"I'll bet. Fly us over to Paris for the afternoon? Paul, it isn't working. You excuse your actions by saying you're a control freak but so am I. Only I don't want to control anyone except myself."
He picked at his napkin. "You were so good with those little boys at the reception and my plans were for you to meet Karen and Timmy, my kids."
I didn't know what to say so I kept my mouth shut; for once. Paul waved to the waiter and I ordered coffee, followed by toast and a single egg. My host played with a second coffee.
The silence continued until the order was delivered and eaten. "Paul," I said, "Whatever this is, it's going too fast. I like you. I really do but I've barely dated anyone in twenty years. I don't even know the ritual, but I refuse to be manipulated. I'm sure your children are wonderful, but I feel like I'm being interviewed for an au pair position. I passed the first test because I can color between the lines. It's sweet you want me to meet your children but it would be uncomfortable for everyone."
He took a deep breath and put his head back. "I'm not sure I ever dated and it's obvious I don't know how. I don't have other girl friends as you suggested. I like you Sarah. I enjoy your company. You're the first person I've said that to in more than twenty years." I started to protest but he waved me off. "No, I'm not lying nor am I trying to sweep you off your feet. I'm just trying in my awkward way to get to know you better only I stink at it." There was another conversation lapse for several minutes. "Give me a second chance, purely on your terms. A day at a time. Today and tomorrow. I swear on the menu."
"You really mean it?" He nodded his assent. "No booze. No presents. Change my room and give the roses to a church or, better yet, a funeral home. Lord knows; that's how my room smells." He started to speak but I held up my hand. "First take me to Walmart to buy something comfortable to wear and some underwear."
"I'll buy . . ."
"No, you won't!"
"Agreed."
"I haven't finished; you're limited to fifty dollars, for the entire day, for both of us."
He raised his eyebrows. "Does that include dinner?"
"No. You get to spend a hundred for dinner but only if you make it through the day on the fifty. Last night's wine cost more than that, per bottle, and most of it ended up in the toilet. A hundred bucks including the tip."