From Profile to Person: The First Meeting

Coffee Anyone?

You know how sometimes you just get a feeling about someone? That's how it was with Nick. We connected on Plenty of Fish, and after a few messages, I felt comfortable enough to give him my number. We had a really nice flow going in our chats, and I was genuinely excited to get to know him better. So, when I found out he worked nearby, I spontaneously offered to bring him coffee. It felt like a casual way to meet face-to-face without too much pressure.

He agreed, which was awesome! I was a little nervous but also excited for our first real-life encounter. From our conversations, I knew Nick was pretty easygoing, the kind of person who doesn't get stressed about the little things. I liked that about him.

When I asked him what kind of coffee he wanted, he just said, 'Get me whatever you get.'

It was a Sunday morning, so I wasn't exactly dressed to impress. I was in comfy clothes, hair tied up, no makeup. But you know what? That felt right. I wanted him to see the real me, the relaxed and casual version. After all, genuine connection is about being yourself, right?

Nick Who?

As I pulled up to Nick's work, a wave of nervousness washed over me. It was like that feeling you get with a mix of excitement and that fluttery anxiety that makes your stomach do flips. I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves. I was here, and that was all that mattered.

There was a security checkpoint, and the guard asked who I was there to see. "Nick," I said, he looked unimpressed and asked for a last name.

Oh, crap. I didn't know his last name.

"I don't know his last name," I admitted, "but he's..." and I started to describe Nick's appearance, hoping that would be enough. The guard chuckled and told me to hold on while he called to confirm. I had waited a few minutes before he came back and provided parking directions, but they weren't very helpful. They were more like suggestions, really. Vague suggestions. Naturally, out of all the perfectly good, closer spots, I ended up parking in the absolute furthest one. Classic.

Nick was jogging towards me, and honestly, it was the most Baywatch-like scene I'd ever witnessed; everything felt like it was in slow motion—all that was missing was the beach and Nick in swim trunks.

Sweet Relief

Finally, I could breathe. He was real, and he was here.

He was even more handsome in person, and I felt that familiar flutter in my stomach.

He reached my car, slightly out of breath. "Why did you park so far away?" he asked. I explained the whole parking lot debacle, and we both laughed.

All the nerves I'd felt melted away, replaced by a sense of ease and connection. We chatted for a few minutes, the conversation flowing naturally. I felt drawn to his eyes, this mesmerizing blend of green, blue, and gold. We complimented each other, and I felt a genuine warmth spread through me.

And then, as I was about to leave, he leaned in and kissed me. It was a sweet, unexpected kiss that left me feeling a mix of surprise and delight.

As I drove away, I couldn't help but smile. It was just a coffee delivery, but it felt like so much more. It was the start of something new, something exciting, and I couldn't wait to see where it would lead.