Greg knocked nervously on Sara's door. He could hardly believe this was actually happening. He was picking Sara up and taking her to have dinner with his parents. Yeah, it was technically a fa�ade, but it was still happening.
Sara smiled welcomingly as she opened the door to Greg. He was standing there, smiling his sweet, slightly goofy smile. And he looked for all the world more like a teenager on his first date than an incredibly smart scientist. Even the outfit suited that opinion.
He was wearing trousers and a smart shirt, typical outfit really, but to her it looked strange on him. She was so used to his bright shirts and lab coat, and didn't quite look himself out of them. And his tie was just... tacky really. One of those novelty things with cartoon animals on. Yet, somehow, it managed to suit him.
"Nice outfit" Sara said, raising her eyebrows, "Love the tie, Greg"
Greg blushed. Was she being serious? It was kinda hard to tell from her even tone. "My parents bought it me for Christmas" he said, in way of explanation. Let her think of that what she would. Either she could take it as he was wearing it since he felt he should, or that he was explaining where he got it. He wasn't entirely sure himself about which. It was a cool tie and all, but it just wasn't his usual image.
"Ahhh" Sara responded. She was trying not to smile outwardly, which she suspected might offend Greg. The way he had been acting ever since he had asked her this favour...it was letting her see a whole new side to Greg. He obviously loved his parents, and really wanted to reassure them that he was fine. She was beginning to really admire how much he obviously cared. Most guys wouldn't bother doing something like that for their parents. Maybe she should have accepted one of his many proposals of a date. She might have had fun.
"So...you ready?" Greg asked uncertain what to do. The was Sara was scrutinising him was quite frankly disconcerting. He had never seen her look like that. It was almost as if she was...checking him out. But he knew that wasn't possible, much as he'd like it to be. Sara was only doing this as a favour, and he knew that well. No matter how he might feel about her, he was positive she didn't share the same feelings for him.
"Yep, sure" Sara said, smiling easily, "I'll just grab my bag."
She turned into her living room and retreated to the coffee table where she had left her bag, having forgotten to grab it when Greg had knocked. She was thankful that she had managed to get ready -just- before Greg had arrived to pick her up. It had been running very close to the mark, as she had lain in for as long as she could, and was still a little tired from last night's shift. It would have been a little embarrassing to answer the door half ready then ask him to wait.
Sara checked she had everything she'd need for the evening and joined Greg in the hall, locking the door.
"Okay then," she said, "Let's go."
Greg led her down to his car and on impulse opened the passenger side door for her, and bowed slightly, grinning.
Sara shook her head at him and sat regally in the seat, then allowed a small smile to grace her lips. "To dinner, driver," she commanded jokingly.
On the way they talked about pretty much everything either of them could think of. Work, their colleagues, music, food, wine. Sara was almost disappointed when Greg pulled up to the restaurant. It was so easy to talk to Greg, and she felt comfortable doing so, despite the eclectic range of topics. Greg was a pretty interesting guy really. She'd never have realised it if he hadn't come to her about this favour. She had never thought of him as anything other than Greg, just a part of work. But she was starting to realise that he could be deep, no matter how strange he could be.
"Well, here we go," Greg said, sounding slightly nervous, "Do you think we can actually pull this off?"
Sara nodded firmly "Sure we can Greggo," she told him, "They believe you've got a girlfriend, right? How are they supposed to know that it isn't me?"
Greg had to admit that sounded logical. He was still a little uncomfortable with this whole fa�ade, but it was easier to give his parents peace of mind by letting them meet his 'girlfriend' than to keep reassuring them that he was fine even though his social life seemed non-existent.
Greg couldn't help gulping as he saw his parents waving from a table across the room. Could he really pull it off? Would they believe that someone like Sara would really go out with him? Well, he was about to find out.