Eight

Some friends and I were out for the night listening to some bands.  While waiting for the main band I told them, “I’ll be right back.  I’m going to go ask a guy on a date.” Then I walked up to a guy that earlier in the evening I shared a 30-second conversation regarding a song that had been playing. Now I wouldn’t say I have a definite type, but a few of my friends definitely say that “The more homeless a guy looks, the more Penelope likes him.”  Taking that into account, I’m trying to be diverse with these attempts.  This particular guy was wearing a plain, button-up long sleeve shirt, had a grown-up haircut, and just a tiny bit of scruff.

I did what I do best, and just walked right up to Eight and started talking, “Hi again!  I have a few personal questions for you.  Do you have time?”  Seeming to be amused by my frankness, he said sure.

“First.  What’s your name?” “Eight.”  “Eight, I’m Penelope, it’s nice to meet you.”

“Second.  Will you be growing a mustache for the month of November?” “Absolutely, I’ve already started,” insert the beginning of me giving him a high-five as he continues, “My uncle actually recently died of prostate cancer.”  Stopping my high-five in mid-air I said, “Oh man.  I’m totally taking back  that almost high-five and giving you a hug instead.”  Insert totally comfortable hug here and then my non-existent transition to the next question. 

“Next.  Now this one’s really important…if M&M was to discontinue all M&M’s but one kind, which one would you insist they keep?”  Without hesitation Eight replied, “Green.”  Laughter from me, “I meant, you know, peanut, plain, almond…”   Eight was adamant, though, “Nope, just green.  They can get rid of everything as long as they keep all the green ones.”  “Wow, I love that answer!  That leads me up to my last question.”  He teasingly told me, “Well you’re already up to three questions, but I guess I’ve got time for one more.”

Without missing a beat I went for it, “If I were to give you my number and asked you on a date right now, would you call me so we could go on said date?”  At this point, I’m pretty sure he thinks I’m the most entertaining person around as he laughs and says, “What?! Do people still date?  Because I don’t date.”  I was not giving up, “Well you should start!  Let’s go on a date!”  He was awesome and was totally going along with it, “Hm, let me think about this. When would we go on this date?”  I told him,  “Anytime.  Except tonight that is; this, right here, doesn’t count as our first date.  Ok, the band is starting.  I’m going to dance, you have fun, think about it, but don’t leave without getting my number okay?”  “Deal.”  I don’t know if he fled or what, maybe he looked for me, but I didn’t see him when the show was over.  Argh, I liked our rapport, and we seemed to have great date potential in our 5-minute conversation.  Lesson learned here - follow-through is key.