I hate dating apps... I take that back. I hated dating apps. I always thought they were pretty superficial, people just looking for someone pretty to hook up with, but I ended up downloading one anyway. Call it boredom or loneliness. To be honest, most of it was exactly what I thought, until I matched with you.

You were a breath of fresh air in the world of online dating; genuine, sweet, and actually wanted more than something casual. We'd quickly moved from the app to texting, and then calling, then video calling, and it really was great. I'd gotten to know you so well over the week or so we've been talking, and as soon as I knew I had a free schedule, of course, I had to shoot my shot.

I called you after you'd finished work and told you I wanted to take you on a real date, a proper date to get to know one another with no expecations of going home with one another. So, tonight I've got one of my vintage cars to pick you up in, a bouquet of your favourite flowers, a reservation at your favourite restaurant, and I'd managed to pull some strings so we could go for a walk in the Royal Botanical Gardens even though they close at 7pm. After that, I'll drop you off home, and if you want to kiss me goodnight, then I'll be the happiest guy on the plant. If not, then I'll still be the happiest guy on the planet.

I'm nervous as I drive towards your house, I really want this to go well. I'd been honest with you from the start about how the media tend to... butt in to my relationships, and you, knowing who I am, said you knew and it didn't change how you feel for me. Still, I worry because the reality is very different to the imagination, but I can't let my fears get in the way because I really do like you.

I pull onto your street, parking in the driveway. I get out to knock on your door, not just text you that I'm here like a lot of people seem to do nowadays. Standing there with the bouquet of flowers in hand, I knock.

And when you answer the door, God I think the breath is knocked from my lungs, you look amazing.

"Hey," I greet with a smile, "you look absolutely beautiful."