A/N: Sorry for the delay everyone. I kind of got kangaroo punched by life and couldn't really find the time and then the motivation to write. But, I've got a lot of free time now, so expect more frequent updates. Without further ado...the (hopefully) much anticipated date between Anna and John.

Disclaimer: Same as Chapter 1

Instead of going back to her flat, Mary detoured to her parents' house. She needed to discuss this whole situation with her father, and it was best to have that chat in person. As the cab pulled up at the house, Mary tossed some money for the fare to the driver and quickly headed into the house.

"Papa! Papa!" Mary shouted as she walked through the entry way and into the main portion of the house before her father finally made his presence known at the entry way to the sitting room.

"Mary, what is it? What's all the commotion? I thought you had plans tonight."

"I did have plans. With John. To help him go shopping for something to wear on his date tomorrow. With Anna."

Robert stood there with a confused look on his face toward Mary. He could not understand what she was so worked up about. He knew John had a date tomorrow, and he knew what this date's name was; John had had his head in the clouds over her for the better part of a week. "Yes, I knew that. He has a date with a woman called Anna tomorrow. What's the big deal? I'm glad he's finally dipping his toes back into the dating pool."

"Well, Papa, the big deal is that his date tomorrow is I believe with a certain fashion designer named Anna Smith. Does that ring any bells?"

"Oh! He's going on a date with our Anna? That's wonderful! I think they'd be well suited for each other. She's a wonderful girl, that Anna. Maybe that dating site knows what it's doing after all."

"Papa!" Mary could hold her exasperation back no longer. "The big deal is that you're forgetting one minor detail about John's marital status. He's not a free man."

"He's free enough to go on a few dates," scoffed Robert.

Holding her hand to her forehead Mary replied, "Yes, he may be free to go on a few dates, but I think it will turn out to be much more serious with Anna. I don't want her to get hurt."

"She won't get hurt. Plus, how do you even know it will be serious?"

"Papa! You're the one who just said they'd be well suited for each other. Plus, I've spoken to each of them and they're both very excited about meeting. John was practically gushing about her. And I've never seen him so fussy about his appearance before," Mary finished emphatically. "Mark my words, they'll be a couple very soon. He just better be up front with her."

"Does she know that we know her John is our John?"

"No, but I did warn her not to date him when she saw his profile. But you know how Anna is. She has her own mind, and there's nothing we can do to change it once it's made up."

"Right you are," Robert sighed out.

"I suppose all we can do is let it run its course and see what happens, but you must encourage John to be honest with her if something does come of this. I know Anna and her relationship history too well. Trust is very important to her."

Nodding his head in agreement, Robert concurred. "I doubt that will be an issue. John is a very honorable man, sometimes to a fault. Everything will be fine."

"I hope so. Right, well I better be getting home. I told Anna I'd pop by tomorrow morning to help her prepare for her date."

With a kiss to her father's cheek, she was gone.

The next morning, Anna awoke bright and early, highly unusual for her, but at least without the aid of her alarm clock. Normally she'd find herself slumbering for another hour or so, never really in much of a hurry to emerge from the cocoon of her duvet before midday on a Saturday. But today was different. She had a date she was very much looking forward to on the agenda after all.

Stumbling out of bed, still slightly groggy from waking, Anna put on her fluffy robe over her pajamas and made her way to the kitchen to start the kettle. She needed one cup of tea in her before she could start her day. Mary was due over in about an hour and she wanted to at the very least be showered by the time she got there.

Anna sat down at her little table and opened her laptop while she waited for the kettle to boil, automatically logging into her email on the off chance that John had emailed her during the night. She knew it was unlikely seeing as they were to meet for the first time in a few hours, but she still held out hope. Sure enough, there was nothing. With slight disappointment, Anna closed her laptop and went about her morning.

An hour later, she was fed and freshly showered and back in her fluffy robe with a towel wrapped around her hair, perusing through her wardrobe to narrow down her outfits. She'd promised Mary she'd have her options whittled down to ten, but as of yet that was not the case. For someone involved in fashion she was quite indecisive when it came to her own wardrobe. After much deliberation, and a last minute check of the weather, Anna decided on a pair of jeans and cut her options for tops down to five, her jacket and cardigan options to three, and her accessory choices for each combination down to two. She'd wait for Mary to make the final choice after she tried on each option. With a quick glance over to her extensive shoe collection she decided that choosing a pair would definitely be a two-person job.

