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on the same page before I slept with him. Just the same, I shouldn't have made it so obvious. But it was his loss. The next guy would reap the benefits of my education. Claire was right — dating post-Millennium was a whole different animal and I just had my first blunder. I should never have mentioned my past relationship and desire to take things slow. It wouldn't happen again.

C HAPTER 10
    I second guessed my decision to go stag to the singles event when I walked into the room full of complete strangers laughing together. I had purposely arrived fashionably late but it seemed like everyone already knew each other. I glanced around the room contemplating my first move, grabbed an empty wine glass, and headed to a table where a man was explaining the difference between a Shiraz and a Syrah. I pretended to listen until he noticed me standing there and asked if I wanted to try the wine. The group of people surrounding the table took notice of me and, feeling awkward, I felt my face get warm.
    I extended my glass and said, “Yes. Thanks.” I took a small sip and nodded my approval even though I wasn't sure I really liked it.
    After a few more tastings at that table, I figured it was time to move on and so I scoped out the room for cute guys. Marissa had warned me singles events were usually attended by more girls than boys and the girls were typically better looking. I reluctantly agreed with her and chugged the rest of my wine. I was hungry, noticed the cheese buffet and got in line. I popped a cube of Cheddar in my mouth, filled my plate with an assortment of other cheeses, crackers, and dried fruit and sat down on one of the couches.
    On the couches next to me sat five giggling girls. I wondered what was so funny and knew I probably would have enjoyed myselfmore if I had gone with friends. My mother had advised me to go to these things alone though, because men were more likely to approach a girl on her own.
    Determined to meet someone before the night was over, I put my cheese plate on the floor and scanned the room again. I smiled at the group of guys standing to my left. They smiled back but continued their conversation. I picked the cheese plate off the floor and returned it to my lap. I took a second look at the guys, decided they weren't cute anyway and laughed. I quickly put my hand over my mouth as I realized I might look slightly psycho giggling by myself.
    “Want to let me in on the joke?”
    Startled, I looked up at the guy standing before me, took a sip of my wine and said, “It's nothing. I just thought of something funny. I didn't realize I had laughed out loud. Embarrassing!”
    “Care to share?”
    Shrugging, I said, “This whole event is kind of humorous, that's all.”
    “Tell me about it,” he said, nodding. “You mind if I join you?”
    Sliding over to give him more room, I said, “Not at all.” Noticing his jet black hair, tall frame, and dimples, I decided he was way cuter than any of those other guys who were now looking in our direction.
    “Have you been to one of these before?”
    “No. This is my first one. You?”
    Shaking his head, he said, “First timer too. I just moved here from Detroit. I don't really know anyone aside from the people I work with. My boss actually told me about this group and suggested I give it a shot.”
    “Are you going to yell at him tomorrow?”
    “Yell at her . She's a woman and no, I might have to thank her,” he said before smiling shyly and looking away.
    I realized he was actually flirting with me and smiled back. “I'm Jane, by the way.”
    He turned back to face me and grinned. “Jim. Good to meet you.”
    “Same here. Have you tried all the wines yet?” I asked.
    “Just about. All except table A. What about you?”
    “I've only been to table C – reds from France. I don't think I can handle trying all of them, but I'll join you at table A if you want.”
    Standing up, he said, “Awesome. Let's go for it.”
    After I traded in my dirty