By Jillian Weingart

He was holding my hand gently as we walked up to my front door. I turned to face him expecting to receive a hug or a simple good bye. Before I knew it, he thrust me up against the door and we were engaged in a make-out session so intense that it could make a porn star blush.

This guy had come into my bar earlier that day for lunch. Him and a friend were taking the train to see some sports game. However, this young gentleman had such a nice time, that he decided to skip the game and hang out with me until I got off of work so that he could buy me a drink. Romantic, right?

I pulled away from our kissing fest and gave him one last smooch on the cheek, wishing him goodnight.

“Good night, Jillian” he said with a smile.

I looked longingly at my beau, checking my drunk memory for the name to match the face. Hmmm. Not a single name came to mind, and I rushed into my apartment to avoid potential embarrassment.

Bartenders don’t get to see this “forgetting” stage very often. We are the people that get you to forget. The OBVIOUS solution is to just ask. But, for some reason, humans find this embarrassing. There is a stigma that comes with making out without asking someone’s name. “Thank you for searching the back of my mouth for treasure. Now please identify yourself.”

But what do you do, in the parlance of my profession, when you’re in the middle of mixing a cocktail and can’t remember what’s inside your mixer?

Like the dude from Memento, I had to piece together the clues without help from my memory. Asking Bartendress Jane who served us the night before would be the best option, but she wasn’t working again for a few days and I needed the answer immediately. Looking at the credit card reports might yield some answers, but I couldn’t easily match drink totals to his name. And unless his name happens to be “Cute Guy at Bar,” the name I put in my phone wasn’t helpful.

Well, that was that, I ruined another potentially awesome relationship. I really liked this guy, too, and we could have had a great relationship; eventually it probably would have turned serious. We could have made a happy couple, walking our matching Bedlington Terriers through Santa Monica on the way to picking up our lovely twins Oliver and Olive from the Montessori school. If only.

Right at that moment, he sent me a text. “Hi.” My mind started to race. How could I trick him into telling me his name without revealing that I hadn’t caught it in the first place? I took a shot:

“I totally think you went to school with my friend. What’s your last name?”

He was on to me.

“Why?” He texted back, “I told you last night.”

Well, hell. I felt my face get red. How embarrassing was this going to be? Before I could respond to him, I felt my phone buzz. I looked down at my phone and read this:

“Look, I really like you. All you have to do is ask what my name is. And it’s Trent. It’s nice to meet you ☺”

So what is the etiquette for this socially awkward dilemma? For people who like to hook up with a stranger and could care less about names, just leave in the morning. For people who want to see their mystery man or woman again, just ask. It might make you feel like the rapture is coming and you just got left behind, but in the end you will have a cute story for your grandchildren. And also, you won’t have to bug your favorite bartender about it. She can now concentrate on making you and your new hubby your favorite martini.

I was pretty grossed out as I watched this last night!

Yuck, really Natalie, really?
#2 Natalie - “I’m pretty confident that I can win this contest because I’m not scared to kiss all the boys. I would like make-out with everyone in the house for like twenty bucks.”

What do you think is this pushing the “I may get a giant herpe on my face” a bit far to win $250,00.00?
…And would you?

Bachelor Pad – Kissing Contest (Girls)

By Jennifer Kelton

That’s why he didn’t call.

One week after avoiding two of my favorite local happy hour spots, I’m sitting at one of them, drinking a $4 happy hour draught, surrounded by dark mahogany. It’s the local Irish Pub. I’m on a first-name basis with the bartenders, here. I’m sitting on my bar stool, praying to God that he (Mr. Guy- Who-Didn’t Call) doesn’t walk in.

Have you ever felt the need to go on a “Dating Fast?” That’s exactly what I did. Not by choice, but for mental survival from December 2009 until now—August 2010.

It was seven months of not wondering why he’s not calling, texting and/or e-mailing. Instead, I focused on my company, which gives me plenty to think about on a day-to-day basis; spammers, scammers, bots, bugs, bills, content, rep management, PR, programmers, SEO, marketing, monetization, analytics… well, you get the corporate picture of being a one-woman business.

Falling off the dating wagon and my Man Fast seemed like a good idea at the time. But now? Not so much. You know that old saying “what you think, you will attract?” That’s exactly what I did—and it happened. Aka the Laws of Attraction.

