The Blind Date

What had I gotten myself into now? A good friend of mine had set me up with a blind date. His intentions were good but I wasn't really into dating at the time since I had recently been dumped. Maybe he sensed that I needed a diversion or else I'd slip into a deep depression. I had done that before. He promised that my date would be fun and this woman would surprise me.

He sent me the details of the date the next day. On Saturday night I was to go to a restaurant named Tenebrae at 6pm. My date will meet me there, her name is Ellen Smith.

Of course I searched for her online but with thousands of Ellen Smith's I couldn't figure out which one was her. I also searched for the restaurant. Tenebrae is Latin for darkness. The restaurant's eating area is in total darkness. Who ever planned this date had a hell of a sense of humour, a blind date in a totally darkened restaurant.

I arrived at the restaurant at 5:55 pm. A hostess greeted me and asked that I put all light emitting objects in a safe locker, phone, watch etc. I was reminded that if I would need the washroom I should go now. She told me my dinner partner was already seated, then asked me to put my hand on her shoulder and she would guide me to our table.

There was a staircase leading to the basement, there were no windows of course. We passed through a very dim ante room and then a small room that was totally dark, eventually entering the dining room. There was a lot of sound in the room, diners talking and plates and glasses clinking. Eventually I was told that I was at my table and the hostess placed my hand on the chair. I felt my way down to the seat.

"Hello, Ellen Smith?"

A voice from across the table, "Richard Green?"

"Yes, I am Richard. I would say it is great to see you but..."

She laughed, it sounded lovely.

"My little idea of a joke, what better place to have a blind date."

"It is quite disorienting isn't it? I can't see anything at all."

The waiter came to the table and introduced himself as John. We had a choice of a prix fixe meal, vegetarian, chicken, seafood or beef.

I chose seafood and she ordered the chicken. We ordered wine as well.

"So Ellen tell me about your self."

"I am 29years old, single, working as an accountant for 3 years now. I enjoy my job and love music and the theatre. I play piano."

"So why did our mutual friend set you up on this date?"

"I was in a relationship. I had high hopes that we would make it as a couple. The sad thing is, I was expecting an engagement ring, he broke up with me instead."

"I'm sorry to hear that Ellen My story is similar. My girlfriend decided that I wasn't enough for her. She couldn't handle telling me so she arranged to me to meet her at her apartment. She said she would leave the door unlocked and I should just walk in. I walked in, she and a man were naked and going at it on her couch. I closed the door and never heard from her again."

"How long ago?"

"A month now."

"That's so sad. What do you do for a living?"

"I am a writer and a freelance journalist. I dabble in song writing and I play occasional solo gigs when ever I get the chance. I am 28 years of age."

The wine arrived and I managed to get it raised to my mouth, nearly putting it up my nose. The darkness makes simple things hard.

I find her voice very soothing. It has a slight smoky sexiness, almost a raspiness to it. The voice is pitched low in a woman's vocal range. That sets me on edge but it is definitely a woman's voice. It is soothing but also animated.

The first course comes. I can tell by the shape it is a shrimp dish. It is very tasty and well cooked. Ellen's was an apple Gorgonzola salad which she loved.

"Do you live in the city Ellen?"

"I do. When we broke up I moved out to a small one bedroom apartment downtown. It is expensive but it was one of the few available at the time. What about you?

"I am living in a tiny bungalow that my aunt willed to me. I love the place and living rent free is a bonus!"

"Lucky you! Have you considered renting out a room?

"I have never thought about renting out a bedroom but it sounds like a brilliant idea. Gosh this is hard talking to a disembodied voice."

"I have been enjoying listening to you speak Richard. You really have a nice rich baritone voice. You should have had a career in radio."

"Hah, my friends always said I had a face for radio."

"Seriously, you could be doing voice over work with those pipes. You have a very sexy voice."

"You too Ellen, I could listen to you and your laugh all day."

The main course came and we chatted as we ate. There was small talk and laughter. The food was excellent but it was awkward eating in the dark. You ended up using your hands so napkins were essential.

With that course finished, I asked Ellen to lay her right hand on the table. She said I will give you my left hand. I then reached across and held her hand. It was warm and soft, long graceful feeling fingers.

