Like most of us from the Midwest or back East, we love the fact that harsh winters are basically non-existent in Southern Cali. However, every now and then we'll get some cold weather that chills us to the bone. Luckily, those times are few and far between. This past winter was a bit chilly, as was the story with my date, who I'll call Kamar. I met Kamar via an online dating site, I know, I really should just stay off of those things, but that's another story. From his profile, he was tall, had caramel skin with freckles, great teeth (have I ever mentioned I'm somewhat of a tooth snob), very handsome. He lived in San Diego, so honestly, it was a stretch for me to even entertain the idea of dating someone living in a different part of the state. I mean driving in LA traffic alone can take two hours just to get from Downtown to Santa Monica. I thought, what the hell! You know never know, right? Besides, he owned a construction business based out of San Diego with a remote office here, which kept him traveling back and forth to Los Angeles, so the distance may not be that bad.
Kamar had an upcoming trip to LA, so we arranged to meet the next time he was going to be here. I know I've said it before, but normally, I don't do meals for a first meeting. However, our back-and-forth conversation was going good, so I decided to make an exception. He suggested we meet at a restaurant on the Santa Monica Pier for a late lunch. Now, those who know me know that I really never go to the beach. Like almost never. I just don't, especially when it's cold outside. I love hot. Like super hot! Like sweat beads running down my face hot!!! Don't get me wrong, a walk on the beach every now and again or laying in the sand is calming and romantic with the right person, so if I have to go, I just prefer the beach when it's warm. And I really prefer to be around water that I can actually get in it. I mean, cold, slimy, green water? That really isn't my stilo at all. Uh no thanks! However, since we weren't getting in the water, I agreed the pier was good to meet.
It was still technically winter, but the day we agreed to meet was unusually hot, even at the beach. I was excited about that because as previously mentioned, I was not looking forward to going down by the pier, but the great weather definitely made it more manageable. Kamar is a total Cali guy, so he showed up in a nice pair of shorts with a V-neck shirt and flip-flops. I opted for a long, fitted casual sundress along with a super cute pair of heels. I called him to let him know that I had arrived and was in the parking lot. He arrived early and was already waiting on the pier in front of the restaurant. As I walked up the ramp to the pier, I spotted him immediately. What a relief, he looked just like his picture! If y'all only knew how many men don't look like their pictures, you'd be shocked!
We formally introduced ourselves with a smile and handshake, and then went inside. Kamar was a total gentleman. He opened doors, he pulled out my chair to sit, allowed me to order first-- he was winning major points. Fuck what you heard about women not wanting a chivalrous gentleman! I want it all day every day! Good going, Kamar!
We had great food and quality conversation, and things were looking good for this first date. He told me that whenever he comes to LA, he stays on his boat in the Marina. Don't get all geeked. It was by no means a yacht, he said it's a very small cruising boat, but it has all of the basic amenities that he needs. He was happy that the weather wasn't brutal because the one thing it doesn't have on it is heat. Lucky for him, in Southern California, that's not an issue very often.
Our meal was over and being the gentleman that Kamar was, he walked me to my car. I opened the door and placed my purse inside, and we stood and talked for a few minutes in the parking lot. However, he didn't want the date to end just yet. So he asked if we could walk around the outdoor mall at the Third Street Promenade for a bit and talk some more. "I'd love to. Let me grab my purse and my jacket." He stopped me and closed my car door. "You don't need them, you're good. Besides, we won't be gone long." I agreed, so we made our way over to the Promenade.
I already told you that even though it was hot that day, it was really still winter time. And if you live in LA, you know that it can be 90 degrees during the day, but as soon as the sun sets, it will take all of its little heat with it. And quickly! Which is exactly what happened that day. As my pastor would say during his sermons: "Stay with me I'm going somewhere."
We ignored the dropping temperature initially because we were having such a great time with together. We were looking at clothes, trying them on for each other, being playful and silly. We were already calling each other pet names like honey and baby as if we were already a couple. As we traveled from store to store, the temperature steadily began to drop. After a couple of hours of window shopping, the drop in temperature was undeniable. Now we're both absolutely freezing at this point! After all, we were dressed for summer, but now, it was suddenly back to winter temps. And by winter I mean 50 degrees! So when we walked inside of what would be our final store, Kenneth Cole, we were shivering! It was freezing outside and they had an amazing sale on winter coats, it was practically kismet! We both tried on different leather coats. He put on this bad ass black, leather trench coat! It was sleek, supple and sexy! He has a bald head, so I joked that he looked like Shaft in the coat. I tried on this beautiful black leather coat with shearling. It was warm, soft and simply gorgeous! OMG! I had to have it! Plus, but this point I needed it! It was freakin' freezing outside!