I met a smart, funny, cute guy, made out with him and developed a major crush! I suppose after being on a Man Fast for seven months it was easy to develop feelings quickly, and he had a lot of those great qualities I was looking for—or so it seemed: until he didn’t call, text or e-mail.

Mr. Guy Who Didn’t Call turned into a major distraction. A few tears and tequila shots later, I decided to ask the bartender to tell me the “12 reasons that guys don’t call back.”

And this is what he said: (After remarking, “12 is pushing it.”)
1. He was really drunk and compromising.
2. He didn’t have an interesting night.
3. Bad kisser. (But I try to not kiss people that I’m not attracted to so…)
4. Bad sex.
5. Bottom line is: if he’s not calling, it’s because he thinks it’s not worth it, and he doesn’t care about you.

He’s right. If he’s not calling, it’s because he doesn’t care about you, and that’s a good reason to stop worrying and thinking about why he’s not calling.

But, you know, I was pondering what the bartender said when I was out running, and I realized that it hurts to feel like “someone doesn’t care,” because it makes me feel alone. I can honestly say during my seven-month Dating Fast, I have felt alone only once and that was just a few weeks ago when I had my root canal.

What do you think, girls? Do you feel alone when he doesn’t call? And guys, I’d love to know why you don’t call back!

In walks Jennifer Kelton and Jessica Downey two modern day Lois Lane’s who are unabashedly hitting the pavement in their bustling hometowns of Los Angeles and Chicago. Armed with sharpened pencils and crisp white lined note pads, asking a total of 50 unsuspecting strangers of all ages, genders and demographics in random locations — the odd, the unusual and at times taboo questions involving all things dating and mating.

Be on the look out for a new topic and question each month.

This month’s question is:

“So, it’s the first time that you’ve spent the night over at the guy’s or girl’s house that you really like – you don’t have your toothbrush, would you use theirs?

Men
Total – 28 (Plus the guy that didn’t answer which is 29.)
No- 18
Yes – 6
Maybe – 4

Women
Total – 22
No – 15
Yes – 4
Maybe – 3

Los Angeles:

1. Age 27: Guy – Bartender “No, I would just leave. It’s critical to brush my teeth I don’t even let my girlfriend use it, or me hers.” Cute, tall, blonde, blue eyes, pen behind ear. “I like to drink a lot.”

2. Age 62: Guy – Random man at the Mexican bar. Married. “No, I’d go online and find the nearest 7-eleven.” Nice gold chain, nice gold watch, overall nice looking older guy. “I’ll stop at a gas station to brush my teeth if I have to, I brush my teeth a lot!”

3. Age 35: Guy – Random guy at the Mexican bar. “No!” Pretty arm tattoo, jewelry and super white sneakers. “I want a sandwich when I wake up, I’ve earned it come the morning time.”

4. Age 26: Guy – Bartender at Mexican restaurant. “This is the rule, if there was a fluid exchange, then it’s OK, if there was not a fluid exchange, NO WAY!” Nice blue eyes, handsome, hometown Chicago, actor good looks. “Funny, intelligent, self-aware, I know that I’m not the smartest guy in the room.”

5. Age 22: (Turning 23 on Aug. 10th) Girl – Random girl sitting on a stool on Main Street. “YES! Definitely I don’t have any problems with germs.” Indian bead earrings nose piercing. “Create you’re own story.”

6. Age 29: Guy – “NO!” Laughs, and say’s “NO” again… “I’d use hot water and swish it around if I had to.” Salesman at eyeglass store. Well dressed. “Complex, happy, content solemn (That’s my mood at the moment.) Quite…”

7. Age 35: Girl – Saleswoman at jewelry store also a designer “NO! I’d use my finger as a finger brush.” Wearing silver jewelry.” If I was dating I’d be considered a prude.”

8. Age 34: Girl – Saleswoman at jewelry store. “NO! Even my husband’s I would not use!” “I don’t know what to tell you about myself.”

9. Age 35: Guy – Parking attendant. “It would depend on how long I’ve know the girl. Men don’t care about that.” Scruffy in uniform.

10. Age 38: Guy – “Yea…” Clerk at mailbox store. Goatee, and long ponytail. “Um… Sunday’s and Wednesday’s at Saint’s & Sinners. (Where he’s a DJ.)

11. Age 22: Girl – Clerk at mailbox store, in uniform… Thinking…. “If it’s the boyfriend I’m with right now, yes, if it’s just a random guy No.” “It’s hard to do that.”

