The plan was to meet Lisa at a predetermined place near the wine country. He was running late, something he always tried to avoid. Mike would rather get to an appointment early and wait than be late. After all they had just met and he wanted to make a good impression, and here he was sitting at yet another red light.
"Damned lights," he thought sitting in the left turn lane. When the light finally changed he turned into the parking lot of the appointed rendezvous spot.
Mike looked at the clock on his dashboard, "still made it on time," he said to himself.
He looked around the parking lot, searching for her car. Then it occurred to him, he hadn't seen her car when they'd met for lunch earlier in the week.
Their paths had met via an Internet dating site. He had seen Lisa's profile, and checked her out; she had posted a very cute photo.
Knowing he had seen her profile she made the first move and e-mailed him. They decided to meet for lunch and now here they were headed for a wine tasting on their second date.
How was he going to find her? Then he remembered he had her cell phone number programmed into his phone. He dialed her number, when she answered he asked, "Hi Lisa, are you here?"
"Yes, I'm up by the Target store," she replied.
"I'm on the other side of the parking lot, be right there" he said. He shifted the Miata into 1st gear and worked his way through the parking lot. As soon as he rounded the end of the aisle and turned toward the store he saw her standing on the sidewalk.
She saw him and started toward the car as he pulled up. "Cute car," she said as she slid into the passenger seat.
"Cute?" Mike said, "Chicks drive cute cars."
"It's not cute, it's cool, I love my Miata," he said, "Miata's get that "chick car" label but it's really fun to drive!"
She sensed his mock machismo about the car and laughed, " Well I still think it's cute."
"So which way do we go?" he asked. He knew where the wineries were but he wanted to let her lead him to her choice.
"Just take a left out of this parking lot", she said, "first we'll pick up my monthly selection at this winery up the road a few more miles."
He headed east towards the wine region, dodging traffic, "Sounds like a plan" he said. "So, did you say you belong to more than one wine club"?
"Yes, I also belong to the wine club at a newer winery about ten miles further down the road," she answered. "It's more of a family run company, which appeals to me and the wine is great."
"Well I think we should make every effort to check them out," he said, "just so I get the full benefit of your experience."
"Turn left here," she said suddenly. Fortunately he'd seen the sign and slowed, not that the Miata wouldn't have handled a last minute change of direction, even so the quick turn got his attention. He wound his way up the driveway to the tasting room and parked.
They walked inside and found their way through the gift shop to the tasting bar. "We're over here," Lisa said, leading him to the club member's bar.
She signed in and collected her shipment. The pourer handed her two glasses and a list of the current selections.
"Where would you like to start?" the pourer asked.
"What do you recommend?" Lisa replied.
"Most people start with the whites and work up to the reds," was the pourer's answer.
So after trying all the whites except the sweet desert wines they tried the reds.
When they tried the Syrah Mike said, "I like this Syrah, I might have to buy a bottle for later."
When they left she ended up being the one that purchased the Syrah. "If you like it, I'm happy to get it for you," she said, "maybe we can open it later".
The implication sounded good to him. Lisa was his age; his height and she showed interest in him. He hadn't left the house thinking sex but it had been almost two years since his wife passed away and Lisa was looking pretty fine.
He was a red blooded American male and even though he was pushing 60 he still felt he could take care of a women's needs.
They drove down the road a few miles, "There it is," Lisa said as they rounded a turn.
He pulled into the parking lot and shut off the engine. "Nice looking place" he said, "What's their specialty?"
"They concentrate on reds but they have some good whites as well," she replied. "I think you'll like what they have".
This winery's tasting room was more intimate than the first. They had their own table, which was more conducive for private conversation.
They started with the white wines and then moved to the reds. While they tasted their conversation became more personal. She talked openly about her marriages and subsequent relationships.
He told her about his first marriage that had ended in divorce, the best part of which was his daughter. She knew his second wife had died from cancer. They continued talking, getting to know each other while tasting more wine. When they finished the wine list Mike bought a bottle of the Shiraz they had tasted. When they set up the date he had suggested either dinner out or dinner at his house. They were walking to his car and he took her hand and said. "So what about dinner"?
"What about dinner?" she asked.
"Well as I said on the phone, we could go out or I could cook for you. I've got a great looking salmon fillet marinating," Mike suggested.
"I love salmon," she said.
"Salmon it is then," he replied. "I'll take you back to your car and you can follow me to my place."
"I like a man with a plan," she said.
He dropped her at her car and gave her a brief explanation of his route in case they got separated. "I'll try not to get too far in front of you," he said, "see you there."
It was only about ten miles to his place and even though they did get separated she pulled up at his house shortly after he did. He walked over to her car and opened the door for her. "Can I help you with anything?" he asked.
