Excited that Paul finally called, my first thought is to call all my friends to share the news. I get back mixed messages. Some say maybe I should have said I was busy instead of accepting so quickly, and some say just go for it.

Since I know I really WANT to see him, I agree with the ones that say go for it and start rummaging for the perfect outfit.

While trying on several outfits, the phone rings. Oh my God! It’s him! He better not be calling to cancel!

I answer the phone. He’s all apologetic telling me he’s stuck at the office and asks if we can meet at the restaurant. 

I respond with, “Oh, so I guess you’re not picking me up.”

He says, “Sorry, I’ll make it up to you.”

I agree but as I hang up the phone, I can’t help feeling disappointed. The thought goes through my head, ‘Wow! He didn’t even ask how I was going to get there or offer to pay for a cab. Should I even go?’ But the excitement of seeing him takes over. I quickly jump in the shower, get dressed and out I go.

I get to the restaurant on time and look around but I don’t see him. Did he stand me up? Hope not! Panic sets in. What do I do now? Ok. I know. I’ll give him 15 minutes and then I’ll leave.

10 minutes…. No show. 20 minutes…. Not yet. Ok. I’ll give him another few minutes and then I’ll leave. I can’t believe he’s standing me up! I’m now convinced that either he’s been hit by a bus or he’s forgotten. He better have been hit by a bus. That would make more sense.

As I stand up to leave, he comes rushing in, out of breath.

“Sorry!” he says. “Got caught up in work and lost track of time.”

I ignore the thought running through my head that he could have called. 

Side note: Notice any red flags yet?