Goodnight Ms. Cute...

It had been a manic Monday, a trashy Tuesday, a weird Wednesday, and a terrible Thursday. When Friday came, I decided to make sure to turn the tide. I convinced my Sista-friends to come with me to a Jazz happy hour at a local establishment. This Friday evening turned out to be the perfect way to end the week. The music was amazing, as were the drink specials and food. During a laughing fit, I realized I should use the ladies' room, so I excused myself and sauntered over to the restroom.

The restroom was inviting and clean. I checked myself out in the mirror to be sure all was in place. I opened the door and a "lighthouse" of a man was standing there...his face, smell and, stature were familiar. Shocked, I took two steps back into the restroom and closed the door. I looked in the mirror and said, "Is that?" Replying to myself "Girl, yes it is!" I took a deep breath and walked out, and was greeted with a huge pearly white smile. He said, "Hello stranger." I replied, "Well, hello to you." My shock was founded in having not seen him since college. Gosh, he looked so handsome!!

We walked to the main area of the bar and continued to "catch up." "It's been years since I laid eyes upon you...how have you been?" I replied, "Yes it has been years...I have been well, how have you been?" He replied, "I have been maintaining, working, wondering about you." "Really?!", I said (blushing) "Tell me more." He replied, "I am here with coworkers for happy hour and honestly was not enjoying myself, and then I saw you walk across the room...I was in disbelief...I knew I had to catch you before I missed the opportunity to speak to you." "I am glad you did", I replied. There was a comfortable silence that ensued as we locked eyes, time seemed to stand still. He broke the silence, "So...when can I see you again? Can I take you to dinner next Friday?" I smirked, as I do when I am intrigued. "Yes, I would like that, I can give you my phone number so you can call me with the details" I replied. He smiled and obliged, handing me his phone to place my number in his contacts. A gentle hug was exchanged before parting ways and getting back to our tables. Honestly, my heart was beating fast with anticipation. My Sista-friends were in disbelief when I told them whom I just ran into. I spilled the tea of course!

The following Monday through Wednesday all I could think of was our brief encounter, and how I could not shake the excitement of this first date..." yes we "know" each other", I thought," but never had we been on a "date". Dates in college were like a large group of familiar people attending the same house party, nothing intimate or personal about it. When he called on Thursday afternoon I hesitated a bit, but I answered. His voice sounded like melted chocolate and velvet. He asked, "How my day was going and if I was still able to have dinner the next day?" I replied, "The day was going well so far, and yes dinner for tomorrow was still fine." He confidently informed me he made reservations for 8 PM at a local steak and seafood restaurant in Center City, asking if I need to be escorted to the location? I informed him I would meet him at the location. I felt excited!

Friday evening at 7:45 PM I walked into the restaurant and went directly to the bar to sit and wait. I asked the bartender for a wine list, he provided a vast list of choices. While I was perusing the list, I hear a voice say, "I hear the "Cute" Merlot California 2017 is delicious, plus it was named for you." I looked over my shoulder to see my date smiling at me. He ordered a bottle of the "Cute" Merlot and asked for it to be delivered to our table.

We sat at a table for two, sitting across from each other, I blushed when he looked at me. This was NOT a feeling I was not use to honestly. We talked about our college days, the years after, and what our lives have been like recently. We both were currently single after a stint in a long-term relationship. He expressed how he always thought I was beautiful, smart, and a kind person. I asked, "If you thought so, why did you wait so long to ask me out?" He laughed out loud! Like a deep belly laugh. He replied, "You were not trying to see me then. You were wrapped up in your studies and that "guy" who seemed to have your FULL attention." Now I was laughing because he was speaking truthfully. I replied, "Yes you are right, I was focused, but you should have taken a chance...well I think everything happens for a reason and we are here now." He smiled in agreement.

The rest of the evening was great! Our conversation flowed like butter on hot toast. The "Cute" Merlot was delicious and went well with the lamb and steak we ordered. I actually prefer Cabernet...I am not sure if it was the conversation, his presence, or the entire evening, but I became a fan of this here Merlot. As the date was coming to a close, we walked to the warm but comfortable street. We stood outside the restaurant for a moment...it seemed as if we were trying to decide how to end the evening. He asked if he could drive me home? I replied, "Sure, that would be fine." The valet attendant approached, received the keys, and ran off to retrieve the car. As we waited, he grabbed my right hand, looking at me to ask, "Is this okay?" I looked up at him and held his hand. The valet attendant returned with the car, be entered, and took off. While providing directions to my apartment, he played music and we were still holding hands. It was not awkward at all...this was a comfort that felt natural.

When we arrived at my space, he expressed, "I had a great time with you this evening. I hope to see you again soon." I replied, "I too had a great time this evening, I would enjoy seeing you again." As I turned to give a hug, he grabbed my cheeks and kissed me on my forehead...softly and sweetly. I said, "Goodnight." He replied, "Goodnight Ms. Cute."