Just then, the doorbell rang and Anna went to answer it knowing it would be Mary. She opened the door and while Mary was there as expected, what Mary was holding was not.

"Good morning! I brought mimosas!" Mary exclaimed while holding up a tote bag containing orange juice and a rather large bottle of champagne.

"Mary! I'm supposed to be getting ready for a date! I can't be drinking this morning!" Anna stepped aside from the doorway while rubbing her forehead with one hand to let Mary into the hallway. Though she was surprised Mary showed up armed with booze once again, she couldn't claim to be shocked. Any excuse for a party with that one.

"I'm not going to get you drunk, don't worry. I figured one couldn't hurt. I'm sure you have a bit of nerves going out to meet a complete stranger for the first time and all. This will just help take some of the edge off."

"Oh, all right," Anna relented. "I'm going to go dry my hair. You can head to the kitchen to prepare the drinks and then go take a look at the outfits I chose. I have them laid out on my bed."

By the time Anna had dried her hair and went back to her room, Mary had a mimosa waiting for her and had narrowed her outfit choices down to three and was starting on the shoes.

"Here," Mary said while handing Anna a champagne glass filled to the brim with mimosa, "have a sip or few of this while you try on these outfits. I'm partial to the skinny jeans and this white top. Pair it with that gorgeous leather jacket you have, maybe a scarf and some accessories and…these," Mary finished as she held out a pair of black, ankle boots.

Anna looked over the outfit Mary had selected, as well as her other options. It was really no contest. Mary had managed to pick out Anna's first choice of outfit and even chose one of her favorite pairs of shoes.

"I think you got it spot on, Mary. I'm not even going to bother trying on the other outfits. I'm going to go get changed and then we can talk hair and make-up."

The nervous flutter Anna had felt all morning, with varying degrees of intensity, started to really make itself known once Anna stepped into her bathroom and closed the door behind her in order to change into her date outfit. Thankfully she'd brought her flute of mimosa in with her. As much as she didn't want to drink before her date, Mary's idea of having one mimosa to calm herself down was inspired. She could feel her nerves ebbing with each sip. Though she couldn't really understand why she was so nervous. She'd been on plenty of first dates before and never really experienced this level of nerves prior to them. Was it because she was meeting this man for the very first time? Most first dates she'd experienced prior were dates with men she'd casually met during a night out, or who were friends of a friend, somehow connected to her social circle already. However Anna knew the real reason. She wasn't nervous because this was essentially a blind date; she was nervous because through their emails she'd grown somewhat attached to him already. Oh please let this work out, she thought to herself, as she looked at her completed outfit in the full-length mirror. With that, she opened the door and reentered the bedroom to finish getting ready with Mary.

"Oh Anna! That outfit is perfect! This John guy won't know what hit him when he sees you dressed like that!"

Anna twirled a little to give Mary the full view, "You think? I hope so! There's just something about him, and I know you don't agree, but I really hope this date goes well."

"You're correct. I do have my reservations about this guy, but don't get the wrong idea. I really would like to see you happy, and if this John is the one who brings you that happiness, then I'll gladly eat my words."

"Oh Mary," Anna gushed as she ran forward to give her friend a hug, "that means so much to me!"

"Yes, well, that's enough of that. Let's get your hair and make-up sorted to send you on your way. Oh, your phone went off while you were in the bathroom changing. I think it was a text."

"Oh? I suppose I should check that then." Anna walked over to her phone and looked at her notifications to see that she'd received a text from John. She really hoped he hadn't texted to cancel. Swiping to unlock the phone, she opened his message and read.

Hi Anna, it's John, just in case you didn't recognize the number. Just wanted to let you know that I'll be heading over to the café in about 30 mins. I'll wait for you outside. Looking forward to meeting you. –J

Oh thank god he wasn't cancelling! And she couldn't help but think how sweet he was that he texted to let her know he was looking forward to their date. Suddenly whatever remnants of nerves she was feeling flew away, like butterflies being chased in a field.

Hi John, looking forward to meeting you as well. See you soon. –A

Anna put her phone back down and walked back over to Mary.

"So, who was the text from?"

"It was just John telling me where to meet him. Now, let's get this hair and make-up situation sorted. It's almost time for me to go."

With that, the girls finished the final touches, Anna deciding on light make-up, her hair in a stylish ponytail and big, dangly earrings.

"Right, so how do I look?"

Mary looked as Anna gave a final twirl, "Ravishing, but not so ravishing that your first date will end up back here, and he'd be crazy not to ask you out on a second."

"Perfect, right well I'm off. Wish me luck!"

