High Expectations

After falling in love, I was counting down the days till our second date. I met with friends to watch basketball and found myself smiling every time I received a text message. I spilled about my date and they were all supportive of my budding relationship. My date was scheduled post-game and I realized that I'd have no time to get home; he offered to pick me up in a cab and then go to the restaurant. I mean, really!
When he arrived, we kissed hello and only experienced a few moments of awkward silence. We decided on a pre-meal cocktail which took us to a divey bar close to dinner. Within a few sips, I realized that this guy talked. A. LOT. Like he hadn't let me get in a word since I got into the cab. Maybe it was my unrealistic expectations or my lack of wine, but I found myself wondering if I could spend the rest of my life listening to him ramble. I realized that I was likely over-analyzing the situation and vowed to enjoy my Saturday night. He did snag a prime spot after all!

We finished our apertifs (can beer be considered an apertif??... I doubt it) and headed towards dinner. I liked that he walked on the street side and always went in front to make sure he was opening and holding the door for me. Good manners are hard to find these days. Even though he made a reservation, the popular restaurant pick made us wait to be seated and that visibly annoyed my date. I donned my most insouciant attitude and diverted his attention with witty banter. My forte.

Once seated, I eagerly awaited trying my fresh-from-Tokyo sake that I decided to bring for the occasion. Husband potential warrants a splurge. Once poured, I incessantly talked about the qualities of the product and even shook my head at my own pretentiousness. He laughed. We agree on sushi selections and when served, were able to enjoy the meal in ample company. As dinner went on, however, I was realizing that the sake wasn't providing the lusty haze of date one wine and I kept feeling more irritated than stimulated by my companion. This too will pass. I vowed to keep an open mind and not dismiss him as I normally would. By the end of the date, I rationalized that I was overthinking the situation and that maybe another date would break the tie.