So, I met Radio on several occasions over the years through a friend of mine. Radio was one of her oldest friends, and they even dated in college. He was a good-looking guy with lots of personality. I remember talking with him on several occasions during the group things my friend planned, and I remember thinking, "Radio is a nice guy." But it really never was more than that. He was always nice to me, seemed interested in what I had to say, but really nothing more came of it.
My friend, I'll nickname her Pat (not her real name, but a long story as to how she got this nickname), invited me to a Halloween party at Radio's new apartment he shared with 3 girls. I was game, so I tagged along. Radio and I talked a lot at his party, and it started to get kind of flirty-flirty, but nothing really happened.
The next week, I was on a business trip, and Pat emailed me to ask me if it was OK for her to give Radio my phone number, because he had asked her for it. I was giddy with happiness. Of course I gave her permission to pass on my phone number. So she did. And then, nothing... For weeks, maybe even an entire month, nada... Geesh, come on guy, why the huge delay in calling me???
I can't remember now if I called him or what, but we got in contact, and he asked me out. According to my trusty rusty datebook, it was November 13, 2004. We went out, had a great time. I can't find another date in my 2004 datebook, but I'm sure we continued to talk a little, but with the holidays and stuff, we didn't go out on another date for a while. According to my 2005 trusty rusty date book, we went out again on April 7, 2005. I totally remember that date too. I met him at his office and we went for drinks at a nearby bar that he frequented. Then we went to a preview screening of Kung Fu Hustle (a rather strange, but entertaining kung-fu (duh) movie). After that, we went out on several more dates - generally once per week. During that time, I was traveling a lot for work, and studying for my master's exam at school - so time was not something I had an overabundance of. But as much as I could, and as much as he asked me out, I went, and thoroughly enjoyed myself.
On all of the dates, he would not allow me to pay, despite my offering to. He always walked on the outside. He was a complete gentleman. I was really liking the time we spent together, but was curious as to when something might "happen." And by "happen" I mean a kiss. We had been loosely dating for several months, and nada. Maybe a peck on the cheek here and there, but nothing more. No hand holding, romantic-ness, nada. I was really beginning to wonder what was going on with him...
Right after I took my MA exam in mid-may, Pat hosted a congratulatory dinner for me at her place with her husband, another couple we were friends with, and me, and Radio. I engineered my transportation for the evening so that I could hitch a ride home with Radio. Dinner was fantastic, and involved lots of wine and champagne. And, as per my design, Radio took me home. And still nada. No kiss, nothing.
About 2 weeks later, I received some very distressing school news. I didn't pass one required exam, so I wasn't going to graduate. I missed passing by 1 question. I was devastated. I was crying all afternoon, and had no idea how I was going to clean myself up for my date with Radio that night. We had a nice dinner planned at Roys, then a performance of the Smuin ballet at Yerba Buena. My eyes were completely puffy, and I looked like crap. But I had a date to keep, so I made myself as presentable as I could and got my ass down to Roy's for dinner. I got there first, and sat down, and ordered a stiff drink. Radio showed up a little bit later with a bouquet of flowers for me - they were really lovely, and kind of made my night. He asked about the exam I didn't pass, and I told him a little about it, but that I really didn't want to talk about it at all. (Note: I did end up graduating after a long conversation with a long-time professor & dean of the department who was sympathetic to my predicament.)
We had a nice dinner - I think we actually split the bill on that one... Then went over to Yerba Buena for the performance. He got me home, and still nada. Really. I'm not lying. Nada.
About 2 weeks later, we had another date - we met at a movie theater and saw "Sin City" and then went to Mel's for dinner after. I think we held hands during that movie. He took me home, got out of the car, and opened my door, and we hugged, and had a little peck on the mouth. No tongue. Just a peck. FINALLY!
That Sunday, I had plans with Pat and her husband to see Star Wars - the newest release - and we invited Radio to go. He had to work (shocker), and said he couldn't come. He asked me to call him after the movie to tell him about it. I did. He was at the grocery store and asked if he could call me later. I said of course he could.
That was literally the last time I talked to Radio. He didn't call me back. Ever. I was quite perplexed. Pat had no explanation. Some time later, Pat and I were meeting her husband at Radio's most frequented bar after work one afternoon. I was a little hesitant because still Radio hadn't called me ever. I did see him there, and he basically ignored me.
Pat said he had a pattern of doing that. Meeting girls, going out with them, then disappearing without a trace. Wonderful.
Oh well, I guess that allowed me to search around for a new signal...
Until next time...
Oh, and there will be a next time with Radio. Somehow we came back into range. But that's a tale for another posting. Keep your radios tuned in for next time!
