First Date

It’s late afternoon, I just left work, and I’ve planted my behind at a Starbucks table. I’ve got my steamy tea to my left, my bags and cords draped over a chair to my right. The same old indie rock soundtrack is playing, intertwined with the hissing steam coming from the espresso machine. There’s a bit of chatter coming from two girls talking about some TV show, some goofing around by the employees, and of course, the recitations of orders coming from the customers-the “regulars”- in line. Now, I intended to finish some training for work, check my emails, get distracted by facebook- you know, the typical “study” regimen. But what’s got my attention among the seemingly same hum-drum of a Starbucks lobby is a man and a woman sitting down at a table across from me. The man is actually not visible to me, nor is his voice audible; but the woman is entirely in my range of hearing and visibility. She’s sitting on her hands, slightly tense in her shoulders. She keeps shyly chuckling. As she talks, her eyes keep nervously shifting to every other direction away from the guy. She hasn’t touched her drink. This is totally a first date-Whoa! I’ve never experienced this before. Really, I don’t remember what my first “date” was, if I even had one. I knew Luke, my boyfriend, in high school as a friend. Even as things got more serious we were never really the “dating” type. I don’t particularly know what it’s like to go out with a “stranger” and discuss our personalities over a plate of tacos or, in this case for these two in front of me, a grande black bold roast and a tall iced passion tea. Sure, I know what it’s like to meet new people and make new friends; but what I’m witnessing is something I swear I’ve only watched on romantic comedies. And yes, I do mean comedies because the girl just asked “OK, I have to ask! How old are you??” …. Wait, I’m listening in…. Wowzers! Turns out she’s 36 and he’s 28. Anyways, I’m definitely moving off my original idea track. Watching these two introduce themselves, and sharing the basics of their life- job, previous partners, kids, family, hobbies- made me aware of how new I am to blogging and sharing my life with my readers, and how this is like my “first date.” It’s true. It took me longer than a week to formulate an “About Me” page. It’s like getting ready for the date- What do I say? How do I look? Too much make up? Not enough? Are these boot heels high enough? (Um, YES, to the woman right now.) I over thought what I would say, which is strange because how could I not know what to say about who I am or have been for the last 21 years, right? Hmm, wrong. It’s a difficult and scary thing to put yourself out there in any form- singing, speaking, blogging, dating, socializing. I do have an advantage, though. I’m behind a screen, and you’re all somewhere literally reading my mind. You won’t see me verbally struggling with a word to use or a story to share the way that this woman is tripping over her thoughts, and forgetting how long she’s been working at her current job. (I love how this analogy is unraveling in my mind and in front of my eyes. Who knew my first post would be handed to me in my favorite new work place?)

So, the place is clearing out now. The employees are sweeping the floor in the down time. It’s me and the couple. There’s a standing banner blocking the guy, so I still can’t see him. However, she’s loosened up a bit, she actually took a drink, and her leg is pulled up under her,and she’s leaning in closer to the table. Oh, the guy just got up from the table to “use the bathroom” AKA texting his buds to give the 411. She’s waiting at the table, checking her phone, and now looking around the lobby. She looks hopeful, excited almost. (Ha! She just looked over at me. I would too if some strange gal kept looking up from her laptop in my direction.) He hasn’t come back yet, so I think this is a good place to finish. I’ll stop creepin’ on their date and make up my own ending for their future. Meanwhile, I’ll be like that girl- excitedly hopeful. I’ll wish that you all enjoy what I share, and since I’m a newbie, that you’ll take it easy on me (like that woman should have done with the hair spray- YIKES. Was she trying to tame the fly-away’s or build an impenetrable nest?)

Well, tonight was fun! Nice to meet you. Let’s do this again. I had a great time! And whatever else you say at the end of a first date…

You can check out my main blog! mollydonegan.wordpress.com