#16 - The Architect

One Sunday morning I logged onto the internet dating site and a gentleman quickly messaged me, suggesting that we chat online. I learned that he lived in Richmond Hill, shared similar interests as mine, was Italian/Irish and worked as an Architect. He wanted to meet for breakfast but I was not available, so we planned to meet for a coffee later that day. He gave me his cell number and asked me to pick a place. I called him in the afternoon and suggested a nice restaurant on Main Street in Newmarket. He declined, retorting that "Tims" on Yonge Street would be fine. We agreed to 6 pm. I told him that I would be going to the gym before then. At 6 pm, I entered "Tim Hortons" on Yonge Street in Newmarket wearing, black jeans, running shoes and a fuschia track jacket. I walked to the back of the restaurant and approached a pleasant looking 45 year old man. He was well dressed and asked me if I had just come from the gym. I explained that I had gone home to change. I remarked that he didn't look Italian at all but more Irish. He acknowledged this while taking a sip of his Ice Cappuccino. I said that I would have a small coffee with double milk and no sugar. He responded "well go get it yourself; I've got mine!" I'm sure the look on my face must have spoken volumes. Still I proceeded to the counter and ordered myself a beverage. I thought of leaving immediately but politeness kicked in and I returned to the table where he sat, telling myself that I was going to make it a brief visit and then head home. He asked a lot of questions and before long we were engaged in a conversation. It turned out that we both appreciated art, architecture and travel. He had been all over the world; I had been to Europe. After an hour we said our good-byes. He called me the next evening and we chatted for an hour. He talked about taking me on numerous trips, to Vancouver, New York City, a Carribean Cruise, as well as to hockey games, dinners out, the Lady Gaga concert... I told him that I wasn't going to have the time to attend all of these events. It sounded like he needed to do things in a big way. He said that he had led a very priviledged life and invited me to dinner and a movie on the following Saturday. He then said goodnight and indicated that he might call me tomorrow. Two days later I received a text from him stating that he was taking a break from the internet site and from dating. He wished me well and said that I was a beautiful, smart, exciting lady. Then he disappeared. I deleted his number and never contacted him again. Lesson #16 - Men on internet dating sites often make promises they can't/don't intend to keep. Lesson for the Gentleman - When you invite a lady out for a coffee, pick up the tab!