Soft-spoken Giles was always the last one to complain, but he was tire

Soft-spoken Giles was always the last one to complain, but he was tired of being a bachelor and longed for some passion in his lonely life.

He had tried on-line dating and found it a minefield. Too many frauds, liars and cheats. He was looking for a real relationship -- not a fantasy.

So when his best friend Georgie mentioned he was going to crash a speed dating event at a local club Giles decided to tag along. He'd always wondered what speed dating was all about but he never had the confidence to go on his own.

Georgie was a big, boisterous chap. No party or pub was a bore when he was around. The local speed dating event was a stage made in heaven for him. From the minute he arrived everyone in the banquet hall was aware he had made an entrance and would make an impression.

Giles hung back and observed his friend work the room -- after all, Georgie was a master at meeting people and had gone to many speed dating events before.

No lady was too tall, short, thin or voluptuous for Georgie. He fawned over and made every one of them feel like a Queen. He winked, smiled, and chatted with all that came in his path. And, invitations and phone numbers were being exchanged at break-neck speed.

"I'll never be able to do what he does," mumbled Giles to himself under his breath as he watched his mate work the room with aplomb. "Yes, you can" said a soft-spoken female voice.

Giles turned beet-red when he realized he must have spoken his inner fears aloud and turned around to see who had caught him out in such an embarrassing faux pas.

Standing there was a rather plain but nicely dressed young woman whose eyes twinkled with mischief. "Hi," she said. "My name is Amanda" as she stuck out her hand. "What's yours?"

"Giles," he stuttered. "I didn't realize I had spoken out loud. Did you really hear what I said? If so, you must think I am am utter fool."

"No, not in the least. It takes all sorts of people to make the world go around, and not everyone is a Casanova or interested in one. Personally, I'm a shy type myself and that's why I know what you were thinking and feeling."

When the whistle blew to signal the next speed dating round, Georgie was still in his element, captivating female and male guests alike with his infectious enthusiasm. Giles and Amanda had already left and were enjoying a quiet chat at the coffeehouse.