Bus Dude and Dating Tips

"Are you guys waiting for the 17 E?" The question came out of the blue, and the awkward wording let me know that the questioner wasn't familiar with the system enough to know that one usually pronounces it '17 Express'.

"Yeah, we are," I said. Bill and I made some jokes and chatted briefly, and then we, and the attractive stranger all climbed aboard the recently arrived 17E. The packed bus meant that the three of us were standing in the aisle way next to each other. We had a lovely conversation, getting to know him—he's new in town, an engineer, and (from observation) wicked smart.

He and I flirted a bit, then the conversation kind of died down and we didn't really have much to say to each other. I was trying to figure out a good way to get invite him to do something sometime when Bill leaned over and whispered in my ear, "You should get pretty boy's phone number." I did end up suggesting we all do something, and to do that, we exchanged numbers.

A couple days later, I called him up to ask him to join Bill and me for dinner and maybe mini golf. He accepted.

It would appear that I have become the aggressor, but the problem is: I have no idea how to pursue anyone. So, to that end, Bill has been 'coaching' me. It's a bit lame, and I feel awkward and silly having Bill there giving me advice. But, it seems to be working, so, I guess we'll see.

Selfish

Bill has a friend who I find kind of goofy, immature, and moderately irritating. Said friend has a birthday this week sometime—I'm still not sure what day it is.

He has decided to have three days of different parties, all with the same people invited. The first of these parties started Thursday night, with the last one anticipated Saturday evening.

While I think this is a bit over the top and strange it wouldn't bother me nearly as much as it does, if Saturday weren't my big (as in 30th) birthday. I find it amusing, and ever so slightly annoying, that I am jealous that I have to share my birthday with this dude. Couple that with the fact that Cyclist's birthday is the 2nd, and so he's having his festivities tomorrow night (yeah, on my birthday), and I have a few too many jealousy issues to work through.

Let's not forget that I'm dragging 7 of my closest friends up the side of a mountain to celebrate (anyone have a good recipe for vegan birthday cake best cooked at, say, 4,760 feet?). Or the fact that Bill is plotting something fairly extravagant for Sunday night. But, the thing is—Saturday is my day, and I feel totally immature for being jealous about sharing. Also, a bit sad that Bill isn't taking me out to a nice dinner to celebrate this year.

Thus, I put it to you—who's the selfish one here? I don't think it's limited to just three-days-of-parties boy.