The Dating Site and Music

He had always enjoyed music. Listening to differing forms always kept him occupied and happy. Now, as he was approaching mid-life, the songs he had enjoyed when younger took on new meanings. The search for romance and love had still eluded him, though dating had always been easy.

With his 40th birthday approaching in just a few years, dreams of one-night stands had faded. They had been replaced with wishes of family, a wife and children, even an indoor dog. Waking next to a soul mate, who new his every secret and desire, and still cared. This was his dream now, and he was dead set on getting it.

The computer screen was bright in the dark room, radiating a soft glow. He sat at the desk, and entered the dating site, one he had joined just the day before. Sure, he didn't really have the extra money for their monthly fee, but he felt a few months would be worth it.

After typing his id and password, he began browsing through the site, looking for his ideal mate. No, no, maybe, he thought, glancing at each picture and the quick blurb to the side. Looking at the third's profile, he decided to send an email, and see if he got a response. He sat; staring at the message box, and suddenly went blank. Well, he pondered, I can always just say hi, like everyone else.

A few minutes passed, and with a sigh, he typed in a generic message, that really didn't make much sense. After clicking the send button, he sat back in his chair, feeling foolish. Surely he could come up with a better line than "send me an email sometime." He sounded like a fourth grader passing notes.

Turning off the monitor, he went to start his morning coffee. The radio was playing an old song, one remembered fondly. As the smell of brewing filled the air, he sat at the table, glancing at yesterday's mail. Bills, he thought, putting it down in disgust. Seems even mom won't send me letters anymore. The coffee was soon finished, so he grabbed a cup and turned the radio to news, since his music station was on commercials.

Sipping slowly on his cup, he stood and went back to the computer. As he turned on the monitor, the system dinged. Looking at his message center, he noticed a new email from profile three. That was quick; guess she wakes up early also. He opened the message, and read slowly. It was nearly a page long, and the further he delved into it, the more interesting she became. She enjoyed old style music, the outdoors, dogs, and wanted children. Never married, shy, and a romance novel enthusiast.

Perfect, and not bad looking too. He clicked reply, and started writing, first apologizing for the generic sounding initial message. He wrote about his loves, their shared interests, and gave his phone number. Maybe, he thought. At least this one replied. He glanced at the clock, 7:15, time to work. Opening his website, he began sorting through his work emails and sales for the previous day, a monotonous task, even on the best of days.

After he filled his second cup, the computer dinged again. He switched over to the dating site, and found a second message from his newfound friend. This one, like the first, explained more about her, and thanked him for the prompt reply. At the bottom was her number, with the request that he give her a call this morning. Not that shy, he felt.

Sitting at his desk, he glanced nervously at the phone. Reaching over, he picked it up and dialed the number. After two rings, she answered with a nice sounding "Hello?"

"Um, it's me, GreatGuy36. Is this QuietKat?"

"Yes, thank you for calling. I loved reading your email."

"I enjoyed yours also. How is your morning?"

The conversation continued with similar small talk, and at the end of the conversation, he promised to call that evening, since she had to leave for work. He hung up the phone, staring at it, and smiled. Turning back to the screen, he began typing. Finally, he thought, my love of music has paid off.