Of Mice and Mens...

Of Mice and Men
What an appropriate title for the continuing saga of my so called love life. *deep sigh*

Since joining the front desk staff at the gym, I've managed to capture the attention of a couple guys. After a few weeks of phone tag and brief encounters at the gym, one of them, had the guts to ask me out on a date recently. Now, physically he really isn't my "type", you see he's a big, burly, balding Black man. Honestly, I prefer Caucasian men at this juncture in my life, but I thought I'd give a brotha a chance. I know, right? What's wrong with that? I mean he seemed like a nice enough guy. Always smiling and playful when he'd check-in at the front desk. So, I figure what the heck, I'll get a nice meal and some conversation at least.

Fast forward to this past Friday afternoon. We had talked on the phone at length a couple of times, during which I had agreed to meet him for lunch. Initially, we'd agreed to meet at 11:30 AM, but I arrived at the restaurant early (11:00 AM) to secure us a table since I knew we'd have a long wait otherwise. I sent him a text message asking if he could meet me earlier and he replied at 11:09 AM that he was on his way. It was 11:39 AM, when I sent him a text message stating that I was going to go ahead an order. He showed up shortly after my food arrived. *grrrr*

He sat down explaining that he was caught up at work and apologized for keeping me waiting, this is when I noticed the wedding band on his left hand. *figures* In our previous conversations, he hadn't mentioned that he was married!!! Realizing that I had noticed his wedding band, he began to explain his situation. He's working here in Kansas City on a year long contract away from his wife and three small children. He'd married his college sweetheart, but things weren't going too well for them lately blaming the bulk of his marital issues on his mother-in-law. *shrug* I listened to him talk and talk and talk...politely nodding my head from time to time. Finally, he shifted the conversation to talk about me and "us". I let him know that I wasn't interested in having an affair with a married or otherwise involved man. I said that we could be friends, but that's it. Nothing more. Strictly platonic. He seemed disappointed and tried to explain away his marriage. *pffft* During our ensuing conversation, he showered me with praise and admiration. We talked about this and that. He talked about his entrepreneurial ventures, his profession, his family, etc. Finally, he paid the bill and escorted me out to my car where, once again, he tried to persuade me into a furtive liaison. I gave him a hug, thanked him for lunch and whisked away in my car. Not 5 minutes later, I got a text message, "U can be my secret seriously think about it." *grrrr* I don't want to be your frickin' secret jackhole. There's SINGLE men out there that I'm sure have just as much to offer as you seem to think you have to offer. Did I mention that he's a CANCER! OY VEY! The little guilt trips...the browbeating...the needling...the cajoling. ENOUGH ALREADY! GEEZ! *ack* I can't stand it. *eyeroll*

Later that afternoon, I got more text messages, "Y no response". I replied that I wanted to talk to him on the phone about his indecent proposal. I figured, I'd lay my cards on the table. Let him know that "I'm just not that into you". By this time Gwenie Gwen came over to spend the night since the mover's had come to take all her stuff and she needed a place to crash. I ignored his other pages that night. This was the last time I'd get to hangout with my Gwenie Gwen.

Saturday came. I helped Gwenie Gwen clear out the remainder of stuff in her apartment, hugged her goodbye and went into work at the gym. Just as I suspected, he was there. In previous conversations, we agreed no matter what became of us there would be "NO DRAMA!", especially at the gym. I was totally professional and went on about my duties. He did his thing and left after some small talk. I had to ring up his powershake. *shrug* No messages from him Saturday. THANK GAWD! But, the big let down was still looming over my head.

Finally, Sunday night, he called. We talked about random stuff and he hinted around about what my intentions might be with regard to him. I bluntly reminded him that I don't entangle myself with married men, especially men with small children at home. That's just bad karma. I told him that we can be friends! Strictly platonic, nothing romantic. Besides, I know what it's like to be a professional white collar Black person in Kansas City. That it's hard to network and meet new people. He acknowledged my observation and agreed that we could, at least, be friends.
*Phew* I didn't have to go there, yet! Didn't have to tell him that even if he wasn't married, that I still wouldn't be interested. Why break a man's spirit like that, right? I know how it feels for someone to say, "You're an attractive woman, but I'm not attracted to you." *HMPH* @ssh@le. Anyway, during our conversation, he commented that I was a rare gem. Someone that is hard to find and he didn't want to jeopardize our friendship. I will say this, he's a very perceptive, albeit, eccentric, guy. Not unlike myself. That being said, I'll keep him around for a minute and see what happens.

I did mention there was a couple guys, right? I'll leave them a mystery for now. Things are still unfolding...