This is the fire at the restaurant where I had dinner with my mystery man this evening.
We'd planned to have him pick me up at 6PM, and he arrived a half hour early. Fortunately I'd just switched out of my shoveling clothes and into some newly washed duds, but I hadn't fully decided if I liked what I was wearing, was trying on some earrings, hadn't even put on any Chapstick, when Cora started barking, the doorbell rang and I heard the kids saying, "she's still getting ready".
Hadn't expected both of my kids to see him before I did! They'd introduced themselves and retreated before I could even make it to a common room. When I did, we looked at each other and smiled. A nice and relaxed smile.
Cora, however, was not sure that proper protocol had been followed, so I had to assure her that this mystery man was welcome in our home. No sooner was that accomplished, then we left.
It was snowing. It wasn't supposed to be snowing, but this is now the land of permanent snow and temperatures well below freezing. If the temps hover near 20, with no wind and a touch of sun, it feels like a heat wave.
We drove in his luxury sedan through the snowy back roads, to the restaurant three towns over. We talked nonstop on the drive and even laughed. Found a parking space a couple short blocks from our destination. For people outside of New England, this is a darn near impossible feat of good luck. The snowbanks in most towns are higher than I am tall, and many streets are still not fully plowed out. (And, yes, we're expecting another storm this weekend, thank you very much). We discussed the snow, as we have both spent more of our lives in New England. We agreed that it's at the point where all you can do is laugh and try to enjoy it, not matter how much it taxes your body and nerves.
30-40 wait. Fine for me, but he was hungry, yet gracious. We stood at the bar and drank some drinks. Hard Cider for him, Cranberry with lime for me. We revealed a bit more about ourselves with each stage of the evening; standing, being seated, ordering, sharing our orders (he's a sharer, which I find attractive), deciding not to do dessert we were both sated and he had an early morning. Laughing, smiling, minimal discussion of former partners, tad more about our kids and mostly about ourselves (past and future perfect). Couldn't have scripted it more organically.
A short walk through the continued shake up world snow showers back to his car. Talking nonstop about all kinds of things....sailing, business, teaching, families, travel, and more. Took a completely different route back home and enjoyed it.
We discussed our schedules and when we'd talk next.....and yes there will be a "next time".
That's all I'm revealing at this time, but I'll say this; I found myself smiling after I got home while I sat with my daughter and spoke with my son. A nice and relaxed smile, full of residual warmth from the fire and the mystery man's company.
Good night, daters and mischief makers, G'night!
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