You're at The Republic nervously waiting for a date. You haven’t been on a date in ages. You sip the cold beer in front of you and look at your watch. She’s 30 mins late. Maybe she won’t show? Does she know? You wipe the sweat off your brow. No, that’s possible, you think.

Your phone beeps. A message. “Sorry I’m late! I’ll be there shortly.” it says. You heave a sigh of relief. At least she didn’t cancel. You’re going through things to talk about when she arrives. You saw her tweet about a dog. You make a mental note to mention that.

She shows up with a flourish, blaming traffic and work deadlines. You’re drawn immediately to her energy. She’s one of those sociable people, you’re the exact opposite. You order a drink for her.
“How’s your dog today?” you ask. She laughs.

“Wow, you do your research. She’s good actually, thanks for asking.” The night is off to a good start.

After a few drinks you find out a few things about each other. She discovers your fear for crabs, and how you cannot sleep with the light on.

You find out she works at a bank but would rather just a travel influencer. You also find out she’s a lightweight, just like you are. It’s a good evening. You already feel like there's something special going on here.

You’re finally relaxed.

“So...are you one of those men who think women are cheap when they say they want to sleep with you on the first date?” She asks out of the blue.

There’s a slight panic, and then sadness. That’s how you feel. It always comes to this. You so badly want to say yes, but you can't.

“Can I be totally honest?” You ask.
“Yie. This isn’t good.” She chuckles.

You laugh a little.

“So, of course I’d love to sleep with you. It’s just…” You start.

“You’re married?” She asks.

“No, that’s not-”

“You’re not straight?”

“No-”
“What, you have AIDS?” She laughs.

You pause.

“Actually yes.”

She laughs some more, and then looks up to see your face. You’re smiling but she sees the truth in your eyes.

“Well that sucks,” she says.

You smile.

Honesty is really a hard policy to keep.

Three days later you're home when your phone rings. It’s the woman from the day before.

“Hello?” You answer.

“I’ve been doing some reading..." she begins.

No greeting, no pleasantries. Direct. You’re confused.

"Some reading huh?" You ask.

"Yes, research."

"Okay..."

"I think as long as you've been taking your anti-retrovirals, and are virally surpressed, I don't mind." She continues.

“You don’t…?”

“Oh yeah I don’t. But if you’re uncomfortable, I understand.” She says.

You laugh out loud.

“Uncomfortable? Not even close.” You reply.

“Great. So drinks tomorrow?” She asks.

“I’d love that.”

And she hangs up, leaving you smiling.There’s something special about this one, you think to yourself.

Maybe there was something there after all.