You’ve been sitting there for hours. You had put on a new dress and a little extra makeup because this place was a bit fancier than the average restaurant. And people were giving you pitying looks.

All because your date hadn’t shown up.

It had been nearly an hour and you just kept waiting to order. The tables around had taken turns having whispered conversations with plenty ‘oh poor her’ glances. It was humiliating and infuriating.

With a sigh and cheeks beginning to heat, you start to grab your things. Embarrassment burns hot through you and disappointment and frustration coil in your stomach, stealing your appetite. You were about to rise from your seat when a man sits down across from you.

He had hazel eyes, brown wavy that reminded you of the wind. He smiled a charming smile.

“Hey, babe, sorry I’m late. Traffic.” his smile turned apologetic. You didn’t know him. Confused and surprised you looked him over. His eyes seemed to be telling you to play along.

Relief that the embarrassment was over and warmth at this strangers kindness washed over you. You smiled a grateful smile and settled back in your seat, noting the tables around you had stop their pitying looks. You’d play along because you needed this and he had dimples, which were adorable.

Who knows? Maybe it’d lead to another date.