Open to opportunities in lieu of plans with a man

Jacob is my karaoke buddy. He’s younger than me in age, profession and spirit. Jacob can belt out Audioslave or Queen like nobody’s business.

Getting weary of the online dating scene, I narrowed my focus to my immediate surroundings. I called Jacob and discussed our innocent flirting as we pondered if it could become more. He was sweet and gracious as we left the conversation as something for us both to think about.

Three weeks later Jacob posted a karaoke opportunity on my Facebook. Neither a place nor a night we have rendezvoused before. I was game.

Leaving the office I headed to Plano for two evening work events. As I readied to get back to Dallas, Jacob had text that he fell ill and could not make it. Finding my way back to 75 South, I called my girlfriend Veronica who lives in Plano. She was just finishing her early evening plans. My karaoke plans came back to life as she and I met at the End Zone Sports Bar & Grill.

The night included work and guy talk, a ‘Faithfully’ duet and conversations with Jim the middle-aged Zumba enthusiast, Carlos the Venezuelan gymnast and Angel, who had the voice of one.

Akin to a good date, Veronica text the next morning saying what a great time she had.

Over my Saturday morning coffee I reflected how Veronica stepped in as my Friday night karaoke date, and my tentative date plans for that afternoon …

Earlier in the week, I had conceded to James’ Match.com messages to talk on the phone. We are both from small East Texas communities, but it seemed, from there, our life paths diverged. Toward the end of a pleasant conversation, James asked for an early evening date on Saturday. I suggested that we take a couple cruiser bicycles around Dallas. We were to get back in touch to discuss logistics.

By Saturday afternoon my friend Miranda called to take me up on my suggestion that we ride soon, which was a reply to her Facebook post that she bought a cruiser. We met at my condo, rode to Stella McCartney’s new store in Highland Park Village and enjoyed a sandwich and conversation on Cedar Springs.

As dusk arrived, James’ call hadn’t.  Again I marveled how I had plans with a man, but a girlfriend stepped in as my date. Laughs, topics and pearls of wisdom were never in short supply with Veronica or Miranda, and they shared my love of karaoke and bicycling. This weekend was a good reminder that plans may change but when open to opportunities, great times can still be had.

Celebrating the moment: a nice first date

A month ago I emailed Sam on OKCupid because I really liked his photos and profile. He seemed kind and had passion for his work in medicine. After a few back-and-forth messages, we agreed that I would call him the next day. I did and left a message. Never heard back.

This week Sam contacted me. By his message, I could tell that he did not remember that we had already communicated and the voice mail was in his court. I was still interested but reminded him of our initial contact. Sam did not retreat in his interest.

Impetuous, he asked to meet out the night he contacted me. I was tired. The next night I was out, dressed to kill and emailed Sam an invitation to meet me out. He was tired. He asked if we could go out Friday.

By Friday afternoon, both of us were spent from a long week of work, but we had our first phone conversation. The two-hour conversation intrigued me out of my yawns. Sam asked me to come over and watch a movie. I declined explaining that no amount of messages, conversations and sharing photos of ourselves can replace in-person chemistry. I suggested some place neutral. We decided to go for sushi. He offered to pick me up, and I accepted.

As it got closer to the time he was to arrive, I began to slightly panic. Why did I accept a ride from someone I do not know? I began to use my Google prowess: first name*, city, employment. BINGO! There he was: headshot, job title, credentials, even a co-worker he mentioned.

The drought-breaking drizzle that escorted me from my condo to his car felt as refreshing as his appearance being even better than his pictures. Conversation never ceased as he opened doors, walked beside me and grabbed for the check without hesitation.

The restaurant was closing. The drizzle turned into rain. Sam drove me home and offered to come in to see my condo. Another time, I replied.

Throughout the night I found it easy to compliment: he smelled great, I liked his smile and upon goodbyes, I asked if I may kiss him on the cheek. He asked, “The cheek?” I responded by going from the cheek to the lips. Soft lips.

Sam has texted since what I considered to be the perfect first date: short and sweet. However, Sam’s premature invitations are to be noted. Will there be a second date? Only time will tell.

*Sam’s real name is unique