E-- took my call, which surprised me. I imagine most women suspect ulterior motives when men suddenly reach out to them.

     It’s not like I’m a player. I haven’t been out with a woman since E-- and I went to the bistro. After that little outing, I went to sleep thinking a life of solitude was in my future. Something in the country where I made my own moonshine. Something where if I was lonely and if I had some of that moonshine in my blood, I’d spend some time on the phone with those QVC operators. Something platonic. Nothing serious.

     It’s not that E-- was terrible. She was obnoxious, but her attitude didn’t ruin dinner. Once I ordered what she wanted me to order, the evening improved.

     “Are yo...

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