Ohio and I continued with our multiple times a day contact. We both grew more and more anxious for our first “in person” meet. Video chats are wonderful, but that aren’t the same.

He asked me if I wanted to fly out to spend some time together. He said that he was yearning to be in my presence. How sweet was that? I must admit, I knew that feeling, because, it was mutual. I thanked him for the offer, but explained that I would feel more comfortable, if he flew to Boston for our first visit. He eagerly agreed to do so. Yay!

It didn’t take long for our conversations to begin to paint detailed drawings of the maps of our lives. We learned more about each other in the short time we have known each other…than I have learned about some of my local friends, that I have known for years. It was fun sharing.

I had pictures of his kids and heard stories about them. He had filled me in on his job and position there…even his recent certification. He had told me about his side income sources, from talents and hobbies. I heard about his wonderful charitable endeavors, rehab projects, his boat…and so much more. The more I learned about him, the more I liked.

One night, during one of our usual late night sign-off calls, we were chatting about his upcoming trip to Boston. We were figuring it would be close to Christmas. I was hoping he could stay through New Years. I have not been a big fan of New Years and I knew his visit would turn that around for me.

During our conversation, after reviewing in my mind all that we now knew about each other, I realized something, that I should have known…but I didn’t…his last name. How could that be?

Usually by this point, I have “Googled” anyone, that I was interested in moving on to the next “meet you” step with. I suppose the fact that he had a Government Clearance, for his position with his company (which I did research the company and saw his image on their website), put me at some kind of ease. I guess I was thinking that someone else had helped me out with that.

Anyway, while we were chatting, I mentioned that to him. I then asked what it was, and he told me. I asked him to spell it and then I repeated the spelling of it, back to him. He then questioned me: “What are you doing?” I told him: “I am Googling you. What am I going to find?” He replied: “You’re going to see what a nice guy I am.” I told him: “That’s exactly what I thought I’d find!”

In I typed his name…and…Holy Crap! The very first thing that popped up, was an old newspaper article, that opened with his name, aged 29, and another man’s name. It went on to read something like: Two men hold up local Pizza shop, demand money at gunpoint. I immediately said to Ohio…“Oh, this can’t be you!” He was like: “Why, what did you find?” I told him. He said: “Oh ya, when I was young, I got in some trouble.” He then went on to tell me the story, that basically boiled down to the blame being placed a bit, on the friend he was with. That included him mentioning his friend taking his gun from him. HIS GUN FROM HIM?!

My head was spinning a bit. I asked: “Was it licensed?” Then in a stern “Dad Voice” he said: “ADRIENNE, no, of course it wasn’t! I’m from the City. I’m not a country boy!” And then he went on to say: “I can’t listen to this, you judging me!”…and then he just got off the phone. Gone.

As I sat there with my jaw in my lap, I reviewed the conversation in my mind. And I sent the following text: “Just for the record, I wasn’t judging you at all. That’s not my place to do that…to you, or anyone. That job’s left for the Lord. I was just asking you about it and trying to wrap my head around it. It took me by surprise. But it didn’t surprise me nearly as much as how easily you dismissed me.” Wow. I told him I’d miss him and wished him a bright future. His reply went like this: “I dismissed it because you’re asking me questions that are irrelevant.” Irrelevant? I asked if that was him? And if the gun was licensed? Could my questions have been any more relevant? He went on to say: I’m not ashamed of my past, it made me who I am today and if you lived my life you would understand…but I get it. Best of luck to you also.”

I was so disappointed in his behavior toward me. Much more than what I read in that article. This online Dating World can certainly be full of surprises.

Speaking of surprises…I had a pleasant one with a nice gentleman I had been briefly chatting with and admittedly not as attentive as I would normally be, as I was so focused on Ohio. Though when Ohio and I had the above Google incident…I did reach back out to this nice gentleman. Unfortunately, he wrote me this lovely note informing me that his “dance card” was now pretty full. How sweet was that? Proof that we can be polite and respectful to each other, even while dating online. No need to just “disappear”. I made sure to thank him for his kind note and wished him much luck!

Have a wonderful week. Stay safe and healthy. Until Next Thursday…Adrienne