Our first date began at Noon and ended at half past midnight! At each possible ending, it was clear, neither of us wanted the date to end.
We started at Applebee’s restaurant. The conversation was going well. We talked about everything, but we were constantly interrupted. We had one of those perky waitresses, who, when she found out we were on a first date, stopped by the table every six minutes to check on us. We timed it. After two hours, the waitress asked us to pay the bill because she was working a split-shift and needed to close out with management.
“I’m very sorry,” she said. “I don’t usually rush customers. This is just a unique situation. You can stay as long as you want.”
I paid the bill and we continued to talk. We talked about childhood, we talked about hobbies and interests, and we talked about the future – about goals, and careers, and kids. At one point in the conversation, I took a drink while Amy said something funny. Somehow, the liquid which usually quenched my thirst was now rocketing out my nose. And it didn’t stop. As I tried to stem the flow, Amy sat there giggling. She didn’t run in terror.
“I’m sorry,” I finally squeaked.
“For showing me you’re human?” Amy replied with a giant grin. Then she changed the subject and the conversation resumed. At 5:30, a familiar voice interrupted us.
“You’re still here?!?” our waitress announced. Amy’s eyes grew large. I shivered.
“We’re just leaving,” I managed as we both bolted for the front door.
“Now where?” Amy asked as we buckled into the car.
“I could take you home if you wish.”
“No, I don’t want to go home,” Amy said with a grin, “Let’s go see a movie.”
While waiting to purchase tickets, Amy’s cell phone rang. She looked at the display, cringed, and whispered an apology.
“Hi, Jen. What’s up?…No, maybe next weekend….Will you be at church tomorrow?…”
Realizing Amy had previously set up this call to get out of a “messy date”, I stepped back to give her some space, grinning from ear to ear. She wanted to spend more time with me.
During the movie when the bedroom scene began, I started counting popcorn kernels on the floor. Half-way to 100, Amy nudged me.
“What are you doing?” she asked.
“Just tell me when the scene’s over,” I muttered. Amy told me much later that she knew at that moment.
When we exited the theater, we couldn’t remember where I’d parked. We looked everywhere.
“Found it,” I announced with chagrin.
“What’s wrong?” she asked, then followed my pointing finger.
“I left the headlights on,” I answered. Why? It had been daylight when we parked. I had no explanation. Amy called her best friend for a jump-start.
“You’re supposed to stage this at a dead end where we could make out and get to know each other,” Amy quipped. Instantly I was flush with embarrassment.
“Um…I didn’t do this on purpose,” I managed, glad for the cover of night.
“I’m just kidding,” Amy replied. There was an awkward pause.
“Um…” I began, “I’ve never kissed a girl before. I…uh…wanted to wait until the pastor said ‘you may kiss the bride.'”
Amy was at a loss for words.
“I’m not trying to make you feel bad, I just thought you should know in case this relationship continues.” I tried to sound matter-of-fact. Amy’s look was a mix of appreciation and fear. Recognizing the struggle within Amy, I continued. “I’m not looking for someone who’s made the same decision. I just knew I had to make that decision when I was in middle school.”
Shortly after the awkward conversation, Temple arrived with her trusty fiance in tow. As Jason and I connected the two batteries, Amy took Temple a safe distance away.
“How’s it going?” Temple asked, loud enough for me to hear.
“Fine,” Amy replied through clenched teeth. Temple took the hint and began to whisper.
Once my car started, we parted ways.
“Now where?” Amy asked. It was after 8:00 p.m.
“Are you hungry?” I asked.
“Yes, and I know the perfect place,” she answered and began directing me to an incredible Italian restaurant.
Half-way through our meal, Amy pushed her plate away.
“Do you want the rest of mine?” she asked. I was very hungry, having only eaten lunch that day.
“Thanks,” I answered, before accepting her plate. Amy later told me I had passed her test.
We talked for the rest of the night.
“I’m sorry to interrupt, but we closed half-an-hour ago,” our waiter stated apologetically. I glanced sheepishly around the room. We were the only patrons in the restaurant. I paid the bill and we headed for the car.
“Now where?” We drove around for an hour before I dropped Amy off at home.
“How are you going to top that date?” a very close friend asked me when I described the date. “Are you going to wet yourself?” I laughed, and still chuckle today when thinking about it. There were a few mishaps that might send most girls running, but Amy didn’t run. She saw a real human, not a fake front, and began falling in love with me on that date. I’d snort iced tea again if it’d bring Amy back for even just a laugh. Good grief.
Good Grief?!? 