My heart was still racing when I slowed my silver Mercedes to a stop in front of Le Cigar Volante. I was wearing my blue blazer, a royal blue tie and a pair of khaki dress slacks. Daphne had commented on how nice I looked when she inadvertently helped me plan a romantic evening for my fictitious date with the even more fictitious Phyllis.

I felt terrible lying to Daphne, but she was so happy for me when she thought that I had fallen in love with another woman that I simply didn't have the heart to tell her otherwise. And my own heart was too cowardly to tell her that she was the woman that I loved. It had to be a sign that I subsequently lost her to another man. I was happy for her. I am happy for her. But inside, my heart has crumbled to pieces.

Now I have a chance to experience love the way I've always dreamed. Or at least I hope so.
I was greeted immediately by Martin, the valet who had been working at Le Cigar Volante for as long as I could remember. He smiled and extended his hand.

"Dr. Crane, how nice to see you."

"Thanks Martin."
"Is your brother joining you?"

I smiled to myself. "No, actually I…" My voice trailed away, thinking of how ridiculous it would sound to admit that I was here on a blind date of sorts.
"Is something wrong, Dr. Crane? Are you all right?"

Had I not felt Martin's hand on my shoulder, I might not have known that I was in the early stages of hyperventilation. Martin's touch worked wonders in soothing my frazzled nerves. But I shouldn't have been surprised. He'd always been a gentle soul. Suddenly I felt his hand shaking my shoulders and I turned to find him watching me with concern.

"Dr. Crane… what's wrong?"
I blinked, suddenly retuning to the present. "N-nothing. I… I… I guess I'm just a little nervous. I've never done this before."
Martin smiled, much to my relief. And then he hugged me, catching me completely by surprise.

"Don't worry, Dr. Crane. I'm sure that the woman you're meeting will find you a true gentleman in every sense of the word."

Now I knew why Martin and I got along so well. There as something to be said about men named Martin and I was honored to have a friend who shared my father's name. In fact, I often thought of this Martin, the won who worked so tirelessly as a valet at Le Cigar Volante, as a second father. I should really tell him that someday. But at the moment, a handsome tip would have to suffice.

"Thank you, Martin." I said as I walked toward the entrance.
"Have a nice evening, Dr. Crane."

At that moment my nervousness increased, along with my anticipation. I was about to meet this mystery woman and it was certain to be the most memorable night of my life.

"Dr. Crane…"

As before, I was greeted warmly by the maître d, who knew me all too well.

"Hello Victor. Um… I'm not sure if there is a reservation under my name. I'm… meeting someone."

Victor skimmed the list and then smiled. "Ah yes, here it is. I remember taking the call from the lovely woman who made the reservation."

I grinned, feeling like a shy little boy. "Really? I-is she here?"

"I'll let you know the moment she arrives." Victor said.

"A-all right." I managed to say. I was led to a secluded table in a dimly lit corner and my heart beat faster than ever. I ordered a drink and consumed it in record time. I was about to order another when Victor appeared at my table.

"Dr. Crane?"

I looked up and swallowed hard when I saw the smile on his face.

"Yes?"

"The lady has arrived."