As she walked us to a room toward the back, Harper looped her arm through mine. “So, who’s the lucky guy you’ll bring to this party?” she asked.
Shit. I hadn’t thought about that.
We got interrupted by the spiel the restaurant rep had about the space and the package that came with it. We listened, looked around, and allowed her to do her thing. However, I knew as soon as we walked into the place I was going to book it.
The paperwork was signed and a deposit check written within minutes. Harper and I spent some time walking around to discuss how to decorate for the party since she would have to order flowers immediately.
“So, you never answered me. Do you have anyone you’re bringing? Or will you bring Evie?” she asked.
I could do that, but considering there was a guy I could ask, I figured I should.
“Well, there’s a guy I met at a bar this week. He seems kinda nice, but we haven’t even gone on a date or anything yet, so I don’t know. Maybe I’ll ask him.”
“You definitely should. Why wouldn’t you?”
“I don’t know, because I’m a twenty-nine-year-old woman still meeting guys in bars? It’s getting old, ya know?”
We were on the street, both of us waiting for our Ubers.
“It’s because you work too much. You need to get out more. Maybe not to bars, but out more.”
She was right, I used work as an excuse. Meeting people, even in a city like New York, wasn’t always easy.
“Yeah, well, I’d ask if your boyfriend has a brother, but we both know he does, and I’m not going there.”
She laughed but quickly stifled it. I wasn’t sure what to make of the look she gave me once she stopped laughing. Then she got into her Uber and it drove off.
Was it weird for me, the girl, to be reaching out to the guy first? I mean, yeah, it was the twenty-first century, but I usually waited for the guy to contact me. Maybe it was old-fashioned, but that was the way things worked for me. I never needed to be the one pursuing.
Until now.
Me: Hey, it’s Maryellen, from the bar the other night, how r u
The dots appeared immediately, which was a good thing.
Garrett: Hi! I meant to reach out, I’m good. Do you want to do something? Dinner?
OK, this was going to be easier than I thought. He was interested in seeing me again.
Me: That’s why I was texting. I actually have a work event, very casual, next Thursday night, yeah I know, they suck, but I’d love if you could come
The dots did not appear right away. Bringing someone to a work event on a first date was probably a disaster waiting to happen. As I picked up the remote, ready to go back to my show, I decided it was probably for the best if he couldn’t make it. Then I saw the dots pop up on my phone.
And I waited.
Garrett: I’m available. Want to get together before then? Maybe dinner this Friday or Saturday? Garrett was earning points.
Garrett was earning points.
Me: That sounds great, Saturday is better for me if that’s good
Garrett: Perfect, I’ll be in touch
I initiated a date. It was the first time I’d done that and it felt empowering. I wondered what took me so long. Getting comfy in my reading chair, with a glass of wine and a good book was supposed to be my distraction for the night. Instead, as I pulled out my book, I was relaxed and able to enjoy it.
It felt good.
Fingers crossed, though. The last time I felt good about a guy…well, I don’t want to go there again.
