That one.

And what the hell possessed me to listen to my friend and come to this damn blind date. How do I get out of this and slip away faster.

— You know, Olya, you remind me of my mom.

— How so? – his comparison stunned me.

— The smile, the eyes are similar. My mom makes the most delicious pies… Not like in this restaurant.

— I really like the pie here.

— It's nothing compared to mom's. You must try mom's pie.

— Aren't you rushing things a bit?

— No. I'd be happy to introduce you. Well, at this stage, I'd like to get to know

you even closer first.

— In what sense? – I gaped in surprise.

— I can just imagine my tongue getting acquainted with your crotch.

After his words, I almost choked, but didn't answer him. He started reaching his hand towards mine, and I carefully moved away and got up from the table.

— Sorry, I'm going to the restroom.

In the restaurant lobby, I hastily took my phone out of my purse and started dialing my friend's number. An answering machine informed me I could leave a message.

— Pick up! Now! Why the hell did I listen to you? Rita, please. I can't stand his arrogance anymore, his talk about his beloved mommy, his advances. If I stay with him, even for five minutes, I'll kill him, and then you! Call me back immediately and ask me to come urgently – I rattled into the phone.

— Ahem – a male cough was heard behind me.

I turned around and saw a guy standing by the wall.

— You won't scare him off with such trifles. A call from a friend? Hm… That's outdated, won't work. Need to think of something more convincing.

— What, sorry? Like what?

— Wouldn't it be better to give him a chance? Maybe the guy is just nervous and worried in front of such an arrogant girl?

— Arrogant? What? You eavesdropped on my conversation and are giving advice. Who are you then?

— I didn't mean anything bad.

— Okay, fine. But I don't want to give him a chance.

— Is it that bad?

— Worse than you think.

— Then I can help, if you want.

I thought for a long time and agreed – Okay. Because I can't get rid of this guy on my own.

— Then go back to him, and I'll give a signal.

I returned to Igor and apologized for my absence.

— I already missed you. I wanted to go after you.

He reached for my hands again and took them in his. I smiled falsely and looked away. The guy from the lobby appeared in the doorway. He raised a glass of whiskey, and I understood it was the sign. The guy walked slowly and languidly towards us, and it was so sexy. Approaching our table, he cleared his throat and began the game.

— Olya, is that you? Oh, damn, it's been ages. I'm so glad to see you.

— Hi, I'm glad to see you too. What brings you here? – I joined the game.

— I just got back, was on a long business trip. I see you're not alone. Will you introduce us?

— Yes, of course. This is Igor. Igor, this is… — I didn't know how to introduce the guy, as I didn't know his name.

— My name is Vladimir – he quickly took the situation into his own hands – But for you, just Vova is fine. Olenka, is this charming young man your boyfriend?

— No, we're just…

— I hope to become one after this meeting – Igor interrupted me, which surprised me even more.

— Hmm, really? Can I join you? I haven't seen Olya for so long, haven't talked to her for ages. I desperately want to dive into memories.

— Of course, have a seat. What kind of memories connect you two?

— The hottest ones.

— In what sense? – Igor inquired curiously.

— In every sense.

— What are you to each other? How did you meet?

— That's my favorite story. Olya, will you tell it or should I? – Vova looked at me provocatively.

— Oh, no. You better do it. You're the best storyteller in the world.

— Okay. We met many years ago in a club. Some guy was hitting on her there. I just saved her from the consequences.

— Interesting… So what are you to each other after all?

— We're friends – I answered hastily.

— Friends? Olenka, no need to hold back from the guy. We're more than friends.

— In what way? – Igor got heated and almost demanded an answer.

— Ooh, how hot she was with me – Vova savored the situation. My surprise knew no bounds, and I quietly nudged him with my foot under the table.

— Yeah, it was an amazing time. Honestly, I hope we can rekindle our relationship now that I'm back – Vova winked at me. I liked his game, especially Igor's reaction. He was stunned and didn't know how to react to Vova's brazen statement about his intentions.

— I'd like to disappoint you, Vova, but my intentions towards Olya are the most serious. I'm taking her to meet my mom.

— Seriously? How long have you known each other?

— Today is our first date.

— Pff… And you're already dragging her to meet mom? Sorry, I'm using 'you' informally.

— It's fine. I'll repeat… My intentions are serious. If I'm taking her to meet my mom, there's no turning back.

— Now I understand why you were so categorical – Vova addressed me. I shrugged. What to do next, what to play. How to finally make Igor understand he has no place next to me.

— What are you thinking, Olya? – asked Igor – Do you want to leave with me?

— She won't go with you. I also told you about my intentions. If you're okay with me periodically appearing in her life. Think about it 10 times.

— Why would you appear in her life?

— I'll be fucking her, like before. We'll reminisce about our romance every time and dive headfirst into those memories – Vova said this while looking me straight in the eyes.

— Why are you silent? He's saying such things, and you…

— And what about me?

— Will you fuck him?

— Just to not be in the same room with you for a minute – I decided and put a bold end to today's date – Yes, by the way, say hi to mom!

I quickly left the restaurant hall and went to the cloakroom for my coat. When I went outside and started calling a taxi, Vova approached me.

— You ended the game rather quickly.

— Oh, God. You scared me. I just got tired of looking at him and listening to his nonsense.

