After the Soiree

As I said, I didn't stop to eat at the soiree.  I needed a snack.

I wanted to go to my "regular" diner, where I seem to get the same waiter each time (and, not surprisingly, he remembers Meg) but they close about the time I'd get there so I headed to the other local diner.

It was pretty crowded, and for perhaps the first time I was a bit apprehensive, and it wasn't because of

Still at the soiree.  No diner photos, alas.

a new experience.
As I walked in, I thought about my paper model convention experience and decided that I had had a good idea ~ use the ladies' room as soon as I arrived (if needed) in case someone later decides I don't belong there.  This hasn't happened, but I like to think ahead and I like to think I'm adequately cautious.

I hadn't used the restroom since leaving home, and that was a glass of wine ago.  I was considering coffee and also considering that I should have gone before I left Christine's house.  I thought going as soon as I came in would have been the best course of action.

I didn't.

I sat at a booth and was facing a group across the aisle.  The person on the aisle was a serious (not angry, just serious) looking 20-something bearded guy.  He glanced at me a couple of times.  I didn't see anything menacing.  He was neither glaring nor glowering.  He was talking with his companions.  But something in the back of my mind suggested he might take exception to crossdressing, and getting up to use the ladies' room might cause upset or a confrontation, neither of which I want.

I'll repeat: everything was my perception.  He did nothing to justify that perception, except based on "biker" stereotype.  I'll also mention that he reminded me of a friend from New York, a guy named Barry who also had the biker look and beard.  And Barry was one of the best-natured guys I've ever met in my life.  So I don't know where it came from.

So I had my coffee and hurried home, and resolved to plan better next time.

---