Date Number 1 = Free Dinner Number 1

I had my first date this evening that was set up by the aforementioned service. I'm going to write about it now, even though I want to sink into my oh-so-comfy bed, watch Desperate Housewives, and sleep until noon tomorrow.

Perhaps that gives you a hint about how it went. Where to begin? So, the guy is a lawyer/construction management worker who is 38. We met at Bravo for dinner. I am proud to say I made it in the door without my heart literally jumping through my chest. When I got within five miles of the place I about had a serious panic attack. I'm just so bad at blind dates, and this was an uncomfortable situation!

My first impression of him was: old. I'm just being truthful. And I don't mean old like headed for the grave old. I just mean old like the creepy guy at the bar who you wonder why he's talking to you and you go check for any new wrinkles old.

The first few moments were a little awkward because it seemed that he wanted me to get to the bar early and have a drink before our seven o'clock reservations, and I thought I was supposed to be there at seven. He kept saying he understood and he's just always early. Wait!? I was sitting in the parking for the last 20 minutes. Don't tell me about being early buddy.

Ok, so dinner. To be honest, the conversation was good. I ordered a glass of wine. I figured he had a drink at the bar, so I wasn't being out of line there. Pasta, bread, blah blah blah. We do have a few things in common: likes in music, both own a corvette, etc. We honestly had a lot to talk about. We stayed until the restaurant closed at 9:30 and hung around for coffee as well. He paid for dinner. I offered to split it or leave the tip. He said since it was his suggestion to go there, I didn't need to.

The part that freaked me out a little was when we left for the evening. We said goodnight in front of the restaurant, there was a quick hug and kiss on the cheek from him, and then he asked me why I was trying to meet someone this way. I was vague, but basically I said something along the lines of "I have made a few bad choices recently, and I thought anyone might make better choices for me than I do myself." He went on to describe every bar, club, etc. that he'd been in looking for women. I don't know. At this point, I just got a little sleazy old man vibe again. But maybe he's just desperately searching and doesn't know where else to do it?

Ok, so I headed for the Jeep, and he said he'd give me a call if I wanted to go out again. But it was a little awkward. He said, "How about Saturday nights? I'm always looking for something to do on Saturday nights." At that moment I felt like he wasn't really interested in me but just was looking for someone to spend happy hour with. Maybe he was just awkward because he was afraid I'd say no? On the other hand, who would say no in the middle of a parking lot with your teeth chattering and snow starting to fall? Wouldn't most girls just say "sure" and not answer his phone call? So, I guess I wonder what there is to be afraid of. I just didn't get the vibe that he was all that into me I guess.

Was I into him? Good question. My whole radar is off, I've got to say. I thought that the problem was that I couldn't find the right apple. Maybe the problem is that even when I do pick up the fruit, I can't tell when it's rotten on the inside.