I booked his schedule and asked him out before I lost my nerve

I met George because we both went to the movies alone.

My name is Nina. I am 31, Korean American, full-figured, and living in Port Townsend, Washington.

I normally enjoy seeing movies by myself. I can choose the time, buy whatever snacks I want, and leave without discussing the ending for twenty minutes.

That night, George had the seat beside mine.

He was 37, Vietnamese, and also alone.

Before the movie started, he accidentally reached for my drink instead of his. We both laughed, and that small mistake started a conversation.

George told me he worked as a nail tech at a local salon. I told him I had recently moved to the area and still needed to find a good place for manicures.

We spoke again after the movie because neither of us understood one part of the ending.

The conversation lasted only a few minutes, but I liked him immediately. He was calm, funny, and did not seem uncomfortable that I had come to the theater alone.

Before we separated, he told me the name of his salon.

He did not ask for my number.

I did not ask for his.

When I got home, I regretted that.

A few days later, I searched for the salon online. George was listed on the booking page, along with his available appointments.

I chose his schedule on purpose.

When I arrived, he recognized me before I even reached the front desk.

He looked surprised and asked whether I had really needed a manicure that quickly.

I told him I needed one, but I had also wanted to see him again.

George smiled, but he became very professional once we sat at his station.

During the appointment, we talked about movies, work, and how difficult it could be to meet new people in a small town.

I could not tell whether he liked me or was simply treating me well because I was his customer.

When he finished, I decided not to leave with the same regret I had after the movie.

I asked whether he wanted to get coffee with me sometime.

George became quiet for a few seconds.

I thought I had made him uncomfortable.

Then he admitted he had returned to the same movie theater the following weekend, hoping I might be there again.

He had not asked for my number because he assumed I was only being friendly.

I laughed and told him I had searched through a salon booking page just to find him, so neither of us had been very direct.

We got coffee after his shift that same day.

Our first date felt easier than the manicure because neither of us had to pretend we were discussing nail colors.

We have been dating for five months now.

I still book with George when I need my nails done, but he says I am no longer allowed to use salon appointments as a substitute for asking him to spend time with me.

I remind him that I was the one who finally asked for the date.

He went back to a movie theater hoping coincidence would do the work for him.