Stare-bucks

Haha. Seriously. Can I not go anywhere without a feeling like someone is hitting on me? Ok. That sounds a little arrogant. It actually doesn't happen that frequently, unless you count Mexicans shouting and whistling from pick-up trucks an "experience." This experience at least turned out to be more pleasant than most -- I did get a free coffee out of it.

I go to "my" Starbucks, on the corner of Los Angeles and 1st at least once a week... sometimes twice. I've gotten to know the Baristas there well enough that in most cases, I don't even have to say my drink -- they know it: Tall Vanilla Misto in a Grande cup, Percent milk, two pumps, with extra foam... please and thank you. My favourite one has grown to be this one guy which I thought was gay. Not that there’s anything wrong with that (reference, anyone?). Well, as of today that may or may not still be true. He's my favourite because he makes my drink the best. He’s also the friendliest.

Anyways, I went in today and saw him, and said hi. A different guy took my order (see above). Suddenly, I heard a "put it on my comp" over my shoulder, and there's the guy giving me a free drink. Now, I didn't really take this as anything too unusual; for Christ's sake, I go there all the time, it's about time I get a free drink around there! I thanked the guy, my coffee was made, so I grabbed it and left (out the backdopor might I add).

(I would like to take a moment to point out the fact that he is not a creepy old man -- nor is he homeless, which is a nice change from the usual unwelcome advances I receive. He's probably around 24 years old, not really attractive, and just a friendly guy).

Half-way into crossing the street I got a "hi, I'm Mike," and an extended hand to my right. It was him. Mike. And to tell you the truth, I had a feeling it was going to happen, so it didn't really surprise me. We chit-chatted as we walked towards City Hall, just making casual conversation, as my mind frantically went through the multiple, standard scenarios that could happen in the next 5-10 minutes.... maybe he would ask if I had a cute brother, maybe he would trip into oncoming traffic, perhaps he would get arrested for suspicion of gang-related activities, maybe he would tell me I won a prize, maybe I would be transported into the future by a large box... which ever way, I did NOT want this to end poorly -- for Godsake, the man makes the best coffee I can get in LA ... this was no time to be risky.

We got to my last cross-walk. He says "I'm not very good at this sort of thing, but can I give you my number so we can go and get a drink or something?"

Yeah. Immediately, with NO HESITATION, I said, "I have a boyfriend, just to let you know." He said it was ok, because he really actually just wanted a friend to hang out with -- so, he could indeed still be possibly gay, I could be right. Not that there’s anything wrong with that (oooo, reference #2!). I appreciated the valiant effort. And plus, what the hell -- it's nice to have lunch with someone once in awhile while I'm on my work-break. Friends it is then.

I think it's because I'm nice. I'm polite, I smile ... I try not to be evil... and I think that sometimes it comes off as "attraction" to some people. No, I am not attracted to you. Just because I smile doesn't mean I like you. Do people not regularly smile at you, but instead punch you in the face? Is that why you take simple gestures of kindness as something more?

Yeah. I'm interested in only one guy: Justin Bell … and maybe Indiana Jones. But until I get a time machine and abandon the fact that Indiana Jones is a fictional character, Justin is safe. … and we all know that that's not going to happen (at least anytime soon). ☺