The Date

Eight o’clock under the railway clock, she said. I had bought flowers only because mother said it was the right thing to do. Nine o’clock, drizzle, flowers wet I felt daft, and was hungry too. Threw flowers into a bin walked to the restaurant; our table, still free. I had steak with salad, potatoes and a bottle of red wine. I had been stood up, but looked cool, I often go out for a meal alone so what’s the big deal? My date, Sandra, showed up at eleven and out of breath, train delayed. Now the kitchen had closed, but she got a bag of crisp.