You Really Got A Hold On Me

Two Of Us

“Just a second!” I called, trying to hide the panic in my voice. I saw my dressing gown and pulled it on – luckily it was long enough to hide the dress. I opened the door.

“Yes?” I asked, opening my door.

“Just leaving now, I left a little bit of mash in the kitchen if you get hungry later” he said.

“Thanks Dad” I said, smiling. And with that he left. I sighed a sigh of utter relief. He didn’t find out about the dress and was none the wiser about anything else. Everything was going to be fine. If I was going to get to Ed’s by seven I’d better get a move on.

I left the house promptly, pulling on my coat. It all started to feel real when I boarded the bus and sat down. I wondered if Paul would be early and waiting for me? I knew whatever he’d be wearing he’d look stunning – I had no doubt about that.

I had only ever been to Ed’s Diner once, with Abby when we spontaneously decided to go for a milkshake after school one day after school. It was a very ‘teenage first date’ kind of place.

I wrapped my coat around me for warmth as there was a slight breeze in the air.

After some hurried walking I finally saw Ed’s. I smiled to myself and started towards it.

The red lettering glowed amongst everything else and I could faintly hear the music – rock n roll of course, and Chuck Berry none the less.

I stepped inside the diner and was enveloped by the smell of burgers, fries and the distinctive voice of Elvis singing ‘Jailhouse Rock’. A typical American 50s diner and I loved it.

I found a table for two and sat down looking around. I hoped Paul had brought a couple of coins for the jukebox. I was just in time, seven on the dot, however Paul wasn’t there yet. I told myself that he was probably just running late.

There were many couples at Ed’s. Most sharing a milkshake with two straws or eating fries from the same bowl.

After about ten minutes a waitress came up to me. “Can I get you anything?” she asked.

“Oh no, not yet I’m just waiting for my date.” I told her.

After another five minutes I began to grow worried. Where was he? He should be here by now… I could tell the waitress was getting restless as I was taking up a valuable table.

But then, sure enough, the doors to the diner flung open and in stumbled Paul. He looked around and saw me – his eyes lit up and he waved.

He looked as gorgeous as ever, even though he looked like he had just ran to get here. His hair, as before, piled on his head with a small curl that must have fallen loose. He ran a hand through it and made his way to the table.

When he arrived he stopped and looked at me properly, up and down. I looked back at him, feeling awkward.

“What?” I asked looking down at my dress in case there happened to be something wrong with it, a previously unnoticed stain or crease.

“You look gorgeous” he breathed.

I blushed a little, then smiled “Thanks.”

He took his leather jacket off then sat down. “I, err, lost track of time” Paul said looking at the clock, “sorry” he said apologetically.

“It’s okay.”

“I ran as fast as my legs would let me to get here.”

“I can see that”. I replied. He laughed, a brilliant laugh.