He looked at me and said: "You should get it. It looks amazing on you." I thought to myself I should, huh? Okay, I'll get it! Wait a minute. Dammit, I can't get it! I left my purse in the car. I have no money, no ID, no nothing! So I tell him, "I left my purse in the car, I have no money on me." Kamar, again being the kind gentleman that he was: "Don't worry about it. I'll get it for you." I told him I couldn't have him buy me a coat! It's our first time meeting, our first date, that was crazy! But you know I really wanted that coat, right? So I told him that if he bought it I would pay him back for it. Once we get back to my can, I could get my purse and go to an ATM to get him the money. He assured me it was fine, that he wanted to buy it for me. And since it was so cold out, he wanted me to wear it right out of the store. So he bought it, and I walked out in my new leather coat. Love, love, love the coat!! Good going, Kamar!
We walked speedily back to the car because it was cold and I was the only one now wearing a coat. So we made it to my car, where I offered again to pay for the coat, but he declined. So I thanked him for the generous gift, we hugged and said our good-byes. With that, we were setting up our second date. What?! I rarely make it to a second date! So yay!
It just so happened that I had box seat tickets two weeks later for an upcoming Cirque du Soleil performance, so I invited him to join me for it. Over the next couple of weeks, we communicated every day either by talking, texting or emailing. We were both excited and looking forward to seeing each other again.
Before we knew it, the day for the show had arrived, and he drove back up from San Diego. This time, however, winter was back with a vengeance! Kamar was running late after meetings earlier that day, so we agreed to just meet in front of the theater. Since it was right before the holidays, I decided to give him a little Christmas gift-- a Michael Kors scarf. It was black and white, very nice, and since the weather had totally turned on us, I thought it would be perfect for him. After all, he was very sweet, and I was already kind of smitten with him. Of course, I wore my new leather coat, on top of an all-black ensemble of black skinny slacks, and a black sheer top. He arrived wearing a long black wool trench, slacks, and a collared shirt, looking extra dapper. We greeted each other with a hug and kiss on the cheek. I could wait to give it to him, so I presented him with his gift. Kamar: "What's this?" I told him it was an early Christmas gift. "No one ever gets me gifts. I'm usually the one giving the gifts." He seemed genuinely touched. He opened it and put it on immediately, and modeled a bit for me. He mentioned how cold it was on his boat when he went to change clothes that evening before heading to the theater, so the scarf was a befitting gift. He loved it!
We decided to go inside for the show, and an usher escorted us to our seats. We had the entire box to ourselves. He was super impressed! It was his first time seeing a Cirque production, and he thought it was creative and simply amazing. Now I was winning major points! Good going, Gab!
After the show, we decided to grab a quick bite at a nearby restaurant. Again, great conversation, he held my hand and I think we were both a bit enamored with one another. I think I may really like this guy. Finally, it was time for this wonderful evening to come to a close. It was beyond cold walking back to the parking garage, so he held me close as we braved the chilly winds that night. Once we made it into the warm garage, he asked if he could come to my place and stay the night since it was so cold on his boat. Oh is that where he was going with that when he mentioned it earlier? Is he for real? Hmmmmm, I guess that was his set up. Well, this sucks because now I have to set his ass up for a reality check.
"Oh, no love you can't come home with me. I mean, we've had two amazing dates, but I can't let you stay at my place. I barely know you". He assured me that it would be okay, that I did know him. Uhhh, no I don't. Really? Two dates and a coat has not earned you enough of a right to come and sleep up in my house, let alone sleep in my bed! Ladies, if you don't want to do something on a date, don't do it! And don't let anyone else try to convince you to do it! I mean, did he really think that I would say yes to him? Ummmm nope! Although I really liked him a lot, I still needed time to really get to know him. He accepted it and said our good-byes. It was obvious that he didn't appreciate being turned down, and I figured he'd be a little disappointed tonight, but understanding in the morning when all was said and done. Little did I know he wouldn't be, and that was actually our final goodbye. I called and texted him a couple of times afterward, but he didn't respond. I never heard from him again, he was gone. Oh well, at least I still had my dignity, and could say that I finally had a second date with someone. The bonus… I got a fabulous leather coat out of it! As a matter of fact, I'm wearing that shit right now! Hope that scarf helped keep his bald-headed ass warm on that boat! Blahahahahahaha! On to the next!