— Pity, I would have liked to savor our fictional romance longer.

— Thanks for the help.

— Don't you want to thank me?

— I said 'thank you'.

— No. Properly.

— What are you implying?!

— You really are arrogant. I didn't mean what you're thinking. I want to invite you to dinner.

— I can't handle another dating failure. It'll take me a long time to recover mentally from this one.

— Do you think you'll be just as bored with me?

— No, not at all. With you and your stories, it definitely won't be boring.

While we were laughing about the situation, Igor also came outside, I didn't notice, unlike Vova. While I continued to chuckle, Vova suddenly grabbed me in his arms with both hands and started kissing me. I didn't understand what was happening. Igor snorted something in our direction, quietly called me a slut, and walked away. I tried to break free to stand up for myself, but Vova held me tightly.

— Let him go, don't pay attention.

— Why did you kiss me?

— Got into character again.

— Don't do that again, please.

— Okay, not until you ask.

— I won't ask. Clear?

— Clear, clear. So, will you go to dinner with me?

— Okay. Just dinner and no continuation.

— I promise. Everything only with your permission and requests. Today?

— Let's do tomorrow. I've had enough adventures for today.

— Then tomorrow at 8, right here. Thank you.

— Until tomorrow.

Vova put me in a taxi and watched me go. I was tormented by thoughts of him for a long time before sleep. His image was in my mind… His walk, his gaze, his voice, especially his sense of humor captivated me.

My friend only called me back the next day. I scolded her and shared what happened. In turn, she apologized, said she was very busy, and promised not to insist on such dates anymore. I couldn't stay mad at her for long, and within five minutes she was advising me on clothes for dinner. Then I spent a long time going through my wardrobe and settled on a red knee-length dress. The top of the dress is made like a corset, and the bottom is made of flowing satin material. Black suede shoes and a clutch bag. I styled my hair and applied makeup to my face, not bright, but accentuating my beauty. Exactly at 8, I arrived at the meeting place, he wasn't there yet. I paced back and forth and looked at the watch on my wrist.

— You're punctual – a voice was heard behind me.

— But you're not. I've been standing here for 5 minutes.

— I came much earlier. Took care of a table for the two of us. And for these 5 minutes, I was standing over there watching you.

— And I came to meet a maniac like this.

— I'm not a maniac. I just fell in love with watching you.

— That's exactly how maniacs behave.

— Trust me and you'll see my good intentions.

— The word 'intentions' scares me since then.

Vova burst out laughing. I also remembered yesterday's events in detail and laughed.

— You're funny. I love girls with a sense of humor. Don't worry, I'm not going to talk to you about my mom and her cooking. But I might still have something in common with him.

— What's that?

— I won't be able to take my eyes off you. You're charming.

— Thank you very much.

Vova invited me to enter the restaurant and seated me at a table. We placed our order and immersed ourselves in carefree conversation. It was so easy and pleasant to talk about everything with him.

— You know, Vova, I have this feeling that we've known each other for a very long time.

— Don't forget, we're old friends and lovers – he said this, making us laugh again.

We drank champagne and told each other about ourselves. Vova didn't take his eyes off me, and I didn't take my eyes off him. Real chemical processes were bubbling between us.

— It's getting a bit boring here. Don't you want to go somewhere else?

— What are you hinting at?

— This isn't a pretext for something more.

— Where then?

— For a walk in the park.

— Great idea.

Vova paid for dinner, and we went for a walk. We walked side by side slowly and continued our conversation. Vova told various interesting stories from his life, then he took my hand as if it were an ordinary detail. I tried to calm my excitement, though my heart was pounding so hard. Vova behaved so naturally and casually, continuing his now monologue, I couldn't squeeze out another word.

— What's wrong? You suddenly fell silent.

— Uh, everything's fine.

— Are you embarrassed by my hand? Oh, it's mischievous. Are you against it?

— I don't know how to react. Sorry.

— Just relax. It's just your hand in mine.

— Okay.

I got used to it, and we continued our walk, holding hands. Late in the evening, he walked me home, kissed me on the cheek, and without hinting at anything, said goodbye and left. I was confused. On one hand, everything went as it should… But this other side put me in an awkward position and made me think… What did I do wrong? He didn't even hint at sex, didn't ask to come up for tea. What could that mean? He didn't even ask for my phone number. Maybe he didn't like something and put an end to me. These thoughts kept me from falling asleep for a long time.

After work, I met my friend at a cafe and shared everything with her. The situation puzzled her too, but she asked me not to jump to conclusions. In the evening, I took a shower, wrapped myself in a towel, and just sat in front of the TV. The sound of someone's car horn became annoying under the windows, it didn't stop over time, and I decided to look at this crazy person. When I looked out the window, I was stunned by what I saw. A gorgeous man in a gorgeous suit was standing by a beautiful car with a large bouquet of flowers and calling my name. Some neighbors had already cursed him and threatened to call the police.

— Vova, have you lost your mind? You've disturbed all the neighbors.

— I don't care. As long as your beautiful self is standing in front of me now. We're going to a club to meet my friends.

— Do I absolutely have to be there?

— I won't go there without you. Especially since we're invited together.

— And do your friends already know about me?

— Of course. I couldn't keep quiet about a girl like you. They want to meet you.

— Okay. Give me 15 minutes.

__P