Hassan,

Is this some kind of joke to you? I know we don't actually know each other, but I didn't think you were going to stand me up.

I was so excited when I saw your invitation. Like a schoolgirl with a crush, I imagined how the whole evening would go, from the first handshake to the last sips of red wine, blushing as you leaned in to kiss me. Would I say "yes" if you asked me back to your place?

Tonight, I waited until last light and then went for a quick swim in the lagoon. Then, I toweled off, put on my best plum-colored dress, and tied up my hair. I didn't step into my heels until I got back to the street, so that the loud sound of my footsteps wouldn't alert the neighbors to my use of the reservoir as my personal spa.

I checked myself in my pocket mirror before walking into the restaurant, which was blessedly warm and smelled wonderful. My stomach couldn't decide whether to somersault with excitement or growl in hunger. I couldn't eat all day, that's how much I was looking forward to meeting you.

I was already a little late, but when I searched the restaurant, you weren't there. The maitre d' said he hadn't seen anyone by your description all evening, but he invited me to sit at the bar and wait.

And wait I did -- until 10 p.m., when the kitchen closed and they politely asked me to leave. They felt so sorry for me that they gave me a complimentary bowl of cassoulet, but I was too angry to eat it.

Once out on the street, I stashed my shoes in my shoulder bag and ran the whole way back to Forest Hill Station, anger and tears numbing me to the rough pavement tearing holes in my stockings. Nobody was in the station agent's booth, so I went through the gate and hiked along the tunnel walkway, back to my room.

By this time of the night, I hoped we would be in your bed, naked and sliding against each other, warmed by all that wine. I craved the feel of your bronzed skin against mine, freckled and pale like any Irish woman's.

Instead, here I am, sober, sore-footed and alone, searching the Craiglist posts like a fool, wondering what happened to you.

Fuck you, Hassan.