Kamar had an upcoming trip to LA, so we arranged to meet the next time he was going to be here. I know I've said it before, but normally, I don't do meals for a first meeting. However, our back-and-forth conversation was going good, so I decided to make an exception. He suggested we meet at a restaurant on the Santa Monica Pier for a late lunch. Now, those who know me know that I really never go to the beach. Like almost never. I just don't, especially when it's cold outside. I love hot. Like super hot! Like sweat beads running down my face hot!!! Don't get me wrong, a walk on the beach every now and again or laying in the sand is calming and romantic with the right person, so if I have to go, I just prefer the beach when it's warm. And I really prefer to be around water that I can actually get in it. I mean, cold, slimy, green water? That really isn't my stilo at all. Uh no thanks! However, since we weren't getting in the water, I agreed the pier was good to meet.
It was still technically winter, but the day we agreed to meet was unusually hot, even at the beach. I was excited about that because as previously mentioned, I was not looking forward to going down by the pier, but the great weather definitely made it more manageable. Kamar is a total Cali guy, so he showed up in a nice pair of shorts with a V-neck shirt and flip-flops. I opted for a long, fitted casual sundress along with a super cute pair of heels. I called him to let him know that I had arrived and was in the parking lot. He arrived early and was already waiting on the pier in front of the restaurant. As I walked up the ramp to the pier, I spotted him immediately. What a relief, he looked just like his picture! If y'all only knew how many men don't look like their pictures, you'd be shocked!
We formally introduced ourselves with a smile and handshake, and then went inside. Kamar was a total gentleman. He opened doors, he pulled out my chair to sit, allowed me to order first-- he was winning major points. Fuck what you heard about women not wanting a chivalrous gentleman! I want it all day every day! Good going, Kamar!
We had great food and quality conversation, and things were looking good for this first date. He told me that whenever he comes to LA, he stays on his boat in the Marina. Don't get all geeked. It was by no means a yacht, he said it's a very small cruising boat, but it has all of the basic amenities that he needs. He was happy that the weather wasn't brutal because the one thing it doesn't have on it is heat. Lucky for him, in Southern California, that's not an issue very often.
Our meal was over and being the gentleman that Kamar was, he walked me to my car. I opened the door and placed my purse inside, and we stood and talked for a few minutes in the parking lot. However, he didn't want the date to end just yet. So he asked if we could walk around the outdoor mall at the Third Street Promenade for a bit and talk some more. "I'd love to. Let me grab my purse and my jacket." He stopped me and closed my car door. "You don't need them, you're good. Besides, we won't be gone long." I agreed, so we made our way over to the Promenade.
I already told you that even though it was hot that day, it was really still winter time. And if you live in LA, you know that it can be 90 degrees during the day, but as soon as the sun sets, it will take all of its little heat with it. And quickly! Which is exactly what happened that day. As my pastor would say during his sermons: "Stay with me I'm going somewhere."
We ignored the dropping temperature initially because we were having such a great time with together. We were looking at clothes, trying them on for each other, being playful and silly. We were already calling each other pet names like honey and baby as if we were already a couple. As we traveled from store to store, the temperature steadily began to drop. After a couple of hours of window shopping, the drop in temperature was undeniable. Now we're both absolutely freezing at this point! After all, we were dressed for summer, but now, it was suddenly back to winter temps. And by winter I mean 50 degrees! So when we walked inside of what would be our final store, Kenneth Cole, we were shivering! It was freezing outside and they had an amazing sale on winter coats, it was practically kismet! We both tried on different leather coats. He put on this bad ass black, leather trench coat! It was sleek, supple and sexy! He has a bald head, so I joked that he looked like Shaft in the coat. I tried on this beautiful black leather coat with shearling. It was warm, soft and simply gorgeous! OMG! I had to have it! Plus, but this point I needed it! It was freakin' freezing outside!
