Man #5

Sit back, relax, grab a snack because I have a story to tell. Wow. Let me start with earlier in the day, before the date was to take place. I decided to show this guy that I was nice and would work with him a little. I felt bad for having him drive so far, so when I texted him with my address I mentioned this, and that I would be happy to meet him somewhere closer. He was very grateful for the suggestion and took it. We decided to meet at Olive Garden. Obviously the one we went to is not that close to my house; it’s on the other side of town. Keep that in mind. Okay, I spent the rest of the day just preparing…making sure to get my work out in, studying up on the Cardinals, and making myself pretty.

As I was about to arrive at the prearranged destination, I received a text from Man #5 declaring that he would be 10-15 minutes late. He apologized and all was well. I called him upon my arrival to see if he wanted me to go in and get us a place in line because the place looked busy. As I did so, I got my special little buzzer to tell me when our table was ready and joined the crowd of other hungry socialites waiting for a seat. I glanced up and guess who I saw only a few feet in front of me?? That’s right, it was Not So Super Man #3. Yikes!!

I totally dissed him the other day and there he was right in front of me. He appeared to be on the phone and I decided that was probably a good idea, so I stepped out between the double doors and called my sister with the news. How awkward! He was watching me because every time I looked inside, I felt and saw his eyes on me. I was a little creeped out. Finally he decided to make his way out to where I stood, lonely and waiting…but on the phone. Don’t even worry though the part about me being on the phone did not stop him from trying to talk to me. Finally I had to say goodbye to my sister and talk to this man who does not get subtle hints; nor obvious ones.

The conversation was unsurprisingly slightly awkward. He asked AGAIN if I bought him anything while out shopping last weekend. I told him I bought things for the house. He related to me that he was waiting for a date that he had been set up on. Then he proceeded to ask if I was meeting family or friends or what. I said, “yeah, I’m meeting a friend.” Then I just came out with the truth and told him my friend had set me up. Just when I was pretty sure this couldn’t get any more uncomfortable for me, I was saved by his buzzer. That’s right…he was buzzed. He was a little flustered because his date hadn’t showed up yet but off he went. I hope for his sake (not hers) that she did show up. Poor guy. Poor me. I prayed and prayed for Man #5 to show up because Not So Superman said, “are you my setup?” Ewww no! He was hoping I guess. I was not.

Anyway, just as I was verging on complete breakdown, in walks Man #5, only a half an hour late. First impression: he looks a lot like one of my older brothers; a mix between him and Chris Farley. Still, I approached him, gave him a hug and dove right into conversation. It was pretty good. We didn’t have much problem talking at all. Once we were seated we continued to converse quite well. Next impression: not only does he look like my brother and Mr. Farley, he has very similar mannerisms and temperament. Don’t get me wrong, I love these men; I just hadn’t ever considered dating them. So, I wasn’t really attracted to him but he was nice. I didn’t mind talking to him, for the most part. Oh, and when we talked about baseball, he was totally impressed by my Cardinals knowledge. I threw a couple of facts in there so smoothly you all would have been so proud. His eyes seriously lit up when I threw ‘em out and he got all excited. Then when he asked if I watch baseball, I felt really bad because I don’t. I was just cheating! Oh well, it was still fun to catch him off guard like that!

Overall, the food was good, the conversation wasn’t too bad, and he was gentlemanly enough. He was quick to grab the check when it came which was nice of him. After we ate, we sat and chatted for awhile longer until the conversation finally winded down. At that point we walked outside, talked a little more, and then he walked me to my car. As it turns out, we both drive the same brand of car. When he mentioned this I thought, ‘oh…he is the first guy that doesn’t drive a truck. That’s too bad.’ Oh well, I can forgive him! He gave me a hug and sent me on my way.

Once again I know I’m not supposed to judge from just the first date but if I’m being honest…can I see myself with him? No. Would I go out with him again if he asked? Yes. I would be happy enough to give him another shot. I just honestly think that we are different, despite him agreeing with me about everything I said. I realize now why the experts say not to do that with men…it really is kind of boring. Anyway, he was really nice and seemed like a pretty good guy so I guess we’ll just have to wait and see how this one plays out.