "Diane, what on Earth did you say to Simon? I've never seen him look so agitated, he's normally so relaxed."
Diane turned to her sister. "Nothing, honestly, we had a chat and then he left. I didn't put my foot in it, honestly I didn't."
"You sure about that, Diane?"
Diane shrugged. "Ok, I might have said one thing. It was nothing, really. I just pointed out that his shoes didn't match his suit. Maybe, I shouldn't have gone on about it so much, I suppose."
"Oh no, you didn't Diane? No wonder you scared him off. Simon was in a road accident a month ago, he got knocked off his racing bike and he narrowly avoided breaking his ankle. That's why he's not wearing dress shoes, because of the lack of ankle support. If he doesn't heal quickly he'll miss the London marathon. He's been quite upset about it."
Diane felt the heat rising to her face, she dropped her head and sighed, "Oh no, how could I be so insensitive? He must think I'm a complete cow. I'll go and apologize right now."
Sylvia put a hand on Diane's shoulder. "No, stay where you are, where I can keep an eye on you, and take it easy on the champagne. Let him cool down first. I'll talk to him. Leave it to me ok?"
"Ok, I promise, and I won't talk to any more guys today." Diane felt like going home but it was too early to leave. And she'd liked Simon too. That just made the whole situation even worse. He was certainly not her type but he was easy to talk to. It was like gran had said, take some time to find out what the person is like before judging them. Now if only she could ease up on being so critical.
* * *
Diane and her faithful four legged companion, Twisty, were walking in the park when she spotted a familiar figure running towards her. It couldn't be, could it? It was. She felt her heart beat faster as Simon ran up along side her.
"Hiya, Diane, that's a beautiful labrador. What's her name?" Simon smiled and puffed.
"Oh hi, Simon, this is Twisty," Diane smiled as she took in Simon's muscular physique in his tight lycra running shorts and skin tight top. He looked even better than she expected and she wondered for a fleeting moment what he'd look like naked.
Simon crouched down and gave Twisty a vigorous rub behind her ears as she snuggled into his lap.
"It looks like she likes you," Diane smiled as she tried to stop staring at Simon's broad chest and big shoulders.
Simon wiped the sweat from his forehead. "She's lovely. I have a dog myself, a border collie. I walk him in this corner of the park, actually. Funny, isn't it?I've never seen you in the park before and now I've seen you twice in two days."
"Maybe it's fate," Diane laughed. "And by the way, I'm terribly sorry about the way I spoke to you yesterday, I was quite
rude. I feel terrible about it. I really do."
"Don't worry, it's all in the past, Sylvia spoke to me about it and I looked for you later on in the evening but I couldn't see you anywhere. She said you'd left before you could put your foot in it again," Simon laughed.
Diane smiled and forced herself to maintain eye contact even though what she really wanted was to check out his butt in the tight black spandex. "Yeah, I do have a reputation for that in my family. Particularly at weddings for some reason."
Simon checked his sports watch. "Anyway, I've got more miles to clock in before it gets dark, let's meet up another day. How about we walk the dogs together tomorrow, say, I meet you just over there at the fountain at 6?"
Diane pulled out her phone. "I'm not sure. I think I've got to work late tomorrow and I don't have my diary with me. Let's swap numbers. I'll text you to confirm."
After swapping numbers, Simon sprinted off into the distance and Diane walked along at a leisurely pace, she looked at Twisty, "So, what do you think? He's hot isn't he? Would you like to go walk walk with his dog? Maybe we could double date, I know you'd like a boyfriend too. I'm free tomorrow evening and I know you are, what you say we go for it?"
Diane felt good. Maybe Simon and her could get along even if he was a bit of a geek. She'd have to over look that, ignore his footwear and get him a haircut. Only a few minor changes and she'd be fine about being seen out with him. Nothing unreasonable about that. A girl needs to have standards you know.
