The background information goes like this: As the title suggests, today's date was with a lawyer. Ok, he's not a lawyer but he did graduate from law school and practiced law in NC before moving to VA two years ago. He now works for the Patent Office. Sounds ridiculously boring unless you're into that sort of thing. He's 41 and more Pakistani than not. His legal name is Shahid but goes by Chad and his legal name is pronounced pretty close to Americanized Chad. He lives alone, never married, with no kids in Arlington, Va.
We both took the metro and met at Smithsonian Station. I got there about 20-25 minutes earlier than he did and boy am I glad I did. I got some incredible tourist watching in. I saw so many people posing in front of the Washington Monument pretending to lean on it, hold it, pose next to it and even balance it on their head all while it was actually in the background. It was hilarious to watch and I could have spent 4 glorious hours doing nothing but that and been content. However, he eventually found me and we then proceeded to walk to and and through the American History Museum. We viewed one level and realized we were hungry. I told him about this great joint called Aria and we headed there only to find out that it was closed. We then walked and walked until we found District Pi Pizzeria which was delicious! On the way there, we were approached by at least 3 people asking for spare change. We had leftover pizza and we knew we wouldn't want to carry it around with us, nor would we be allowed to bring it in anywhere so we both agreed to get it to go but give it to some one on our way back to the museums.
We headed out on a mission to find SOMEONE, ANYONE who would want and appreciate this delicious pizza (3 good slices). The first homeless guy we came to declined. I was a bit offended but I carried on. We then heard the most beautiful guitar solo being played and focused in on Mr. Guitar Player. He thought we were selling pizzas- this made me laugh. I explained to him that it was our left over slices and we weren't able to bring them in anywhere with us so he could have them if he wanted them. He was very thankful and said "God bless you". I wanted to say "and the Tooth Fairy bless you too" but then I would probably have to explain that and it just wasn't warranted.
After our pizza drop, we headed to the Natural History Museum, which I knew Mr. VLM would enjoy better but that's why I started at the American History Museum. I've seen the Natural History Museum so many times I could be a tour guide. We viewed the bottom floor and then were heading to get back on the Metro to head to the Zoo for Zoolights.
When my ears heard "Dupont Circle" I had a flash of Hello Cupcake pop into my head and I asked him if he was in the mood for a cupcake. He said sure. So we hopped off at Dupont, I lead him across Dupont Circle unnecessarily just for him to look up Hello Cupcake on a cellphone map and us to back track through the circle and end up at the cupcakery. Once we got there, he decided he didn't want a cupcake and just wanted a water. I however, had my heart set on a samoa cupcake before I even left my house this morning so that is what I got, and a black coffee. It was better than I imagined. He mentioned he had to make a phone call, so I sat in the window enjoying my delicious sweet treat while he went outside to call whomever. When he came in, I knew it was coming...I was just waiting for it.... he said "Well, I think I'm going to have to go home after this because I'm getting a headache and I had to call my mom tonight." I was a bit relieved (and confused) since 20 minutes prior to this moment, my friend asked if I wanted to go out tonight and I so did but I didn't want to ditch Mr. VLM. I asked if he calls him mom nightly and he said he calls her on the weekends since she's alone and his sister isn't around anymore. His mom and dad live with his Uncle in New Jersey but they are heading back to London soon?!?!? I don't really know. I think he said his dad's a doctor of some sort. I didn't get into family dynamics too much but apparently he keeps in contact with mom since there's no kids and she gets lonely. I continued to enjoy the deliciousness that was my cupcake and coffee combo and he wasn't in a rush to leave right away.
We got back on the metro and he transferred to the Orange Line with me where he rode for 3 "spots" until he had to leave to transfer himself to the Yellow Line. He said he had fun and I seconded the notion. I told him perhaps we can do the Zoo Lights another night and he agreed. He told me he would text me when he arrives home, but I have yet to hear from him. If I do, I do...and if I don't, I don't. He's nice, and smart but he's a bit "dry". I'm not sure if that's just who he is or if that's just a first meeting stiffness that presented itself. I'd go out with him again, not to a museum though. I thought that a museum would be a good place for a date...talk a little, see a little...um, no.... more like talk hardly at all, walk to look at two different things, turn around and have to play "Where's My Date?" and then try to stay within eye sight of one another. It's very stressful especially for one with abandonment issues. It wasn't a terrible date but I think if we go out again I will suggest a more confined space. I'll keep you all informed.... for now, Auf Wiedersehen
