Down boy

Last night I did something that wasn't very smart. I walked home with someone I don't know. The situation seemed harmless. It was only a block.

A small group gathered at the local pub to bid farewell to a neighbor who's moving off to another state next week. It had been a long day that wrapped up with a birthday dinner for my friend, so I only planned to stop off for one drink.

Two friends were sitting with me at a table inside to escape the balmy evening. We were just girl talking when a guy we didn't know sat down with us. He worked his way into the conversation and it turned out he had just moved into the neighborhood three weeks ago and lives in the next building. The guy seemed nice enough. Then one friend went home and the other walked outside on the patio, so he and I chatted for a few minutes. He offered me another glass of wine but I passed and got water instead.

Another friend walked up and I suggested going outside so he could meet our group of friends. People did the same for me so I like to pay it forward. He met about ten people and they seemed to accept him. I walked off to another table and left him sufficiently entertained with the group.

I walked by everyone to say my final goodbye to my friend who's moving and head home. The new guy followed me.

"I'll walk home with you," he said.

"Okay," I answered. Whatever.

When we got to the point where I would keep walking to my building and he'd go into his, he grabbed me and kissed me. It was one of those awkward teenage grabs when the guy doesn't quite know what to do and misses your mouth. For just a second, I felt like a kid afraid we'd lock braces or swap bubble gum by mistake.

Then he wouldn't let me go.

I said no and had to wiggle out of his grip and then back away from him. He was a prettty big guy. I don't believe I was in danger, but if he had pushed one step further, I would have popped him a pepper spray blast.

"I've got to go," I said and stuck my palm out in front of me. "You cool?"

"Yeah," he said.

I continued to back away until I got closer to my building door.

He yelled across the street, "Give me your number."

I ignored him. This is what happens when I'm too  nice and trusting and don't follow that cliche advice, don't talk to strangers. Next time I'll ask someone to walk with me.

Love to the single girls (and be careful),
Addison