On the Red Line

I, like many thousands of young professionals, college students, and homeless bums, take the red line between work and home. Not only is cheap, runs often, and drops me off a block from work, but there are also a lot of people to watch. Sometimes they are fun to look at because they are really strange, and sometimes because they are hot girls. Usually, I just sit, watch, listen to my I-pod and read my book.

The other day on my way home from work, I was caught in the 5 o'clock rush. I was stuck in the area right in front of the door. More people continued to pile in every stop. Before we got above ground, a really attractive girl got on and began standing by me. I checked her out. However, it was clearly way too crowded to attempt to begin a conversation. Eventually, we hit stops where people actually get off and the el started to clear. A seat opened up and she went to it. I followed and struck up a conversation. I found out that she was new to the city and was downtown job hunting. I gave her my business card with my cell number on the back and got off at the next stop.

This was very strange for me because I have never really hit on a girl. I have always just fallen ass backwards into relationships. Usually girlfriends were friends of friends or involved in some club with me or something along those lines. I have never asked a girl for her number at a bar or anything like that. Likewise, I don't think I have ever gone on a date with someone that I did not date since high school dances. Just dating around wasn't what I did. It is something that I am learning now.

She called about four days later and we are going out to dinner after her little sister leaves town.