I was trying to think of a cute or flirty response, but I’m going to be honest. First off, your beauty took my breath away—and when our eyes met the first time, I felt immediately captivated by you. I could tell you were carrying something heavy behind those eyes. I only say that because they looked like the ones staring back at me in the mirror. They reminded me of a lone storm cloud on a sunny day, a little darkness around the edges, but a brightness at the core begging to be set free.
Secondly, your voice has a songlike sound—it reminded me of the birds in the Cinderella movie. I genuinely want to hear you talk more.
Lastly, but most importantly, I couldn't stop thinking about you all week. Now that I’ve triple-texted you, I will stop and hope I didn’t scare you away.
I read and reread his messages at least six times. The sincerity in his words was refreshing, even if the doubts in the back of my mind were warning me to be cautious. I didn’t even know how I’d respond. I was unsure how to be open to someone who seemed honest and genuine, especially after being in relationships with men who were mostly closed off.
Me
You sure do have a way with words, buff boy. Since you’re being honest, I will too. I’ve trusted easily in the past and have gotten burned one too many times. So, I’ve been hesitant in opening up to people. Hence, why I’m single, thirty, and in therapy. But I was also captivated by you that day—we kept eye contact for at least seven seconds—not that I was counting or anything!
As I hit send, I immediately started overanalyzing my response. I was trying to be funny and flirty while still somehow remaining serious, but I was so afraid of scaring him away. When my phone vibrated with a text notification, I instantly exhaled.
Grant
Seven seconds has got to be a record. And if you weren’t single, thirty, and in therapy, then we never would have met. That would honestly be a travesty. Who would I be able to hold record-breaking eye contact with?!
I giggled. I decided it was worth the risk to put myself out there and ask him out.
Me
Think of how much more eye contact we could make if we had dinner together.
Grant
Are you free this weekend? Unfortunately, I’ll be gone for three weeks starting on Sunday.
My cheeks hurt from the giddy feeling I had from just texting him. Of course, I felt disappointed we wouldn't get to spend much time together right away, we’d have the time to get to know each other, and maybe by the time he comes back, I would be feeling a little more healed. But my deep-rooted abandonment issues also made me believe I may never see him again after the first date.
NINE
PRESENT
Iwoke up rested with a smile on my face the next morning after texting Serenity all night. I thought my mind had exaggerated my connection with her in the waiting room, but she felt it too. Talking to her was like a cool breeze on a hot day. I adored her sense of humor, too.
I didn’t know how I was going to pull off a date in two days while also prepping for my upcoming work trip. Originally, Diego was assigned to go on this one, but I had to fill in because his wife went into labor a month early. I usually didn't mind traveling for work, but I felt the pressure to bring my A game to our first date. I needed to make sure she would want to see me again when I came back.
Me
Do you have any allergies/dietary restrictions?
I texted Serenity before deciding on a dinner spot.
Serenity
All seafood. Okay, I’m not allergic, but I don’t like it. It all seems too slimy.
I smiled at her reply. She was the cutest.
Me
We don’t have good seafood here in Arizona anyway. Next question, how competitive are you?
I remembered the fair was in town and thought it would be a perfect way for us to get to know each other's fun side.
Serenity
Not very, but that’s only because I always win.
