CHAPTER TWENTY
I ’m five minutes late for my date. I shove open the door to the restaurant and make my way inside. My heel catches on the rug in front of the hostess’ desk, and I feel myself falling. Oh, God. I’m about to go down. Strong, sturdy hands grab my waist from behind, sliding down my butt, trying to catch me. I’m not sure if I should feel violated or grateful.
“Whoa,” I exclaim as I’m suddenly back on my feet. I turn to see whose hands just had the privilege of meeting my ass today.
He’s the same height as me in my heels. I recognize him. It’s Alex. He pushes his glasses back up his nose, and I see his eyes are a deep brown, hiding behind thick black frames. He glances down.
“Sorry about that,” he starts, obviously embarrassed by man-handling me before we’ve even started our first date.
“Alex, hi,” I say. “Thank you for catching me. That could have been a lot more embarrassing had you not been there.” I laugh, but it comes out louder than I expect, and I see a few people turning to watch. My cheeks flush, and I ignore them.
“I was waiting in my car for you and saw you arrive. I guess I just happened to walk in at the right time.”
“Well, thanks again,” I say, smiling. Alex is cute. And obviously kind but shy.
The hostess is waiting for us to approach her. “For two?” she asks.
Alex nods. “Yes, please.”
We follow her to a table in the center of the room. It’s pretty crowded.
Alex waits for me to sit first, so I do. I can feel him watching me. I bring my hands up to my hair, setting it back into place from the disaster that almost just happened.
I can tell I am already going to like Alex. He has a good feel about him. He has a quirky charm. He’s witty throughout our conversation and tells me about the game he is working on.
I admit to him that I have never played a video game before.
His eyes light up as he explains his favorite game, his gaze unwavering. I imagine what he’s describing: a world all on its own. He tells me more about his job, and it’s nice to see someone speak with so much passion. It feels good to be around him. I’m opening up and telling him things about me, about my dream to write a book one day.
“You’re going to do it,” he says confidently with a genuine smile.
“I will,” I reply. I know I will. It’s just not time yet. “Thanks.”
The waitress returns, and we order our breakfast. I order a peppermint tea and convince Alex to try one, too.
The waitress returns in what seems like seconds with a small pot of hot water and two tea cups as if we are about to have tea with the Queen. There are tiny flowers outlining each cup. Lifting the pot, I pour and manage not to spill a drop, feeling proud. I admit this to Alex. I always spill the water out of those damn little teapots, often feeling like I could use a few etiquette classes.
He takes a small sip, his lips barely meeting the cup, as if I filled it with poison, and I laugh. He smacks his lips together. “That’s pretty refreshing, but I think it’s too hot still.”
I agree, smiling. Our food arrives, and we dig in. I’m starving, and I see Alex pick up his fork with determination. I’m eating my scrambled eggs and see Alex doing the same. We admit that you always start with the eggs and finish with the hash browns. I plop a big glob of ketchup on my plate and offer it to Alex, which he takes.
I don’t feel nervous or awkward and when I’m eating, I don’t think about how I am probably embarrassing myself. I notice I feel completely at ease with him. Maybe it’s because I started out this date with a minor mishap, or maybe it’s because he is a lot like me. I don’t know.
We finish our breakfast, and Alex finishes his peppermint tea. “So, how was it?” I ask, waiting impatiently for his verdict.
“I liked it,” he says, putting his cup down.
I take a sip of water and eye him questionably. “How long have you been online dating?”
He pauses. “I just started. My older sister just sort of convinced me.” He looks up to the ceiling as if contemplating telling me something.
“What is it?” I ask, “Is something wrong?” I can sense his uneasiness.
He’s playing with his napkin, folding it and unfolding it as he thinks about answering. I let him have the space he needs and take another sip of my water.
“I don’t want you to take this the wrong way,” he starts. “But I don’t think I’m really ready to date.”.
“Oh my God, Alex, that’s okay!” I exclaim a little too loudly as the couple next to us turns towards me. “Oops.” I smile at him. “It’s okay, really. I think you’re great. We can be just friends,” I finish, and he looks relieved.
