Best. Date.Ever.

I'd like to reminisce for a moment and go back about two years ago, to what I often referred to, up until this point, the Best Date Ever. You see, what made it so good was the fact that the guy made the reservations, showed up on time, complimented me on looking absolutely fantastic, pulled out my chair for me, paid for everything, smiled just the right way, talked about all the right things. The chemistry was so electric that night that I could have jumped his bones right then and there. When we decided to stop by a sophisticated cocktail lounge after our magic dinner, I realized that what made out date so good was one thing and one thing only - I didn't feel like just some girl, I felt like an extraordinary woman. That feeling was like a drug. It spread from that tickle of butterflies in my stomach up to my heart and throat and brain and down to my tippy toes. I could almost see Disney-like sparks in the air that night and, up until now, I was afraid that I would never experience that magic again.

It all changed last night, when I drove out to Indiana to go on a date with the Club Guy whom I met during the Derby week. I was reluctant, I was not sure what to expect - after all I had to drive for 90 minutes to the house of an almost-complete stranger. I packed my trusty pepper spray with me but was still apprehensive and unsure what the night might bring.

I arrived at a jaw-dropping, brand-spanking-new house... no.... mansion would be the more accurate word to describe his 5 bedroom, 3 bath house. I was startled when I pulled up to his drive-way - he told me he had money and I should have guessed that he wasn't lying because he kept ordering Grey Goose in the VIP just a week before, but so many guys brag about money that they don't have that I don't ever pay attention to anything related to financial matters that comes out of a guy's mouth. I am also very skeptical of those who try to impress their dates with their money - I am and never will be a gold-digger. If you have money, that's awesome - if you don't, all I am asking is that you have that drive and ambition to eventually get somewhere in life. Everything else is not imporant.

He was looking hot when he opened the door of his house for me and, I suppose, he felt the same way about me as he complimented me on my outfit. We started off with a splash of wine in our glasses as I unwinded from a long drive on his couch. The conversation was flowing smoothly and effortlessly, even despite us finding out that we had opposite political views. He presented intelligent arguments of his views and I rebutted his convictions with my own - I was on an intellectual roll and completely in the zone. He seemed to be impressed.

He announced that we had reservations at 8pm at a nearby restaurant and we finished our wine. He insisted on driving and as I stepped into his garage I immediately noticed his elegant black ML 350. The Club Guy opened the passenger door for me and there I was, being whisked away in a beautiful Mercedes to our dinner destination.

The restaurant was amazing as well - the food, the wine, the conversation everything was just right. That magic... the magic from the former Best Date Ever from two years ago... I could feel it again, and it wasn't because of his mansion, or his car... it was because he was bright and intelligent and, frankly, really hot. I was swept off my feet with the gallantry, and the door opening, and the compliments. I felt like that extraordinary woman again. I missed that feeling.

I don't know what's going to happen between me and the Club Guy from this point on - will the fling ever progress into something more? It's hard to say because he lives relatively far away, because he is going to Vegas for a week next weekend and I won't be seeing him for at least two weeks, because he made a promise to come and see me soon but I am not assured that he will stay true to that promise, because he probably has 20 girls waiting to jump him. And even though I've got a damn good personality, I am aware that men can get rather easily distracted by a new pair of beautiful legs.

Am I overly cynical? Perhaps. Am I glad that I went on this date? Absolutely. A part of me was still holding on to the past because of the date two years ago. I was still longing for that feeling of magic that I thought I could never regain. And if anything... if Club Guy and I end our romance right here and now... I am still grateful for having him help me turn the page of my dating book to a new chapter. I just needed a little reminder that someone out there still thinks I am worth being treated like an amazing woman, and now, feeling rejuvenated, I am ready to take on the world once again.