A little over a year ago, a guy was supposed to move in and at the very last minute – the day of the move – he backed out. He texted me and told me he wasn’t moving in. I was exhausted and drained from the search and I was at my breaking point. Fortunately, a month later I met Rachel, my current roommate.

A few months later, I got a text message from a number I didn’t recognize. Then he asked me something specific about the division of the company where I work (we both work for the same company) and I figured out it was the Almost-Roommate texting me. Since he had paid a month’s worth of rent to fulfill his obligation, I actually responded to his  text. Otherwise, I would have probably used some unladylike words. During the past year he kept in touch, texting me every few months to see how I’m doing. I thought it was a little strange, but I’ve seen stranger behavior. I found out that the reason he hadn’t moved in was because he and his on-and-off again girlfriend had decided to give the relationship one last chance (they were living together).  This was the reason for the last minute change in plans.

After a year of text messages, I was fed up and I asked him what it is he really wanted. And after several flirtatious texts his response was,”Your attention.” Then he asked me if he can buy me a drink or 6.  “Yes, you can,” I responded. I don’t say NO to free drinks. It’s against my religion.

We set a date for Friday (last week). Since he had already dropped the ball on moving in, and I have permanent damage from getting stood up, at about 8:30pm I started freaking out that I was going to get stood up on a Friday night. Yes, I’m an optimist. As a preemptive move  —  to alleviate the pain of a potential no-show — I started drinking wine with the neighbors. After my second glass, on a post-workout-empty-stomach, I get a text that he’s on his way. And all I’m thinking is “great, where am I going to find room for 6 drinks?”

I don’t know if it was the 2 glasses of wine, or the 3 glasses of vodka soda, or maybe the combination of both, but I ended up having one of the best dates in recent history. I would have never guessed that I would have  had  so much chemistry with a guy who so NOT my type and who I wanted to punch a little over a year ago.

At the end of the night he still owed me 3 drinks. I told him he could buy me the rest of the drinks with dinner. A second date is happening tomorrow.