It was a blustery, stormy winter night. A night you liked to stay at home curl up with a book, a hot drink and, perhaps, a warm convivial companion. But this was a long standing date, S tried to convince herself, and at least there would be a fire to sit in front of and sip a glass of wine. And a convivial companion? Well B and S had been corresponding for some time now - he seemed to be a nice gentleman and his picture was, in her words, "nice." So on she trudged through the snow to her favourite meeting place. Not knowing really what to expect but at least hoping for something "interesting" to spice up her life. Lately she had been looking for company and adventure; she liked a little adventure in her life. Perhaps it was the bright red hair that sparked her spirit of living a little on the edge. She enjoyed meeting new people and loved the company of men. That red hair sparked more than just a spirit of adventure!
B had arrived early, found the Fireplace Lounge and secured a table in front of the fire. He decided to have an "Irish" (it was his favourite drink Irish and water - could it be because of his Celtic background? Hmmm. . .) to warm up while waiting. He was wondering what would come of the evening. S certainly looked more than nice in her photograph and their chatting had been full of enthusiasm, fun and a little bit provocative at times (well more than a little bit to be honest). It was fun and he looked forward to their meeting in person with more than a little anticipation. But you never know, he thought to himself.
He had almost finished his drink and was wondering if this was not to materialize into anything. It was almost 20 minutes after the time S said she would be there. B was checking his watch, again, when he saw a woman at the entrance to the lounge, obviously having just come in from the snowy, stormy weather. She was shaking the snow from her coat and when she took off her hat he could see her bright red hair shining in the light, a few snowflakes still clinging to her hair. I wonder . . . thought B. . . she certainly would be worth the wait . . . he said to himself in a typically male chauvinistic comment. But at least it was just to him self, as he smile inwardly and outwardly. She was walking across the room right towards his table, when he realized it was S! He quickly stood the smile growing broader as she approached.
S had also been wondering whether he would still be there - the snow and work had delayed her and there was no way to get in touch with B. Oh well, she could do with a nice glass of wine anyway and usually there were friends of hers she could sit with. But when she saw the man at the fireside table stand up and start to move towards her, she realized this was B; and he did look like his photograph, mature, conservative reserved - but with a nice smile.
That stereotype was sort of changed when he moved towards her, and with a big grin said "You are S! I'm B!" and proceeded to enclose her in his arms, hugging her closely to him with enthusiasm. "Here, let me take your coat." he said and then motioned to her to sit beside him on the banquette so they could both face the fire. βOh your hands are cold,' he said as he reached out to take both her hands into his. "Let me warm them up a bit. But first lets order you a drink."