87 - More Unlimited Data

     “How do I look?”  Tony asked as we pulled up to the bar.
     “You look fine.”  I said shaking my head in approval
     “I just want to make sure I don’t look like I’m trying too hard.”  His phone buzzed.
     “You’re asking the guy in the suit if you’re trying too hard?”  I laughed a little to myself.
     It was Thursday.  Thursday means brown suit, brown shoes, brown socks, red shirt and a patterned brown, yellow, and tan tie.  I keep it simple, predictable, and good.
     He was wearing a casual blue button down shirt, jeans, and tan shoes.  He was still in good enough shape to pull off the casual without seeming like he was trying too hard.
     If I tried to wear that outfit I’d look like an old gigolo who spent two hours in the mirror getting ready.
     “What do I do?”  He asked starting to get a little nervous.
     “It’s simple,” I started.  “Be interested in her.  Be part of the conversation but not all of the conversation.  Be yourself.”
     “It’s hard to be yourself.  Man, you were single in you 20’s.  You got a chance to explore who you were and what you wanted.”  His phone buzzed again.
     I laughed out loud.
     “Most of us spent our 20’s trying to figure out what everybody else wanted us to be.”  I crossed my arms and rested back in my seat.  “You’ll be fine.  Worst case scenario we head to the Blue Lotus, gorge ourselves on sushi and sake, then call it a night.  Deal?”
     “Deal.”
     It was still early so the bar was comfortably empty.  In two hours this place would be a mess of bodies looking for drinks, love, and shitty bar food.  I wondered how this evening would go.
     "TONY!!!”  She yelled throwing her arms around his neck with genuine enthusiasm.
     “Tony!!”  Two of her female friends echoed.
     “Who are you?” she asked with pointing in my direction with a playful smile.
     “Me?” I said pointing to myself.  “I’m the suit guy.”
     “Suit Guy!!”  Her friends echoed again.  This felt good.
     “Pictures!”  She said pulling Tony in for the close hug.  He was surrounded by people who were not only happy but wanted to be happy and enjoyed that happiness.
     After the round of pictures were taken something amazing happen, they put their phones away and started talking.  Sometimes it's good to be wrong.
     "Is Justine working?" I asked the bartender after looking around for a minute or two.
     "No.  Her ex couldn't take the kids tonight and her parents are out of town.  Can I help you with anything, hon?"
     "I'd like waffle fries with mayo no ketchup, please."
     "Anything to drink, hon?"
     "Naw, I have a long drive ahead of me and I have to make sure this guy gets home safe," I said motioning to Tony.
     "No you don't," said Amber with that same playful smile.  "He's mine."
     Tony shrugged his shoulders and smiled from ear to ear.  All of his uncertainty and nervousness had been replaced with a boyish charm.  He was in good hands.  The happiness was contagious.

     I smiled and shook my head in approval.  Sometimes it's good to be wrong.

That Beautiful Black Man