He lived in LaGrange, IL.
I lived in Chicago, IL.
While it was a straight shot down I55, taking about 25 minutes, I really had no interest in dating someone that lived or wanted to live in the suburbs. While I was still learning many things about myself, I knew that I was a true city girl.
But, instead of suggesting that we meet at a central location, he offered to pick me up for our first date. Without hesitation, I obliged. Initially, he asked me what I wanted to do, but quickly retracted and said, "I'll take care of it."
We had talked several times on the phone and ended up at a movie screening together, so that first date awkwardness was non-existent. We chatted away like old friends. After, we had been driving for a little bit, I inquired where we were going, noticing we were on that I55 highway. lol.
He smiled. And, kept talking.
Yes, he did. He planned for our date to take place in LaGrange. While I was certain there was absolutely nothing to do in LaGrange, I relaxed and let the day happen.
And, the day did just that...it went on and on and on (in a good way). Twelve hours from the time he picked me up, he was finally dropping me back off at home. I would have never expected that first date would have lasted nearly as long as it did, nor did I think I wanted it to.
We saw a movie. Why Did I Get Married had just come out and of course, I wanted to see it!
We went to Panera and played Mancala (for hours). He indulged me in my love of board games. (I did bring it with me at his request to learn how to play)
We had dessert.
We talked for hours.
It was one of the best first dates I had experienced. At that time, I wasn't sure if anything would happen beyond the first date because Paul was still healing from a divorce and he wanted to be close to his daughter who was moving to Maryland with his ex-wife.
I quickly decided to enjoy the time we spent together without planning out our future.
It turned out to be the best decision I could have made.