"It's a pleasure to meet you, Leon" I say with a genuine smile.
"The pleasure's all mine, girl" he replies smoothly.
Suddenly I feel shy, and look down at the bar, unable to maintain eye contact. I run the pad of my index finger lightly over the rim of my drink, and chew on my bottom lip. What should I say next? He's too attractive, my tongue feels tied.
I can feel him looking me up and down, appraising me, and the heat rises to my cheeks. It's been too long for me, since the last time I was in the dating scene. I'm feeling vulnerable, after being stood up by my tinder date. Luckily, I ran into Leon here at the bar, and he was nice enough to offer to buy me a drink. Maybe I won't look so pathetic to the staff.
"So what's your name, beautiful?" he asks, sipping delicately on his Old Fashioned.
Should I tell him the truth? Or should I make something up? I mean, he's been nice to me so far... but men can turn vicious in an instant.
I read the news.
Still, I DO want to get back out there and meet people. This was all so different when I was 19, before I met my husband. Men used to approach me all the time, everywhere. The grocery store, the library, the DMV. It used to be easy.
20 years of marriage later, I find myself suddenly thrust out into all this again. I never even looked at another man the whole time we were together. My husband was so much what I wanted, I ran to him and never looked back. Turns out, my 'Happily Ever After' had an expiration date.
"My name is Elizabeth... Liz" I tell Leon, and he tips his drink in acknowledgment.
I had thought that using a dating site, like tinder, would be a safer way to get back into dating. You can learn all about people from their profiles, and you don't even have to talk to them if you don't want to. I swiped left on quite a few men.
WHY did I swipe right on Michael? He looked good on paper, I guess, but he doesn't bother to show up on a date that HE requested. I glance back up at Leon from under my lashes. Would I have swiped right on him?
The answer is yes. Definitely, yes.
He's tall, standing over 6ft, and broad shouldered. His suit is crisp, clean, and impeccably tailored. He keeps his head shaven, his beard neatly trimmed, with a streak of silver. A silver Fox, as they say. Sensuous, full lips, and smooth brown skin. Gold on his pinky ring, his cuff links, the cross around his neck. He carries himself well, with a confidence that speaks of command, and his voice is as smooth as butter.
"So what brings you here, beautiful?" he asks.
He's making conversation, that's a good sign! Ohhhh, but the answer to his question is so embarrassing. Oof. I give an awkward laugh.
"I'm supposed to be on a date, but he never showed" I confess.
"A woman who looks like you is too beautiful to get stood up" he replies with mild indignation.
"Thanks, but I'm afraid he doesn't seem to agree with you" I shrug.
"Why would you agree to go out with a loser like that, girl?" he asks.
"Uhhh, well... he seemed okay. His profile talked about the importance of commitment, and keeping promises" I defend myself awkwardly.
"Ohhhhhh" Leon sighs. "That's how it is." He looks off into space and takes another sip of his cognac.
"So... uh, what brings you here... Leon?" I ask, my tongue tripping over the words. I don't want the conversation to die.
"I'm staying at the hotel across the street" he tells me. "I thought a drink might help me sleep. I'm not used to sleeping alone."
