Free Tripping on Love by Carrie Stone

back of the restaurant. Slightly secluded from the other diners, our very own small, open fire with burning embers, was positioned to the left of us.  Funky abstract art and sculptures occupied the walls and edges of the room.
    I was wide eyed with delight, drinking in the atmosphere and décor.
    ‘Edward, this place is amazing - an absolute gem’ I had never been taken somewhere quite as quaint and romantic before.
    Edward laughed and reached across for my hand, gently intertwining his fingers in mine. For the first time that evening, I didn’t blush. It felt natural.
    'I’m so pleased you appreciate it as much as I do. I wanted to bring you somewhere special' he said taking a sip of his wine. 'You see, Lizzie, I've been thinking about you lots since we met at Carl’s party. There was something different about you and I would love to get to know you more.'
    My heart skipped a beat at his words and I allowed myself to smile.
    'Well if truth be told I was very much hoping you'd get in contact.’
    We both locked eyes and I felt his hand gently squeeze mine, the irony of my comment not lost on either of us.
    The waitress brought us the starters and I tried to eat as delicately and ladylike as possible. It was a divine selection of exotic pickles, cured meats and pate. I was aware I had to refrain from scoffing the entire plate in the space of a few minutes. Edward had no such problem. He dived in heartily, eating quickly. I was tempted to join in with his vigour for the food but decided against it. Men may like women with healthy appetites but seeing them shovel food into their mouth on a first date, was perhaps crossing the boundary.
    As the wine flowed and the evening progressed, so too did the conversation and I found myself telling Edward about my job. Carefully avoiding letting him know it was an independent agency, I instead gave him the impression I worked for a reputable large travel corporate. A woman has her standards.
    Edward briefly filled me in on his many business ventures and I soon realised that he didn’t settle for average. He claimed part of his success was credited to not waiting for opportunities to come to him. I hoped this indicated he wasn’t the type to play games in relationships. I had played enough games to last me a lifetime. I wanted someone honest and direct. Well, perhaps not too direct. It's never good for a woman's self esteem to know her hips are huge in a particular dress. I wanted someone honest and tactfully direct.
    As we chatted about our friends, social life and family, we found we both shared the same sense of humour. Every time I laughed loudly, and on one occasion slightly snorted, Edward laughed with me, eyes locked on mine and twinkling. The connection between us was palpable.
    Surprisingly he didn’t refrain from opening up to me, telling me how difficult it had be en to be orphaned as a teenager; especially as an only child. Mentally, I made note that this meant no awkward Sunday lunches or stand off’s with interfering in-laws. Outwardly I tried to look sympathetic.
    After a little too much wine, I was conscious that I had begun to feel light-headed and was becoming slightly more exaggerated in my flirtation. As Edward signalled to settle the bill, I excused myself from the table and headed for the restroom.
    My hair had flattened slightly and my eyes weren’t as smoky as when I'd left the house but my complexion was flushed and sparkling. I looked radiant and I knew full well it was courtesy of my dashing dinner date. Throwing my head over, I tried to add more volume to my hair with my fingers in an attempt to give myself a more sensual air.
    Heading back to the table, I approached to find Edward speaking on his mobile. His previous happy demeanour was replaced with a look of irritation.
    'I don’t have time for this. It’s difficult to talk now anyway' he said angrily to the person on the other end of the line.
    As I passed him to seat myself, he snapped the phone