So a vegan walks into a burger joint …
Michael is in his mid-40s, lives in the west end and is “semi-retired.” He says he is “a minimalist, a leader, cerebral, funny, self-assured, kind, polite and considerate of others.” He likes exercising, travelling to new and interesting places, “engaging with different kinds of art, culture and entertainment,” reading about politics, cleaning and organizing, and volunteering for various good causes. He says he is looking for a woman who is “intelligent, confident and a challenge.”
I met Isla online. We had texted to arrange a time and a place. On the day she was free, I already had a single ticket for a matinee. I wasn’t sure she would be interested and getting another ticket would mean sitting in different areas. I and asked her if she would like to meet after, at a burger place within walking distance of the theatre.
Isla was late. Rather than meeting the accusing eyes of the server, I ordered a meal. I thought it was the best thing to do as there was a line to be seated. Isla turned up just after the server had taken my order. It was then that she told me she didn’t eat bread. I changed my order to takeout. We had to stand near the door waiting for my food. While we were waiting, I looked online for restaurants nearby. It turned out a legendary restaurant I’d never been to was only minutes away. I asked Isla if that place would be suitable and she said yes.
Once we were seated, Isla told me that she was vegan. There was one vegan item on the menu, but it didn’t seem to interest her. I wished she would have suggested a restaurant where she could have eaten something instead.
I ordered steak with potatoes and vegetables for me, and fries for her. The server said we both had to order meals. I wasn’t sure how to proceed.I ended up ordering more food for myself.
I ate as much as I could while I simultaneously carried the conversation. Isla either did not have a lot to say or was choosing to not say much. She also seemed disinterested. She ate a few fries and then excused herself. I was glad to be alone so I could work on the mountain of food in front of me.
When Isla returned she ate a couple more fries and then excused herself again. She spent much of the meal away from the table. I guessed that she was on her phone in the ladies room. I went to the men’s room and, as I walked back to the table, I saw Isla smoking outside. I realized that she had probably been smoking throughout the meal. That was a deal-breaker for me.
We left the restaurant and went for a walk. The bad weather and Isla’s ongoing silences made conversation impossible. Eventually we agreed to part ways, and a cab pulled up and Isla was driven out of my life.
Michael rates his date (out of 10): 2