Friday 9 September 2011

Romantic Friday Writers Challenge/Blogfest - Lunch Date!




The image below is The Savoy, London.

This Flash-Fiction piece is written first-person POV, not a POV I normally indulge.




394 words: MPA.

This was ridiculous. A lunch date with a stranger, and someone who had the audacity to send roses by florist first thing in the morning with card. Albeit invitation to lunch, then sends a car to pick up his date, swish maybe, but what sort of man does that? What sort of man writes words like that?
   The car stopped, a concierge stepped forward to open the car door. It was only lunch, what could happen over lunch?  
    Hardly before setting foot inside a waiter stepped forward, asked, “Ms Stevens?” And, without awaiting reply, further said, “This way, please.”
   Oh my.
   He got to his feet, blue eyes sparkling, hair as dark as night, his towering height daunting. “Good to see you again.”
   “Do I know you?”
   “Not exactly but I owe you an apology.” He gestured to the seat opposite his.
   “For what?”
   “For that unexpected shower you received yesterday evening.”
   “Oh, so you’re puddle man. Of course, I should have recognised the car.” How was it possible for a man to smile as he was smiling, and not have every woman in the restaurant at his feet?  It was good to sit down before falling to the floor in swoons. “What I mean is  . . .”
   “I’m a git, a bolshy git for sending you roses, and for writing words that should only be said face-to-face.”
   “I was a little surprised at the words written and almost didn’t take up your offer, but curiosity got the better of me.”
   “I thought it might,” he said, settling to his seat. “So, am I out of line asking you out on a date?”
   “Is that what it is?”
   “I figured a lunch date might score more points than a dinner date. You strike me as too shrewd to be easily led.”
   “Fair assessment, so what’s on the menu?” 
   His expression said it all. He was pushing boundaries, treading unknown territory in true spirit of an adventurer, a man of daring-do. So, it was a must ask. “How did you acquire my name and address?”    
   A chuckle. “Cut and thrust why don’t you.” Another chuckle. “I just knew you’d be a challenge.”
   “Well?”
   A romancer’s hand across the table, fingers toying fingers, teasing the senses, a big grin on face. “Let’s just say I’d like to get to know you better. Shall we menu?”
       
To see entries by other participants go here.

12 comments:

Denise Covey said...

You're a bit posh for me. You lunch at the Savoy and I do lunch in Afghanistan, fair go! Love it Francine.

Denise

Unknown said...

Dear Francine,
If I had the choice, I think that I would like to have lunch at the Savoy, that is, if I were properly dressed and someone else paid the bill.
I think I would be a little nervous in Afghanistan. My offering is just a snack on a bicycle! Not very posh at all.

Thank you for commenting on Sanna's and Tomas latest 'date'. I'm with you Francine and Denise that text 'B' is best and that the 'magic powder' in the pizza may not be magic at all.

By the way. I have taken a peek at 'Festival of Romance online'.

Best wishes,
Anna
For the benefit of other readers:
Anna's RFW No. 18 'Lunch Date'

Beverly Diehl said...

Puddle man (love the term) might be handsome, and wealthy, but for me, he's sending out more red flags than roses. I hope Ms. Stevens proceeds with extreme caution.

Francine Howarth said...

Hi Denise,

I think lunch in Afghanistan would mean body-armour, a hard hat for moi. ;)

Anna, I couldn't agree more: luxury has the edge! ;)

Hi Bev, don't worry she's more than a match for
smart dude, and even he admitted he's a bolshy git! ;)

best
F

J.L. Campbell said...

He is indeed daring and quite a risk taker. He certainly get her interested enough to come on a date.

Kiru Taye said...

Posh Lunch! I like. He definitely is an adventurer. Is this a full novel? I'd love to read more. Well written, Francine.

Unknown said...

Would definitely love to read more. 'Daring' is putting it mildly. But then she's quite the adventurer too. Just couldn't resist going, could she?

Thanks for coming over:)

Anonymous said...

Love the last sentence, dripping with possibilities

Francine Howarth said...

Hi J.L, Kiru, Adura, and Madeleine,

Thanks all for stopping by. And no, Kiru, it was just a quick piece of FF for the challenge! :o

best
F

Gwen Gardner said...

Francine, you are so good at this romance thing! Great scene:)
P.S., don't trust puddle man, just saying'

Francine Howarth said...

Hi Gwen,

Puddle man: not on your life! Cool dude, though. ;)

best
F

Anonymous said...

Intriguing. The use the money to make amends angle and get the girl is always interesting. Though I find this guy pompous, your style kept me reading.