Coffee and intrigue

Last night I was supposed to meet music man for a drink. He called me late Tuesday night while I was on the phone with E (11pm), but I didn’t answer the beep. I’ve had a few match guys call while I’m on the other line, and I’ve decided I won’t switch over when I’m on the phone with a friend! :-P

E and I finished up our conversation around 11:30, and I checked my message.

In his message, music man called to tell me that his younger brother had just found out he had gotten accepted to the college I teach at, and that he was coming into town to stay with him and look around the campus. He said that he “apologized profusely” about having to cancel, and that he wanted to make “definitive plans to reschedule.” He was talking quickly as he reiterated that canceling the first time you’re supposed to meet someone is one of his biggest pet peeves.

I called him back, and we chatted for about 20 minutes or so. I told him not to worry about it. His story seemed genuine. I’ve talked the most with music man. He writes witty emails and has called a few times. Out of the men this week, I was most curious about meeting him.

He inquired about the weekend, and I told him I was busy. He didn’t press the issue and said he’d give me a call so we could figure something out for next week.

I may not have met music man last night, but I didn’t sit home alone.

Enter: WorldTraveler.

Match Date # 3: WorldTraveler
6:30 PM, Wednesday

Out of the guys I’ve met so far, and even those I’m talking with through email, he’s probably the one I had talked to least. He had tried calling me a few times, but he always got my voicemail.

Wednesday afternoon he sent me an IM to ask what I was up to. We chatted for a few minutes and then he signed off. Later in the day, he sent me an IM to ask if I wanted to meet for coffee. Since my plans with music man had fallen through, I thought it was worth going. In my little interaction with him, I wasn’t that interested in meeting him yet, but I’m trying to get out there. Right?

I arrived a few minutes early (at a different coffee shop from where I met Inspector) and stayed in my car to stay warm. A red SUV pulled up next to me. I glanced out of the corner of my eye, but tried not to draw attention to myself. In my quick glance, I thought it might be WorldTraveler. I glanced in my rear-view mirror to get a better look, but I couldn’t tell.

So I left the warmth of my car and walked up to the coffee shop. As I walked to pull the door, he was walking towards the glass.

He was dressed nicely in his work clothes: black slacks, black shoes, and striped button down shirt. He was tall, thin, dark, and cute.

I had opted for jeans with brown keyhole flats and had layered a brown pinstripe jacket over a long v-neck shirt with matching v-neck camisole.

He reached out his hand to shake mine. He grasped it firmly, but not hard.

We walked towards the counter to order. I ordered green tea and he, mocha.

I reached for my wallet, and he promptly waived me off.

As we stood there waiting for his mocha, he asked me how my day had been. I noticed his eyes sweeping over me, and I felt distinctly like he was looking at the top of my head.

Then he said, “You look better in person than you do in your pictures.”

“Ah, thanks…I guess it’s better than the other way around.”

He smiled.

We eventually collected his drink and found a seat. His legs collided with mine under the small table.

We sat closely and drank our warm beverages in front of the drafty door.

We talked about our jobs, books, our adjusting to Raleigh after both having recently moved, and our experiences with match.

He reached over and touched the sleeve of my jacket and then pointed toward my shirt as his finger brushed the scarf I had left on.

“You look nice. You’re very put-together.”

“I guess I’m a bit matchy-matchy.”

I was surprised at the ease of our interaction. He leaned closer at the table, and I noticed his dark eyes. He looked better in person too, and I loved his accent.

He told me that he had come to meet me for coffee while he was waiting for his job’s California office to close. He had to go back to work before he could go home.

We finished up and headed towards the door.

I ruined the moment as I clipped the raised floor. Luckily I didn’t fall, and I laughed it off.

His SUV was parked next to my Sentra.

“It’s easy for me to walk you to your car.”

“Yes, how convenient.”

He reached to hug me, and I could smell his cologne and leather jacket. He said, “I’m busy the next few days, but I enjoyed meeting you. I’ll call you soon.”

“Sounds good, I’m busy too.”

It felt good to be busy with something other than grading papers for a change.