That Neighbor Fella

Several days ago I ran into that neighbor fella I've mentioned a couple of times. Since I was standing by my car with my hand on the door and it was obvious I was about to leave, the conversation was relatively short, mostly an exchange of pleasantries. He did mention that he was relatively new to the area, not just the neighborhood - something I had not previously known.

Toward the end of the conversation he casually remarked, "We'll have to get together sometime."

Since the comment was vague, I assumed he was being polite, (OK, maybe I just wanted to assume that). I smiled and gave a rather non-committal response.

Today my phone rang at lunch time and to my surprise it was Barack (not his real name). (Ha - just teasing - I'm going to call him David.) It would seem David had seen my mother outside last night and had asked the best way to contact me. I am still amazed that my over-protective mother provided him with my cell phone number. "Well, he seems like a nice man and you've been so sad lately..."

We talked non-stop through his entire lunch hour. Isn't there something truly exciting about getting to know someone who is intelligent, articulate, and possesses a good sense of humor? I was really enjoying myself until near the end of the conversation. I knew by this time that he was going to ask me out, but I pretty much repressed that thought so that as long as possible I could enjoy talking with him.

"I have to get back to work, but I was wondering if maybe you'd like to go out to dinner sometime this weekend."

There it was, I had to deal with it. It's not the first time since my break-up that I've been asked out, but dealing with that sort of situation is still uncomfortable and this is a really nice man. I'd mentioned early in the conversation that I'd recently gone through a breakup, but I mentioned it again and replied that I really wasn't ready to date as I was still very much in love in spite of what had happened.

He assured me he completely understood the circumstances, then asked, "You do still eat, don't you?"

I laughingly admitted I did.

"So let's just go out and enjoy making a new friend. You're someone I want to get to know better and it doesn't matter to me that it won't be a date." He paused, then added, "I understand you're hurting. I'm not trying to push. If you want to say no, it's ok."

I wonder if he knew being all sweet and understanding made it more difficult to say no?

"I'm honestly busy this weekend, but - "

"How about tonight then?" he interjected.

"Not trying to push, huh?" I laughed.

"You can't fault a guy for being persistent."

No, I guess I can't. We're going out to dinner tonight.