The Ten Year First Date

Date Number One - Code Name Disaster!

On Friday, as promised, I telephoned Jeannie and gave her the itinerary for what would be the first date. Not that I had any real idea of what that was. Half an hour previously, I was sat crossed-legged on my bed, with my beloved Macbook, who so far was the only non-casualty of this affair. I knew that Jeannie liked arty things so; I decided that a show and a meal would be a good idea. I had told Jeannie this, and she seemed impressed. I quickly scoured the WWW to try and find a late booking with a collection of tickets at the Box Office. Ollie had been dispatched to find a restaurant that would take us at late notice. He knew the expensive places in Central London and told me to leave everything to him in that department as Jeannie, and I quote, 'probably would have ended up with Burger King if it were left to me!'

Eventually, Wicked and some restaurant that I couldn't remember the name of were picked for the first date of God knows how many. I was not going to lie to everyone and say that I wasn't nervous because I was. I was downright terrified! I hadn't done this kind of thing for ten years. Ok, so I took Cassie out. No, correction, she took me out, but that was different. It was easy and fun. One look from Jeannie and I could end up in a pile of bones on the floor! She had the Wicked Witch of the West effect, so maybe Wicked was the appropriate show!

I tossed the standard jeans and shirt and went with a suit for what was undoubtedly the most important night of my life. And a black suit at that. I always donned the black suit on special occasions. Weddings, birthdays, funeral, you get the picture. I brushed a stolen globule of Ollie's hair wax through my unruly mop and tried to make sure that it was straight rather than its usual messy state. I needed to be smart. First impressions were always foremost in Jeannie's book. I knew that every move I made tonight would be scrutinised in subtle detail. Details which, no doubt would be taken straight to Jeannie's solicitors, first thing on Monday morning. Being made a fool of was something I couldn't take the chance on.

I stood by the mirror and took one last, long look at myself. I took a deep breath and decided that I didn't look half bad. My black shoes were going to kill me, and I really wanted my Converse back, but I reminded myself once again, first impressions. I took another deep breath and turned away from the mirror before exiting my bedroom. I descended the stairs in double time, hoping to avoid the family, which was never going to happen. The minute my foot left the bottom step, Imogen's ever, so a delicate voice came wafting into the hallway...

'Harry!' she yelled. 'Get in here!'

'Yes, dear sister.' I sighed, as I slinked into the living room, hoping that this was going to be a little inquisition.

'Wow!' I heard Ella gush, giving me a slight confidence boost. 'You look amazing!'

'Well, thank you, my darling.' I answered, smiling. I wanted to cuddle the life out of my niece for breaking the ice. I looked over to Imogen who had her eyebrows raised, whether in shock or disgust was yet to be decided.

'You do look good mate.' Ollie nodded, looking me up and down. 'Going anywhere special?' he continued, with a smirk on his face.

'Funny.' I said, making a face as I adjusted my cufflinks.

'Are you seeing Cassie?' Josh asked, innocently and entirely out of the blue.

'Umm...' I stumbled over my answer.

'You two, upstairs.' Imogen ordered.

'Oh man, we never get to hear the good stuff.' Ella complained as she and Josh stomped out of the room and up the stairs with faces down to their feet.

'Right,' Imogen said, making sure that the twins were out of sight. 'This is your final chance. You can still drop out of this. It's not too late.'