Originally published in Pre-Upgrade Sally in the Zen 2010-2011
For a refresher of the last chapter: Part Three.
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Match-Make #3:
Years had passed since the last episode of attempted match-making. So when Zen Master approached me with another candidate, I was actually surprised. I had thought that we were finished but good.
“Why are you humoring this guy?” I was referring to his friend. He had called Zen Master about a fella who was looking for a wife. And the fella was already in the United States, so he wasn’t looking for anything but a mate.
“Because Zen Mum and I have spoken about this, and we would really like you to meet him.” Zen Master spoke quietly and without reservation. “We won’t always be here and we would like you to not be alone.”
I sighed, because whenever Zen Master gets in these moods, who am I to say no?
“What does he do?” I asked with resignation. “Where does he live?”
The answers: he owned a restaurant and lived here in Maryland.
Okay, let’s stop right here for a moment.
This was the first time that I had a restaurant owner sent my way, and I wasn’t about to look a gift horse in the mouth. I HEART FOOD.
But I wasn’t about to lose all self-respect either.
So Zen Master and I decided to pose as customers and eat at his restaurant. What better way to kill two birds with one stone?
The outcome? We went, ate his food offerings, and checked him out surreptitiously.
Sorry to say, folks, but he didn’t blow my hair back. Or Zen Master’s. His restaurant was ok, the food a bit bland, and him? I’m sure he’s a fine person but he was dull. He didn’t engage in conversation with his customers, his demeanor was stiff and he never once cracked a smile.
How could I ever be with a person who didn’t crack a smile? And why would I?
Ah, well. Here’s to always hoping for the best.