12. Age 19: Girl – Checker at Whole Foods. – Laughing “NO!” Blue flannel shirt

13. Age 44: Girl – Waitress at a Café. “NO! I’d look for another source” Cross necklace. “Life is good.”

14. Age 41: Guy – Random guy at restaurant “Yes, I would totally ask the woman I’m with.” White tee shirt, long hair. “Life is beautiful.”

15. Age 44: Girl – Random woman at restaurant. “No, but you can use my second one.” Wearing a tee shirt that said. “Woman who behave rarely make history.”

16. Age 77: Girl – Random woman at the bar, aging gracefully. “I don’t think so, it would depend on what it looked like.”. “I’m very happy with my family.”

17. Age 71: Guy – Random man at the bar. “I don’t use a toothbrush, I only use mouthwash. I have great enamel.” Wearing a black eye patch. “I have many lovers, I won’t tell you how many though.”

18. Age 21: Guy – Picking up take-out from an Irish pub. “NO” – smiles.. and laughs “It’s happened.” Laughs again. Blue tee shirt. “I like beer.”

19. Age 23: Guy – Works at the bar, aspiring writer who wants to learn more languages. “I guess it depends on how long we have been hanging out, but yes, definitely, definitely!” Nice rope bracelets. I asked about them “they have sentimental value.” “Madly in love with my girlfriend.… We met while volunteer teaching.”

20. Age 53: Guy – DJ at the bar. “Absolutely YES!” Wearing Rolling Stone Tee shirt.” We are one.”

21. Age 38: Guy – Parking attendant at hotel. “Probably not.” Nice suit and tie.” Outgoing, pleasant, stickler for facts.”

22. Age 38: Guy – Bartender at trendy bar. “Um… No of course not!” In black uniform. “I’m horny, more than most.”

23. Age 36: Girl – Bartender, in sexy black tank and stone turquoise necklace. “If he said OK, yea I probably would, but most likely I would just use my finger.” I don’t have anything to say about myself.”

24. Age 42: Guy – Drinking an Amstel Light at the bar. “NO!” Wearing a blue shirt and jeans. “I’m a happy person.”

25. Age 42: Guy – Drinking a cocktail a the bar. “NO! I do have all my fingers right – I’d finger brush.” Blue shirt and Jeans. “I like this burger.”

Chicago:

1. Age 22: Girl – Bar “No, not on the first night.” Blonde hair, wearing a white tanktop and jean shorts. “I am a college student.”

2. Age 24: Girl – Bar “No, I don’t think I would on the first night. I wouldn’t want anyone to think I am weird for using their toothbrush.” Brown hair, black dress with a v-neck, glasses.

3. Age 35: Guy – Bar “No, I think it’s disgusting. I would probably use to finger and toothpaste but I am not that worried about it.” Short dark hair wearing a red shirt with tan shorts. “I am single, never married.”

4. Age 27: Girl – Park “No way, that is disgusting.” Wearing purple flowered dress, short. “I am engaged and have never used his toothbrush.”

5. Age 45: Guy – Drugstore “No, I don’t even want to think about what is on the toothbrush. I wouldn’t like it if she used mine.” Blonde hair, wearing white shirt with stripes and black dress pants. “I was married once but now I am single. The divorce had nothing to do with a toothbrush.”

6. Age 21: Guy – Bar “No, not on the first night, I would use my finger and toothpaste. Actually I think it would be a dealbreaker if she used mine.” Blonde hair, wearing a red jacket with shirt underneath and shorts. “I am a college student.”

7. Age 24: Girl – Bar “Yes, I would have no problem with it. Think about all the other gross stuff you put in your mouth. Is a toothbrush that bad?” Dark brown hair straight with bangs, black shirt with writing – punk rocker feel.

8. Age 57: Girl – Supermarket “No, not on the first night but once we knew each other better so I knew where his toothbrush had been.” Brown hair, black suit with heels. “I am a lawyer, married and when I was single I always liked it when a guy bought extra toothbrushes for me.”

9. Age 38: Guy – Supermarket “Sure, why not I don’t think it’s a big deal and if she freaked out about it I am not sure I would want to date her.” Wearing blue shirt, jeans. “I work in advertising and I am single.”

10. Age 28: Guy – Bar “No definitely not. If I had bad breath I would just squirt the toothpaste in my mouth.” Blonde hair, wearing a white shirt and jeans.

