Sweet and sour

The other night I proved to two of my best friends, along with a bar full of people, that I'm too sweet.

My friend was visiting for a few days so we headed for a couple of cocktails and dinner at the restaurant where my other good friend works. Not long after we arrived, a man sat at the bar next to me. My friend knew him as a regular but hadn't seen him in a while. The three of us had a friendly chat at first and our other friend joined us when she had a few minutes between mixing drinks.

He asked my friend if she had ever been a model. The question didn't surprise me since both of my friends are gorgeous.

Then things changed. The man stared. He rubbed my arm; caressed my back and shoulders. He stared at my ass and made comments over the bar about it. He made himself part of our conversation. It was awkward.

That's when he described us as sweet and sour - me as sweet my friend sour. She told him he was right on, but I was trying to ignore it. For the record I don't agree.

Then our fish tacos arrived. I picked at the plate with my fork then leaned over to my friend. "I don't want to open my mouth to eat."

She laughed but totally knew what I meant.

I picked up that first taco anyway, opened my mouth and bit in. No one was going to ruin our dinner. But then things got downright uncomfortable. The man asked me what I do with my free time and if I wanted someone to spend it with.

"I work all the time, so I have no free time," I said. "I never stop."

He shook his head. "I'm sure you do something - like to spend time with someone."

I didn't hesitate. "Just my friends like the two here. I just divorced and am a total mess." I may have had quick answers but I was rattled. My fork fell off my plate at least five times, and I was wishing we were somewhere else. My friend and I both texted our friend who worked there for help.

By now, she and another bartender, the bar back, a couple of patrons and the manager were watching and wondering WTF along with us. Knowing my face is like a mood ring, I'm sure they knew I was close to panic. He wouldn't stop.

"Everyone has needs though," he said. "I'm sure you know what I mean."

"Not me. I want no man in my life in any way. None of any way, shape or form," I answered. "I need space. Lots of it."

He wouldn't give up.

That's when my friend gently pushed me back and with the most severe look I've seen on her, she said, "I don't like you." She was leaning forward in her chair like she was about to smack him. "You've known her for twenty minutes and won't leave her alone."

The manager stepped in then. "Sir, please come with me." Everyone around the bar stared at the man but he just sat there sipping his drink. "These ladies are trying to eat their dinner," the manager said.

"Can I finish my drink?" the man asked.

"Yes, but other there," the manager responded before he escorted the man out of the restaurant. He wasn't even man enough to leave a tip. But could we expect someone like that to ever consider others? I have to confess, I was  little nervous when we walked to the car and wished I hadn't taken my pistol out of my purse that morning.

I'm in awe of my visiting friend for standing up for me and of my other friend for keeping things professional. We laughed the rest of the evening and the next day about what happened. Now I have to practice not being so sweet - especially to people I don't know.

Innocent flirting is fun, but when a man pushes himself on any single girl, he deserves whatever he might get - and he doesn't deserve you!

Love to the single girls,
Addison