I’m embarrassed to admit my first date of the year was in December, but after living in Santa Barbara it’s easy to give up on dating.  As a distraction from the fleas I was dealing with, I agreed to meet Mike for lunch.  When he suggested Ruby Tuesday’s, I knew I was going to get blog material.

Salad bar for two and good conversation, but he had an air of cockiness.  I wasn’t sure why, but I could feel it.  As the check came, he opened his wallet and pulled out a coupon and made the waitress re-total.  When she laid down the new portfolio, he opened and said “if we split it, you can give me $6.”  Yes, that is six dollars.

He walked me outside and hugged me.  I told him it was nice meeting and pivoted on my heels to get to my car and laugh.  Two days later, he was texting me trying to book a second date.  I should of been direct and said I wasn’t interested, but instead I just was honest in another way.  “I’m unpacking and buying furniture. I really want to get through this before I leave next weekend.”

Mike must be a man continuously on defense.  His response was not sympathetic or understanding.  “Ah, excuses.  OK.  I get it.  Typical Richmond girl. Par for the course. Ur a arrogant Richmond bitch like all the others.”

I’m excited.  I’ve been here a week and I’m already typical.  Who says things move slow in the south?