Brief Encounters

Part 6

First Date

I dressed in a casual polo and slacks, aiming for that balance of relaxed and presentable. As I stepped out, I passed Granny in the hallway, her gaze catching mine with that familiar mix of warmth and scrutiny.

"Out for the day, are we?" she asked, her voice calm but edged with curiosity. "One wonders what sort of plans require such a look of...cheerfulness."

I tried to play it cool, offering a shrug. "Just stepping out for a bit, Granny. Nothing unusual."

Her eyebrow arched slightly, that signature sign of unimpressed humor. "I see. Quite the understatement," she replied. "You've that look about you as if something's afoot. Let's hope it isn't a bit of mischief."

"Come now, Granny," I chuckled. "I do smile from time to time, you know."

"Hmm, yes, occasionally," she said, allowing the faintest hint of amusement to soften her expression. "Though I expect nothing foolish, mind. Between your father, your brother, and the whole kingdom, there's more than enough to keep one on edge."

I nodded, smiling back. "Nothing foolish, I promise."

She gave me a long look, her eyes softening. Since I was young, it was Granny who always seemed to understand the weight of this life-its duties, its costs. If I'm mindful today, if I'm holding myself back from any grand foolishness, it's because of her. I want to make her proud, to show her that her efforts haven't been in vain.

On the way to the restaurant, my driver skillfully navigated the streets, and my thoughts buzzed with anticipation. What would Jeanna be wearing? Would she have dressed as thoughtfully as I had? I hoped so, but the real question nagging at me was simpler, yet so much harder to answer: What am I really hoping for with this? Is she someone who could fit into my life, and more to the point-am I ready to let her in?

I found myself wishing Mum were here, with her ability to make sense of things. She had this way of reassuring me that the important questions didn't need clear answers right away. Just the courage to take one step forward. Harry's got that, no doubt; he charges in headfirst. Me? It's... more complicated.

Before I knew it, we arrived at The Ivy, and a few of the staff, clearly informed, were waiting by the entrance with an eager politeness. I was a bit early, just enough time to gather myself.

And then Jeanna arrived, stepping into the room with a quiet grace that immediately drew my attention. She looked around until her eyes landed on me, and I had to suppress a grin at the sight.

Even after her morning work-she'd had an interview, I knew-Jeanna seemed effortlessly composed. Her outfit struck that perfect balance between elegant and relaxed, the kind of confidence that comes naturally when one is entirely at ease.

I rose to greet her. "Shall we see what all the fuss is about? They tell me their cuisine here is supposed to be the best in London."

She laughed, her eyes alight with humor. "Perfect, because I'm absolutely starving."

"Have you been here before?" I asked, curious.

"Actually, yes," she replied with a playful grin.

"Oh, with whom?"

"Well," she said, her tone light, though her eyes sparked with mischief, "it was with an ex."

That threw me a bit. An ex? My mind ran through a few possibilities, but I kept my expression smooth, deciding to keep things light. "Ah, the 'ex' talk already! I suppose that means I need to up my game, then."

Jeanna chuckled, her gaze warm and teasing. "No pressure. Let's just say it wasn't exactly a Michelin-star experience."

The waiter arrived with menus, bowing slightly. "Good afternoon, Your Royal Highness, madam. Today's specials are listed on the first page, and should you have any preferences, we'd be pleased to accommodate."

"Thank you," I said, glancing down at the menu.

When the waiter departed, I leaned in, grinning. "So, what do you say to a little indulgence today? Steak? Or sticking to the showbiz-approved 'light fare'?"

She laughed, glancing over the menu. "I'd love to, but my producer been talking about me needing to look 'ethereal' on stage tonight," she said with a bit of an eye-roll.

"Well, then let me handle it. I'll have the steak, and if you don't look 'ethereal' enough, they can blame me. Deal?"

She grinned, leaning back. "A fair solution, Your Royal Highness," she teased, the title dripping with irony.

Just then, our waiter returned to pour water into our glasses. But as he did, a small wave splashed over the rim, trickling onto the table. "Oh! Apologies, Your Royal Highness."

"No harm done," I said, dabbing the spill with my napkin.

The waiter moved off, but only for a moment, returning almost immediately with a new carafe of water. He poured it into my glass with careful attention, the same grand gesture, but this time, he succeeded in avoiding any spills.

"Apparently, we're going to be the most hydrated diners in London," I said with a grin, trying to ignore the awkwardness, and looked back at Jeanna. "So, is this where you'd normally be on a day like today?"

"Oh, I'd probably be at the studio right now," she replied. "I had a pre-show interview earlier, just the usual."

"How was it?"

Jeanna smirked. "Well, let's see... I got asked whether I've ever forgotten my lines-twice. Whether I prefer film or theatre, which is like asking if I'd rather breathe air or drink water. Oh, and of course, the million-dollar question: 'How do you keep your voice in shape?'"

I laughed. "Let me guess, you said, 'Lots of tea and vocal warm-ups?'"

She rolled her eyes. "Something like that. But I was this close to saying I drink a potion made from moonlight and unicorn tears."

I grinned. "You should've. That would've made the headlines."

"Maybe next time," she said with a wink.

The plates had been cleared, and the last of our drinks lingered in our glasses as we sat back, still caught in easy conversation.

Just then, her phone buzzed on the table. She glanced at the screen, and her expression shifted. "Sorry, just one second." she murmured, pushing back her chair. The warmth from a moment ago faded as she stepped away, her posture a little too rigid, her shoulders tense.

I watched as she spoke in hushed tones a few steps away, her free hand running through her hair in a telltale sign of frustration. I took a sip of my drink, giving her space, but my concern lingered.

When she returned, I offered a gentle smile. "Everything alright?"

She sighed, slipping her phone back into her bag. "Yes. Well... not exactly." Her fingers drummed lightly against the table before she let out a breath. "It's my producer. Apparently, he needs me back to go over some last-minute changes."

I raised an eyebrow. "for Tonight?"

She nodded, pressing her lips together. "Welcome to the theatre world-nothing is ever really finished."

I exhaled, then shrugged lightly. "Well, can I at least walk you to the theatre?"

Jeanna hesitated, glancing out the window at the bustling street, then back at me with a small, knowing smile. "You know, that might not be the best look for you," she teased. "But I'd love to see you after the show. Proper dinner this time?"

"Absolutely," I said, my grin widening.

She stood, gathering her things, and as she slung her bag over her shoulder, she shot me one last glance. "See you tonight," she said with a wink before heading for the door.

The waiter returned, pausing at my side. "Shall I refill your drink, sir?"

I shook my head, still watching the spot where she'd just been. "No, thank you," I murmured, a quiet anticipation settling over me. "I think I'm quite alright."