11. Age 32: Girl – Park (near the lake) “No, not on the first night I would use my finger and toothpaste unless they had an extra one.” Blonde hair, wearing a white tanktop and jean shorts. “I am a lawyer and I just moved in with my boyfriend. I’m pretty sure he’s used my toothbrush.”

12. Age 35: Guy – near the lakefront “No, I would feel really weird about it and I am not sure how I would explain that to them.” Dark hair, wearing a white tanktop and plaid shorts. “I am single, working on my MBA.”

13. Age 46: Girl – Park “Yes, if I really liked them. That’s the kind of person I am and I assume they would already know.” Dark hair with lighter highlights, blue striped sundress. “I just moved here from Michigan, I am an accountant.”

14. Age 29: Guy – Farmer’s Market “Yes, I assume I would really like them since I am staying over there and if we are sleeping together a toothbrush is no big deal.” Bald, blue vintage shirt with Pepsi logo.

15. Age 37: Guy – Farmer’s Market “No, I would share drinks and food with them but a toothbrush no way.” Bald, wearing blue shirt and plaid shorts.

16. Age 30: Girl – Lakefront running path “No way, that is disgusting.” Dark hair with some red highlights, wearing a white tanktop and leggings.

17. Age 53: Guy – Drugstore “Maybe, it depends on how close we were and what stage in the relationship we were. Definitely not on a one night stand.” Salt and pepper hair white shirt black pants. “I do business development and marketing, I am single and have never been married.”

18. Age 20: Girl – Furniture Store “No, I think hygienic products are off limits for sharing.” Short Blonde hair, brown sun dress. “I do PR, I am engaged.”

19. Age 47: Guy – Restaurant (waiting for takeout) “Probably not, but I think it depends on where we were at in the relationship.” Wearing a black suite with white shirt and no tie. “I am married, no kids and I have a really boring office job that involves a lot of paper work.”

20. Age 22: Girl – Restaurant (waiting for takeout) “Sure, I use my boyfriends all the time. I can’t remember if I did it on the first night but I don’t think it’s gross.” Long Blonde hair, wearing a white dress.

21. Age 39: Guy – Park “No, but maybe once we were further along in the relationship.” Shirt with red cut off sleeves, black shorts.

22. Age 39: Guy – Drugstore “No, I would just wait until I went home in the morning.” Blonde hair, white t-shirt pajama pants with palm trees on them. “I don’t normally shop in pajama pants”

23. Age 49: Girl – Drugstore “No, I would wait until I went home the next morning or maybe bring my own.” Blonde hair, grey t-shirt dress

24. Age 44: Girl – Drugstore “No, I would just use mouthwash or squirt it in my mouth.” Blonde hair, Blue sundress.

25. Age 19: Girl – Park “No and I think I would be super freaked out if a guy used my toothbrush. Maybe I should start keeping them handy.” Blonde hair, white shirt with jean shorts. “I am a college student and I’m single.”

(Insert old crackling radio sound here.) This is Two Women, Two Cities and One Question signing off till the next time where we hit the reporters beat. And we also need to go sharpen our pencils. Over and out and thanks for reading.

*We would love your comments and thoughts on this topic. What would you do?

By Jennifer Kelton

It’s estimated about 60 percent of men and 40 percent of women will have an affair at some point in their marriage. Womensavers.com (Hello, Ashleymadison.com)

While it’s extremely difficult to get the precise numbers, I can say that unfortunately, unknowingly, and very much to my Brazilian waxed vaginal dismay I became part of 2009’s infidelity statistic. This unequivocally and absolutely goes against every grain of my moral, cellular and ethical being. And now my poor unsuspecting adulterous vagina — I just found out about this sexual and dishonorable tidbit of information last night over a Guinness beer at one of my favorite local Irish pubs.

I don’t remember the exact day, but what I do remember is that it was one of those typical warm California Summer nights — I recall feeling salty, sandy, and tanned from spending the afternoon at the beach, despite having taken a shower before heading out for food and cocktails. I was wearing black short shorts, brown equestrian style boots, and a vintage western blouse as I breezily went for sushi happy hour at an extremely trendy Venice Beach hot spot.

Once there, I ended up bumping into a local guy/friend that I once casually dated and his other friends at the bar. The guy I used to date had one friend who just so happened to be tall, dark and devilishly handsome. I was attracted to him immediately and the more he flirted with me the more charming and engaging he became.

