The Meeting

A date?

The reply

Typically, my phone buzzed more than it ever had that morning but not a single notification was what I wanted to see. That was, until just gone 9am. As I lifted my phone to my face to unlock it, I was greeted with the sight I had been waiting for, an instagram message from Leah.

You're a little awkward? I double messaged you last night after you'd said you were tired because my own paranoid head thought you were ignoring me! Mum and I are due to fly home this afternoon but if the offer of drinks is still going, I could always catch a flight tomorrow instead?

Again, not wanting to fall into the trap of being that person that pretends to not see a message for a few hours, I began typing immediately. I didn't want her to feel that she had to change her plans for me but I was unsure how to convey that without sounding like I had changed my mind, I was beginning to realise that both Leah and I were as awkward as each other.

Only if you're sure? I don't want to mess with your plans but I would like to see you again.

Leah's reply followed immediately, it was straight to the point, making me smile from ear to ear.

What time are we meeting and where? Looking forward to seeing you.

We agreed to meet at 6:30pm at a bar around the corner from her hotel. I knew Belfast like the back of my hand so it made sense to meet somewhere she was familiar with too. I told her I was going to meet my manager and would see her at the bar but really I was surrounded with clothes on my bedroom floor trying to pick out an outfit that was appropriate for a date that wasn't a confirmed date.

After hours of stressing, outfit changes and a lot of internal screaming, I decided on simple jeans, trainers and a more dressy top. I curled the ends of my hair, put on some light make up and made the table reservation before calling a taxi. I arrived at the restaurant 15 minutes before we were due to meet but to my surprise Leah was already stood outside. She looked absolutely incredible, dawning an outfit similar to my own, replacing my blue jeans for black ones. We giggled at the similarities in our outfits as I lead us to the table with a reserved sign on, feeling a little silly as the bar was empty, meaning I had no need to make a booking.

We discussed the plane experience, the meeting with her mum the previous night and the drinks menu, neither of us wanting to start the conversation to discuss our awkward interaction the night before. As the drinks flowed, the conversation became more natural and we both became more relaxed with each other. As Leah spoke, I couldn't help but take in her features, her blonde hair sat as perfect now as it did when we arrived, her ability to wear minimal make up but still look absolutely perfect, the way she played with the rings on her finger when she spoke about things she enjoyed.

"Was that your Dad I saw you with yesterday?" Leah asked inquisitively, taking a sip of the drink in front of her.
"Yeah, he came down for the gig but left when it was over. He doesn't like to leave the house much now." I responded, guessing that honesty was the best policy.
"Oh I'm sorry. Is he ill? You don't have to tell me." As she said this, her voice softened, almost as if she knew what was coming.
"I guess if a broken heart is illness then yes, my mum passed away suddenly last year. They were together for years and joined at the hip so I think adjusting to normal life without her has been tough on him." As I finished this sentence, Leah placed her hand on mine, rubbing the back of my hand gently with her thumb. Butterflies filled my stomach and I couldn't help but form a smile on my face which had been stern a few seconds before as I discussed losing my mum.
"I'm sorry - I shouldn't have asked. I'm sure she is so proud of the person you have become, the things you have done and the life you are living."
"Thank you, that means a lot. I mean, I hope she is. Anyway, more importantly, the pool table is free. Are you going to let me beat you?"

I'm not sure if it was the alcohol or the fact she had taken my hand that made me feel more confident but as I stood up I pulled Leah to her feet, interlocking my fingers with hers. For a moment, we stared intently at each other, inches apart and only getting closer. Leah put her free hand on my waist and pulled me closer to her but just as our lips touched, we were interrupted by the waitress asking if we were finished with our drinks. Flustered, we both agreed that she could take the empties and let out a giggle, heading for the pool table and not discussing our failed attempt at a first kiss.