Match Day – Sandra 15

[For back story go here: Story so far at 12 June 2020 and more recent Sandra episodes]

"Well," said Sandra, "This is nice."

She said it as it was really just something nice to say about the cafe they were sitting in and she was almost right. Surrounded on three sides by perspex, given their drinks and nibbles (separate bowls, thanks) by the PPE clad waiter, thankfully they hadn't had to queue. Pre-booking had its benefits – as long as the previous occupants got through their meal and drinks on time and the cafe booked in enough time to do a thorough cleanse before the next lot sat down. It was a hassle but it made for a more relaxed dining experience.

"Do you come here often?” she asked, instantly regretting the trite expression, so clarifying it as if it would make any difference: "Did you used to come here often?"

"I did," replied Dave. "Because I used to own it."

"Oh, right. That's nice. Or I'm guessing it was."

Sandra recalibrated her conversation tools and upped the setting for where her date stood status-wise. She was already worried she'd blown it, but decided to carry on, because the next question was obvious and they were here now, and would be here for the next two hour slot so they’d have to get on with each other to some extent.

"So, why don't you own it now – do you own something else instead?"

“I own something else,” he said, “instead.”

Sandra recalibrated again for good measure. This was the first time in a while that she didn’t really know who she was talking to. She’d sort of decided to do no background research for a reason. The reason was meant to be so that she’d come to the table (literally) without any pre-existing expectations or set questions. But she worried that the other reason was because she was tired and lazy and that bode no good.

“Bit easier to run then than now, I’m thinking,” Dave was saying (while Sandra addressed her rising feeling of panic and kept on saying ‘It’s just a drink, it’s just a drink’ to herself). “Not sure I’d have done what they’ve done with the table layout, but they’ll have their reasons I guess. Bet the kitchen is a nightmare to run if they’re doing it to the letter. Not much space back there from what I recall.”

“What do you own?” she asked.

“Oh it’s not important,” said Dave, making Sandra worry she’d already been far too inquisitive for his liking. “We’re going to talk about your launch.”

“Um, yes.”

“I can’t recall the software I used, but I can find out for you. It enabled us to create feature windows, you know? Put in entertainment, highlight certain things and people – you know the score, you were there, of course.”

“Yes, yes and I enjoyed it immensely.”

“We had a great response and a lot of long-time stayers,” noted Dave.

“Yep, I was one,” smiled Sandra.

“What did you think of the way we brought everyone together at the end?”

Sandra paused, wondering whether to brazen this out, but she knew she’d already given herself away as her smile had frozen then faded. “I wasn’t there at the very end,” she confessed. “I had… another appointment.”

“Yeah I get that,” said Dave. “Bizarre times, hey? More busy than ever and all round the clock.”

The conversation continued if only because Sandra realised that she hadn’t told Dave that her own event had already happened and she no longer needed ideas but she didn’t have the heart to tell him. Hey it was still a good reason for two people to speak with one another. And while she was unable to use any of the ideas, technology, contacts or observations Dave threw at her now, they would at least be good for future reference. But also, Sandra thought, he must know that’s not the real reason for them being together now, surrounded by perspex.

Eventually Dave asked how the app was going. 

“Really good,” said Sandra. “Got some good take up and interest and – well, yes, everything’s so difficult and bizarre at the moment that I think everyone wants something like this so… We’ve been incredibly busy. And of course it made us get in touch with each other…”

She let the line hang there in the hope that he’d get her drift, which of course he did as it was quite a large drift to get.

“Yes, well…” he sighed, ominously. “Not sure that was entirely what I needed. I’m here for the advice. Afraid I don’t like relationships at the moment.”

“Oh,” said Sandra, deflating rapidly. “Maybe our app isn’t quite as good as I was thinking.”

“Don’t get me wrong,” said Dave. “I was in a relationship. It’s sort of over now but it’s just… it’s all a bit complicated.”

“Christ,” thought Sandra, “Isn’t it always?”