Date in the Dark by Jami Wagner Read Free Book Online Page B

something different
to do. Tonight, you’re going to take a step back in time and play a
game very similar to twenty questions. From my own experience,
people are more willing to answer honestly when they don’t have to
make eye contact with the person who’s asking the questions. Of
course, if you choose to take a different approach to get to know
your date, that’s fine too.”
    A small amount of laughter fills the room,
reminding me I’m not the only one here tonight, and my nervousness
starts to fade.
    “The wait staff will take great care of
everyone and they’ll explain anything you need when they arrive at
your table. Okay, everyone! Good luck!”
    The room grows silent once again. A couple of
throats clear, and to my left I hear a clinking noise and then
class breaking against the ground. A woman whispers, “Shit,” but in
a room filled with silence, she might as well have been yelling.
Another moment later, the silence is too much for our host.
    “Talk!” Liz yells, following it with
laughter.
    Slowly, a buzz of noise fills the room. At
first it sounds like everyone is whispering, a natural habit from
being in the dark, but then the rooms begins to sound like any
other busy and filled restaurant. Footsteps come in every direction
around me and even though I can’t see, my head twists and my body
turns, thinking I can see who’s near. The footsteps fade away and I
sit there, speechless, just like my date. I assume we’re the only
table not talking yet. A few minutes pass before he finally decides
to start the night.
    Please don’t be a serial killer.
    “Hello?”
    His voice startles me again and my entire
body goes stiff. The sound is equally as deep as before and maybe a
little scratchy. Is he nervous? I fan myself with my hand and look
around. I’m definitely nervous and I just want to see
something…anything.
    “I’m, uhhh…Miles.” He clears his throat. “I’m
a…typical worker. Eight to five.” The scratchy tone is gone and he
laughs. I can’t help but relax at the sound of his warm chuckle.
It’s very clear now that he’s just as nervous as I am. Still,
nothing comes from my side of the table.
    “Hello?”
    Still nothing. It’s like I forgot how to
speak. I’ve never been this nervous before. Then again, it’s been
eight months since my last date and it’s possible I’ve forgotten
how to act.
    “Umm…is there anyone around me or someone who
can hear me? I’d raise my hand or make eye contact to get someone’s
attention, but I think my, uh…blind date already bailed on me.”
    His voice alters between loud and soft,
giving me the impression he was looking around the room as he
spoke. I laugh, and when the sound comes out, my hand shoots up to
cover my mouth, hitting something on the way. Cold liquid spills
into my lap, and I jump from my seat. My chair falls backward, and
I bump into the table. At least I didn’t break it.
    “Are you…”
    A warm body hits mine and before I can stop
us, we both topple over my chair.
    The entire room fills with laughter as the
commotion gains the attention of our fellow diners. Glad I could
break the ice for them.
    “I’m so sorry,” Miles says from somewhere
close to me. “Let me help you up.”
    Before I can respond, a hand is touching my
left breast and he grunts as my knee makes contact with his
body.
    Fantastic.
    I gasp, and the hand retracts quickly.
    “Again, I’m sorry about that.” He says
sounding a tad bit like he’s in pain.
    A nervous giggle slips past my lips in a high
pitch. “I’m sorry as well. I hope I didn’t hurt you,” I say,
removing my hand.
    We remain silent for a few seconds before I
decide it can’t get any worse than this.
    “I’m Allie,” I say, reaching to shake his
hand. I stand there for a minute, waiting for him to return the
gesture.
    “I’d shake your hand, but I’m not sure if
you’re offering it, or if I’d touch something else. Not that I’m
against it. I just prefer you to want