Offline

I went offline on Friday, October 10th. I met him ("Justin") on the corner of Broadway and Fulton. He looked just like his pictures so I was pleased. We exchanged kisses on the cheek and embraced in a warm hug, the date began.

We walked leisurely, enjoying the sights along the way until we reached the South Street Seaport. The conversation flowed effortlessly and I found that to be so refreshing (It's an annoying task to carry a conversation). The weather was unseasonably warm so we made the most of it, we stayed outside. We made our way to the benches by the water and engaged in conversation as the sun began to set (what a perfect back drop!). Dusk set in and we were off to the next destination - Where? I had absolutely no idea; The element of surprise kept me on my toes.

We took the L train to 6th Avenue and I followed him to "The Crocodile Lounge". Once inside, I did not feel the scene; the sound of "bang-your-head-into-the-nearest-wall rock music and people screaming at the top of their lungs was not a combination I wanted at that particular moment. When Justin saw my disgruntled visage he suggested we find another spot. How nice, a man who paid attention to the small stuff, like his dates face. We walked up the block to Gray's Papaya for hot dogs and sodas; I felt like a teenager. This date was innocent and I was really enjoying myself. After our meal we decided to try the lounge again and this time we stayed. The music changed and the crowd thinned out so we "cozied" up in a corner. One Sex On The Beach and a Long Island Ice Tea later I realized I was not into him at all. He was a gentleman and very sweet guy, but I just wasn't into him. I did what all ladies do, I excused myself and went to the restroom. While inside my fingers went to work! I sent a mass text out that said, "I'm not into him" to about five girlfriends; about three friends responded. I didn't realize how long I'd been in the restroom until a friend "texted" some sense into me; "Get back out there before he thinks you're taking a dump." - Oh sh*t! I looked at my Blackberry and realized I'd been in the restroom for about 10 minutes.

I went back out and quickly concocted a lie for my long stay in the restroom, "I was checking in on my mom. I had to make sure she was feeling better". Luckily, the excuse was swallowed by him and the date continued. I sipped some more of my cocktail and noticed that he'd just about finished his: Balls On! All of a sudden Justin says "My cheek is a little dry". I gave him a kiss, reluctantly. He was obviously way more into me more than I was into him. Don't get me wrong, I was enjoying myself, but the 'click' just wasn't there, you know?

Before I knew it, we were off to our final destination, another surprise. We exited at West 4th Street and I found myself on line for The Fat Black Pussycat/Village Underground. Sweet! I was excited since I attempted to get into this establishment a few years back, but the venue was full. We descended down the stairs and found seating to the right of the stage. The live band proceeded to jam and I was caught up in the music. Justin kept trying to hold my hand I didn't get it. James Brown's, "I Got The Feeling" was being played and he wanted to hold my hand, WTF? Icing on the cake, the waitress comes over to inform us that there was a two-drink minimum. I told Justin that I'd take the cheapest glass of wine on the menu (I wasn't really in the mood to drink so wine would have been fine for me). He retorts "You mind if I get soda?" I have no idea why he asked me, it's his body..... He put the drink order in and said "I placed an order for two sodas, we're not really gonna drink anymore tonight, right?" I told him that that was cool. However, I peeped game. He didn't have the money to pay for alcoholic beverages, which is all good, but why the hell did he just ask me if I minded if he got a soda? I hate to be mean, but why would he take me all over NYC and not have ample money to pay for things?

The band jammed on and before I knew it the clock was approaching 11 o'clock. Since I had to truck it all the way back to Queens, I told Justin I thought it'd be best to call it a night. Prepare yourself for the sweetest display of chivalry: He told me that he'd get me home; he was prepared to take the F train all the way to the last stop with me and then walk me to my car. He was then going to turn right back around and take the 2 hour train ride to the last stop in Brooklyn: Coney Island. Awwwww! I was touched. I knew that I wanted the date to end right then and there so I declined his offer to escort me home (of course I did it in a nice way).
While exiting the lounge, the singer and saxophonist had made their way off stage and proceeded to walk through the crowd to get the audience involved. We crossed paths with them. The singer goes "Yall are leaving? You're going to have sex aren't you." In my mind I was like "Dude, you have no idea how wrong you are?", but out loud I said "Nope, we're gonna call it a night - Night!"

We walked to the West 4th train station and he waited until the F train pulled into the station. The moment finally arrived: The awkward moment - the goodnight. I didn't want to kiss him on the lips because (1) His lips were slightly chapped and
(2) The connection just wasn't there. The date ended the same way it began, with a warm embrace and a kiss.

While driving home I became lost in my thoughts. Am I just too picky for my own good?????