Catty and Cynical

Today, a coworker and I went out to lunch with a customer. we’ve been working with this customer for over six months, and he came to the office, so we decided it was good business to spend some time over a meal just chit-chatting.

During the meal, my cell phone rang. I checked the caller ID and discovered that it was Rick. (For some reason, I had a sneaking suspicion he’d been calling today.) I silenced my phone and slipped it back into my pocket. After a couple of moments, I heard the tone letting me know I had a new voice message.

On the way back to work, I sat in the back seat of the customers car. I pulled out my phone to find out what Rick wanted. It was one of his typical messages where he indicates that he’s suddenly realized we haven’t gotten together in a while. He inquired as to whether I could meet him tonight.

As I listened to the message, I realized I’ve gotten cynical about my friendship with Rick. (In fact, I’m sitting here wondering what definition of “friendship” actually applies in the previous sentence.) As I listened to his message, my first thought was to wonder if this means he’s broken up with his boyfriend and needs someone to talk to. Quite frankly, it seems like he only calls and asks to hang out when (1) he’s single or (2) things are crazy in his life and he needs an understanding friend.

I called his home number and left a message on his machine. I told him that I was unavailable tonight, as my father is in town. Granted, that’s not entirely true. The part about my father being in town is true, mind you. But if I wanted to, I could see Rick anyway. My father would completely understand if I didn’t spend the evening with him. And if one of the two Michaels suddenly asked me if I was available to hang out tonight, I’d tell my father I wouldn’t be around.

But I’m not standing up my father for Rick. He doesn’t deserve that kind of preferential treatment. In fact, it would do him well to remember that I’m not available at his convenience. (In fact, part of me wishes I hadn’t mentioned that my father was in town and had instead left it at, “I don’t feel like spending time with you tonight.” But that’s probably just me being bitchy.)

Isn’t it funny? Back in January, I wanted nothing more than to date this guy. Now, I’m just as happy not seeing him.