..::Promises::..
by Hayla
~o III o~
Merion arrived fashionably late. Seven twenty by his watch wasn't bad in comparison to his previous track record. Besides, he had to make a stop to get something before he came... something that only Fred would insist that he buy.
Giving his name, the host took his jacket and quickly guided him to his table. They were situated in the back half of the crowded restaurant. He was led to a little nook of tables with dimmed lights and large, overstuffed red chairs.
Although he was not even half way to his seat, he attracted the attention of a young man. He smiled warmly as Fred bounded out from his seat, crossed the small room, and lovingly embraced his cousin.
"Merry! You made it," he breathed happily, ignoring the rather annoyed look on the other's face. Fred knew Merion hated it when he called him "Merry", which made the term all the more dear.
Grit and grin, Merion... grit and grin. He patted Fred on the back. "Told you I would."
"A drink, sir," the waiter asked. He had just finished taking everyone else's orders and had followed Fred across the room.
"Oh good, I'm not that late then," he joked lightly. "Mimosa, please."
"No, you're just on time. We just ordered drinks. Come, there's someone I would like you to meet!"
Fred brushed his mass of curly brown hair back and gave him a smile Merion was never able to resist. Fred was just so damn good at getting his way and making you like it, whether you wanted to or not. Merion kept telling Fred what a wonderful lawyer he would make. But that wasn't Fred's style. You would be hard pressed to ever find him in a suit, let alone a courtroom. Even now he was dressed in khaki slacks and a green button down shirt undone just around the collar. A hint of a hemp necklace peeked around his collarbone.
"Why do you do this to me, Fred," Merion sighed desperately as the younger man grabbed his hand and half dragged him to their table.
"Cause you love it, admit it!"
He really didn't. Merion hated blind dates. Check. He hated being set up when he was perfectly able to find someone himself. Double check. And he hated feeling pitied. Check, check, check.
As they reached the table, a short, blonde woman with crystal blue eyes got up. Grasping Merion on either shoulder, she kissed him on both cheeks and gave him a smile that would light up even the darkest of rooms.
"Sarah," he said fondly, and helped her back to her seat.
Fred had married Sarah about three months ago. The newlyweds were such a perfect match it was sickening. They had met when Fred had backpacked across Europe two summers ago. Keeping in touch, she found a promising job in the touring industry and eventually moved state-side. It didn't take long before they were in love and happily married. Sugar sweet and sickeningly likeable. That's how you would describe the two.
Ever since the wedding, they both had been dead set on finding Merion a girlfriend. It was almost something of an obsession. He had been set up atleast a half a dozen times. And every date, Merion would tell them "she was nice... but..." There was always a 'but'.
"I would like you to meet Andrea," Fred introduced eagerly.
"Andy," she said warmly, getting up and shaking Merion's hand. Her grasp was light, and Merion let his eyes trace the delicate features of her face. She was incredibly fair with rosy cheeks and a small button shaped nose. Her reddish brown hair was pulled up with a clip and spilled over, the ends just brushing the top of her bare shoulders. She was, quite frankly, beautiful. He would dare say elfin. Her hazel eyes appraised Merion with just as much approval.
"And this is my ever punctual cousin," Fred continued, "Mer-"
"Merion," he provided quickly, darting Fred a heated look off-set by a bemused smile. "And these are for you."
Merion handed over a small bunch of wildflowers - a couple sunflowers set off with baby's breath and wild orchids. He hadn't known what to get someone he had never met before, and he did love wildflowers. There was just something dear about them, and he loved the way they looked. So much prettier then roses. Her smile faltered a bit but she seemed to take them appreciatively and they both took their seats. Roses, Merion thought. She was a 'rose' kind of girl.
Fred and Sarah shared a small smile, seemingly amiss to the very small flaw that distracted Merion. To them, this could actually work this time. But, as ever, Merion had his doubts.
Drinks came, soups and salads, then dinner. They made lively talk, and Merion almost forgot the troubles of his work, or the fact that this woman sitting next to him was his supposed 'date'. He had started pessimistic with the whole evening, but he was rather enjoying himself for the moment.
Andy excused herself to the restroom and it didn't take long for Fred and Sarah to scoot their seats closer and engage Merion with some much wanted gossip.
"What do you think?"
"She works at the gallery."
"... perfect gentleman..."
"See how she was looking at you?"
"You make such a lovely-"
"You should take her for-"
"Those flowers were perfect,"
"She looks so lovely in-"
"The way you helped with her-"
"Why don't you invite-"
"I think she's quite taken with you..."
"So?"
The both of them had talked so fast and so quickly over each other, it took Merion a second to sort out what exactly they wanted from him. He pushed his chair back and lounged, just staring at the both of them in awe.
"You two are really something."
They both stared with anticipation, oblivious to his diversionary tactics. Merion's eyes traveled towards the path Andrea had taken in retreat. He wasn't sure how he was going to break this to the lovely couple sitting across from him, but something was just not right.
"She's very nice... but..."
"Merry!" They both said in simultaneous exasperation. They shot each other a silent look that must have spoken volumes. Because, without another word, an entire conversation had taken place without Merion even being there.
"Look, Merry," Fred began slowly, reaching across and clasping Merion's left hand. "We're worried about you. Andy is nice and caring. She's as smart as they come and she laughed at all your jokes! What could possibly be wrong with her?"
"It's not her... it's me." It was a lame excuse, Merion knew. But he couldn't explain exactly what it was about Andrea that turned him off so. "She's great and all. I mean, quite honestly, she is one of your better blind dates." He gave a small nervous laugh, then cleared his throat, concentrating hard on his wine glass in front of him. "I just don't see any future between us."
"We're talking dating, Merry," Sarah scolded under her breath. "Not marriage!"
There was a pause as a weighted silence settled between the couple and the object of their distress.
"She didn't like my flowers," Merion said flatly.
Fred's jaw dropped and Sarah raised an eyebrow. She spoke again, in slight disbelief. "You're writing her off because she didn't like the flowers?"
Again, Merion could do nothing more than sigh. It doesn't feel right. He wanted to say. I wouldn't love her... not the way I loved... He stopped his train of thought there. He couldn't speak those words aloud. Fred would have none of it. Hell, Merion almost thought himself crazy for thinking it.
"I know, I know." It was so hard for Merion to explain. "Let's just say she does nothing for me, and leave it at that."
Andrea slipped quietly into her seat and folded her hands on her lap. She gave a small cough as they all jumped, noticing her there for the first time. It was apparent that she had heard the last of Merion's comments. A bright blush painted his face crimson, and even Andrea seemed embarrassed. Merion downed the rest of his wine quickly.
It became a stifling environment to be caught in, and no one knew exactly how to break the silence. Finally Fred gathered enough courage.
"Merry, why don't you and I get a scotch from the bar, yeah?"
"Yeah." Merion cleared his throat again. "Excuse us, ladies."
continued...