"Good luck, text me when you get home so I know you're alive. And for the details of course."

The two friends parted after exchanging kisses on the cheek, Mary flagging a cab and heading one way while Anna walked on foot the other direction to the café to meet John.

Standing outside the café, John was a bundle of nerves. He checked his watch every thirty seconds, even though he was a few minutes early and knew she was unlikely to arrive yet. Still, he looked up and down the sidewalk for a blonde haired woman who resembled Anna. He had no idea which direction she'd be coming from, or even if she'd arrive by car or foot. He fiddled with the small bouquet of flowers he held in his hand. He thought they might be too much for a first meeting, however he wanted to make a good impression. It's not as if he was holding a bouquet of roses, just a small bouquet of wildflowers. For some reason, those seemed more suited to her. His mother always told him not to show up somewhere empty-handed, and that included a first date.

John's nerves increased with each passing moment. Suddenly he was second-guessing this whole idea of a date. Anna was far too pretty for him. Perhaps he should have eased back into dating with someone closer to his age and level of attractiveness before meeting Anna. He couldn't help but feel as if he was out-kicking his coverage with Anna. Really John, he admonished himself, enough with the football analogies, Man United don't play until tomorrow.

He brought himself back to the present with a quick shake of his head, only to notice his palms had suddenly become clammy with sweat and he could hear his heartbeat thundering in his ears. A drink would do wonders to calm his nerves, yet that was no longer an option for him. He brought his wrist up once again to check the time, and when he looked up, there she was.

He watched as she approached him from down the street. He couldn't help but notice how beautiful she looked, even more so than from her profile pictures. She was petite in stature, yet compensated with a pair of the highest heels he'd ever seen. Once again he started to think about how out of his element he was at that moment. How was he ever going to form words when all of the moisture had left his mouth and transferred to his palms? John turned before he could maintain eye contact and took a deep inhale and an even longer exhale in an attempt to regain his composure. When he turned back around, she was stood directly in front of him.

Anna walked up the street toward the café, keeping her eyes peeled as she searched for a man who could be John. As she got closer she saw a man standing in front of the entrance clutching a small bouquet of flowers, turning his head to and fro as if searching for someone. Deciding this man must be John, she took a moment to study him from afar. He was taller than she was expecting, but still looked handsome and younger than his pictures. He also looked incredibly nervous. She noticed how he turned quickly to compose himself just before they were to make eye contact and by the time he turned around she was stood in front of him.

"You must be John?" Not knowing precisely how to greet him, she'd stuck out her hand toward him for him to shake.

John subtly wiped his palm against the denim of his jeans before taking her hand in his to shake. "I am, and you must be Anna? It's a pleasure to meet you." He released her hand before quickly thrusting the bouquet of flowers toward her. "These are for you."

"Why thank you, these are lovely!" Anna brought the bouquet up to her nose to inhale the floral scent. "How did you know these were my favorite kind of flowers?"

"I can't say that I did. I just guessed that these would suit you more than something traditional like a rose. Anyway, shall we go inside? I'm starving."

'Sounds lovely. I'm quite hungry myself. Lead the way."

John opened the door for Anna and allowed her to enter first. A hostess led them to a small table for two next to the window. They sat studying their menus, each trying to work up the nerve to initiate conversation. Finally, it was John who surprisingly made the first move.

"I've not been here before, however my friend who gave me the recommendation swears by the food."

"I've not been here either, though I've walked by several times, just have never stopped for something to eat. I hate to say, but I was always in too much of a hurry to either get home or somewhere else."

"Do you live in the neighborhood then?" John had noticed she'd walked to the restaurant, but he did not want to assume that she hadn't come from somewhere else first.

"I do actually live close by. Just a few blocks to the north of here. I do love this neighborhood."

"Have you lived in the area long?" John asked, out of curiosity.

"A few years. Not the same flat, but pretty much the same neighborhood ever since I finished with my studies. How about you?"

"I've actually just moved down here recently. I have a flat a few miles away."

"What brought you down to London, if you don't mind my asking?"

John hesitated for a moment, struggling with how much he should reveal on a first date. He wanted to be upfront with her, but at the same time didn't want to unload all of his baggage on her at once. He wanted to at least leave the date with a slight hope of seeing her again. Telling all about Vera would do the exact opposite of that.

Anna noticed his hesitation, "You don't have to say if you don't feel comfortable; I won't be offended."