“I don’t have many friends, well definitely not any ‘girl’ friends. I just, I don’t know.” He hesitates, trying to find his words. “I just started my career, and I just, I’m not ready.” He pushes his glasses up. “My sister thinks I spend too much time alone.”
I grab his hand, reassuring him. “That’s cool, Alex, seriously. I should probably tell you something too.”
His eyes widen with what looks like fear.
I splay my hands. “Nothing bad, I promise!”
He chuckles lightly, not convinced. I let go of his hand. Our eyes lock, and I sense his discomfort. “To be honest, I signed up on the dating app because I was offered a writing job”
I glance up quickly. I don’t want to hurt his feelings.
His gaze shifts. “What do you mean?”
“I want to date, well, I didn’t at first. I mean, I do want to date. I want a boyfriend.” I realize this as I am saying it. I pause before continuing, “I only started because I was offered a job at a magazine. My friends convinced me to do it, and well, it has sort of been a roller coaster, but I am enjoying dating.”
“Do you write about your dates?” he asks, worried.
“Yeah, kind of.”
He shifts uncomfortably. “You’re going to write about our date?”
“I sort of have to. I write about my dates from my perspective. I don’t give out any names,” I assure him.
He looks like he is going to throw up a little. I notice again how similar we are.
“Look, Alex. I like you and I really want to be your friend, and I am okay that this is all we’ll be. I won’t write anything bad about you, I promise. This was the best date I’ve had so far. I feel at ease around you.” I grin. “Even though you grabbed my butt in the first thirty seconds, and I nearly fell on my face.”
Alex begins to laugh, pushing up his glasses. “Sorry about that…again.”
“You saved me.”
I can see him relax. We stay at the restaurant for another hour, talking about everything and anything. I tell him more about the bookstore, and about Lucy and Briar and the yoga classes, and he admits he has wanted to try one.
“You should definitely come with us!” I exclaim excitedly. “Briar’s the only pro. Lucy and I are beginners. It’ll be fun.” Alex doesn’t seem convinced, but he doesn’t say no.
He tells me more about his sister, and I tell him about Ben and our recent lip match, and I’m finding it super easy to talk to him. By the time we pay the bill, we decide to split it. I’ve convinced Alex to come into the bookstore, and I agree that he can teach me to play a video game.
We walk outside, and I make sure not to trip on the overly thick rug at the entrance. Alex holds the door for me. He gives me his phone number, and I tell him I will text him so he has mine. We hug briefly.
“I’ll send you a copy of my article,” I say, “once it’s written. It’ll be good, I promise.”
He smiles. I think he believes me.
We say goodbye, and I walk to my car, smiling.
I take out my phone.
Me: Here’s my number :)
Alex: Got it :)
I turn up the music when I hear a song I know come on, and I sing loudly the entire way home.
Lucy: How was the date with Alex?
Me: Was great! But we’re just going to be friends. He’s going to come to yoga with us sometime!
Lucy: Okay, cool :)
Briar: Yes! Another new yogi to create!
Me: LOL
Lucy: I don’t think you will create a yogi out of me.
Briar: In time, my dear, in time :)
Lucy: LOL we’ll see. How’s your yogi hottie?
Me: Yes, spill. What’s going on with you and Aiden?
Briar: He kissed me last night.
Me: Yay!
Lucy: No down dogs?
Briar: Lucy!
Me: LMAO
Lucy: I’ve got to run, but will talk more later?
Me: Sounds good :)
Briar: Have an amazing day!!
So, I decided to date online…
by: Sofia Daria
So, I decided to date online… and I made a new friend.
Everyone talks about online dating. They talk about bad dates, the X-rated pics, the liars, the hookups, and catfishing. But no one talks about meeting new people and becoming friends.
This week I decided to run for it. I booked three dates! With still two to go, I am not disappointed one bit in my Sunday morning breakfast date. Was it entertaining, yes! Were there embarrassing moments? Again, yes! Obviously… it is me we’re talking about here. Did I make a new friend? Hell yes. Let me tell you about it.
So, although my date didn’t end up with butterflies flying, or an awkward first date kiss, I did get to second base unintentionally, and I made a new friend. What more could a girl ask for?
After relaying all the details while being careful not to say anything that will be embarrassing for Alex, I end with, Stay tuned for more adventures in dating…coming up!