The Past Revisited

Where is she? She promised she’d be here at two o’clock and it’s now quarter past! I’ll give her another five minutes and then I’m going. Time hasn’t made her any more punctual than she used to be!

“Tony! I’d have recognised you anywhere. You’ve hardly changed. I’m sorry I’m late, traffic was awful. Do forgive me.”

What has happened to that slim, handsome man I thought seriously about marrying? I can’t believe it’s really him. Good job we agreed to meet here and there’s no one else waiting. I’d swear that’s the same jacket he was wearing last time we met. Can’t be. It wouldn’t fit any more!

“No need to apologise, I’ve only just got here myself. I know what you mean about the traffic. I only drive when I really have to. But you look wonderful. The years have certainly been kind to you.”

She must have had implants and reductions. That mousy, plain character I knew ten years ago would never develop naturally into this. She is absolutely gorgeous!

“Come on I’ve booked a table at a restaurant. We can catch up over lunch. I really can’t get over how good you look.”

Which is more than I can say for him! That spare tyre around the middle does him no favours and what has happened to that lovely thick hair he had? A comb over does nothing for him. Why can’t men accept that it’s a fact of life that some of them go quite bald and accept it? Jake hasn’t got a blade of hair on his head and he’s quite fanciable!

Did we girls think he was really quite a catch back then?

“Here’s the restaurant. Hope you like Italian.”

“Can I help you sir?”

“I booked a table for two. The name’s Phillips.”

“This way please.”

“Do you mind if I just go and tidy up? I’m sure I must look a fright. You order for me, something simple. Nothing too fattening.”

“You look great just as you are.”

He watched as she went to the ladies.

I cannot believe this is the same woman. I remember that last meal we had together. That farewell meal where we promised we’d keep in touch. She wore some sort of sack like thing, which did nothing at all for her. She also had one of those dreadful perms. She almost licked her plate clean and then demolished what I’d left. I suppose that’s why she had to wear the sack. I noticed other people looking and felt quite embarrassed. That really was the last straw.

“Tony?”

“Oh sorry I was miles away. I’ve not ordered yet it’s quite busy. It’ll give us chance to catch up. I’m so pleased Greg gave me your email address. I wasn’t sure you’d agree to come after our last meeting.”

I’m beginning to wish I hadn’t. I cried the whole of that last night and vowed I’d never love anyone as much as I did him. He did me a favour though. Made me take stock. Once I’d pulled myself together I managed to get that great job with Weinbergers. Never looked back, till I got that email. It got me thinking about what might have been. Wandered if any of the old magic was still there.

“….and that’s how I happen to be living back here. What do you think of that Vee?”

“Er! Great. Please don’t call me Vee. All my friends call me Ria.”

“OK. Ria! That really suits you.”

She was always a bit like that. Ideas above herself. Thought she was better than others. That’s one of the reasons I ended it. I wonder was I too hasty? Too late now I suppose. She’s not wearing a wedding ring though. I could turn on the old charm and see where it gets me.

“Would you like white or red?”

“No wine for me. Just water will do and I’ll have the poached fish with salad please.”

He’s a bit of a slob. Obviously none of his ‘great’ plans took him anywhere. Just imagine if he’d come back when I’d begged him I’d be living in a little semi with three children and a boring husband now.

“So what is your job Ria?”

“I work in IT. Advising large companies in the EU on which systems are the best to use.”

Her phone began to beep.

“Do excuse me.”

Good job I asked Jake to text me just in case I needed an escape route. I don’t want to spend much more time with him even for old time’s sake.

“Tony, I’m so sorry. I’ve got to get back to the office. Something urgent has come up. We must try and meet up again.”

I think the old spark’s working I can see that look in her eye. We can start again and see where it leads.

“I understand Ria. We’ll make it next week sometime shall we? I’ll call you.”

“Bye Tony. Nice to have met up again.”

Thank goodness I didn’t give him my phone number or my private email address. I’ll get Jake to deal with any that come to the office.

That went well. I think she still likes me. I could see the regret there when we talked about old times, and when she said she had to go. She sounded really enthusiastic about meeting again. I won’t let her think I’m too eager. I’ll leave it a couple of weeks before I phone.