So a few days after returning home, I received a text from Damon's husband, Aaron. As Aaron knew I was interested in a job in marketing when I graduated and Aaron also worked in marketing, he asked if I'd be interested in meeting up to discuss my career options.
I said I would love to and he stated to meet him at 19 Below the next night (Thursday) at 6:30 pm. 19 Below is an upscale restaurant and bar. I knew where it was, but had never been, as it was not budget friendly to a college kid.
Thursday night rolled around and I showered and got ready to meet Aaron. I put on a nice pair of khaki slacks and a baby blue polo. It was a cool summer evening and nice enough for the mile walk downtown. I arrived a few minutes early and told the hostess I was meeting Aaron Murray there. She said the table was not ready but Mr. Murray was expecting me at the bar.
I walked into the bar area and spotted Aaron seating at the bar talking to a few other guys. Aaron saw me walking through the crowd and stood up to greet me.
Aaron was much smaller than me. My 21 year-old, 6'3, 185 lbs body towered over his 5'7, 150lbs. He was 49 years old, clean shaven, had a nice tan and had a resemblance to the actor Anthony Marentino. Aaron was saving a seat for me and told me to sit down. He asked if i would like a drink as he raised his white wine to take a sip. I ordered a beer and he told the bartender to put it on his tab. While he said that, I felt his left hand give my right knee a light squeeze.
We sat at the bar for about 10 minutes small talking about where I was from, my schooling and family. Finally the hostess alerted us the table was ready and she showed us to our table. It was a corner booth and it was much more secluded than the busy bar.
Aaron ordered some appetizers and a bottle of white wine that "I must try". I told him I don't really drink wine, but I'd definitely give it a try based on his recommendation.
Aaron and I continued to chat about his career and what my options would be when I finally graduated. He ran off the list of his most prominent clients, successful ad campaigns and all his connections in the industry. Every time my glass got a little empty, Aaron would pour me another. I was enjoying the food, the company, learning how to advance my career and the wine was definitely helping me feel good.