.jpg){kind=small}
Labor Day 2010 was a special day. Not only was it a holiday marking unofficially the end of summer. It was Emancipation Day - my last day as an employee of the Richmond Flying Squirrels. Placido, Pipper, Princess and I started at the first game April 15 and were amazed that we made it to the end. Abe, Tall Boss, Princesses and Princes couldn’t take me out, even with firing!
The last blog about Hiker and getting hit on brought many comments. “he may call....I am betting yes. fun to think about for sure-good for you!!” “What a great story! Let me know if he gets in touch...if not it is his loss for sure!” were a few. I so appreciate you reading the blog and taking time to send your cheers.
And this note came. “How many other 'smart' women set themselves up like this? You can get hurt or worse. What kind of example are you setting?” she wrote. I was expecting more of these. How many of you thought it?
Here’s the rest of the story of why I gave so easily my contact information. There was a huge high counter between Hiker and me with many people passing by. It couldn’t have been more public. The whole time Hiker was talking I was checking my intuition. Was he slimy? Did I feel safe? What was my gut saying?
Hiker said his wife died in the previous fall and his 3 children were taking him under their wing. Hence his visit to the Squirrels with his daughter who lived here. His expertise in the financial end of healthcare takes him on consulting gigs around the world. We’d been to the same places in Asia and Africa, struggled with jet lag and had much more in common with international travel. That created a unique connection.
He considerately stepped aside when I had to wait on customers and introduced himself properly to Abe. Conversation was easy and natural, never contrived. My gut said this guy is OK. My bigger question was “Where were those kids and why was I the only person here to wait on customers? “
When he asked for my contact info, it was clear he’d thought about it and had a plan. He made it easy as he handed his biz card to me with all his contact info while he asked for mine. That was impressive - you gotta love a salesman. With mission accomplished he turned and disappeared into the stands.
And I felt great. Face it, gals, it does wonders for your ego when one finds you attractive and lets you know it.
When Hiker left, the Princesses and Princes bounded out of the side room. Little did I know they were eavesdropping on every word. They got in my face, hugged me and congratulated me with high 5s, complements and big grins. Princesses and I giggled with delight.
They saw me differently. I was one of them now because they got hit on, too. Thanks to Hiker my struggle of connecting with them was over.
About Hiker – still no contact.
