OkCupid: The Cyclist
I met Cyclist at The Dead Rabbit, which Iâve always wanted to try. We went up to the 2nd floor Parlor and I tried the Sneak Thief (Old Forester 100 Proof Bourbon, Amontillado Sherry, Sweet Vermouth, Apricot, Chile De Arbol, Absinthe, Mole Bitters), which most likely threw me off my diet. It was so smooth and totally worth it, though.
It was a little awkward at first. I did my best to engage, but every once in a while, he would look like he wanted to say something and decide against it. It took a few weird minutes to get over the hump. We sat there for a while, both nursing our drink. I had a feeling the place was a bit out of his price range, so I didnât suggest a second round or food, even though I was really hungry.
He talked about biking, I talked about running, he talked about his roommate and I talked about my family. First dates are starting to get repetitive.
We split the bill and walked around for a bit, then hit Murphyâs Tavern, which Iâve been to before and love. Theyâre low-key and quiet and not at all crowded. I finally caved and got chicken wings, which he ate off my plate. We talked more, I checked my cell phone, got a text from Dreamboat, and was distracted for a hot minute until Cyclist put his arm around me. He must be shy because I usually know right away when someoneâs interested.
We sat on the subway leaning into each other, which felt nice, and I wondered if he would kiss me but he never did. Before I got off at my stop, he told me he had fun and if I wanted to go out again. I said yes, although I was still half fixated on Dreamboat.
