As a refresher, this Cowboy and I have a great night out for dinner but he was going to stay in his truck overnight in Chicago and I was having some guilt about that. I didn’t even think it was safe.
So, against my better judgment, I ask him if he wants to stay overnight on my couch. He said, that would be awesome. I told him if I get creeped out in the least, I will call my doorman and he would be kicked out. He totally understood.
We get to my house and he was amazed at city living. I am on the 37th floor and the view is spectacular at night. A far cry from South Dakota living.
I was getting ready for bed when I asked him if he wanted a toothbrush as I had an extra one. His reply? No thank you. What? How can someone turn down a toothbrush? UGH!
I then ask him if he wanted a t-shirt and shorts to wear. He said, no thank you, I sleep naked. UM, NOT IN MY HOUSE YOU DON’T! On my couch no less? I am already questioning his hygiene to begin with, no way, no how. He then offered up he doesn’t even wear “drawers”. My reply? You should.
Now, I know Lee Jeans aren’t that comfortable to sleep in but, come on! So, I find him a pair of shorts and t-shirt. He obliged.
I kept trying to go to sleep and I was lucky if I slept two hours that night because I could hear him snore through a closed door. In the morning, he was so excited for the Cubs game. I told him no way I could go to the game. I didn’t even sleep. Plus, in my head I knew I would be stuck with him for a second night since he didn’t have a hotel room. No way could I do this two nights in a row.
Since I knew he had a long day ahead of him with going to the game, I asked if he wanted to shower. His reply? No, I am good. WAIT, WHAT? Now, you are turning down a toothbrush and a shower? Yuck. And, I am not sure if he stayed in his car the night before? My mind was wandering like crazy. When does this Cowboy clean up?
He told me to get some rest and wanted me to meet him after the game. I told him I would do my best but had plans with the girls that night.
He went to the game and texted me he met a new friend who wouldn’t take his bicycle helmet off for the game. So, there they are, my guy with the Cowboy hat and his buddy with the bicycle helmut. As we know, anything goes in the bleachers.
He then texted me that he ripped his jeans. I texted back, you aren’t wearing drawers!!!?? Can you imagine?
I told him I couldn’t see him that day. My friends were begging me to invite him out, but they weren’t the ones that would have to put up with a no tooth brushing, no showering, no drawer wearing, snoring cowboy that evening.
Then on Monday, he sent me a picture of he and his friend with the helmut. Being a smart a$$, he said, I am the one on the left.
I said, don’t worry, I know exactly which one you are, it is like Ground Hog’s Day for me, you are wearing the exact same clothes. Seriously!
I reflected on the evening and decided my fatal error was worrying about where he was going to sleep. If he would have slept in his car, I would have thought it was a great date and wouldn’t have seen it to this bitter end. So, perhaps I should give him another chance?
He kept wanting to go out again but I was traveling quite a bit so we couldn’t land on a weekend where we both were available. We kept in touch via text.
He then asked if I wanted to go to David Burke’s Primehouse for a nice steak. He wanted to come to Chicago again to take me out. I had never been there so I thought, perfect. At the minimum, I am trying a new place.
Once again, he didn’t ask me where to stay and as a matter of fact, we didn’t even have any dialogue about that. I was impressed with his ability to make his own plans. However, fool me once.......
We meet for a drink before dinner. He was excited to see me and it was nice to see him too. We caught up on what we did for the holidays, etc and the evening started off on the right foot.
As we get to the restaurant, our differences were heightened as he ordered bone marrow as an appetizer. Yikes, I know it is popular but it looked like something you would put in a dog bowl. We then go downstairs to see where all of this meat is freeze dried? He asked for a tour as this Cowboy is obsessed with a good steak. Generally speaking, I don't need to see how the sausage is made. I was grossed out but that was the least of our concerns.
I started asking him about his family and he told me he didn’t have one. His Mom died years ago and his Dad was never part of his family. So much so that his Dad faked his own death to have a fresh start. As a result, he has quite a few half brothers and sisters that he found out about when he learned what his Dad had done. Needless to say, it was a tough childhood for him.
He then moved our conversation to religion. He started telling me that according to the Bible, if someone murders someone or has thoughts about someone who is married, both are equal sins. I told him I thought for sure murdering someone would be looked upon differently than thinking and not acting upon someone’s spouse. It turned into an argument which I didn’t even feel like arguing. Exhausting.
Now, the next topic (you guessed it) is where he is staying that evening. Keep in mind it is January and there is a -20 degree wind chill. Yes, he said he was staying in his car. Well as you can imagine, this didn’t sit well with me at all.
I told him I felt he was being presumptuous thinking he could stay with me again without having the conversation. He said, no, I am seriously able to stay in the car. I said, Cowboy, this isn’t even safe. You are backing me into a corner, and I don’t like it. I would rather you spend $100.00 on dinner and $200.00 on a hotel room than $300.00 on dinner. He said he can’t spend money on a Mo-tel, won't ever do it. Remember again what I do for a living? Insanity.
I sent him on his way. He is an adult and can figure it out. I was not comfortable having him stay over again. And, it all fizzled out in general. As it should.
Lesson learned? That Cowboy and this City Girl are not a good fit! And, lack of hygiene is 100% a deal breaker.
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