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I find Connie and she is still chatting to the same attractive man. Jacqui is working the dance floor. I target a group of men and guess aloud that they all just got off work. They nod and smile and explain that they are the house chefs. One is quietly frightened, the other is charming and polite, and the third is edgy and seething. I ask them culinary questions: what would you cook for your best friend when meeting his new girlfriend for the first time; what would you create for your grandparents; and what would you fix for yourself after a long day? I get, respectively: roasted meat and something; a 12-course dinner; and order-in KFC. Connie is now looking deeply engaged. Jacqui and I sit down together believing that the night has drawn to an end. Until I fix my gaze on the tall cool cat who is looking decidedly bored. The lone wolf. I can't resist. My curiosity gets the best of me. He's sporting a tag that reads Chris Robinson (he of Black Crowes' fame) and I ask, "So have you met Kate yet?" An affirmative and an eye roll, I realize that I'm going to have to ramp it up to seize Chris' attention. He's striking and intense and is angry because he's just out of a relationship that ended badly. A guy cartwheels and Riverdances past. With a participatory audience of two women trailing behind. It's the same charmer who was after a well-endowed and contented woman. I ask Chris R. why he came to the event, what he's into, about his work, and what music he listens to and loves. Jacqui gets introduced to Chris' friend and is no longer straining to listen in. The conversation flows. Connie has now said goodnight to the attractive guy and is waiting patiently. Jacqui is on the dance floor, slow dancing with her new friend. I'm enjoying the caustic jousting with Chris. He tells me that I'm engaging. I'm engaged. Until he tells me that he wants to "get back at" his ex. And after the seventh last dance, we all collect our belongings. Connie has given out her card. Jacqui has enjoyed a goodnight smooch and received an invitation for a date. I have chatted up at least 20 men, listened intently, and come up with fresh material. I have tried something new. I get a handshake and a hug.
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