The Meet

The Dating Chronicles

The Meet

March 25, 2019

Carla was seated at the bar, didn’t want to be. She felt conspicuous as she shot furtive glances at the steady flow of people coming through the door. She was there to meet a guy in a red tie and her stomach danced wildly in contrast to the soft music playing softly in the background. He was late and she felt ugly and discarded as she thought of her past experiences with men and what had brought her here.  She had tried the health clubs, church, and the clubs in her search for love, but to no avail..  Now, she was trying a blind date.   As she watched the door, she realized she hoped she wouldn’t be disappointed again.  She didn’t even like his name. Herb.  It had no vitality. And they never look anything like they say, she thought to herself as she glanced again at the door. Still no one with a red tie.

She thought of how nice he sounded on the phone. Too nice.  She was suspicious of his kind manner and sexy voice, but lonely enough to go through with this meeting.  Her co-worker had insisted she would be pleased.   As she looked across the bar in the mirror at herself, she smiled. She felt pretty, but what did that matter?   She was 33 years old and had never had a successful relationship with a man.

Suddenly, her thoughts were interrupted when a guy sat down next to her and ordered a drink. He was dressed expensively in a dark suit and a dark tie. His teeth gleamed in the soft lighting. His face was handsome and confident as he smiled at her, but said nothing.

She glanced at the door again. Suddenly, she hoped Herb would be even later. This guy was catalogue cute and she was enjoying his aura. As she sat there fidgeting, she inhaled the fragrant scent of his cologne and wondered if he was alone. She imagined he was there to meet his model-type girlfriend for drinks.

When their eyes met in the mirror behind the bar, he stared at her with a smile and spoke softly in a familiar voice, “Hi Carla. I’m Herb and I’m glad to finally meet you in person!