It was a rainy Friday afternoon in New York City, Emme was perched on her windowsill with her computer taking Rosetta Stone classes in French, but constantly getting distracted by the busy views out of her West Village brownstone walk up. There’s a guy on a bike speed pedalling for cover, cabs driving by and splashing water onto the sidewalks and a waiter closing the outside seating area.
It’s 4:30 PM, Emme decides to wrap up her lesson and tidy up. She has one fine night to look forward to. Well, it can go two ways – her Tinder date can become the man of her dreams or it can be disastrous. She will give this guy Connor the benefit of the doubt. She’s been talking to Connor for three days now before agreeing to meet. He’s a Columbia grad turned Goldman banker, enjoys time running by the Hudson and grabbing a drink with his mates but also, he likes some quiet time to read a book. Well-rounded, buff with a good ol’ bright smile. So far, he ticks the boxes.
“What to wear..what to wear,” Emme says as she opens her closet and runs her hands through the rack of clothes before her.
By the time she gets washed up, make-up ready and dressed, it’s already 7:00 PM. About time to call an Uber to take her to the long-anticipated highlight of her day. Emme opted for a simple, body-fit black midi dress with a light mulberry-colored leather jacket and black ankle booties. Minimal and a bit edgy.
Her trip over to Soho filled her stomach with the butterflies. She’s been on countless dates, but not a single contender ever lasted over a month. They all eventually get intimidated by her for being so independent and knowing what she wants. They think she’s “perfect” even though she scoffs at that idea. She’s hoping that her steady communication with Connor, though just three days, will be the turning point to her love life.
“Hi, are you Emme?” a husky voice from behind her asks.
That startled Emme. “Yes, nice to finally meet you Connor!” They quickly shook hands and got the waiter to show them to their corner-side table at the back of the restaurant.
Nervous gazes and smiles were exchanged as they took their seats.
“So, tell me. How was your wet Friday?” asked Connor.
“Oh well, nothing out of the ordinary. I did some work at a local cafe this morning trying to get some content out for my clients, picked up a few groceries and did an afternoon session of my French lessons. Easy way to end the week. What about you?” Emme was hoping this wasn’t going to be another back-and-forth banter of how are you, what have you done lately, what do you do, etc. She’s hoping for some kick to create some momentum.
“No complaints, work could be worse but I got a lot done earlier this week so I didn’t need to scramble to get things done today,” replied Connor calmly. “Not going to lie, I was scared I was going to get a last minute call to action that would make me have to cancel. That happens sometimes.”
“Well aren’t I lucky then,” smiles Emme.
A glass of wine in and with the entrees here, the jitters faded. They got a few laughs in before getting into the nitty-gritty details of their dating life.
“Are you looking for something serious? I’m kind of surprised you are still single for someone like you,” Emme says, low-key hoping he isn’t the typical banker who is only looking to play around.
“Ah, here comes that question,” laughs Connor. “I’ve dated around, but none of the people I meet check this one box that is important for me in a partner. Yes, I do want a long-term commitment and if I meet a woman who can just be herself, I will make room for her in my life.”
“So, what is that one box no one has checked off yet?” asks Emme.
“Having her own life alongside being with me. You know, everyone has their own life to live. I wouldn’t want someone to lose that drive to pursue her own work and hobbies just because she’s in a relationship.”
Wow, Emme thought. This man, this man right here got his shizzle together. He knows what he wants, too. How do I trap his ass, as Ali Wong said.
Dinner comes to an end. Both parties seem to be so drawn to one another but in an attempt to have more things to look forward to, Connor suggested to call it a night and try meeting again sometime over the weekend. Emme agrees.
Emme heads back to her humble abode feeling satisfied the date gone well. She awaits for Connors text to come through to see if there is a follow up. The next morning comes, the afternoon passes. Was it all a show, a mask Connor put on throughout the night? The waiting game is part of the dating game. Modern love, 2020.
