So I’m chewing, right, trying my best not to make any face to indicate my absolute repulsion for the concept of eating raw fish. I didn’t give a damn about how beautifully dressed it was in that snug coat of rice and seaweed, nor was I impressed by the brightly colored dipping sauces at my side. There was nothing to hide the fact that uncooked flesh was rolling around my tongue. I could feel the spirit of my Grandmother with blazing hot skillet boiling full of two day old grease whispering in my ear “Now I know you want to make a good impression on your first date, but did you have to lie when he asked if you liked sushi?” I try to focus on Grandma and that pan of hot grease imagining her snatching what I had in my mouth, dusting it with cornbread and deep frying that wad until it was an amber nugget. I’d beg her to scoop up all the pretty little morsels on the plate, including the garnishments and work her artery clogging magic. Oh shit, the phony smile I’ve been wearing as I chewed slipped off. Apparently he’s noticed because he’s looking at me while wearing a mask of concern. “You all right?” he asked. calmly. A lady never talks with a mouth full so I swallow hard as the raw fish slides down my throat like a salmon dying after the spawn and weakly answered “Oh yes.” I had planned to say more but my hand in reflex grabbed my water glass so quickly it clanked against my teeth and the loud gulping sounds blew the whole lady- like theory. I don’t care if he’s Mr. Right, Wrong or In Between no man is worth this kinda sacrifice “You sure you’re all right?” this time I hear a hint of suspicion in his voice. Nothing worse than allowing pride to over rule better judgement. Mind you this was two weeks ago and the only communication I’ve had with him was the check I sent with the copy of the dry cleaning bill that he sent me. It would be fair to say that I had not left a good impression but So I’m chewing, right, trying my best not to make any face to indicate my absolute repulsion for the concept of eating raw fish. I didn’t give a damn about how beautifully dressed it was in that snug coat of rice and seaweed, nor was I impressed by the brightly colored dipping sauces at my side. There was nothing to hide the fact that uncooked flesh was rolling around my tongue. I could feel the spirit of my Grandmother with blazing hot skillet boiling full of two day old grease whispering in my ear “Now I know you want to make a good impression on your first date, but did you have to lie when he asked if you liked sushi?” I try to focus on Grandma and that pan of hot grease imagining her snatching what I had in my mouth, dusting it with cornbread and deep-frying that wad until it was an amber nugget. I’d beg her to scoop up all the pretty little morsels on the plate, including the garnishments and work her artery clogging magic. Oh shit, the phony smile I’ve been wearing as I chewed slipped off. Apparently he’s noticed because he’s looking at me while wearing a mask of concern. “You all right?” he asked calmly. A lady never talks with a mouth full so I swallow hard as the raw fish slides down my throat like a salmon dying after the spawn and weakly answered “Oh yes.” I had planned to say more but my hand in reflex grabbed my water glass so quickly it clanked against my teeth and the loud gulping sounds blew the whole lady- like theory. I don’t care if he’s Mr. Right, Wrong or In Between no man is worth this kinda sacrifice “You sure you’re all right?” this time I hear a hint of suspicion in his voice. - Nothing worse than allowing pride to over rule better judgement. Mind you this was two weeks ago and the only communication I’ve had with him was the check I sent with the copy of the dry cleaning bill that he sent me.  It would be fair to say that I had not left a good impression but I certainly left a lasting one.