Shall we dance?

I decided to take a dance class. Of the social variety. This class had tests, as classes tend to do, and there was a competition near the end of the semester.

My partner for that competition decided that we needed to practice. I agreed, seeing as we had a competition in a little over a week. Practice makes perfect, right? Or at least, practice makes "we know the steps and won't look like complete fools."

One of the practice rooms was open Friday late in the afternoon. Seeing as this was a time that didn't conflict with any other classes or work, I agreed to this time and location.

Suspicion should have been aroused when I learned my partner hadn't realized the dance competition was exactly seven days after our agreed practice time. He had only intended on practicing for the test that Monday. Practicing for tests was not exactly a habit I embraced. We practiced for the test, then practiced for our competition.

After an hour or so, we agreed that we had practiced a sufficient amount for that time and proceeded to change our shoes, put on our coats, and generally prepare for departure.

"So, have you had dinner yet?"

I paused, all of the sudden aware of the situation. Thankfully, I'd made plans to go out to eat with a coworker, so I supplied that as my answer.

"Oh," he was disappointed. Why was he disappointed? Don't be disappointed, dear awkward fellow! "I guess I'll have to just find something at my apartment."

Yes, sir, you would. But I just smiled and nodded in agreement. I opened my mouth to bid farewell and disappear, but he cut me off.

"So, you headed home?"

Confirmation.

"Where's that?"

I supplied the general location. Generally, so as not to allow him much knowledge than direction.

"That's about where I'm headed, too. I'll walk you home."

Okay, that's fair. We walked and small talk continued.

When we reached my apartment building, he told me where he lived. Now, remember, he'd told me he lived in the same general vicinity. However, the name he supplied was nearly a mile in the opposite direction.

I felt like I had been lured to dance practice with the intention of it becoming a date, not for preparatory purposes.

Rachel's tip:

If you have intentions on asking a girl out, make your intentions obvious. Don't try to sneak it under the table. You'll get caught. That would be worse than being honest from the beginning.

Best wishes, Rachel