I almost felt like saying �YOU, � The waiter probably didn�t carry a �purse� or wear make-up and he looked like he was a lot more fun than my serious Country Road date. At least dating a waiter wouldn�t make me feel so damn nervous and I wouldn�t have to get the check!
I scanned the menu. "Ah, straight acting chicken...." Just as soon as the words had left my mouth I realised my terrible faux-pas. Matt gave me a puzzled look. I could feel myself sweating as I tried to concentrate on the menu. "Sorry. I mean, sizzling Arabian chicken."
"You seem quite nervous. Is there anything I can do"? Matt said helpfully.
I felt like saying, 'just don't offer me any foundation', but realised I was being politically incorrect again and said, "No, I'm just stressed from exams.�
He stood up. "I'll get you a drink."
"Just a soda, thanks."
Returning from the bar with my drink, a moment later, he placed the glass firmly on the table. It was then that I noticed his watch. Attached to the glass face was a small car.
"I like that tiny car on your watch. Is that a transformer watch?"
He looked down at his watch. "Yes. I actually bought it because I get sick of wearing expensive watches that aren't comfortable."
He pulled at the car and it came off in his hand. Placing it on the table he wound the micro knob on its side. It roared across the table and towards me. I caught it as it fell off the edge.
"Wow, that's great. I bet you do that to all the guys you met over the internet," I joked, handing the mini car back.
"Only the ones I like." He clicked the little car back on the watch, not meeting my eyes. I wasn't sure if he was suggesting he found me attractive or not. While I didn't feel completely comfortable I felt a little less stressed. At least I wasn't displaying any more straight-acting panic. The conversation had slowed to a halt and while Matt wasn't exactly my Mr Right I knew that I needed to at least show some polite interest in him. I decided to start with some small talk.
"So, what sort of films do you like?"
"Oh, action adventure films. The James Bond films are among my favourite."
I almost spat out my soda water. "James Bond?" I said.
He smiled and settled back in his chair. "I like the appeal of a strong, good looking male who's suave, smooth and sophisticated." Almost as soon as he'd said those words he reached into his bag and produced a packet of cigarettes and an expensive lighter."
"Do you smoke? " He inquired.
"No".
"Do you mind if I smoke?"
I gritted my teeth. "Ah�no."
He ignored my obviously unspoken but suggested discomfort. �Anyway, I can really relate to a character like James Bond..."
"Because he has the three S's?" I suggested.
He flicked the cigarette lighter casually and lit his cigarette. Placing the lighter into his bag with a smooth motion, he suavely placed the cigarette to his lips like a cool, real life, James Bond.
