Harry looked at the watch for the third time within the last minute. It still displayed 6.30 and the minute hand didn't seem to move. She was in her lounge, dressed up in her dark blue evening dress waiting for Dempsey to arrive. She had had difficulty concentrating on anything else all day. The lawyer had to repeat everything twice before it got to her what he was saying.

About three hours ago she started to get ready, took a bath, then started trying on the dresses and finally decided on the blue one. When she was ready she looked at the watch and was surprised it was so early. So now she was wandering around her flat, afraid to sit down so as not to crumple her dress. She felt butterflies in her stomach all day and right now she started to feel shivers going down her spine as she watched the clock. She had no expectations connected with the date. She was simply happy her and Dempsey were finally going out together. And maybe she hoped this would be the beginning of something meaningful.

Finally the doorbell rang and she brushed off her dress, looked in the mirror to check her hair and make-up and opened the door.

She smiled at the sight of Dempsey standing at her doorstep with a bouquet of white roses. For w minute she tried to remember if she had ever told him these were her favourite but came to the conclusion it was just a lucky guess.

"Good evening", he said and handed her the bouquet. "Beautiful flowers for the beautiful woman"

She accepted the flowers and smelled their scent. Then she looked up at him and their eyes met. There was electrifying anticipation in the air.

"Thank you", she smiled. "Will you come in?"

"Aren't you ready yet?"

"I am", she said. "I'll just put those into water"

He watched her walk into the house gracefully and followed her in. He thought she looked gorgeous in her gown, with her hair done up revealing her long neck, which he wanted to kiss right now.

"We can go", she said, but he didn't move, still admiring her looks.

"Dempsey?", she said. "Shall we go?"

"Err, sure", he said and they left.

Half an hour later the taxi pulled up in front of one of her favourite restaurants. She gave him a surprised look, but he didn't notice. He helped her out of the taxi and led her up the stairs. There, they were led to their table. They sat down and the waiter turned up and handed them the menus. Dempsey ordered a bottle of Montrachet and the waiter left.

"You didn't have to", she finally managed to utter.

"You don't want wine?"

"No", she said. "I mean yes. It's just…"

"Just what?"

"You didn't have to…"

"Didn't have to what?"

"Bring me here"

"What?", he looked confused. "What are you talking about?"

"This restaurant. You didn't have to bring me here"

"You don't like it?"

"I do", she said. "That's not it"

"Then what is it?"

"It's very expensive"

"Easy, I don't expect you to pay"

"Dempsey…" she said reproachfully.

"Harry…", he said. "What seems to be the problem? I thought it's your favourite place"

"I …", she suddenly stopped. "How did you know it's my favourite?"

"I have my sources", he smiled mysteriously.

"You've been asking around about me?"

"I had to. I didn't want to make a mistake"

"You're amazing", she smiled.

"Well, you wouldn't go for a junk food restaurant, would you?", he winked his eye.

"But this…", she hesitated. "I'm not like that at all"

"Like what?", he asked, but the waiter interrupted them as he brought the wine. When he was gone, Harry looked at Dempsey.

"I don't expect you to take me to expensive meals", she said.

"Good", he smiled. "You know we Americans aren't used to going to such places all the time"

He moved the wine glass towards her an raised his.

"Let's make a toast", he said and she raised her glass too. "To the most wonderful woman I know"

They clinked the glasses and sipped the wine.

"Mmm", he muttered pleasurably. "This is good"

"My father's favourite", she said quietly.

"I know", he smiled. "What do you think he'd think of … this?"

"That it's good vintage"

"No, I mean this … us on a date"

"Oh. I think he'd be very happy", she replied. "He always liked you. To be honest I still don't know why"

"You don't like me?"

"I do", she replied quickly. "But he liked you before I did. He thought you were a nice chap when you actually irritated the hell out of me"

"I'm glad you changed your mind"

She smiled.

The waiter came and took their order.

"Tell me something", she asked.

"Yes?"

"The roses?"

"The roses?", he echoed. raising his eyebrows at her.

"Did you ask your source about that too?"

"I didn't have to", he said. "You told me you liked the white ones best"

"Did I?", she looked surprised. "I don't recall talking to you about flowers"

"But you did. I think it was when we were going to Chas's wedding. We were buying flowers and I asked about your favourite"

"But that was like a year ago!"

"Could be", he said.

"And you remembered?"

"Yeah", he said. "I remember lots of things"

"Like what?"

"Like the first time you told me to go to hell", he chuckled. "Or when you slapped me"

"I slapped you?"

"You did"

"Well, I must have had a good reason"

"You probably did"

She was amazed. Had he just admitted she had had the reason to slap him? That was something new.

"I like that", he said.

"What?"

"That look on your face when you can't believe your ears"

"Is that why you keep shocking me?"

"Maybe", he replied. "But I also like how you wrinkle your nose when you're not satisfied with the results and how your eyes sparkle when you're laughing"

"I don't know what to say to that", she said after a long while.

"You don't have to say anything", he said. "I'm the mouth, remember?"

She laughed and her eyes sparkled just like he loved.

Their meal was brought to them and they started eating. After a moment he stopped and watched her with a smile.

"What?", she asked realising he was watching her.

"I can see you like the food", he noted.

"Don't you like yours?"

"I do", he said. "It's just …you seem hungry"

"Err, to be honest I am", she explained. "I haven't eaten much today"

"Why?"

She wondered whether she should tell the truth.

"Harry?"

"I was nervous"

"Oh, because of that meeting with the lawyer", he remarked knowingly.

"No, not that"

"Then what?"

She smiled at him shrugging her shoulder, but didn't say a word.

"You were nervous about this date, right?", he guessed.

"Just a bit", she said quietly.

"And I thought I was the only one who's nervous", he smiled.

"You were?"

"Like hell", he admitted.

She smiled.

"I wanted this evening to be perfect", he said. "And fortunately it is perfect"

"How can you tell? We've only just come here"

"You being here with me makes this evening already perfect", he smiled and reached out his hand to hold hers. She squeezed his in return and a smile spread on her face.