She asked me to give her my left hand so I placed it on the table and I felt her hand on mine. She wore no rings that I could feel but I could feel that the back of her right hand was very rough.

"Cold hands, warm heart," she stated.

"Your hands are lovely and warm but I sure your heart is too."

"What do you look for in a girlfriend?"

"An equal, someone who wants to be my companion and partner as well as my lover. I want her to be able to be herself around me and know that she could tell me anything."

"I notice that her physical attributes were not mentioned. Are they not important to you?"

"My last girlfriend was drop dead gorgeous. She was way out of my league and both of us knew it. Beauty is truly skin deep and even then it is in the eye of the beholder. What about your ideal boyfriend?"

"My guy would also be an equal. We would share things between us. He would be kind, talented and trustworthy. He would want to be with me so badly that the the thought of breaking up would nearly kill him. He would marry me eventually and we would grow old together."

"He sounds like a hell of a guy."

"He sounds Ike heaven to me!"

"I am so tired of the dating scene. Most people aren't looking for relationships, they're looking for hookups. It is so hard to find someone who wants to find something lasting."

"I couldn't agree more Richard. It would be nice to settle down and live life with a committed partner."

Desert was crème brûlée for me and apple cinnamon crumble for Ellen. Both were a fine finish.

"I know this is crazy but I really feel a strong connection with you Richard and I hope you feel the same about me. I don't want to rush into things on the rebound but..."

"I sense the same thing Ellen. You have a great sense of humour and it seems we have similar relationship goals."

"Let's get our waiter's attention so we can settle up and leave."

We did and were lead out. When we got to the very dim room it seemed so bright after being in total darkness. I was behind Ellen and had my hand on her shoulder. I could see that she had shoulder length red hair and she wore a long dress. Once we got into the real light it was blinding.

Eventually our pupils contracted enough for the light to be bearable. I still had my hand on her shoulder. She stood facing away from me.

"Ellen, turn around, I would like to see you."

She paused, sighed deeply and slowly turned.

Her hair was gorgeous and deep red. She had freckles on her nose and cheek. In profile she was incredibly lovely. As the right side of her face came into view it showed a massive scar that began under her eye and covered her right cheek, over to her ear and down her neck. I took both of her hands in mine and told her that she was lovely.

"Liar, I could see the revulsion in your eyes Richard."

"Not revulsion but surprise. It was just

unexpected."

In truth it was like someone had defaced the Mona Lisa. It was a shock to the system.

"So Ellen, what would you like to do now, go to a club to dance, a pub for a beer or would you like to go somewhere else?"

"Maybe you should just walk me to my car so I can go home?"

"Was I that bad of a dinner date that you want to end our date early?"

"I am just feeling very uncomfortable, I have shocked you. I know my scars are hideous and off putting so maybe it's best just to say goodnight."

"No, please Ellen, let me take you to a little club I know. It isn't a big place but the music is great."

"You sure?"

"Absolutely, positive, I can't wait to dance with you."

"Then okay, lead on!"

The club was small but with a very nice jazz trio playing. I ordered a beer and she ordered a wine spritzer because she was driving. We talked more about our work and what career plans we had. She was vague about her job. I guess being an accountant said it all. We talked about school and which colleges we attended. We talked about favourite music, plays and movies. We both said we hated watching "dance shows."

Eventually we breeched the subject that was the elephant in the room, her scars. She didn't really want to talk about it.

"I was in a horrific car accident. I was in college and my boyfriend was the son of a very wealthy industrialist. He owned a Porsche 911. Unfortunately his driving skills were not a great match for the power the car offered. We spun out of control and plowed the car into a tree at an ungodly speed. His side of the car hit first. He was killed instantly. I was knocked unconscious. I came to smelling fuel and feeling a raging heat at my back. I tried to release my belts but the mechanism was jammed. I was trapped. The right side of my body was burnt badly. I didn't black out. Paramedics got me out and I was rushed to hospital. The burns were severe. It took a long time to recover. I had operations to minimize the facial scarring but this was the best they could do. Can we please not talk about it?"

