Here comes your man

So the morning was less than auspicious... mid blow-dry I tripped the bathroom circuit breaker and plunged into outfit arranging darkness. Too lazy to head down to Freddy Kruger's hideaway I performed the finishing touches in my bedroom, oscillating between (6) sweater choices. Final outfit, Regis? Final outfit: knee-length, wool cashmere checked skirt, plum kimono style merino sweater, cream cashmere scarf and knee-high brown boots.

Off to work, slight work drama. Angst as to whether or not I'll make the date in time... I sneak out a little early and head out of campus to the meeting place. At the light, I cut off the car behind me (oops). And the car catches my eye... I look a bit closer... I check again... NFW, He Who Must Not be Named! There are only (2) possible lunch venues this way. What are the odds? My twitterpated butterflies quickly dissipate into pangs of nausea. Approach the venue and he goes straight, thank God for small favors. And Buddha, Allah, Mohamed, etc.

I get out of the car and approach This Charming Man. Blunder #1? My opener is how narrowly we've just escaped an unfortunate coincidence. He's handsome up close, tres handsome. White button down, green tie, seems much taller than 6'3" and I'd like to get lost in those moody grey eyes.

Takes a bit to order and the conversation resembles trading dossiers. Particular sparks on both ends as we discuss cooking and music. I learn that he's divorced, articulate, engaging. We seem to have had shared formative experiences. He quotes a lyric from This Charming Man! I still like him. And I'm awkward, nervous, unsure. I do think this one at least finds me attractive, after that who knows.

We shake hands. He says, "I think I'd like to do this again, can I give you a call." I concur and sail off to work, little giddy.

And then (2) things happen. I get back to work to find an email from He Who Must Not be Named. "Hey, you wouldn't know anything about a hottie cutting me off at the light? How've you been?" *Delete* Item #2? I share my date autopsy with a less than glass half full coworker. Her take? No body contact. You need at least a hug for him to be interested. He's going to reject you. He won't call. I politely reiterate the positives. She reaffirms her position. This continues thrice more until I call uncle. I remind her that I am stressing the positives as that's the frame of mind I need to be in. And then I walk away.

I've spent my afternoon replaying this exchange and the date over and over as mental torture. Do I say anything? Do I wait? Wax on? Wax off? Wax on! I send a quick (3) line note reaffirming my thanks for lunch and that it was fun. And now we wait. The question is, how many days from note to response, before I am to assume disinterest? Please don't let her be right. I like this one. He doesn't have to be Mr. Right, but I'd like a second date with This Charming Man.