my original 1st date in NY

I think it is far enough in the past for me to share this gem. 

Last summer, I knew that I wanted to move to NY, but I had never actually been to the city. So I put together a trip with my fav travel companion, and we had the time of our lives in the city, spending most of our time eating cheesecake and going to Broadway shows. One afternoon, we decided to visit Strand Bookstore. I was exploring the theatre/film section when I struck up a conversation with this guy: 

Okay, it was not actually Naveen Andrews from Lost. But I feel strongly that if you picture him as I tell this story, you will enjoy it. We're also going to call the guy Sayid, because why wouldn't you?! So Sayid and I actually have a lot in common and we are just chatting away. Maddie immediately sees what is going on and comes over to rescue me. Her "method" was to try to make eye contact with me through two aisles of books; it did not quite work. I just saw her yellow rain jacket and thought what are the odds that we found books to look at directly across from each other? Sayid suggests we grab coffee while I'm still in the city, we exchange numbers, and all is well. I tell Maddie the story and she was quite concerned – I suppose this was quite different from your typical Provo dating situation. But I was adamant that I soon would be dating in NY, and I might as well start now. 

So flash forward to whenever the date was scheduled. Sayid was a little slow at responding (I swear I only ever go out with guys that are slow responders). He was so slow that it was getting too close to when we were supposed to meet up and I still didn't have some piece of information from him. I honestly don't remember what "it" was — my guess is we still hadn't finalized the coffee shop. Maddie and I had plans to go to Chelsea Market and the high line, so we started heading over there. Sayid eventually responds and says he will meet us at the market. Maddie is a bit annoyed that he's joining, but I convince her that it will be worth it because he can take a picture of us (Maddie hates asking strangers to take pictures).

At this point, I should share that there is a slight difference between me and Maddie. I have an ability to sometimes pass for a bit older than I am – Maddie does not share this quality. It's also important to note that Sayid was at LEAST 12 years older than me. I honestly think it was more like 15-18. So when he showed up and saw the two of us, I think something clicked in Sayid's mind and he decided to treat us more – I'm trying to think of a good analogy here – all I can think of is Aragorn showing the hobbits around Rivendale? He bought Maddie a crepe and she said she felt like the little kid who the grownups give a lollipop to so they will be happy and distracted. She was very happy with her crepe. So groups of three are always the best (ha). And two of us kinda had a date planned and two of us definitely are on a trip together. And one of us bought the other a crepe (I think he bought me a soda too – he really was a kind guy.) We were quite the crew and we all walked the high line together. Maddie took a call at one point and lingered behind (very much reminding me of Emma w/ Harriet and Mr. Elton). He shared a good deal of his knowledge about NY, and then we parted ways. 

I did not get a picture with Mr. Sayid, but he did take a picture of me & Maddie. So at least we didn't have to ask a stranger for this pic ;) 

Ty Sayid