The possibility of romance going further than the bar was absolutely the gigantic cartoonish caption bubble hovering over my captivated swooning head – A devilishly handsome flirty guy along with his tempting wooing ways was just too impossible to be true. However, he was I’d like to blank your brains out too hot to ignore.

As we all finished up at the bar, devilishly handsome guy invited me back to his swanky shoreline Santa Monica hotel for cocktails and while at the hotel’s bar the flirting became more sexual, but I was not objecting — perhaps he is “the one”?

Our heated exchange went on for about an hour and then he authoritatively asked for and paid our tab while simultaneously asking me if I wanted to go to his room. I’m not naive and figured that once getting there, I would go only as far as I wanted (sex wise). Immediately, when we got into the room he ordered a really good bottle of wine and it did not take long before we were on the bed kissing, clothes off, and having sex.

One thing that really pops out in my mind (no pun intended) was his forcefulness as he pushed my head to his “head” which in retrospect now seems to be overtly selfish behavior on his behalf. And what I now know became to be a one night stand with a married man.

He got up quickly right after he came and went to take a shower, as I laid there for a fast minute I knew I had to leave — something was not right. As I put my clothes back on, I wondered if I should leave my business card or my number on the hotel notepad. I opted not to and left quickly while he was still in the shower. I could see the steam drifting out from the slight crack in the pristine five-star hotel door….

To be continued.

By Jennifer Kelton

Since I’m on the subject of the good old days…

Penis…

I have to admit, other than being flashed online via Skype, it’s been about five months since I’ve seen one in the flesh.

It was back in December of 2009 and I met him at an English pub that’s close to my house and after too many glasses of cheap happy hour white wine we ended up in a women’s bathroom stall kissing like sweaty teenagers. Actually, I later found out he was pretty young (only 28) and while he was/is a super sweet guy in the end he’s just too young (I’m 44).

Even with as much fun as we had dating casually, at some point past his make-out skills, we just fizzled mostly because of the age difference between us.

The last time I saw him I remember him moving in for a good night kiss which left me just feeling like “mommy” (not a turn on) and 28-year-old guy went home minus a kiss goodnight and I no longer felt like “mommy”.

Fast forward to this morning when I was reading an article about how chimpanzees mourn their dead, which happens to be extremely similar to us. They also have 96% of the same genes. nationalgeographic.com

So what does this have to do with Part Two of the last Sex, Skype and Technology post?

A lot, since it also has to do with human behavior — as much as we try to escape the base of our DNA, it’s just impossible!

Did you know that male chimpanzees do most of the hunting for meat in joint groups of 1-35?

The kill is shared with their friends and allies and is also a way to gain sex.

Sex is what so much of life is based around. Really lets be real here, so much of life comes
back to sex.

Just take a look at sex in advertising. I’m not sure of the exact stats but my guess is at least 90% of it is geared towards selling you a product that will “help” you entice and attract the opposite sex. This is something that dates back to the 1800′s in ads for saloons, tonics, and tobacco…

Let’s face it sex sells.

This morning after my morning run, which is not only for my sanity but also for the fight against gravity on my body, and not just for me but because I want to be in shape and minus any muffin tops for that make-out session with the next penis I encounter.

I digress; also this morning I saw the latest TV commercial with Holly, aka Bad Date Betty who is one of the stars of Bad Date TV, for Wienerschnitzel.

200 years later sex still sells, but you know what? I still don’t want to see penises on Skype.

Wienerschnitzel “79 cent corn dog”

Bad Date? Good News!
Bad Date TV Contest
By Jessica Downey

We’ve all been on some really bad dates. You know, the kind of date that your friends don’t really believe happened. The kind that makes you want to swear off dating for good. Wouldn’t it be fantastic if there was some sort of reward for all these terrible dates? Well, brace yourselves because now there is one.

That’s right. You’re bad date story could win you a chance to appear on the next episode of Bad Date TV. Think of it this way. If you have ever had to sit through an excruciatingly bad date, here is your chance have a little something to show for it.

The process is very simple. All you need to do is tell BadOnlineDates your worst bad date story. You can tell your story through blog, iphone app or a video blog on the site. If you haven’t had a chance to check out the BadOnlineDates iPhone app, here is a great chance to do it. Not only will you be able to submit your entry, but there you also can check out all the blogs and videos from the site.

