Chapter 2 First Date

It had been two weeks since Lynne met the mysterious man at the restaurant. She hasn't stopped thinking about his captivating features. She knew he wasn't going to call but she had hoped he would. She has also been avoiding the restaurant for fear of running into him again. Today, she craved the peperonata potato cake and the only place she could get it was at the restaurant. If only her driver hadn't taken a sick leave the day before, she would have sent him. After much hesitation, she threw a jacket over her strapless mini dress, powdered her face and took a taxi to the restaurant. As soon as Lynne stepped into the hall, without glancing around, she dashed to the counter to place her order. Then she heard a familiar voice behind her. Her stomach growled as her heart skipped a bit. She summoned some courage, then turned to face him. He was smiling this time and looked way more handsome than the day the met. "I knew you'd finally show up some day. You had me sitting out here everyday for two weeks waiting." "Hi," she managed to mumble, "you have my card, why didn't you call." "Come with me," he took her hands and led her to his table. She knew she should resist but it was impossible. He was dangerously charming! She couldn't take her eyes off him as they discussed. This man is a masterful conversationalist, effortlessly navigating a wide array of topics with finesse and intelligence. His name was George, a befitting name for such handsomeness His voice carried a soothing tone, captivating his listener and making her feel heard and valued. He also possessed a remarkable ability to listen attentively, offering his undivided attention to her when she spoke. She loved the way he laughed at her jokes. He seemed so kind and loving that she felt comfortable around him. She wanted to spend more time with him, to know him more. She wanted more. It was getting dark and she needed to get home. Suddenly, there was a distant rumbling of thunder which grew louder, echoing through the atmosphere. Then, the first drops of the rain began to fall, lightly at first, tapping gently on rooftops. As the rain intensified, the drops became more persistent. The pitter-patter of the rain on various surfaces created a soothing melody that reveberated in the surroundings.

It was getting darker and the gentle rain had transformed to a torrential downpour. She wondered how she'd get home. George sensed the fear in her eyes and offered to drive her home. "That's so kind of you," Lynne sighed in relief. There was a wierd air of silence in the car as he drove slowly in the dark, lonely road. Flashes of lightning illuminated the sky followed closely by the resonating booms of thunder and the rain continued to pour relentlessly. Just as they approached the road that led into Lynne's estate, they were halted by a highway patrol team who informed them that the road had been flooded and therefore unaccessible. "What do we do now?" Lynne was panicking. Before she could say the next word, George had made a swift U-turn, heading in a different direction. "Where are we going?" she was almost screaming. "My house," he replied coldly. Lynne knew that was a dangerous idea. The thought of spending a whole cold night with him sent cold, ecstatic shivers down her spine. She should stop him but she was too weak to. So she kept mute as George took her to his house.