"I am so sorry. I can't imagine the horror."

You are right, let's not talk about the past. Let's dance."

She was an excellent dance partner and we soon had snuggled our bodies together so that we moved as one. The dress was exquisite but it hid the well shaped and toned body beneath. It spoke of a woman who is modest and nervous to show too much of her body. I liked the modesty, it suited a blind date perfectly. My first impression was that Ellen was a woman that ticked many of my boxes.

We danced through several slow numbers. As the band finished the last song of their set, Ellen continued to hold me. I looked down into her beautiful blue eyes and kissed her lips. She kissed me back. We went back to our table and I ordered two coffees.

"Won't the caffeine keep you awake? Ellen asked.

"No, the excitement of that kiss ensured a sleepless night for me!"

"Flatterer!"

"Besides, with the wine at dinner and a few drinks here we need the coffee if we want to drive home tonight."

"Yes, but with a few more drinks we might just stay at a hotel downtown!"

"Don't tease me like that Ellen. You know coffee is the best choice at this stage of a first date."

"Wow, calling this a first date implies that you want a second date. I like a confident man and of course we can go out again. Only this time we dine in the light!!"

I walked her back to her car, surprised to see that it was a Porsche 911.

"Nice wheels! I am surprised that you would want one of these after your accident."

Richard, I am a fighter. He lacked the skill to control a car that far exceeded his competency. I wanted to gain that skill. I wanted to learn to control and direct that power in the way he couldn't. Maybe it is like getting back on the horse that threw you."

I think I fell in love with her at that point

"Goodnight Richard, thanks for a lovely evening."

"You are welcome and thank you for best night out I have had in years."

We kissed again, she got in the Porsche and drove off.

The following day I sent a text to my friend thanking him for the set up with Ellen.

It was hard to concentrate on my work that day. Ellen crept into my thoughts constantly. There was something deep about her. She seemed so put together and mature, yet she also seemed insecure about her attractiveness because of the scar. I didn't want to appear too over eager, but couldn't resist the urge to contact her.

I texted her....

"Thanks again for a wonderful evening. Could you possibly fit in a lunch or dinner over the next few days? I would love to learn more about you."

She responded within a few minutes...

"Hey there handsome stranger. I had a blast too. Lunches are pretty hard for me these days. How about a late dinner tonight, say 9pm? We could follow up with another dance at the club we visited last night."

"Great can I pick you up?"

"No, if you're home I can come and pick you up in the 911."

"Sounds great, see you then"

She was right on time. The Porsche pulled into the driveway and I went out to meet her. I got into the low slung sports car and was surprised at the firmness of the the seat. These seats were built for speed and extreme forces, not comfort. I buckle in and she drove off.

"Have you ever been in a Porsche before Richard?"

"Many years ago when I was doing an article on McLaren Racing I was given the opportunity to take a 911 out on track. They are quite tricky to drive at speed. I managed to spin out twice on a single lap."

"I love this car. I love the power and the handling. I guess I'm a car girl at heart."

"So how does an accountant afford a top of the line Porsche?"

"I'll tell you after dinner. Now hold onto the grab bar because I want to drive this thing!"

At that she floored the accelerator and she squawked the tires in every gear. It was a good thing I liked speed and appreciated the capabilities of this car and the driver's skills. Ellen seemed to be a master driver as she tamed the snarling beast of a car.

We arrived at our destination far too soon for my liking, what a ride!

Once inside the restaurant she removed her trench coat to reveal a slightly more risqué dress than the previous night. It was black with a grey pattern through the material. Like last night it was classy and appropriate. The dress was a bit shorter and I could see another scar starting to show on her leg as she sat down.

"You asked about my business. I am not a run of the mill accountant. I am a forensic accountant. I am usually hired when there has been suspected fraud, misappropriation of funds, embezzlement, any of the money crimes. I am the equivalent of private investigator but with a degree in finance. Most of my clients are large corporations. Financial crime is rampant and demand for my services is high. So are my fees."

"Okay, now it makes sense. But there is something I don't understand. You are a beautiful woman, self employed, earning a lot of money, driving around in a sports car that most men would drool over. Why would a woman like you go on blind dates with a freelance writer like me?"

