Take caution not to let unscrupulous people take advantage of you. Hold onto an attentive and encouraging nature to help build the self-confidence of those around you. Save criticism toward others for another day, or you may be accused of being unreasonable. 

~Daily Zodiac App Saturday, July 25, 2020

Unscrupulous was an understatement. Only nine in the morning, still camping out in my cozy blankets, and my phone was bombarded with messages from guys looking for some weekend booty.

(horndoggy2) Want to have me in a park? See you tonight.

I would not, could not in a park. I will not see you here or there. I will not screw you anywhere. Blocked.

(badboi69) Vers want BB NSA fun RN. Can host. Where RU?

Should I even bother to translate what that means before blocking?

(uncle_P) Wanna come over little boy? There’s lots of toys and candy here for you to play with!

Thank you Renping Municipal Elementary for teaching me not to go places with strangers offering candy.

(mangaNurd) Want to get a coffee sometime and chat?

Interesting. No innuendos hid between the lines. Such a simple invitation was at least worth a reply, even though asking to meet right off was a bit fast. Perhaps I could slow things back down a bit.

(salon_guy) Don’t you want to chat a bit first before meeting someone?

(mangaNurd) If you really feel more comfortable that way, sure.

(mangaNurd) Sorry, I didn’t mean to sound pushy. 

(mangaNurd) I just figure before these apps, people saw each other at places, one got the courage to go talk to the other, and things went from there. 

(mangaNurd) To be honest, I’m a bit sick of how people meet on this thing.

I took a quick glance through his profile. He was a little younger than me, maybe in his last year of university. All his pictures included at least one friend, usually two. It took me a few to figure out which one was him, which was a little annoying but showed a healthy social life. The candid pictures also revealed a smile that was starting to grow on me.

I read an article that it was important to acknowledge green flags when dating, not just little annoyances to keep a positive attitude. Save the criticism for another day.

(salon_guy) You’re not wrong… sure, let’s do it. 

(salon_guy) 1:00 work for you? I need to do some laundry this morning.

(mangaNurd) That works. Meet up at Zhongshan station, or is there a better place you know of?

(salon_guy) Zhongshan works, see you there.

I took one last, long look at his smile before getting started on my chores. As time ticked closer my heart beat faster and I felt the occasional smile sneak onto my face. By the time I got onto the metro I was already imagining what it might be like to have a boyfriend again. Okay, maybe it wouldn’t be this guy—but maybe it could be.

 I stopped my imagination from wandering any further into possible futures. I focused on finding the guy first, preferably before the dark clouds turned into rain. Saturday afternoon in one of the busiest districts was probably not the best idea. A guy who looked close to the pictures sat on the concrete bench that lined the new park area.

“Are you Sam?” I asked.

An alluring smile radiated from his face. I had never thought going weak at the knees was real, but with one curl of the lips and this guy had me questioning that belief. 

“Tommy?” he answered. Satisfied to know I wasn’t awkwardly staring at the wrong person, I followed him down the maze of alleys  filled with cafes. “Want to try this one?”

Potted succulents scattered the entrance, bringing luck to a newly opened shop. The rustic interior screamed romantic afternoon rendezvous. Sam held the door for me, pulled out my chair, and got a menu. 

“You’d better be careful,” I warned, prompting his face to turn an adorable shade of red.

“Sorry, is it too much? I swear I don’t think you’re like a girl. Or is it that you’re nervous about people seeing us? I should have asked if you were really out yet or not. Or was it...”

“Stop. Breathe.” I took an exaggerated breath and let it out. “I only meant that if you’re not careful, I might get used to it.”

“Oh.” His lungs started to move again. I took a look through the menu to give time for that fresh oxygen to reach his brain. 

“It’s so hot today. I think I’m getting an iced peppermint mocha, should cool me down a bit.” And cool me down from that heart-melting smile. Time for me to put in my share of the effort on this date. He wasn’t the only one keeping chivalry alive. “What do you want? I’ll go order for us.”

Sam gently placed his hand on my arm, pulling it to tilt the menu. His eyes never found the menu though, they were locked on mine. Too much more of this and I was going to need a minute before standing up.

“I’ll take an iced caramel mocha.”

I went up to the counter, ordered, and focused on getting my heart to stop pounding in my ears. My eyes wandered back to the table where Sam was already gathering straws and napkins. 

(Tommy) This date is amazing so far!

(Lucas) Like not going home alone well? You better spill the details later!

(Tommy) It’s the middle of the afternoon.

(Megan) Poor Kyle, it must be terrible to be dating such a horn dog.

(Kyle) It has its advantages. 

(Lucas) Shall we show them that afternoon is a great time?

“Number 47,” the barista called.

I hurried back to the table and awakened my brain with a heavy slurp of cold peppermint. Sam enjoyed a sip of his drink before he returned his attention to me. Far too shy to handle so much direct attention, I ventured what I thought would be a simple request. “Do you mind if I try a sip?”

Sam’s face sank. 

“It’s okay if you don’t want to share, I’m not sure I want to part with this mint either.”

Water pooled in his eyes. “It’s not that. It’s just…” The pools swelled, falling down his cheeks. “It just reminded me of the first date with my ex.”

Awkward.

“He hasn’t called me for three days.”

Hold onto an attentive and encouraging nature. “Maybe he’s just a little busy?”

“No, the last time that jerk disappeared, he didn’t come back for two weeks. I know he was off with some tramp.” Tears started to fall faster. “I’m not forgiving him this time. We’re over!” Sobs and heavy breathing made whatever he mumbled next incomprehensible as he dashed to the bathroom. 

This guy didn’t need a new boyfriend. He needed a real breakup first.

And I needed to start going on dates in places without bathrooms.