The Vegan

The Vegan sounded nervous on the phone tonight.

But, given that it was the first time we'd spoken after multiple emails exchanged, it was only natural. I was calling tell him which exit to take at the metro, but I was really just nervous, waiting in the cold for a stranger.

Funny, but I didn't know he was a vegan. I knew he had a beard, tattoos, that he was 34 and did environmental policy. But the veganism came as a surprise. I guess the permanent renouncement of cheese will always come as a surprise to me.

He's tall and thin, scruffy in the sort of way that I like. We walked to the coffee shop and it seemed to take forever, like I was leading him further and further into the abyss. First dates are usually game to meet wherever I propose, as if they're grateful not to have to decide on an event or location. It's convenient for me not to travel, but I always feel the burden of playing neighborhood hostess.

When we arrived, the coffee shop was completely cleared of all furniture for a private event. Thwarted again! We walked to a bar nearby, grabbed a table and ordered beers.

We talked for two hours about all kinds of things and I felt relaxed and happy. A few times, I questioned myself-- is the age difference too great? Does he think I'm too young? But in the end, it didn't seem like a big deal.

He likes to play pool, and his friend who is more up to date on indie music than he is, takes him to concerts. He told me that the guy from Death Cab for Cutie is the same guy as in the Postal Service. I was shocked and then blushed at not having known. But we listened to Stars on his mp3 player and had a "moment" of sorts trying to figure out how the damn thing worked.

Late in the date, as the waiter was getting the check, he asked if I liked spicy food and seemed shocked and dismayed when I shook my head no. Hoping to recover from this, I said we should get going. We went outside and were immediately solicited for money by someone on the street. This is always an interesting experiment on a date. I get the feeling that some guys sweat this a lot. If they don't give a guy on the street a few bucks, then they fear they'll look cheap, heartless or both.

He looked at me as I was about to say sorry, we can't help you and concurred and we walked on. At the metro, we hugged and said we'd talk soon. Everyone always says that, including me. This time, I hoped it was true.