Daphene on the Brain

Scheduling issues as of late have made the CS more exhausted then a one legged man at an ass kicking contest. Juggling extra curricular activities has not helped either.

Now although I was planning to let things lye with Dahpne, I couldnt just let it lye without knowing a little more. Last week, at another crazy vulture session at the coffee shop, she again hooked me up with a cup of joe. Since there is a particular risk of getting stabbed by fellow patrons if you decide to have more than a few words with the employees, I gave her my card and said that I would like to return the favor. She smiled and said "Maybe." Now the cheesy card approach isnt usually my style but since the coffee shop doesnt provide much opportunity for that kind of chitchat, and since I felt a bit awkward at accepting free coffee without some further acknowledgment, the card seemed like reasonable idea. Besides it put the ball in her court.

A few days later I received an email that read: "So how do you plan to return the favor? -Daphene" The Ball came bouncing right the fuck back!

I decided to keep things pretty simple and took her out for a drink late this week. After juggling plans, and dodging a few calls from Mona (more on that later), we met for happy hour. Daphene is 28, and in her last year of college, apparently taking some time off in between and traveling. Very cute, and as already mentioned, has an ass the could launch a thousand ships, a CS weak spot.

Daphene has a lot of street smarts and the conversation was interesting. We talked about many things but invariably discussed the coffee shop and the customers. She is another woman who is subtle but quite clear about her interest. Taking from Monas playbook, a slight glance and touch was also in her repertoire. So if there were any doubts about her intentions before, there werent any now.

After a few drinks I had to let reality set in and told her that I was married. Its been my experience that women react differently to this revelation. Some like Mona dont give a shit. Some get pissed, and others fall somewhere between. The key, of course, is to let them know as soon as possible and to be up front. The cheating ways lend themselves to enough complications as it is, lying in this situation will be a disaster in the long run. Its hard enough as it is. But when your lies have lies, your in deep shit!

Daphene changed upon hearing the news. Her face grew long and she became quiet for a bit. Then she asked: "then why did you ask me out for a drink. I said, "because I wanted to say thank you." "and thats it?" she replied. I said "no, thats not it." She understood. We knew that we didnt have to talk about the details.

We talked about me for a while and she asked me a host of questions. I walked her to her car, we talked some more, and then she said "I dont want to be with someone I cant have." I said that I understood and we ended there. I felt that she didnt want to leave, and I didnt want her to go, but it seemed there was no other way.


Dahpne's reaction of course is normal and I respect it. I avoided the shop on Friday, but as I came to work yesterday, there was an email from her sitting in my inbox. Short, concise, but a total contradiction. It said:

"Hi, thanks for the drink. Can I see you next week? Daphene"

Well who knows what happened-a change of heart? Perhaps, she forgot the slap in the face? Or, maybe something in between? It would appear to be the former rather than the latter, and though its full disclosure on my part, given what she said, do I even want to go there? Is it worth it?

The CS is pondering and has not emailed back...yet.