Gatherer To Hunter, Part II

As far as picking up on signs from interested parties, I am absolutely the worst.

I don't get subtle hints, and have a tendency to read meaning into things that aren't there. In short, I just don't get it unless I am outright propositioned.

It is for this reason that I decided not to turn into a complete predator at the post-orientation mixer — no matter how much my 30+ libido and the liquid courage were telling me to.

All the while I chatted with the handsome stranger, I couldn't stop my mind from racing. Is he married? Does he have a girlfriend? Would it be too obvious of me to ask? What the hell is my problem, why can't I do this?

Instead of being the capable, in-control woman I am in the classroom and on the job — or anywhere else for that manner — I resorted to the passive-aggressive cliche of giving him my business card. Right there I handed over control to him to call — or not — as he sees fit.

I left the mixer feeling slightly defeated. I couldn't bring myself to step up to the plate and knock one out the park. Eventually, though, I decided that if nothing else, this was a very important learning experience, and potentially one with rewards.

The next day, when I checked my email, I found an email from him, saying how much of a pleasure it was to meet me. It's not a phone call, or a date, but it may be something...