When was the last time I met someone and I wasn't crying, "woe is me?", lamenting over the distance or feeling meh? I know, I can hardly believe it either!
After the initial 'finding the right person', it was good. The kind of good that still elicits a grin two days later. Starbucks is a busy place on Sundays. I got a drink and grabbed a seat. Not many open tables, and my initial survey of the room for singles was iffy. A couple guys on laptops, one guy in sweats with greasy hair, and an old dude. Please, oh please, don't let it be the guy in sweats. Then I spied someone sitting at an outside table, looking around, glancing back into the store. He finally braved the threshold and walked up to where I was sitting. He went to order and drink and asked if I wanted anything else. Nice gesture-bonus point. I'll be honest. It took what seemed like an eternity. At one point, I was convinced that he took off through the kitchen and hightailed it out of there. Luckily, I was wrong.
It seems every date starts with the question of who drove how far. He's from Hershey or Hummelstown. He said both so I guess they are close together. He travels for work and said he is in Reading 2-3 times a week. Sounds good to me. Then he asked me about my past relationships. Bam- we are not wasting any time. I tried not to let my jaw hit the table. I didn't do a very good job. There wasn't any sugar coating the entire hour. It was the most honest first date I've ever experienced. And I've had a lot of first dates. The questions, asked and answered, cut through all the political correctness, all the fluff, and all the - for lack of a better word, bullshit. And it was refreshing. I didn't have to wonder, fill in the blanks. The cards were on the table. He asked pointed, relevant questions. He answered the same.
We had an hour. The date change was due to a swimming lesson for his 6 year old. I admire that he didn't blow off swimming to meet a girl. I had no idea of how quickly time elapsing, and based on his reaction when he checked his watch, neither did he. I think I saw the "I should have left 10 minutes ago" face. But he said he wanted my phone number. He said he thought we should talk again in the next few days. It's burned into my memory. Then he gave me a hug. Not just a pat you on the back, dashing off, barely making contact kind of hug. The kind that lingers a bit, involves an embrace and makes your mind wander for the rest of the day. Then he jogged to his car. And I drove home with a goofy grin on my face.
Everything was on the table. He is from Ohio- go Buckeyes. Moved to PA two years ago for work- marketing consultant. Google is my friend as I was able to review the name of who he worked for again. I should probably check out LinkedIn- might find out more. He might want to move back to Ohio at some point, years from now. He's competitive and a little sad that his son isn't. Athletic, likes beach vacations, scuba, and is looking for chemistry- something lacking in his previous marriage. He talked about finding balance between working from his home office and play time. He's attractive and has a charisma that is subtle. And I can't wait to find out more.
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