New Acquaintances

On Friday night our Circle of Friends had their first get together. Nothing physical happened. It was just a cocktail party hosted by Kit. Steve and I went, as did the usual suspects that I've written about for years.

Kit introduced us to three new people that may or may not be invited to future parties, two men and a woman. All of them were friends of friends.

The first man, who I'll call Tom, was in his forties. I did not like him! It's cliche to say that first impressions are important but it's cliche for a reason. Tom was handsome in a distinguished, middle-aged man way. He had Cassius' lean, hungry look. He was unable to mask his motivation.

Look, I'm not an idiot. People are interested in this type of thing to get laid and to experience something out of the mainstream of sexual life. Still, Kit's party was something of an audition: a get-to-know-you event. If you can't invest time in a two or three hour cocktail party, what could you have to offer in bed?

Aaron, a friend of Jason's was different. He's in his mid-twenties, good-looking but not a guy that would inspire midnight diary entries. Aaron got it! He was polite without being too formal, friendly without being too forward. He spoke and listened, but didn't try and dominate the conversation. I liked him, even if it's only as a friend of a friend.

And, later, Jason told me that Aaron liked me as well. That was not something I picked-up on. I'm usually pretty good at getting the signals. Aaron divided his time fairly equally amongst the women. Actually, I believe he spent the least amount of time speaking with me.

Steve liked Aaron as well and mentioned him on the drive back. Steve wanted to know of there was "anything there." I merely smiled and said, "maybe."

Steve did not like Tom. Steve's always said that entry into a group like ours, especially for a man is like getting the keys to the kingdom. His theory is that if a man isn't smart enough to not screw that up, he doesn't deserve any consideration.

I also noticed something else. Pre-engagement, Steve may have suggested meeting again with someone like Aaron. Post-engagement, he seems more...territorial? Not too territorial, mind you. Which is something I like. I think he'd deny that.

I'll discuss that in more detail in another post.