I didn't realize it was a date until later that evening.

I had no reason to think it was a date. It was originally going to be her, her sister, and myself going to that comedy show.

A date doesn't have three people. So why would I ever consider it one?

Then her sister couldn't make it at the last moment, leaving just me and her.

We arrived at the Comedy Cellar early. "Do you wanna get some coffee in the Olive Tree Cafe while we wait?" I asked.

"Sure!"

It was getting close to winter. A little warm coffee would be good for both of us, I figured.

We got a nice table with a candle. As I gazed at her through the warm glow, I realized this was the first time I had ever done anything with just her alone. I had always hung around her and her sister's friends.

She's an attractive and adorable young lady. And, I thought to myself as I sat there, she sure knows it too.

Much of our conversation centered on how different guys had liked her in the past. I had no reason to be jealous or to find such conversation askew since I only considered her a friend, so I curiously asked her about these guys.

I was much more shy and naive back then. The thought of asking her out never crossed my mind because her long list of suitors intimidated me; I never thought I'd have a chance.

So I listened intently as a friend would. And she went on and on about how many guys have liked her.

We shared a Tiramisu and an Irish Coffee. The fact that we were eating off of the same plate and drinking out of the same cup still didn't tip me off.

After dessert, we went to the comedy club and were given a seat near the stage.

"Uh oh, they're going to pick on us," she whispered.

"Oh yea! Heh. This is gonna be fun."

Four comics came on. All were horrible. The third one was the only one to pick on us.

At one point, she got up to go to the bathroom. The comic made a crack about her leaving then picked on me about how my "girlfriend" was leaving me.

I faked a laugh. His jokes were lame. She returned after he left the stage and was spared the rest of his set.

"What did he say about me? Did he make fun of me?" she asked.

"Yea. He made some lame jokes about you running off with another woman in the bathroom."

"Huh? That's not funny."

"Yea. I know. You wanna leave?"

"Yes!"

We got up. I picked up her coat and held it out for her. She smiled at me. Then we left.

As we crossed Washington Square Park, she took my hand and held it.

It was then, finally, that the thought dawned on me.

"Is this a date?"

I didn't actually say that. I wanted to. I was sure as hell thinking it. But I didn't say it.
Our hands didn't separate until we got back to our dorm.

. . .

How was your first date?