Emma was nervous as she got ready for her date. She had met Thomas online two weeks ago. They had talked every day and she liked him a lot. But meeting someone in person was always different. She tried on three different dresses before choosing the blue one. Thomas had suggested a small Italian restaurant in the city center. She arrived ten minutes early and waited outside. Her heart was beating fast. Then she saw a tall man with brown hair walking towards her. He was smiling and carrying a single red rose. 'Emma? Hi, I am Thomas,' he said warmly. 'This is for you,' he said, giving her the rose. Emma smiled and felt her cheeks turn pink. 'Thank you, it is beautiful,' she replied. They went inside and a waiter showed them to a quiet table. Candles on the table created a romantic atmosphere. 'I was a little worried you would not come,' Thomas admitted. 'Why would you think that?' Emma asked curiously. 'Well, online dating can be strange sometimes,' he explained. 'Some people never show up for the first meeting.' Emma laughed softly. 'I thought about it, but then I remembered your jokes.' 'My jokes?' Thomas looked surprised. 'Yes, they are terrible, but they always make me laugh,' she said. The waiter came and they ordered their food. Emma chose pasta and Thomas ordered a steak. They talked about their families, their jobs, and their hobbies. Emma discovered that Thomas loved cooking. 'Maybe I can cook for you sometime,' he offered. 'I would like that very much,' Emma replied with a smile. The food arrived and it looked delicious. While eating, Thomas accidentally dropped sauce on his shirt. 'Oh no!' he exclaimed, looking embarrassed. Emma started laughing and gave him her napkin. 'Now we are even,' she said. 'I was so nervous earlier.' Thomas smiled and relaxed. 'You know, I think this is going really well,' he said. 'I agree,' Emma nodded. After dinner, they ordered dessert and coffee. They shared a chocolate cake and kept talking. Time passed quickly and soon it was late. Thomas paid for dinner even though Emma offered to share. 'Next time, it is my turn,' she insisted. 'So there will be a next time?' Thomas asked hopefully. Emma smiled brightly. 'I would be disappointed if there was not,' she replied. They walked out of the restaurant together. The night air was cool and pleasant. Thomas walked Emma to her car. 'I had a wonderful time tonight,' he said. 'Me too,' Emma agreed. 'Thank you for the rose and for dinner.' They stood there for a moment, looking at each other. Then Thomas leaned in and gave her a gentle kiss on the cheek. 'Good night, Emma. I will text you tomorrow,' he promised. 'Good night, Thomas,' she replied softly. Emma drove home with the rose on the seat beside her. She could not stop smiling. The first date had been even better than she had hoped.
English Story (A2)The First Date
This A2 English story is designed for elementarys learning English. It includes simple vocabulary and short sentences to help you improve your reading and listening skills. Click any word to see translations and hear pronunciation.
About this story
Emma nervously prepares for her first date with Thomas, whom she met online. They meet at an Italian restaurant where conversation flows easily. Despite small mishaps like Thomas spilling sauce on his shirt, they connect over dinner, dessert, and shared laughter. The evening ends with a sweet kiss on the cheek and the promise of a second date.
Translations in English
Linked wordUnderlined wordOther words
Comprehension Questions
4 questions
1
What did Thomas bring for Emma when they first met?
2
What hobby did Emma discover that Thomas has?
3
What embarrassing thing happened to Thomas during dinner?
4
How did Thomas say goodbye to Emma at the end of the date?
Vocabulary
30 words from this story
