“Yes.”

Partially shocked he asked. Since when do they ask?

She didn’t know what it was about him exactly. Perhaps it was how attractive he is. Or how charismatic. Or how he called her bella in the non-ironic but still mildly funny way that made her nervous.

But only nervous now. Because when she met him, they had the rapport. She was firing back witty remarks in the restaurant where he works. He being an actor and therefore talented in the art of human interaction and nuance. She only just discovering her true worth, she was forcing her way through certain unfamiliar social interactions in order to find the next true level of herself.

She still didn’t know his age. But for everything he’s been through, she had a good idea. It didn’t seem to matter either.

Real men kiss differently.

Less force and more talent and appreciation.

And patience.

Her date the previous Sunday seemed to be a mix of old and new somehow. Another older guy, well traveled with a career. The conversation flowed and Ava couldn’t quite decide at times how she felt about him. But instead of relying on broken down, superficial interest, they delved deeper into conversation.

With the discovery that both of them felt the same way about wine and children. More wine. No children. Her interest piqued.

Furthered by the way he looked at her during the open mic they stumbled upon and the way she pretended she didn’t notice. The compliment on her clothing. The hand holding during the cab ride, head on shoulder and the quick kiss at the end. The text to wish her goodnight.

The good treatment.

She shouldn’t be shocked when they pick her up, buy her dinner and don’t try to sleep with her immediately.

But she is.

Lots to learn about how genuine people do real intimacy and dating.

She felt the first date jitters again.

The awkward but lovely kiss.