Back in her flat, Diane flicked through the London Evening Standard and scanned the business section with disinterest in her search for the movie listings. She was shocked to find herself looking at a photo of Simon.
"Simon Balfort, the software entrepreneur, today announced the sale of his company for an undisclosed sum to a New York based company. Industry insiders suggest that the deal went through for a figure in the region of $24 million in an all cash transaction. Mr.Balfort declined to comment."
Diane put the paper down and stared at Twisty. "You're not going to believe this, Twisty. Simon is loaded, and yes he is a geek but not just any geek, a very successful one. Now if only I can sort out his hair. What do you think, Twisty?"
Diane grabbed her phone and sent a quick text to Simon: "all ok for 6pm tomorrow".
* * *
At 6 p.m. precisely Simon stood by the fountain with Chobi, his border collie. He looked around and couldn't see Diane anywhere. "Ok Chobi, we'll give them 5 minutes and that's it, we don't have all day to be waiting around like this." Simon furrowed his brow and checked his phone for messages, he exhaled slowly and pursed his lips. Where was she?
Out of nowhere, Diane strolled up to him with Twisty eager to play. While the two dogs sniffed and sized each other up, Diane apologized for keeping Simon waiting.
Simon tugged on Chobi's lead. "Don't worry, but I've only got an hour, let's get moving."
"Ok then, let's go. You were in the Evening Standard last night, I take it you know that." Diane replied as they made their way down the tree lined path.
Simon nodded. "Yes, I saw it. It's kind of embarrassing really. I did my best to keep it out of the newspaper but there you have it. By tomorrow it'll be old news and nobody will even remember so it's no big deal."
"It's big news for me. It's not everyday I go for a walk in the park with a celebrity," Diane joked.
Simon laughed, "Lucky you, you'll be the first to hear about my new movie, ha ha."
"So, Simon, are you now officially retired or do you have a plan for world domination?"
Simon slowed down to let the dogs sniff a tree. "I'll take some time off to recharge, to see friends and to train for the London marathon, I want to beat my time from last year. After that, I really just need some time to do what I want for a change. The last business was a lot of fun but the long hours had a price. I had no life outside the office, even when I was socializing it was for work. So, a complete change of pace will be good."
Diane listened carefully and noticed Simon's blue eyes for the first time. Every time she met him he seemed more handsome. "I see. Sounds good. That's a lovely dog by the way, he has a beautiful coat."
"Thank you, Chobi's been my best friend for the last 5 years. He is my social life," Simon laughed.
"No time for the ladies?" Diane smiled, eager to know the answer.
Simon shook his head. "Not usually, unfortunately. My last serious relationship was 2 years ago. We rarely saw each other so we agreed to call it a day right after New Year's Day. Nothing like the start of a new year to encourage radical change. I still regret that, she was great but she was as bad as me, always working on something."
"I see, that's a pity. Maybe your hair cut had something to do with it," Diane joked nervously, pleased that Simon was as successfully single as she was.
Simon glared at her and abruptly stopped walking. "What is it with you and my hair?" He snarled. "At the wedding it was my shoes and now it's something else. Are you always so abrasive?" Simon demanded.
Diane took a step back and tensed her face, "I was only joking. Relax, ok? No need to be so defensive."
Simon rolled his eyes and raised his voice. "I'm not on the defensive. It's just not funny. Don't you get it?"
Diane shouted back. "Ok, ok, I won't comment on your appearance again, ever, I promise. Geez, I never expected you to be so touchy. You're like a self-conscious woman."
"Fine! Look I need to get going. Take it easy, bye," Simon tugged on his lead and with Chobi bounded off into the distance. Diane stood there speechless watching them until they disappeared out of sight.
She turned to Twisty, "Uh-oh it looks like I've put my foot in it again," she stroked Twisty's head, "I'm sorry, and you and Chobi were getting on so well. I need to learn to watch the sarcasm, apparently. Ok, let's go home and see what's on TV."
