Unexpected Encounters [B.H.M.]

47

"I think you can trust him, Frida. I shouldn't have mentioned it, he really didn't say a lot. He said you didn't have an easy life, but you are a wonderful woman. And so far what he said is true. Don't be upset with him, he only had good intentions," Sam said, placing his hand on my back. "He didn't share any details, I don't know more than what you told me about your family, I promise."

"Alright," I gave in.

"When the time is right, if you feel ready, you can tell me as much as you like. At some point, there's no pressure at all, Frida."

"I just don't want you to see me as this sad person, as nothing more than someone with a sad life. I've been working on not letting that define me."

"It doesn't, Frida, I don't see you that way. Believe me," Sam told me. "Change of topic, but the restaurant is just down here."

"Oh, alright, that's fine. Just please answer one question. What exactly did Brian tell you about me? I want to know how much you know.."

With his hand still on my back, he followed me along the street, walking next to me. "He really didn't say more. All he said was that you had a few tough times in life, but that you are one of the loveliest people he has met. You really mean a lot to him, and he respects you, Frida. And what he said doesn't change the way I see you in the slightest. So far I think you are a very sweet person, I can already tell that you're very kind, and I can see why you mean so much to Brian. You have nothing to worry about. I'm really looking forward to getting to know you."

"Okay," I gave in. "I just don't want you to see me as nothing more than what happened to me in the past."

"I'm not, I promise," he assured me. "I'm just getting to know you, Frida, you have nothing to worry about."

"Thank you, Sam. I'm sorrry about being difficult." I was probably not making the best impression, which would be typical. I meet a nice man and ruin it, like I always did.

"You're not being difficult, Frida. I understand your worries, but you don't have to worry, I promise."

"Alright. Thank you. I'm sorry.."

"Don't apologise, you have nothing to be sorry about. Here, that's the restaurant," he said, changing the topic abruptly. But understandably, because we were standing right in front of the restaurant. "Here you go," he said, opening the door for me.

"Thank you.." I went inside, looking around. But in my mind, I was still thinking about what Brian had told Sam. I didn't know what I should make of that. Sam was very sweet about it, I hoped he meant it. Because I liked him so far, more than I had expected, and I was comfortable with him.

"Do you want me to take your jacket?" Sam asked, pulling me out of my thoughts.

"Hm? Oh, yes please. Thank you, that's very kind." I took of my jacket and handed it to him before I watched him take off his jacket. And that was quite a sight, he looked amazing. He had complimented me before as well, so I took a deep breath. "You look really handsome tonight, Sam," I said, maybe a little too quietly. I wasn't used to this anymore, dating, flirting, and all that. But when I could see him smile widely at me, I relaxed a little more.

"Thank you, Frida." He really seemed to be very happy about my kind words, which only made me want to compliment him more. I would likely get a few opportunities throughout the evening. "I made a reservation, are you ready to sit down or would you prefer to have a drink at the bar first?"

I shook my head. "No, I shouldn't drink too much, I still have to drive home afterwards. We can sit down right away and maybe have a glass of wine at the table, that should be fine. If you're okay with that."