Date 21.1

After two months of perseverance and getting the run-around (thanks to Nicole for teaching me determination with people who are experts at the run-around game), Twenty-one and I finally had a date.  Remember, this is the guy who originally told me “Right now I’m trying to get it off the ground with someone else” and then asked to touch base with him in a few weeks.  I took that as the equivalent of a door cracked open for me, so a few weeks later I checked in and asked him if I had a chance or if he was smitten with someone else.  He said that he was about to leave for vacation, but that we should grab a drink when he returned.  So again, I checked in with him a couple weeks later and told him that some people believe that the third time is the charm, and BAM we organized a date.

I admit I mentally gave Twenty-one negative points before the date for a) giving me the run-around and b) asking if I could meet him in Berkeley.  Now I realize I was obviously the one doing the pursuing, so it probably appeared that I would go to the ends of the earth for him, but come on, dude, meet a girl halfway.  However, I didn’t express any of these feelings, and I did meet him in Berkeley for pizza after work.  When my friend originally introduced us, she straight up told me she didn’t know a lot about him and that physically he didn’t seem to be my type.  At first glance she was right, he didn’t stand out whatsoever – normal fitting jeans, a button-up shirt, not scruffy in the least, and he had a windbreaker tied around his waist.  Two months later he looked exactly the same, but he had grown a beard.  We had easy conversation and laughed about my persistence – we joked (as far as he knows at least) about me persistently pursuing six other guys at the same time.  After dinner we did a loop around the downtown area, and then he walked me back to the train station.  I thanked him for meeting me and said I hope that I hadn’t scared him too much, to which he nicely replied, “Tonight I learned that persistence can be a good thing.”  I gave him a hug, and he said he would see me around soon; I think he was slightly intrigued by me.  We’ll see!

24.2 & Double-dating

Confession.  My second date with Twenty-four was a few hours after my park date with Reverse.  I’m taking the term “double-date” to a whole new meaning.  I swear it wasn’t intentional.  I asked him to do something a few days earlier, but he wasn’t available; so three hours after saying goodbye to Reverse, I met up with Twenty-four for pizza.  He was waiting for me outside and gave me a quick kiss on the lips and then asked how my day was – precious.  When we finished dinner, he said he didn’t have anything else planned for the date, but that we could walk up the nearby Telegraph Hill to Coit Tower.  For those of you unfamiliar with San Francisco landmarks, Telegraph Hill & Coit Tower will take your breath away – first with the walk up the hills and secondly with the views of the city and bay.  As we trudged up the ridiculous incline I joked (sarcastically - I get extra sarcastic when I’m doing any kind of exercise) about how he was my new trainer and he replied that if we keep hanging out I might end up walking up all of the hills of San Francisco – yikes.  We had a nice time – walking, talking, and laughing.  At the end of the night we got to the corner where we parted ways, and he gave me a goodbye peck that matched the kiss he greeted me with at the beginning of the date.  My first thought was, “That’s so sweet that he’s acting like such a gentleman and giving me kisses like we’re a married couple getting home from work.”  The second thought I had was, “Oh my goodness, just make out with me already.”  I controlled myself and respected his respect for me and said good night.

Reverse .2 & .3

I know most of you weren't thrilled (entertained maybe, but not thrilled) with Reverse, but I decided to give him a second chance and played it safe with lunch plans a week after the drunken date.  We met at a sandwich shop, and as far as I could tell he was perfectly sober.  At one point, though, it was like being in Groundhog Day or deja vu because he was definitely repeating some of the stories he had told me when he was drunk on our first date.  I still had a nice time, but I think we both realize we have no future.  Plus he’s moving to Portland in a month, so I can’t have him falling in love with me and being all heart-broken when I don’t move with him.

Two weeks after the lunch date I got a text out of the blue from Reverse, “Let me know when you have some free time in your schedule, so I can enjoy spending time with you again.”  Apparently, I also believe in third chances.  I told him that I was planning on going to the park on my day off and that he was welcome to join me, which he did.  While I don’t feel a connection with Reverse, it’s still fun to talk with him.  We spent a couple hours in the park enjoying the weather and telling stories, then when it was time to go he gave me a hug and an attempted kiss; however, I suavely turned my head just in time and gave him a kiss on the cheek instead.  I don’t know why.  To draw it all out a little bit more, I also arranged for him to come to the salon soon for a haircut.  I clearly have no idea what I’m doing here.

Date 24.1

Let me tell you something: 23-year olds are the most charming guys these days.  I do not remember them being so sweet when I was that age.  Twenty-four and I were setting up our date and when I told him regretfully that whatever we did would have to be near where I was dog sitting, he replied, “I ride a bike, remember?  Plus the location is pointless because I get to see you.”  And the crowd says, “Awwwwwwww.”