"No, no. We're to be getting to know each other after all. Long story short, I moved down here to make a new start for myself. I was facing a few personal struggles when a friend offered me a job down here, just to get back on my feet again. So, I accepted, packed up my things, and after crashing with him and his family for a few months, I found my own place and here I am."

Knowing there was more to his story, but not wanted to push him further at this time, Anna accepted that was all he wanted to say and changed the subject.

"Well, that sounds very brave. Now, did your friend recommend anything to order? I must say, everything sounds delicious. I've no idea how I'll decide."

After that, the pair decided to stick to lighter topics, easily conversing over their meals and very much enjoying each other's company. Laughter ran free and easy between the two and Anna very much enjoyed John's wit and charm. Though she'd experienced both in their conversations over email and chat, it was entirely different to be on the receiving end of it in person. John on the other hand, could not get enough of Anna's accent. The melodious lilt she used when she spoke was driving him mad. Eventually, John just had to ask.

"I absolutely adore your accent, Anna. What part of England is it from?"

Anna blushed slightly, her cheeks turning a light shade of pink. Many men had complimented her on her accent before, but somehow it was even more special coming from John. "I'm a Yorkshire lass, born and bred. No matter how much time I spend in London, I'm afraid I'll never lose the accent."

John smiled, "I would hope you never do. It's beautiful, like you."

"Oh hush you," Anna admonished as she reached across the table to lightly smack him on the arm. "I can't exactly place yours. Where's it from?"

"Oh, all over. Here, there, and everywhere. I was born in Ireland, spent some time in Scotland and Yorkshire, and a bit in London. There are bits and pieces of all those places that will pop out at different times."

"Well, it's fascinating all the same. Now John," Anna asked as she stirred the ice in her drink with her straw, "what would a man like you normally be doing of a Saturday afternoon."

"Well, now that's an easy question. I'd be watching the football. Either on the telly or at Old Trafford. Or wherever my Manchester United are playing that weekend."

"Ah, a football fan. Makes sense. You are a man after all."
"What about you? Do you follow a team?"

"I can't say that I do. My father follows the Yorkshire teams, but I it never really took with me. I'm usually working at home or out shopping or spending time with friends. Usually working though."

"Well, consider it my mission to convert you to a football fan."

"Oh really Mr…I don't know your last name…"

"It's Bates. John Bates."

"Well, Mr. Bates, you seem quite sure of yourself that there will be more than one date. Awfully cheeky of you."

Suddenly John felt like maybe he'd overstepped the mark and completely misread the signs. He thought for sure that things were going well enough to chance assuming he'd see her again. "No, no. I overstepped the mark. I'm so sorry."

"No!" Anna exclaimed as she reached out to place her hand on his forearm. "I'd very much like to see you again. I was just teasing you."

John could feel her thumb gently stroking the muscles on his arm. He could only hope she couldn't feel how his heartbeat sped up from that simple touch. He cleared his throat and gently removed his arm from under her hand.

"Well Miss…."

"Smith."

"Well Miss Smith, I would very much like to see you again. Unfortunately, I must get on. I promised my mother I'd come over for supper and do some odd jobs for her this afternoon."

John raised his hand to signal the waitress to bring over the bill.

"I would like that very much. And I should get going too. I do have some work I need to finish this afternoon."

John paid the bill, fending off protests from Anna by saying it was the gentleman's duty to pay for a lady on a first date. He doubted Anna would let him off that easy in the future. He could tell already that she could be very feisty when she wanted.

They rose together and left the restaurant, awkwardly standing on the sidewalk outside, neither knowing how to end things.

"I know you said you live only a few blocks away, would it be terribly cheeky of me to ask to walk you home? I just want to be sure you make it home safely."

"That would be lovely, thank you."

They walked the few short blocks towards Anna's flat, engaging in idle chatter along the way.

"Well, this is me," said Anna as they arrived in front of her building."

John turned toward Anna; "I had a lovely time today."

"I did as well. So, I guess I'll talk to you soon?"

"You will indeed." John opened his arms and pulled Anna into an embrace. With a gentle squeeze and a kiss on the cheek he pulled back and watched as she entered the lobby of her building.

The butterflies Anna had thought she'd chased away that morning reappeared, but this time she had no desire to chase them away. Just before he walked away, she turned around and gave him the brightest smile, and received an eye-crinkling smile in return. Hopefully this was the first of many dates. As she stood in her lobby and watched as he walked away, she couldn't help but notice the slight limp in his gait. She'd have to ask him about that next time. But first, she needed to text Mary to tell her she was alive. And very well.