Sabrina and Ryan
Sabrina is a 27-year-old who works in theatre and lives in the east end. She describes her look as “dramatic and artsy, and sometimes glam.” She says “I have a sense of adventure and mystery, but most of all I’m very consistent” and adds that she is “honest, giving and thoughtful.” Sabrina says “I’m a Panda Pop addict. It’s an app. I love to watch TV, dine out with friends, and see plays. I’m looking for natural chemistry with a guy. Passion. And someone who wants something longterm.”
After an intense period of work, I decided to treat myself to a staycation for a long weekend at a hotel downtown, instead of spending more money on a real vacation. I chose one of the nicest hotels in the city, borrowed a nice bag from a friend, packed and left.
The desk clerk’s name was Ryan. He was fine. I had been single for a long time at that point, but I didn’t really think anything of the extra attention he was giving me during check-in until he slid one of his business cards over to me, and I saw that he had written another phone number on it — his cell number.
I thought, sure. I was there to unwind and treat myself to some pampered alone time, but what could it hurt to have a little fun in the process, too? For the next three days, I could pretend to be anyone I wanted. So, inspired by the old luggage tag on my friend’s bag, I told Ryan I was from the States, and was in Toronto for the first time, and only for a few days.
Ryan said that he wasn’t on duty the next day, and asked if I would be interested in a personal tour of the city. It wasn’t creepy at all; he seemed sweet and thoughtful. I thought to myself, I commute downtown al-
He professed that of all the tourists he’d ever met, I was the most fun, and vowed to visit me in the States on his next holiday. I was so flattered I suddenly felt guilty for keeping up the charade
most every day, but I usually take the same route; maybe Ryan knew of a few gems that I’ve overlooked? Besides, I’d be with him, and that was good enough for me.
The next morning, Ryan treated me to breakfast near the hotel, and then we cabbed up to Casa Loma. I was glad that’s what he chose, instead of a walk on Queen St., where I’d be more likely to run into people I know, which would blow my cover. I hadn’t been to Casa Loma since I was a kid, and once we got inside, I practically transformed into one. Ryan seemed to know as much about the rooms and artifacts as the tour guide, and we were having fun. He was also a perfect gentleman.
At one point, he took hold of my hand, and made it a point that we stay together. We had a lot to talk about, and made a lot of jokes. I couldn’t help but think that he was smart, hot, and interested, and that I was the luckiest girl in the world.
After that, we went out for dinner, where I stuffed myself to avoid answering any potential questions about my fake life. Instead, I asked Ryan a million questions about himself, and listened to him talk almost the whole time, and actually ended up having the most entertaining and eye-opening conversation of my life.
Ryan couldn’t be seen coming up to my hotel room with me, so we said our goodbyes in the cab in front of the hotel. He professed that of all the tourists he’d ever met, I was the most fun, and vowed to visit me in the States on his next holiday. I was so flattered that I suddenly felt guilty for keeping up the charade. I dug through my purse and pulled out a business card of my own, and slipped it into his jacket pocket. I leaned over and kissed him before he could read it, and told him that he wouldn’t have to go too far to find me.
I was nervous, but when he called my cell later that night, Ryan didn’t sound upset at all. Instead, he was pleasantly surprised that I was a local. He asked me out again, and we’ve been dating exclusively ever since.
Sabrina rates her date (out of 10): 10 Want to be a dating diarist? Email datingdiariescontact@gmail.com