First Date

I was on my way home from a party "alone", again. But, I had scored lots of phone numbers that night, which was a pleasant surprise because I usually see the same people out. The next day, I sent out the usual "good to meet you, we should hang" texts. It's kind of like trolling for fish - see if you get any bites. Happily I scored big time when hotty Brad made a date with me for dessert on Wednesday.

Here I was standing outside of the California gym, trying to keep my hair off my face, because it was sticking to my lipgloss. I'd spent at least an hour trying on outfits, etc., all that girly stuff with Tash laughing at me in the background.

"Wow, I've never seen you get so excited about a date before," she teased.

It was true. I was excited. Despite meeting Brad at the club, both of us probably inebriated, we'd had an interesting conversation, and the kicker was the man made me laugh. It didn't hurt either that he was a young hot investment banker. Ok, well not the banker part, but young hot funny, that was aces in my books. I don't know how many times I've waited to meet up with someone new, wondering if I'd recognize them, or how awkward it might be, but this time I wasn't worried at all.

"Missy!" I heard my name and looked up, expecting to see my date, but instead a vaguely familiar dude met my gaze.

"H-h-hi," I smiled widely, hoping I didn't look as confused as I felt.

"Girl, you lookin' fiine."
"Uh, thanks, uh, so do you." Who was this guy? Someone I'd met before, who was just saying hi? Oh no. Panic started to set in. So was my memory. This was the other B from the weekend. Baron. It was the touchy weirdo with the facial tic who had "tricked" me into giving his number. Damn cellular technology. (You say, hey I'll get your number and call you, and they say, hey call me right now and wait until they get yours). The guy who thought he was J-Roc from the Trailer Park Boys.

You know wut im ssssay shayin?

Where was Brad? I prayed that he would show up right this minute. I was about to excuse myself and hide down the alley and call him to see where he was when...

"Imma gonna take you to the slickest joint. You'll love it."

Then, BING! It hit me.

I had somehow mixed up their numbers! I had somehow managed to make a date with the wrong guy. Stupid text messaging! I smiled even more widely, hoping to divert from the mortification in my eyes.

I was lead to a pleasant café that served crepes and elaborate shake concoctions. After a billion years of his yammering, I felt I deserved a break and ran to the ladies room. In such a hurry, I managed to body check someone on my way there. I looked up to apologize and get this, no for real, I'm not even making this up... it was Brad!

"Hey, Missy. How are you? Great to see you." I smiled wanly and muttered something approximate to his greeting.

Brad put his hand on my arm.

"So, this is great. I was going to give you a ring and here you are."

Was he flirting with me? I felt, well, I didn't know how I felt and didn't get a chance to gather my response when I slowly reacted to a third party sidle up to Brad.

"Hi, I'm Janny. Brad's girlfriend." Tall, skinny, perm girl said to me pointedly. I dumbly shook her hand. My smile grew wider.

"Let's go Brad, we have to get up early tomorrow. Nice to meet you."
"Sure baby. Nice to see you again Miss." A wink from Brad.

Soon enough, I was safe in the ladies room. That's it. My usual calm and niceness wore thin. I decided it was definitely "me" time! I called Tash and harassed her into meeting me for a drink. I blew off Baron and filled my head with only thoughts of a giant double martini with extra olives.

Safely at on a bar stool, coddling my glass, I took my last sip when I someone ordered another drink for me.

Great. The freak show continues. I cursed Tasha for taking so long. I turned to take a look at the guy, and just melted at his smile.

"I'm not trying to hit on you. I just wanted the pleasure of buying you a drink." It was utter cheese, but I dug it. He had great hair, was well dressed, and he was an ABC.

"That's sweet of you. Why don't you join me?" What the heck? I needed a cheer up and I'd never met a Chinese guy I'd been attracted to in ages.
"Great. My name is Antony."
"Hi, I'm Missy."
He took my hand and kissed it. As his lips where still pressed to my skin...

"So, I see you've met my ex."

Tasha???