Unexpected Encounters [B.H.M.]

44

I didn't hear back from Anita until Wednesday evening, but even that was sooner than expected. And it made me very happy when she told me that she would be willing to meet with Brian again to settle everything in person. I lost count of how many times I thanked her, because it really made me so happy that she was so open minded.

I made sure to ask her when she would be free, and then I told her that I would check with Brian and get back to her with location and time once I knew it. It was a little strange to arrange a date for them, but I didn't mind. I understood why she didn't want to call him, so it was up to me, and just like that I had another famous person's phone number, so I could reach her once I knew.

With that information I was on my way to Brian's house on Thursday. I was a little nervous if my plan would work out, and if Brian would get upset. I knew what I was doing was risky, but in my opinion it was worth the risk. We had our usual relaxed evening together, chatting, drinking a bit of wine, having dinner and playing games, but eventually I had to ask him. So I cleared my throat.

"Brian, so..." How did you even begin? "I've kind of arranged a blind date for you," I told him, saying it as it was.

Immediately I had his eyes on me. "A blind date? Frida... I really don't want to be set up with anyone. I appreciate the thought behind it, but it's not necessary."

"Brian, please. I think you'll really like her a lot," I said, hoping he wouldn't make me reveal too much about his date. "It's just one date, if you don't like her you don't have to see her again and I won't ever arrange something like this again. But I thought that's what friends do."

Brian hesitated visibly. "Did you tell her who I am?" He asked, getting up to rearrange something on a shelf that definitely hadn't needed to be rearranged.

I shook my head. "No, it's a blind date," I said, even though that was only partly true. For him it was a blind date. She knew who he was, she knew very well..

The scepticism was still present on his face as he turned around and looked at me. "Why? I didn't ask you to set me up, did I?"

"No, you didn't," I agreed. "But I thought that's what friends do."

Brian sighed, nodding a little. "Fine... But just this once, because you're my friend. When does she want to meet me? And where?"

Partly, I couldn't believe that he had agreed. Now it was getting serious. A part of me wanted to back out again because I was scared of his reaction when he found out who I'd set him up with. But the other part of me thought that I couldn't - and shouldn't - back out now, that wouldn't be fair to either of them. But I was nervous. Hopefully he wouldn't think I was trying to belittle him or something like that by taking matters into my own hands. "I know when she's available so we can try to find a time that works for both of you," I told him, and went to get my notebook from the hallway. It was good to be out of his sight for a few moments.

Brian and I went over his calendar with my notes until we had found a time that worked for both of them, and then he told me which restaurant he wanted to meet at, so I could pass on that information as well. I told Brian I would meet him at the restaurant, so that I could introduce them - which I didn't really have to, but it helped to keep the blind date excuse. And then, the following day after work I called Anita to let her know where to be at 7pm on Sunday.

I spent the time leading up to the date constantly nervous, thinking about what I'd say to Brian when I'd tell him who he had come to meet. I was more nervous than I had ever been before all my own first dates. This would certainly be interesting.

I wasn't the one going on the date, but when Sunday evening rolled around, I dressed up a little too. It felt appropriate, I hoped I wouldn't feel so out of place when I waited for both of them outside the restaurant. I parked my car on the street the restaurant was on and then I waited on the pavement, trying to calm my rapidly beating heart. Luckily Brian was the first one to show up, that made it a little easier for me, hopefully. He looked lovely, he had really put in some effort. He had dressed up, he was wearing nice trousers and a dress shirt and jacket, but of course he was wearing his trademark shoes. That made me smile, that was how you knew it really was him.