First Date-For Real

My first date-after nearly 20 years: All I knew from the dating service was that he was six feet tall, 2 inches, about 185 pounds. Brown hair and blue eyes (like me). Recently divorced (like me). Had 3 children and enjoyed boating, tennis, traveling and keeping in shape. Was a professional and desired someone of the same caliber. That’s me!! With exception to tennis-golf is my thing! But, hey, we don’t have to share EVERYTHING in common, right?

The girls in my office directed me on what to wear the night before. Rule #1: No pantyhose! But, a cute black skirt, a nice colorful top and those sexy black shoes were a must! So, I followed their advice, laid everything out the night before and even sprinkled lavender on my pillow for a good night’s rest. Tomorrow would be the big day.

I woke thinking: this is going to be great! My prince charming was going to waltz in on the first date, knight in shining armor and I’ll be swept away-love at first sight. It’s every girls’ fantasies! We want to be rescued from the chaotic life we call normal. He will arrive and make it better-kiss away the pain and be sexy too! Tall, dark and handsome-that real dream guy! I had it all in my head! I don’t think I slept a wink, but was a good nervous, until morning arrived and getting dressed had to happen. So, I put on that cute little black skirt-compact cotton suit with the bright pink v-shaped top. Added a little glitter to the chest and my South China Sea pearls for a touch of elegance, even for lunch. Final touch: those spicy black Cole-Hahn shoes and I was good to go! Yippy- skippy! Ready or not prince charming, here I come!

The location was pre-arranged at a spot I had never been to. I looked over the lunch menu on line and was confident a nice Greek salad would do. I felt like a virgin in the whore-house….completely out of place and super nervous. But hey, this is a new experience and I am up for it! I arrived a bit early so I sat at the bar, drinking water with lemon. I curiously peered at each man approaching the meeting spot. “Is that him? No! Thank God!” One by one, men came and went, some I thought…”maybe...” “Oh, I hope not.” Maybe?” But, then he arrived. Strolling across the brick paved parkway and fountains with a confidence. I was immediately attracted to him, despite the cheesy sunglasses that were bigger than necessary for any day of sun. Dressed in a suit and walking tall-of course, he’s 6’2”, he walked in through the glass doors. He looked all the part of prince charming! We greeted each other with a polite “hello” and quick hand shake. (Are we doing business here?-Did I miss something? We checked in and sat at a table set aside for us.

Wow! He is a prince charming! Waltzed right in with confidence and dressed impeccably. He obviously is confident, smart and probably very successful. The suit is professionally cut, shoes to match (brown with blue pin stripes and a flattering-to match the eyes, light blue shirt) and not a hair out of place. Although I look like I have it together, this guy definitely does! He took the lead, following the wait staff to our cozy table in the back; like an unsure puppy, I am following. I am a nervous wreck. Normally steady on my feet, I am a bit shaky and palms sweating! Good thing I wore that sleeveless top! I think sweat was rolling down my underarms!


Shortly after being seated, he excused himself to the restroom to wash his hands….

Oh…get out! He is ducking out the back door- for real! What? Say it isn’t so! I’m cute…brown hair, blue eyes, smart, got a good job with a 401 (K), health benefits and savings…I have no physical disfigurements: two arms, two legs, physically fit and wearing a skirt-for Pete’s sake! My eyes blink at the same time and at a normal time interval. I usually wear pants!! What is going on? You can only imagine: my mind is racing. What did I say? Does he not like black? Reminds him of the funeral last week? Hot pink isn’t his favorite color? Holy crap Bat man! I’ve just been ditched on the first date and I barely even had a chance to say hello!

For real…this was my first experience after nearly 20 years of dating! I paid good money for this dating service thanks to my grand father passing and living me a little to play with! This... my first date was an absolute walk out! Never saw the guy again! He went to wash his hands and washed his hands of me! We never even got down and dirty in any way, shape or form! So not what I thought!! It lasted all of maybe ten minutes and I think I said maybe ten words- “Hi, my name is…” etc.! I sat there eating my salad and thinking, “surely this is not happening”…but it was and did! But, the salad was good: feta over mixed greens and not too much with the most delicious summer, ripe tomatoes. And, reasonably priced-a bonus!

Talk about trying to regroup after that one! When I got back to the office, everyone was dying to know how it went. I laughed it off, said he got an important phone call and had to leave. Sure…he had to be rescued! Why? I cannot answer that. Talk about sending a girl into a tail spin, readdressing all kinds of things. First date an absolute flop; beyond words of flop-still trying to find the words to fit that one and it’s been well over a year and many other dates since! Hence, the book!

So, let’s try to figure out date one: Maybe, just maybe, it was written all over my face the expectation of prince charming waltzing into my life on that Wednesday. Maybe, just maybe, I was too stunning for lunch! (See that high sense of humor and silver lining thing!) Or, could it be that while in the bathroom he received an emergency text message or phone call that had to be taken care of right away, without even a “good-bye, thanks for the appointment, but gotta’ go!” I will never know. But, I go back to those words of encouragement my parents always shared: when something bizarre happens with another person, it’s usually something in them, not you! Thanks, mom and dad! Whatever the case may be, I left that date in my sharp, black, compact cotton suit with those sexy shoes on determined to get out there and do it again! For better or worse experiences in dating, if I were to experience anything, I would have to pick myself up and try, try again! Here come those parental words of encouragement, just like mom calling when I was training for my first marathon (with a crazy southern accent): “You can do it!!”J