Entries must be made at any time from April 1, 2010 until June 1, 2010. A male and female winner will be chosen by their bad date story. Then the winners will travel on an expenses paid trip to Los Angeles in July 2010 where they will participate in a full day shoot on location with the Bad Date TV cast and crew.

This could be you… Enter today to win.

Just because a man buys you drinks does that entitle him to more?
August and September

I was still not able to remember his name when we said goodbye, but I didn’t care any more. He was a liar, and not someone I would want in my world. I only saw him one more time — in the pages of a paintball magazine. Four months later, I was at a Barnes and Noble bookstore, looking at dating books for research, and I saw the one and only paintball magazine in the periodicals section. I thumbed through the pages and there was Room #104! Well, I’m pretty sure it was him. The man in the photo wore a helmet with a face guard, but a bit of his red hair was visible, and I’d recognize that body anywhere. At least I knew he didn’t lie about that. Along with the dating books and an Italian Vogue, I bought the paintball magazine – the clerk gave me a quizzical look. I now keep it with my research for the book; it’s my souvenir of the day I became a social scientist.

The day I said goodbye to Room #104, I returned home to find my e-mail inbox and cell phone filled with messages from Neighbor Damon. I was unsure if it was best to call him or ignore him, but he did seem like a nice guy. He just lacked girl-skills and was, obviously, eager. I called him back and agreed to go on a date with him that weekend. Thinking back, I tried to get out of our initial date, but he was very insistent. I gave him brownie points for his willingness to fight to have a date with me.

We went to Mr. Chow, one of my favorite restaurants in Los Angeles. He seemed like a kind man; under his gruff exterior is a man looking for love and companionship – aren’t we all. Although he wore way too much cologne and was a little rough around the edges, we had a few thins in common. We talked about his job at the record label and my own connections within the music industry.

Things were going fine until he asked me to feed him. What? Is he kidding? I thought. He wanted me to feed him pieces of the green shrimp, just like a romantic couple in a movie. It was a very awkward moment, and definitely not romantic. I really just wanted the date to be over, but he’d been so generous, I felt it would be rude to cut things short.

After dinner, he talked me into a nightcap at the Ritz-Carlton. We sat on the big couch in the bar area where I sipped hot tea and he a mixed drink. I was wearing a very tight dress, and I consider panty lines to be a big fashion don’t. Even the Hollywood standard, Cosabella, would be visible. As we are sitting on the couch, he slid his hand across my hip and commented, “You’re not wearing underwear.” I nodded confirmation of his suspicion. If the general public knew just how many women “go commando,” no one would be shocked by my confession.

To be continued…

Just because a man buys you drinks does that entitle him to more?
August and September

Suddenly, his hand went up my skirt, and I forgot all about the stain and germ-ridden bedspread. He was a skilled lover. Perhaps it was just because we knew we would never see one another again, or because he’s watched a lot of porn – within minutes, he made some specific requests that indicated the latter – but the sex was raw and uninhibited. After several hours, we fell asleep; it was around 3:00 a.m. when I awoke. Should I stay, or should I go? He was sound asleep as I snuck out of the room. Safely home, I brushed my teeth, scrubbed my face and got into my bed, glad be there alone.

Feeling the effects of the Cuervo 1800 and my night of debauchery, I got up around 9:00 a.m., having missed yoga. There were three calls from Damon on my cell phone. He had called me the night before, first thing in the morning, and sent me a bunch of emails.

It freaked me out that he was being so aggressive, so I ignored him and went to the gym to sweat out Room #104 and the 1800. On my way home, I wracked my brain to remember Room #104’s name. I felt like such a slut; the horns and tail were surely visible. I had offered to take him to the airport the next day, but I couldn’t remember his room number, either. However I did know my way back to his room, so I went back to the hotel to find him.

Usually cool and calm in most situations, my heart was pounding as I rode up in the elevator and knocked on the door. He was in his room and invited me in. It was awkward; we were both uneasy, but we survived. As we were talking, he told me about his girlfriend back home — the girlfriend that he lives with. I asked him if he has these out-of-town flings and one-night stands all the time. He looked me straight in the eye and said, “No, this is the first time I have ever done anything like this.” I can still his face at that moment, and I’m still sure he was lying. Room #104 was not only a professional paintball player; he was a professional “player,” and I fell for his game. But I was up for the adventure whatever its the outcome.

To be continued…