He looked at me and said: "You should get it. It looks amazing on you." I thought to myself I should, huh? Okay, I'll get it! Wait a minute. Dammit, I can't get it! I left my purse in the car. I have no money, no ID, no nothing! So I tell him, "I left my purse in the car, I have no money on me." Kamar, again being the kind gentleman that he was: "Don't worry about it. I'll get it for you." I told him I couldn't have him buy me a coat! It's our first time meeting, our first date, that was crazy! But you know I really wanted that coat, right? So I told him that if he bought it I would pay him back for it. Once we get back to my can, I could get my purse and go to an ATM to get him the money. He assured me it was fine, that he wanted to buy it for me. And since it was so cold out, he wanted me to wear it right out of the store. So he bought it, and I walked out in my new leather coat. Love, love, love the coat!! Good going, Kamar!
We walked speedily back to the car because it was cold and I was the only one now wearing a coat. So we made it to my car, where I offered again to pay for the coat, but he declined. So I thanked him for the generous gift, we hugged and said our good-byes. With that, we were setting up our second date. What?! I rarely make it to a second date! So yay!
It just so happened that I had box seat tickets two weeks later for an upcoming Cirque du Soleil performance, so I invited him to join me for it. Over the next couple of weeks, we communicated every day either by talking, texting or emailing. We were both excited and looking forward to seeing each other again.
Before we knew it, the day for the show had arrived, and he drove back up from San Diego. This time, however, winter was back with a vengeance! Kamar was running late after meetings earlier that day, so we agreed to just meet in front of the theater. Since it was right before the holidays, I decided to give him a little Christmas gift-- a Michael Kors scarf. It was black and white, very nice, and since the weather had totally turned on us, I thought it would be perfect for him. After all, he was very sweet, and I was already kind of smitten with him. Of course, I wore my new leather coat, on top of an all-black ensemble of black skinny slacks, and a black sheer top. He arrived wearing a long black wool trench, slacks, and a collared shirt, looking extra dapper. We greeted each other with a hug and kiss on the cheek. I could wait to give it to him, so I presented him with his gift. Kamar: "What's this?" I told him it was an early Christmas gift. "No one ever gets me gifts. I'm usually the one giving the gifts." He seemed genuinely touched. He opened it and put it on immediately, and modeled a bit for me. He mentioned how cold it was on his boat when he went to change clothes that evening before heading to the theater, so the scarf was a befitting gift. He loved it!
We decided to go inside for the show, and an usher escorted us to our seats. We had the entire box to ourselves. He was super impressed! It was his first time seeing a Cirque production, and he thought it was creative and simply amazing. Now I was winning major points! Good going, Gab!
After the show, we decided to grab a quick bite at a nearby restaurant. Again, great conversation, he held my hand and I think we were both a bit enamored with one another. I think I may really like this guy. Finally, it was time for this wonderful evening to come to a close. It was beyond cold walking back to the parking garage, so he held me close as we braved the chilly winds that night. Once we made it into the warm garage, he asked if he could come to my place and stay the night since it was so cold on his boat. Oh is that where he was going with that when he mentioned it earlier? Is he for real? Hmmmmm, I guess that was his set up. Well, this sucks because now I have to set his ass up for a reality check.
"Oh, no love you can't come home with me. I mean, we've had two amazing dates, but I can't let you stay at my place. I barely know you". He assured me that it would be okay, that I did know him. Uhhh, no I don't. Really? Two dates and a coat has not earned you enough of a right to come and sleep up in my house, let alone sleep in my bed! Ladies, if you don't want to do something on a date, don't do it! And don't let anyone else try to convince you to do it! I mean, did he really think that I would say yes to him? Ummmm nope! Although I really liked him a lot, I still needed time to really get to know him. He accepted it and said our good-byes. It was obvious that he didn't appreciate being turned down, and I figured he'd be a little disappointed tonight, but understanding in the morning when all was said and done. Little did I know he wouldn't be, and that was actually our final goodbye. I called and texted him a couple of times afterward, but he didn't respond. I never heard from him again, he was gone. Oh well, at least I still had my dignity, and could say that I finally had a second date with someone. The bonus… I got a fabulous leather coat out of it! As a matter of fact, I'm wearing that shit right now! Hope that scarf helped keep his bald-headed ass warm on that boat! Blahahahahahaha! On to the next!
