Date 04 - Weird Al
The Scene: Moving from match.com to live in-person conversation.
The Attire: Stylish and unique.
The Meeting: The infamous dating website match.com.
The Environment: Atlanta, Georgia.
As I sat in my bed listening to the soothing tunes of Lauryn Hill, I think about the full weekend ahead with the dawn of the Kentucky Derby. There are many events planned and ample opportunities to meet, connect, and date. Friday, I caught up with friends; we ate, reminisced, laughed, and fed each other’s spirits. Afterward, I made my way to a pre-Derby event held at the Buckhead Intercontinental Hotel.
Struggling to find a parking space, it took another 20 minutes and a 2nd garage to find a space. The upside – the 40-minute parking space was right by the door, which led directly to my destination. Upon getting to the floor where the event was in full swing, I stopped in the lavish ladies’ room and did the things we ladies do. While in the restroom, I met another single lady who, unlike me, was uncomfortable entering the doors alone. She was waiting for a friend who was yet to arrive and asked if we could make a joint entrance. I smiled as wide as my energy would allow and responded, "Girl, yes!" Together, we jaunted down the hallway leading to the entry doors where the men hosting the event were enthusiastically greeting all guests.
Moments later, I was disappointed as the environment was lackluster, and the men left a lot to be desired. Walking around, I was immediately approached by a gentleman who was eager to shake hands. Enthused, he almost shouted, "Good Evening, my name is Mack, and you are?" I smiled and cheerily replied, " Cherrod. How are you?" He responded, and I introduced myself to his friend, who was part of our exchange, "Hello, my name is Cherrod." "My name is Al," he answered. We exchanged pleasantries and chatted.
Later, I left them and headed inside to observe the main event but ended up back in my original position of lights, hats, and welcomes. As I stand there, Al walks over and begins to make conversation. He is standing a bit too close for my 5'2 frame, and his breath is talking over my head (literally and figuratively) since he is 6’3”.
I move to the side, and we strike up a conversation. After talking for about 15 minutes, I ask, "Have you been smoking?"
He replies, "Yes, they have a cigar bar outside; why? Does my breath stink?”
I immediately and without thought said, "Yes!"
He apologized, popped in a peppermint, and declared, "I like you."
Not sure how to react to that, I simply looked at him. We both agreed that the party did not warrant much more of our respective time, and I told him I was going to leave.
He looked at me, "I am hungry, can I take you out to dinner?'
"Now?" I asked.
"Absolutely!" He rejoined.
Contemplating for longer than perhaps appropriate, I answered, "Sure, let's go."
Al said, "Would you like to ride with me?"
Shocked, I questioned, "Are you serious?"
Al, "Yes"
Me, "Absolutely not. I don't know you."
Al, "Really?! Ok, I understand that. Never thought about it that way."
Pause in my story.
Gentlemen, if you are meeting a lady for the first time, please don't assume that she will be comfortable in close and unescapable quarters with you. Don't take it personally; she does not know you from Adam, and with time, trust and trust, riding in one car will happen.
We settled on a place close to where the event was held, and after several failed attempts to select an establishment, we settled on "Dantanna's" close to Lenox Mall. Now, mind you, I have not been home since I left for work at 6:45 am that morning. No make-up, no hair refresh, no special attire – nothing!
During our initial meeting, he noticed I had no make-up or lipstick on, and he stated more to himself than to me, "You have no make-up on, and you are beautiful!" I laughed at his astonishment and continued our small hallway chatter.
Once at the restaurant, I ordered tuna, which was delightful. The waitress was eclectic, and Al's company grew on me. Eventually, exhaustion finally caught up to me. I said good night as he badgered me for a second date.
However, that follow-up never came, and for that, we will call him Weird Al.
Note to Self: Don’t internalize, don’t personalize, and don’t analyze the issues or immaturity of others.
Shout Out to Men: Grown women can handle the truth.
Question: Why say one thing (call) and do another (don’t call)?
