How About David and Zara?

You lean forward over the remains of your meal, a mischievous smile playing at your lips as you swirl the last of your sparkling water. "Speaking of finding each other. Clara and I think we found an amazing girl for you. Clara's assistant Zara is a pretty little thing and she is also one of the most level-headed, intelligent and thoughtful people around. Would you like to maybe go on some double dates with us as we make our new relationship real and official?"

David's fork pauses midway to his mouth. His eyebrows rise as he processes your suggestion, then he sets his utensil down with deliberate care.

"Zara? The one from your office?" he asks Clara, who nods with a knowing smile.

"She's brilliant," Clara confirms, dabbing her lips with her napkin. "Ambitious, driven, but with this unexpected playful side. You should see her shut down boardroom blowhards—it's an art form."

David runs a hand through his hair, looking genuinely caught off guard. "Jesus, are we already at the 'setting each other up' phase of this new dynamic? That was quick."

"Why not?" Clara challenges, leaning back in her chair. "After everything we've experienced together this week, normal dating rules hardly seem to apply."

David's laugh is warm but tinged with nervous energy. "Fair point. Though I'm not sure how I feel about being set up by my flatmate and his girlfriend who, until three days ago, I was—" He stops abruptly, glancing between you both. "Well. You know."

"All the more reason," you say, surprisingly comfortable discussing what would have been mortifying before your transformation experience. "Fresh start for everyone. And Zara's exactly your type—sharp, takes no shit, gorgeous."

"I'll admit I'm curious," David confesses, tracing the condensation on his water glass. "Though how exactly would you explain how we know each other? 'Hey Zara, this is David, who watched me transform from a man into a woman and back again'?"

"We've already covered that," Clara says with a wave of her hand. "As far as Zara knows, Mia was Matt's cousin who had to return to Dublin for a family emergency. Matt and I met through David recently. All very normal and boring."

"And what does she know about me?" David asks.

"That you're successful, single, and not as much of an ass as most bankers," Clara replies with a wink. "High praise from her, believe me."

David considers for a moment, then nods slowly. "Alright. Set it up. But somewhere casual, yeah? Not a big production."

"We could do dinner at our place," you suggest. "Low pressure. If it's awkward, at least the food will be good."

"I'll cook," Clara volunteers, touching your arm lightly. "Matt's culinary skills are still... evolving."

"Some things didn't transfer over with the transformation, then?" David teases, visibly relaxing into the idea.

"Apparently not," you laugh. "Though I did retain an appreciation for good wine."

"Next Friday?" Clara suggests, already pulling out her phone. "I'll text Zara tonight."

David nods, raising his water glass. "To new beginnings, then. And to whatever the hell comes next in this bizarre shared experience of ours."

You clink glasses, feeling a surprising sense of normalcy despite the extraordinary circumstances that brought you all to this moment. The evening settles into comfortable conversation as plans for the double date take shape, and for the first time in days, the future feels both exciting and reassuringly ordinary.

20:35 | Friday 8 August 2025 | Bella Notte Restaurant, Chelsea