I can still clearly remember when Aaron and I matched. I was instantly engrossed when his attractive face flashed on my screen under the thrilling “It’s a Match!” banner.
With his broad shoulders, well trimmed beard, and eyes that gleamed like warm honey drizzled over freshly baked bread, Aaron was simply beautiful. His bio drew my interest, and his profile radiated confidence: “Searching for something genuine.” A lover of horrible puns, coffee, and literature. A guy who enjoys a good pun? Instant bonus points in my opinion.
His messages, however, were what really captured my attention. They went well beyond the standard “Hey, how’s your day?” chitchat that frequently permeates dating apps and were instead considerate and interesting. Asking about the books I was reading and following up on sporadic instances I had shared, Aaron recalled specifics from our chats. He had the ability to breathe life and enthusiasm into even the most uninteresting subjects.
One evening, I stated in passing that Beauty and the Beast was my favorite story as a youngster during a playful conversation about childhood nostalgia. Aaron startled me with his excitement instead of his typical contemptuous reaction.
“Just right,” he shot back, his eyes glimmering. A girl who sees the positive side of a misunderstood man with anger management issues and he fall in love. classic.
I sensed the distinct click of chemistry at that same moment.
He texted me almost nonstop for a week before asking me out to dinner. After emailing me the address of a fancy downtown Italian restaurant, he continued, “I know a spot you’ll love.”
My eyebrows almost touched the ceiling when I Googled it. Definitely posh, with white tables, candles, and a menu that omitted pricing. I couldn’t help but make fun of him. “Fancy, huh? Do I need to bring a ball gown?
“Only if you intend to dance with a beast,” he said, causing me to snort with amusement.
He was there when I entered the restaurant on the night of our date. Aaron got up as soon as he noticed me, and I briefly lost my ability to breathe. His fine charcoal suit and white shirt, along with his nicely tousled hair that suggested he had worked just the right amount, made him appear even better in person.
I smelled his costly, intoxicating cologne when he leaned in for a brief embrace; it’s the kind of scent that stays with you long after the person is gone.
With a nice smile, he pulled out my chair and added, “You look amazing.”
He smirked and said, “Technically, I did.” I rolled my eyes and laughed at his teasing conceit.
If there was a grading system for first dates, this one would receive an A+. There were no uncomfortable pauses, no references to past relationships, and most definitely no hurtful small talk about “what do you do for fun?” It was effortless and instinctive.
Aaron then leaned forward, his eyes glowing with interest, in the midst of our appetizers. He inquired, obviously eager to learn more, “What is something you’ve never told anyone?”
His unexpected inquiry caught me off guard, and I blinked. “Whoa, aiming for the deep cuts right away?” I made fun of it.
“Life is brief. With earnestness, he answered, “Why waste it on small talk?”
After giving it some thought, I said, “All right. With my younger brother, I used to cheat at board games.
In faux fear, his eyes expanded. “Not games on a board!”
I smiled and said, “Oh yeah.” “Brutal tactics in Monopoly, Candy Land, Chutes, and Ladders!”
Aaron shook his head, fighting back laughing with twitchy lips. “Remind me not to play cards with you ever again.”
I shot back, relishing the lighthearted banter, “No promises.”
It was pleasant. It felt natural.
Confused, I scowled. “What do you mean?”
His grin got bigger. It is comparable to The Bachelor. If I think a woman is excellent enough to advance to the following round, I offer her a rose.
I waited for the joke while I looked at him. He must have been kidding.
He wasn’t.
I felt my exhilaration burst like a bubble as he sat there, totally focused.
“Well, I believe you’re fantastic, therefore this rose is for you. You’ll keep receiving flowers if all goes according to plan. And I’ll choose the woman I want to be with when there are only two left.
I almost choked when eating my tiramisu.
“Are you serious?” I hoped I had misheard him when I asked.
“Of course!” he smiled. “You know, dating can be challenging. I can be confident I’m choosing the proper individual this way.
And that? I mentally checked out at that point.
As I sat there, I tried to comprehend how my ideal date had suddenly turned into an unofficial reality show. I participated in a live-action dating tournament without receiving any compensation.
I decided when Aaron excused himself to use the restroom. I motioned for the server to come over, took out my card, and paid for us both.
It felt like a power move at the time, even though I realize I probably shouldn’t have paid for him as well. I’m also a bit petty.
After that, I picked up my purse, took the rose, and left the room immediately.
Leave. Certainly!” He smiled. “You know, dating is difficult? In this manner, I can be certain that I’m choosing the appropriate person.
That, too? I stopped thinking about it at that point.
I pondered how my ideal date had suddenly turned into an unofficial reality show. I participated in an unpaid live-action dating tournament.
Aaron excused himself to the bathroom, and I decided what to do. I gestured to the waiter, took out my card, and made our joint payment.
Yes, I realize that I probably shouldn’t have paid for him as well, but it felt like a power move at the time. I am also somewhat petty.
I accepted the rose, snatched up my bag, and left the room immediately after.
Get out.