* * *
Sylvia repeated her question, "Diane, what did you say to Simon?" Diane stared at the wall, stared at the ceiling and then back at the phone, "Ok, ok, I heard you the first time. It was nothing, I just said he could do with a better haircut."
"Enough! Listen, Diane, this is the last time I introduce you to someone. Simon is one of the nicest people I know. I already told you that. And, what do you do at the first opportunity? You insult his appearance. You're unbelievable. What is your problem sis'?" Sylvia fumed.
Diane shook her head. "It's not as bad as it sounds, really. I was joking with him. How was I supposed to know he's so sensitive? Give me a break! And anyway, I already told you I don't need any help finding Mr.Right, thank you very much."
"Oh yeah, Diane? That's what you think, young lady."
Diane felt her temper rising and shouted back. "Don't young lady me, Sylvia. I'm still you're older sister and don't forget it. Thanks for your call but I've got things to do, talk to you tomorrow, bye." Diane clicked the phone off and stopped herself from throwing it at the wall. The phone rang again.
"What is it this time, Sylvia. Drop it will you?" Diane shouted.
"Diane? Is that you? It's Simon."
"Oh hello, Simon. Sorry about that, I was just having a screaming row with my sister. Nothing to worry about."
"Oh, sorry to hear that, Diane. I still have shouting matches with my brother from time to time so no need to explain. Hey, the reason I called is because I wanted to apologize for storming off earlier. I guess I got out of the wrong side of bed today."
"Oh no, you have nothing to be sorry about, Simon. I'm the one who should be apologizing. I'm sorry I was rude to you, again, I promise I'll watch my tongue when, if, we meet again."
"Well, that's why I'm calling, Diane. I would like to meet again. Let's start with a clean slate and meet someplace where we can take our time and talk. I trust Sylvia's judgement and based on what she told me about you I think we'd enjoy getting to know each other better. It looks like we're both fiery people so we just need to factor that in ha ha."
As she listened, Diane had an image of Simon in his tight jogging g
ear flash into her mind, her heart beat faster and she tried to sound normal. "Oh, that's a surprise. I thought you'd never want to see me again. Ok great. I'd love to see you again."
"Tell you what, Diane. I'll pick you up for dinner at 7 tomorrow evening, how about that?"
"Perfect. I look forward to it, Simon. Thank you so much for calling."
* * *
At 7 p.m. precisely, Simon sat impatiently in his black Aston Martin outside Diane's house. He checked in the rear view mirror for traffic wardens and checked the time again. He shook his head. Maybe he should just drive off. He was fuming.
Diane opened the front door of her house and clicked down the steps in her black evening dress and high heels, only 10 minutes late, and hopped into the car.
"Nice car, Simon, you have good taste," she smiled.
Simon smiled and felt all his anger and tension slip away, "Thank you, it's a present from me to me for selling that company, it's great fun to drive. You look fabulous by the way, oh I see you have your hair up like you had at the wedding, it suits you. You look like royalty."
"Thank you. It looks like this could be a night of compliments," Diane laughed. "So, you still haven't told me where we're going. How about a clue?" She looked over at Simon and was surprised when her heart missed a beat. He did look good, very good in a suit.
"I can't do that. That would be cheating, Diane. Let's just say I'm sure you'll enjoy it."
Simon drove across the city and out to Richmond. He sped up the hill and pulled into the driveway of a magnificent country house with views down to the Thames estuary.
"Is this it? Diane asked as she looked around, "Where's the restaurant?"
"Tonight the restaurant is coming to us," Simon smiled. "This is my weekend house. Sylvia told me Divoak is your favorite restaurant so I hired the head chef to prepare a meal for us. He should be ready to serve us, come on, let's go in."
Diane looked over to the entrance of the beautifully restored three story Georgian building. "Really? I love their food, it's incredibly hard to get a reservation, how did you get the chef to come here?"
Romantic Moments - 5 Romantic Short Stories Page 3