I’ve reached that point where I’ve pretty much given up on dating apps. One site recycles men over and over again, so that those I’ve already said “no” to keep showing up in my feed. The other one has guys I could see myself with, but they all live about 5000 miles away.

I saw a post the other day from a man who did live right on the edge of a reasonable distance. His profile was absolutely the most interesting one I’ve ever read – witty, clever use of English, without any punctuation or spelling errors. I read it a few times because I enjoyed it so much. In appreciation, I texted him on the app to say that although we’re probably too far away to date, I did enjoy reading his profile. Then I closed my computer and forgot about it.

Wouldn’t you know, the next morning there was a message saying he texted me back. Smiling, I opened the text. He read mine too and thought the same thing about my profile. I answered it, thanking him for appreciating it. This started a dialogue about our experiences with dating apps. We laughed at how just about everyone we approached rejected us or never answered. Who were they looking for? Pretty soon, we texted each other multiple times a day, and then we graduated from the dating app to our cell phones. More meaningful dialogues followed.

I’m getting all warm and fuzzy about this guy. We still have yet to speak, but I like his ability to communicate with astonishing regularity.

Then, as if on cue, Glamour Man comes back into view.

He texts me and asks if I’m going to be at the club on the weekend. I respond by saying, “Are you?” He promises he will be. I’ve heard his promises before and they’re pretty meaningless.

On the weekend, I’m in the kitchen of our club, getting lunch together – my volunteer job there. A few others are making ice tea and lemonade, or slicing watermelon, or putting out the paper plates and condiments. So when GM actually shows up, I’m fairly surprised. His face lights up when he sees me. But I’m busy slicing up a blueberry buckle cake and when I look up, he’s in front of me, smiling ear to ear. We talk for a moment but I’m in the thick of lunch prep. He pitches in and helps. Then, we’re alone. He turns around and gives me a very nice kiss. I feel tingly inside. He gives me a squeeze and a few more kisses. Now I’m on the edge of a swoon. Charm works.

Once lunch is ready, we grab something from the buffet. We sit at an outdoor table, just the two of us. It’s a lovely day and we both relax. And for the first time in at least two months, we have a very good conversation. This time, it’s him that’s doing most of the talking. He’s seems to feel more comfortable revealing parts of himself to me that he doesn’t share with others, and I hold his confidence. He talks about taking me someplace in the near future, a real vacation kind of thing, and it sounds wonderful. But I know better than to actually expect it to happen. It’s great to imagine it could, but my guarded self thinks otherwise.

It’s time for GM to leave. Stayed only a couple of hours, but made it clear he came to see me. Next time, he said he’d stay overnight. Then, to my surprise, he wraps his arms around me and gives me a proper kiss, right in front of everyone. A friend of mine passes by and says it’s about time. He leaves, and my mind wanders. What did all of that mean?

But when I return home, Dating App Man texts me. He’s continuing our conversation. Nothing yet about actually meeting. Still, he’s in the picture. I laugh.

Glamour Man is a texter and a phone caller, with rare sightings. Dating App Man is a tester too, and I’m sure within a short period of time, there’s going to be a phone call and perhaps a meetup as well. I told a very close friend about all of this. He said, “Don’t you think you deserve it? You’re not committed to Glamour Man! Have two men chase you and see who comes out the winner.”

I seriously have never been in this sort of a spot ever. You know what? It’s summer. It’s fun. And I’m going to enjoy this moment of my life and see where it brings me. Could be nowhere. Maybe, just maybe, it’ll be a joyride.