We met at an area restaurant, one known for good food and a sports fan atmosphere. The kind of place you can sit and watch TV or the people around you. A good first meeting place. Public. A little noisy, not too intimidating.
I parked and stood near my car, scanning the parking lot for his face. He had parked near me and as he got out of his car, his smiling face changed. He was reaching behind him and he stopped smiling. He turned a little red, maybe, and then stood up and walked towards me.
We greeted each other and he told me that he was embarrassed.
“I forgot my wallet,” he said sheepishly. My mind raced. Did he notice my round hips and decide I was not worth a ten-dollar dinner? Did he fear I’d order an expensive drink and a huge platter? Was this a test? I tried to think faster. No luck.
“No problem, I have some money on me. Let’s go inside.” We entered and he held the door for me. He was quiet, maybe shy. Maybe unhappy with the real me. Maybe mortified that he had lied about forgetting his wallet.
We were seated and when our waiter arrived he ordered a diet cola and I ordered an iced tea. We spoke quietly about nothing, really, and he looked over the menu as if he had never seen one before. I suggested a two-meal deal and he agreed on the idea. I suddenly didn’t want to pay too much. I had expected I would pay for my own meal but I am a single mom and every penny is counted at least twice.
We talked and he seemed unsure of what to order. He had said he liked this restaurant so I was a little put off. I was actually thinking I might have to cut his meat for him.
But dinner arrived and we talked a little more. I grew more comfortable with him and I liked his pretty eyes. Still, I was positive this would be both our first and last date. I ended it right after dinner, saying I had a nice time and that it had been nice to meet him. It had been nice. Sort of. On my way home I called my best friend—we had agreed I would call so she knew I was safe.
“WHAT?!” she exclaimed when I told her he had forgotten his wallet. No way, she said-and her boyfriend agreed. Men only have two things to remember; wallet and keys.
During the next couple of days, I checked with friends, sisters, and even brothers-in-law to find out how probable it was for a man to forget his wallet before a date. The consensus was: not even remotely possible. (This was every one of the guys’ opinion.)
But he had emailed me to apologize and said that he wanted to meet to reimburse me for our date. He called me each night, as he had been doing for a week or so and I agreed to meet him again.
Why? I am not sure. I think because he expressed himself so well in his emails and over the phone. I liked his Cleveland-area accent. His kind and slightly raspy, almost deep voice. He had smelled so good. Clean. Not like any aftershave or cologne. Like a man. I read through our emails and recalled our phone conversations and the man I had liked still shined through. He was kind, gentle, funny.
Okay, I thought. Okay. I’ll give him a second chance. We met again and he paid me for the complete date—even the tip. He said “First things first” as he folded my hand around money and I put it into my purse without looking. He seemed happier now that we were square and he was more animated and seemed comfortable with me.
History. That’s what it is now. Of course, we are still getting to know each other, but what I am already aware of is that he is human. He is a man in charge of his life. He is cool because he doesn’t try to be.
The wallet? He had changed trousers before leaving to meet me and never checked his pockets. Easily done.
In our conversations I have found out that he is involved in his church; volunteering and quietly appearing when help is needed. He is a regular blood donor. He takes his mother to Mass. He calls his niece at college to visit with her and he attends his nephew’s games. He has friends who golf together and he maintains old friendships and even a not-so-great relationship with his boss.
I am finding that he is one of those rare people who never say a bad thing about anyone. I respect him. I am also falling for him. Hard. I think he is falling for me. I hope so. After all, his second chance is mine, too.
We are still in the discovery stage, but I have the feeling I will always discover things I like about this man.
Cross your fingers for me and I will wish you a happy second chance, too.
