I DID IT

As he was walking towards the Men's Locker Room, I decided to try to speak with him. But with his headphones on he didn't respond to my soft spoken, "Excuse me can I ask you something?"

Disappointed, I went back to the machine I had been working out on. I half-heartedly finished a set and then after a quick prayer for Divine assistance, decided to go upstairs and wait for him.

It wasn't long before he came out. He saw me from the corner of his eye as I got up from the bench I had been sitting on and I waved to get his attention. Initially He appeared weary (this was the first time that I had initiated vocal contact--the incident from a couple of weeks ago didn't really count).

"Would you like to get a cup of coffee?" I asked shyly. Not really the way I had envisioned the execution--not as eloquent as I had hoped it would be. But that's how it came out.

Thinking that I had meant right at that moment, he responded that he was actually rushing to get to work and that whenever he left the gym, he was always rushing to get to work. He worked as a teacher on 114th street.

He continued with something to the effect of perhaps when his obligations finished or when his schedule changed, then yes (I am not quoting him because honestly 1) I'd be lying if I said I remembered everything he said and 2) I really have no interest in embellishing anything about this exchange).

I said ok. He asked my name. I told him--I had to pronounce it a few times. He introduced himself as P___ and shook my hand.

We then said goodbye. He left the gym and I went to an elliptical machine to text my best friend.

Although, we didn't exchange numbers or set up a definite time to plan said coffee outting, I'm ok with it. I want to have a healthy exchange with him. I genuinenly want to approach this with the intention of making a potential friend and if something in addition to that developes, I am determined to be as mindful and conscious as I can be. I ask for Divine guidance throughout our contact as I am truly interested in developing a healthy, spiritual relationship with him and really, from this point on with anyone I meet or already know.

I have decided to see whatever happens as unfolding perfectly. However it developes, whatever way it developes, it will unfold perfectly and I will practice mindfulness. A this point, I feel the ball in now in his court. I believe he'll let me know if his schedule frees up and if he doesn't--for whatever reason--at least now I can smile at him downstairs and say Hello. Maybe even find out where he works/what he teaches, etc.

I did what I set out to do--I asked him out.

And so with peace I quote Andrew Lincoln's Mark in Love Actually, "Enough. Enough now."