He came by when he was off work, and we decided we weren’t up for the loud bars in the neighborhood; instead we got donuts and walked around and talked for two hours.  It was perfect.  He asked me to tell him about myself, so I just started stating random things about myself, “Even though I played volleyball for six years in school, I’m horrible at it and every other sport” and “When I smile my eyes squint up, one more than the other, so I try not to smile so much in pictures.”  At the end of the night he told me I was more interesting than he thought I’d be and that he was glad how everything worked out for us.  Then he gave me a good night kiss while I was holding the dog and he was holding his bike.  Thirty minutes after saying goodbye he sent me a text recapping the night and our conversations, “Donuts, walking, tap shoes, ego, white lies, and uuber confident.  I’ll see you soon.  I’m eager to see your dance moves.  Thanks for a great evening.”  Conclusion: Twenty-four is adorable; bring on the second date!

Twenty-four

This one was a process that happened over a week with Twenty-four, so bear with me.  He started coming to the salon a few months ago, and he lives in the neighborhood and hangs out at the café across the street – I typically run into him a few times a week.  Twenty-four is a 23-year old, tattooed bike messenger with ridiculously huge, pure muscle for legs and butt; he likes to cover those legs with tight pants, and sometimes skin-tight, black denim cut-off shorts.  It’s ridiculous, but somehow once you know him, it seems totally fine.  Everyone at the salon adores him and his butt.

Sequence of events: he mentioned to his stylist that I was cute; one day at the café I asked how he was doing, and he replied with, “I’m much better now,” and he compliments me or whistles at me pretty much every time he sees me.  Then we hosted an event at the salon, and I asked if he was coming by but he had to work; however, he ended up making it, saying he rearranged some things.  A few nights later after work as I was leaving I saw him and chatted with him while I waited for the bus.  During this conversation he mentioned that he was moving to the neighborhood near where I dog sit. He also made a comment about how everyone at the salon is nice, but he wonders if it’s just because we have to be like that.  The next day I saw him and told him, “Just for the record, I wasn’t on the clock when I saw you last night.  I didn’t get paid overtime to cross the street and talk to you.”  He said he thought about it later and felt badly about how that sounded.  I told him I was just giving him a hard time and not to worry about it.  Then I asked him if he had any nights off in his new neighborhood that week because I was going to be watching the dog.  Our schedules didn’t coincide, so I told him never mind, to which he replied, “Well it doesn’t have to be this week, it can always be another time.”  For some reason, I got all coy or shy, and said, “Oh that sounds like long-term thinking, and I’m not up for that.”  He answered that it was just a drink as I walked back into the salon.  An hour later Twenty-four came in with a bouquet of flowers and a blushing face and told me, “Remember what I said” before walking away.   Who can argue with that?  I went outside a minute later to give him my number, but he was nowhere in sight.  For two days I walked around with a thank you card with my number in it, until I finally saw him.  He sent me a message a few hours after I gave him the card, and we made plans for a date.  Yay!

Twenty-three

As I was walking out of the salon to go to the bank, I saw a guy looking around like he was lost, so I asked him what he needed.  He sincerely asked, “Wow, why are you being so helpful?  I’m just looking for a place to do yoga.”  I told him about a nearby yoga place, and answered his question about my helpfulness with the obvious answer, “Probably because I just had a handful of M&Ms or maybe because I’m from the Midwest.” When I asked him what else he needed to know, he said he was on his way to find a cup of coffee.  I suggested a place for him to get one and then joked about how I was his officially his neighborhood tour guide.  Obviously, I followed all this up with pointing down the street and saying, “And the restaurant on the corner is where we can go for dinner tomorrow night.”

Twenty-three said he liked my style, but unfortunately he was a tourist rather than just new to the neighborhood and was leaving town the next day.  Clearly in addition to needing men to wear IDs stating their age and relationship status, I also need them to add their current town to that ID.

Twenty-Two

Remember how I have a somewhat egotistical problem about going up to two guys because I feel badly for the one I’m not hitting on?  This attempt is a good example of why I have those reservations.  After a fun night of trivia I decided I should go ask out the guy that I had been eyeing because he kind of reminded me of actor Zachary Levi (I adore Zachary Levi.  Zachary, if you are reading this, please know that while I have not practiced writing your last name with my first name, I have thought about how much fun we would have on a date).  Twenty-two was with a buddy, and there was no sign that the friend was leaving anytime soon.  I needed to go home soon, so I walked up and introduced myself and said, “You might not be aware of this, but my trivia team just came in second place. I’m feeling generous, and I want to give you this paper that has important information on it like my name and number.  You should call me so we can go out on a date.”  He looked a little shell-shocked but still managed to say thank you. 

Before we could continue with a conversation, his friend straight up asked, “Why  didn’t I get that paper?”  What?  No!  One of my fears was right in front of me!  I awkwardly laughed and apologized and said, “Ummmmm, because I gave it to him, and it seemed like bad manners to give my information to both of you.”  The friend accepted my answer after giving me a mild guilt trip; then I looked at Twenty-two, told him to call me, and quickly left that scene.