spinster girl goes on a date (maybe two)

So during my brief hiatus, I've been on a few job interviews, lost a few pounds, looked at some houses and been on a few dates. Charleston is a funny place. A few years ago I was out with a friend; those who know him, and especially at that time, will find no surprise that on this night he was a little drunk and a lot obnoxious. I can't remember the details fully, but as I recall he began heckling the band and after a few grimacing minutes, a large, looming figure in a work shirt turned around and glared. Recognizing that it was more of a look than a threat, I offered a silent thanks and from what I recall the night ended shortly thereafter. For whatever reason, I like to tell this story if only because it's the closest I've ever come to thinking I was possibly going to die in a bar, and that's including the time I was escorted from a Brothers of the Wheel function in Boone County. Or that other time when I was escorted from the Edge on Capital Street. The latter was all me, but the former was really just a matter of being with the wrong person at the wrong time. It sure did make for a great story. But I digress.

A few weeks ago I was in that same bar watching another local band with another drunk friend when the guy in the work shirt sat down. I had two choices: I could either gush about the time he stared down my friend and risk sounding, oh I don't know, cuckoo bananas, or I could say nothing. I chose to say nothing. Maybe it was because I'm shy. Quiet. Whatever. Doesn't matter. We were introduced and I found him to be a rather intriguing figure. My friend whispered loudly (or at least it appeared loud to me)"Want me to fix you up?" I shouted, "No!" This came from my own mortification and not a place of disinterest. He made fun of my beer (which was well deserved) and then he was gone. The next morning, I mentioned him to a friend and got some positive feedback. It was at that point I decided to do what any "normal" single woman does in 2007 -- I looked for him on MySpace. And I found him. I decided it was time to put down the knitting needles, let down the bun and remember what it's like to be single, not a spinster. And so with much hesitation I headed out on a date...