Now this one requires some background because we were introduced in the most peculiar way.
Way back in March, I got a mysterious letter in the mail at work. It was marked Personal and Confidential and was a rather large envelope. I was about to throw it away because I thought it was an ad or something, and I just didnt have time for bullshit. I was leaving for Europe in a couple of days and was feeling very stressed about the status of my job.
But I was curious about the Personal and Confidential part, so I opened it anyway. Inside was a hand-written letter on the letterhead of an arts magazine. It said something about the magazine, and also about having a mutual friend who thought we should meet, and perhaps we could get together for a glass of wine? It was signed by someone named [K.], along with his phone number, and he enclosed the latest issue of this magazine (I guess for reference?).
I knew the name of our mutual friend, but I just couldnt place it. I racked my brain for a couple of days, and I looked in my work directory, and I even asked TMG if he knew who this person was. Finally, the suspense started eating away at me, so the day before I was leaving for my business trip, I looked at the letter again, took a deep breath and called the number.
We chatted for a little while, he told me that he didnt know how else to reach me, that he felt awkward sending the letter, but that he was really interested in meeting me. He even mentioned our mutual friend, but I still couldnt figure it out and I was too embarrassed to ask!
Regardless, I told him that I was completely busy and headed out of town for a few weeks and that I was going to be swamped when I got home, so I wouldnt even be able to contact him at all until at least the first of April. He said that was fine and that he was looking forward to speaking with me then.
Cut to April. I was in a panic. I lost my job. I was floundering around with EXMS. I didnt call.
Cut to May. I sent him an email apologizing for not calling. He replied and said hed call. He didnt call.
Cut to June. Nothing. Nothing. Nothing. Then! Rapid-fire texts back and forth, sorrys and been busys, and then an agreement to meet early Saturday evening at a gallery opening. Not sure where the burst came from, but I guess the timing was finally right!
I asked him if he even knew what I looked like (via text). And he answered, Gorgeous Redhead! (which, by the way, was the correct answer!). And he then sent another text saying hes 52 with an impressive hairpiece. I knew that wasnt the case because Id already googled him!
And! I figured out who our mutual acquaintance was! She is friend of Lovely Leahs who Id met at Lovelys bachelorette party. I think that the reason I was clueless about who she was is the fact that I was drowning in despair on the night wed met (EXMS had just split a few days before).
Name: K.
Age: 41.
Relationship Status: Never married, no kids
Occupation: Publisher of monthly arts magazine
Length of Date: almost 3 hours
What We Did: We met at a brand new gallery that K. was sort of working. His magazine had done an interview with the featured artist, and he was kind of multitasking doing a little PR work and going on a date. So we walked the show and talked to the gallery owners and the artist, had our pictures taken by several photographers (felt a little awkward since wed just met. I mean, people were saying we were a beautiful couple!!). I was embarrassed to know very little about the artist (I looked up the show beforehand, so I knew what it was, but the artist kept talking to ME like I knew what the hell was what. I did a lot of polite nodding, but I will never go to another show with him again without doing a little studying first!
THEN, K. was extremely polite and asked how much time he had with me because he knew I was going to a birthday party later. So he asked if I wanted to walk a block to get a glass of wine at this restaurant, and I agreed
He Wore: Black suit with beautiful brightly colored striped woven shirt, no tie, nice kicks.
I Wore: Black strapless dress I scored at TARGET for $17.99!!! So DARLING! I was sooooo happy with that find (I searched the website for a picture, but I couldnt find it), and I paired it with my $800 Christian Louboutin strappy sandals!! Ha! It was the first time I really enjoyed dressing for something in a long, long, long time.
First Impressions: You probably think that I think everyone is incredibly handsome. But when I tell you this guy is handsome I mean, there was something even better than his good looks. Guess what? Chemistry! I felt it for the first time in almost a YEAR! I dont know if it has to do with the fact that hes a very hands-on guy (touched the small of my back as he led me through the doorLOVE THAT! Held my hand as we walked across the street, leaned in waaaaay close when we were talking in the noisy, crowded bar, and made me feel like I was the ONLY other person in the room), but he really is handsome to boot! Had a slight scruff of a beard, thick graying hair (sex-ay!), dark skin (Latin lover!), and is just so well put together. Visually pleasing and VERY personable! Cool thing is, I got to see two sides of him: (1) the business side, because he was workin it at the gallery, and (2) the date side because we left to spend some alone time together. Smooth!
Convo: Smooth as well. We had lots of things to talk about your general getting-to-know-you type stuff. I was pleased to hear that we have a lot of the same tastes in food, music, venues, etc. On the flip side, I loved hearing him talk business with his colleagues and the fact that he included me in the conversations.
High Point: Feeling CHEMISTRY!!
Low Point: The fact that the most expensive pair of shoes that I own also are the source of the most excruciating PAIN! My feet started to feel like bloody stumps practically the minute I walked into that gallery. I kept telling myself to smile through the pain, but I practically cried tears of joy when we finally sat down at that bar (after a good hour and ½ on my mangled tootsies)
How It Ended: After a couple of hours and glasses of Pinot Gris, he walked me back to the gallery (OUCH!!), where my car was valet parked. Said hed call and told me to have a good time at the birthday party, and he went back to work!
Chances Ill See Him Again: 110%. In fact, I saw him again last night (which is another entry!).
Post Script: Im cautiously optimistic, and I hope, hope, HOPE hes not a playa.
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