In my paranormal romance book, Second Sight Dating, my heroine, Serena, is a psychic matchmaker. Her job is to connect men and women who are "perfect" for each other. She does a reasonable job except for herself...and for a new client, Dan.
The three "first dates" she sets up for him are disasters. Is it because she's losing her skills, or she's become emotionally involved with him herself...or she doesn't trust him so is purposely sabotaging the dates? For example, his date with a dog groomer - at a pet fundraising dinner, dogs allowed - proved to be noisy and his date preferred someone else more connected to her pet involvement than Dan. Although a dog lover, "Dancing with Dogs" wasn't an activity Dan wanted to participated in.
On a personal level, I'm had a few "Worst First Dates." I'd have to say the following would be number one.
I met "Bob" at our local college and he asked me to go to a dance club. Once inside his car, he admitted that he was nervous (I swear I didn't do anything to make him feel uncomfortable with me). We drove around and never found the club, but I was getting a headache. His driving was awful. He kept hitting the brake, as if he was driving a new car/was a new driver. All the quick stops and fast starts drove me nuts.
I kept one hand on the dashboard to brace myself for the stops. "Way back then", we had lap belts but not shoulder seat belts. Finally, I had him pull into a restaurant parking lot, where I thanked him for the ride (stupid comment but by then I thought he was crazy and just wanted to escape), and got out of the car. I told him I was ill, and my brother would pick me up...I didn't want him to drive all the way back to my house.
After he apologized for the evening not going well, he said he'd call again, and I just gave a weak smile. No way in hell would I ever go out with him again. I went into the restaurant, called my brother, and he picked me up. I was safely home by 9:30pm.
I've now told you mine...do you have a "Worst First Date" to share?
Authors: have you used a "Worst First Date" in one of your books?
Readers: have you read memorable "Worst First Date" in a book?
ALSO: New nonfiction book out! "Luke: The Miracle Dog" is now available at Amazon and CreateSpace. This is a true story of a Shetland Sheepdog (Sheltie) who gets lost, is hit by a car and left for dead, is found barely alive, and his struggle to survive. He then has to adjust to a new quality of life involving his handicaps. It's written at a 6th grade level, but adults will enjoy it and can read it to younger children. Photos are included.
http://www.mariannestephens.net
7 comments:
Probably my Worst was when my date's car broke down, and I had to drive. The movie we wanted to see was sold out, and I ended up suffering through a thriller I really hadn't wanted to see. Afterward, I tried to ditch him at his apartment asap, but he insisted on talking. I finally made a big show of being sleepy so he'd get out of my car. He never called me again and I didn't care, lol!
Marianne, I love the premise of your new book. I can't think of any really bad first dates. I made a fool of myself a few times on first dates but can't share those. I enjoyed reading about your bad date.
Worst dates are a part of growing up! I can't think of one off the top of my head but I've had my share. It is so fun to think that those dates paved the way for the good dates and Mr. Right!
Your non-fiction book sounds so cute! What an amazing tale!
Melissa
Can't think of a really bad one, but am sure it's lurking there in my memory somewhere. Some men can be pretty dorky!
In college, I went out with a really cute guy but he was boring one on one that I thought I was going to cry. Every conversation topic was turned back to his fraternity. Cute doesn't overrule boring.
Hi, Marianne! I may have said this before... I found a Dear John/Jane letter stuck in my door on Valentine's Day. It ended on a funny note with a friend and years later, sold that story.
Hi Marianne,
Your book sounds like a good one. I love the match maker stories. :)
My worst date was the one who wrote a four page written critique on what I could do better on our second date, even suggesting conversational topics and wardrobe.
There was no second date.
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