"First of all, thank you for calling me beautiful. I struggle with that description. I don't need to point out my physical flaws, just look at the scar on my face. Most men wouldn't consider me as dating material, a quick fuck maybe with a bag over my head. Yes, I have been successful in my career, but a lot of the energy I put into my career was fuelled by the lack of love and support I have received. I didn't explain my career to you last night because if anything clicked between us, I wanted to know it was me, and not my money."

"Ellen, I understand and let me assure you that something definitely clicked last night between us. I have been thinking about you all day. You fascinated me back in that dark restaurant, long before I saw what you were driving. You are an enchanting woman and I want to know you better."

"I like you Richard, I felt a connection between us last night too. I would really like to see where it leads us. I have been blessed in business but unlucky at love, so I may be a little prickly at times. I have been hurt."

"I can be prickly at times myself. Let's just take things day by day. If you need more of me let me know. If I'm too needy then let me know that too. I am optimistic and excited about this Ellen."

With the meal over we walked to the club, ordered a bottle of wine and we enjoyed each other's company. We held hands as we listened to the trio. They began a lovely slow number and we both drained our glasses so we could dance. Holding her in my arms was such a pleasure. Once again her body melded into mine and we danced as one. The simple pleasures of having a beautiful warm body up against me was enough to make me hard. I knew she would soon feel it but I couldn't bring myself to separate from her. The song ended and we kissed. She held my hand as we walked to our table.

"You do like me don't you? I could feel you when we were dancing. It is not as obvious for us women but I assure you, I feel the same for you. Is it too early for us to be wanting these things? I don't want to rush and spoil it but I can't ignore the things you make me feel."

"I didn't hide my excitement very well did I?"

We both laughed.

"It is early but I can't deny that I want you Ellen."

"Let's get out of here."

We left the club and she drove me to her home. It was not the apartment she told me about yesterday. The place was like a dream home in Architectural Digest. She explained that she didn't lie, she did rent a one bedroom apartment downtown. She sometimes used it as a crash pad when pulling all-nighters working on a case. She opened a bottle of wine and asked me to pour two glasses and make myself comfortable.

I found her sound system and put on some music. I poured the wine and brought them over to a table and sat on the soft, buttery smooth leather sofa. A few minutes later she came down the stairs wearing a long satin robe. She sat on the sofa and drank her wine.

"I rarely wear things very short. That dress was as short as I go. You will also rarely see me without long sleeves. There is a good reason for this fashion choice, my scars are not just on my face. I am petrified right now Richard. I am afraid you will be repulsed. Part of me wants to throw off this robe and another part wants me to clutch it to my body."

"Come here". I stood up and opened my arms wide. She walked over to face me, and I drew her into a hug.

"It is early in a relationship but we both feel this so strongly. I want you to relax."

I held the collar of her robe and gently pulled it off her shoulder. I kissed the rough scar tissue on her neck and shoulder. I opened the robe to reveal her left breast and I kissed it over and over. I pulled the robe from her other shoulder and kissed her right breast. The scarring was extensive

"My God you are so beautiful," I whispered.

I untied the robe and let it fall to the floor. I stood back a step to see her and I was awestruck. She was stunning. Her body was fit and athletic, her breasts small to medium with small, pale areoles and prominent nipples. Her pubic hair was nicely trimmed and the same deep red as her lustrous hair. The scars ran down the right side of her body down to just above her knees. It didn't bother me at all but I could see how some people might find it off putting. I could see her chewing on her lower lip, a bundle of nerves. I embraced her and kissed her as deeply and lovingly as I could.

"You have nothing to worry about Ellen, you are more than I could ever have hoped for. You are so beautiful. Please let me know what you want."

Ellen retired the robe around her.

"Just hold me. I want you so much Richard but this is all happening so fast."

"We can take it at whatever speed you want."

"Let's cuddle for now. You have seen my scars, my ugliness. Why aren't you repulsed?"

"They are a part of you. They represent the strength you needed to overcome your pain. Your strength and determination makes them beautiful. Let me show you."