As I traded in my Yankee status to give my best shot at being a southerner, I dreamed of meeting a man where the weather is warmer and everything moves a bit slower. I’d move into my newly built luxury apartment complex, organize my new space, settle the animals, and immerse myself in the dating world of southern gentlemen. And after a few dud dates, Mr. Right would be there to add y’all to my vocabulary and the feeling of home in my heart. 

It was October 31st and while many of the women in my age group were toting around a wagon of children to collect candy, I was prettying myself up for a date. The location was Green Valley Grill, the time 7 PM, and my outfit was a black button up casual dress with black leggings and heels. We opted for bar seats over the hour-long wait and within minutes we were sipping on a blackberry lemon drop martini and a cold beer. The old world European décor and zestful food made getting to know one another cozy and inviting. To end the night, we ordered a shot of espresso and a fun latte and walked around the old hotel attached to the restaurant. The date was sweet and perfect. He followed up the date with a text saying that his hour-long drive was worth it. I’d have to agree. 

As I continued to strip the familiar from my day to day life the weight of the unknown became heavier and heavier. New job interviews, new friends, new challenges, and family too far to grasp on to on a whim. Between his schedule and mine, a second date wasn’t etched in the agenda quite yet and I joked with a friend that I had a new pen pal, a handsome one at that. 

It was November 17th and I traded in the hopes of a date # 2 with another date # 1. We met at a new restaurant called 66 Taphouse, the time 6:30 PM, my outfit a black jumpsuit and brown fur vest with ballerina flats. The place was bustling, and the expecting bartender was doing the job of three. We drank caramel apple martinis (his idea not mine) and shared homemade chips covered in cheese and bacon, a dieter’s delight. As the date winded down, he touched my leg and held his hand in place mid conversation and my hand gravitated towards his; the touch offered up an unexpected rush.  We parted ways in the parking lot, but not before he gave me one of those little kid like hugs where the grip is just right. He followed up the date with texts that could definitely make me blush. I joked with a friend that he had a Christian Grey like vibe.

Rue is plotting her climb up the Christmas tree and Neela is happily snoring at my feet as I sit here sipping on my tea writing this blog as I jot down the words…