Books, wine and tea, oh my!

Everyone has their idea of a dream date. A day at the beach is one. Another is an escape room. Even a spontaneous trip to Paris or Rome. There are a billion different dream dates. Sadly, there are also a billion different nightmare dates. In my personal opinion, skydiving is a big no-no. Also, going to a movie on the first date screams awkward middle school hangout. I want to get to know you and not stare at a movie, wondering what you are thinking about. However, the best Ideal dates, good or bad. Are the ones you don’t expect, and here’s mine.

So, the funny thing is; I didn’t meet him on a dating site. I had alway thought I would end up meeting someone online. Why? Well, I am extremely shy and covid has sadly taken over the world with its endless isolation, pain, and death. However, I guess God had other plans for me as I walked to the local bookstore named Negus. It was a new black owned bookstore. Which was more for adults than kids and teens because of their amazing selection of wine and coffee. I just got my vaccination so I wanted to start normal again and this was a means to a new beginning.

I walked inside and took in the beautiful fresh interior. As I continued walking in; I noticed the fond presence of a tall young man wearing an amaranth button mock neck sweater and black jeans. He was sitting down reading a book. He put the book down before I could read the title. I was so distracted by his chiseled cover, I didn’t notice that a waitress had come over to his table where she placed a steaming cup of tea, a bottle of Merlot, and a wine glass. As the waitress walked away he poured himself this very enticing glass of Merlot. Then took the tea bag out of the boiling tea cup and put it in the wine. I’ve never known anyone other than myself to do that. Perfect! That was my in! My reason to talk to him.

I trudged toward his tower. My hands were clammy and my breath was slow and shallow. He was getting up when I said. “Hi!” in the most overly cheerful tone. He hesitated but smiled anyway. “Uh. Hello. Can I help you?” He said, with a confused look, yet still smiling. “ Oh I’m sorry to bother you, I just noticed that you put a tea bag into your wine and I thought I was the only one who did that.” He sat down and motioned me to do the same. “My grandmother liked putting tea bags in her wine instead of powdered grape tannin. In her opinion it gives a better bitter feel.” He straightened up and looked at me seriously. “Well I’m going to assume you have the same family secret or I will have to kill you.” He said with a wink. I returned the wink. “Well let's just hope it's the same secret and not the same family.” I said too quickly for my brain to stop me. He let out a loud laugh; Gaining some glares our way. “My bad.” he said. “I’m sorry but you are hilarious. Would you like a drink? I would like to continue this- uh. Well I hope I’m not being too forward but I guess I would call this a date.” He was completely nervous and unsure. I smiled softly. “I would love that.”

In the end, it was all unexpected. We spent hours in a bookstore, talking like we knew each other for years. I would have never come up with the idea of having a date in a bookstore. Why? Truly, because I always thought you had to go all out for a date. Specifically a first. The first date defines almost everything. Now of course you should always try and give second chances. At the same time it's just easier to go with flow and let God take you on a drive.