Date One: Coffee & Conversation [Rowdy Yates]

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 My outfit!

Dinah Lance was feeling great. There she was sitting in a cozy corner in her favorite coffee shop in Monolith Square, a few buildings down from her flower shop. The place was called Gathering Grounds, it had that  artistic and earthy feel to it that Dinah loved. The staff was great and the coffee was awesome. It was just a refreshing and fun atmosphere. But Dinah wasn't here just for the coffee and listening to the local musician pluck his guitar on the opposite corner. No, Dinah was meeting someone here. A certain person whom she had met at her shop a day before. He was a charming and charismatic guy. Dinah loved his attitude and playfulness, but she also loved his drop dead good looks. From his chiseled jaw to his beautiful eyes, to his soft looking lips, to that little smile he gave and those dimples. Dinah was kind in awe of this guy.

His name was Rowdy Yates and he was quite a character with a good sense of humor. Girls like that, right? Make a girl laugh and you're half way there, that's what they say. Well that's all Dinah had to go by with this one. Hopefully she would get to know more about him, like what he does for a living, is he originally from Gotham?, what's his favorite kind of music?, favorite food?, hobbies?, does he read?, etc. etc. IS Rowdy his real name? I mean who names a kid Rowdy? Isn't that an adjective? or a verb? Hmm...

Dinah just sat there read a book on her kindle, it was almost 2:00... "We did agree to meet at 2, right?"

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Rowdy Yates looked at his wristwatch as he made his way on foot to Gathering Grounds in Monolith Square.  He had never been there before, and from the way Dinah Lance had described it, he was really looking forward to the comfortable, laid-back atmosphere.  When he had called Dinah that morning, he’d let her pick the place to meet for drinks.  Of course, he figured she’d pick something close to her place of business, and he was okay with that.  He was looking forward to seeing her again.  He wasn’t looking forward to playing twenty questions though.

Rowdy was a private person.  He didn’t like people asking questions and prying into his personal life.  If he invited them into his life, that was a different thing altogether.  Dinah was one of those lucky people.  She had made quite an impression on him when he went to purchase an arrangement from her flower shop the day before.  He liked everything about her – her beauty, her personality, and . . . her mother.  Yes, that was a strange combination, but all three had struck a chord with Rowdy that made his heart smile.

Rowdy was dressed casually for his date with Dinah – a cranberry polo shirt, blue jeans, and a brown leather belt with matching boots.  It was a far cry from the white dress shirt and pressed slacks he normally wore at the nightclub.  In his right hand, he carried a single red rose.  He hoped Dinah would appreciate it, even though she looked at flowers all day long at work and was probably sick and of them by the end of her shift.  Oh, well. It was the thought that counted, right?

Entering the coffee shop, Rowdy looked around and spotted Dinah sitting and reading at a corner table.  Raising and waving his left hand, he made sure he caught her attention before he made his way over to her.  When he reached the table, he took her hand in his and kissed it gently.

“For you, milady!” he said dramatically with an English accent, getting down on one knee and presenting her with the single red rose with an exaggerated gesture.  “I pray you’ll forgive me for being late.  Purchasing this flower is the reason for my tardiness.  I had the hardest time finding something to get you that matched your own beauty.  Obviously, I didn’t succeed.”

With that, he gave her a wink, accompanied by his sexiest smile.

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"Oooo, this book is getting good..." Dinah said to herself with a smile while still momentarily looking around for Rowdy and taking a sip of her iced coffee with whipped crème, yum! Rowdy had entered Gathering Grounds and spotted Dinah, gave her a little wave with his rose in the other hand, she didn't notice though as he made his way to her table. She then noticed someone standing at her table out the corner of her eye and she looked up. "Oh! Hey Rowdy!? Was wondering where you were... Did you find the place okay?" She said with a smile and kind of sticking her teeth out too much which became awkward. Ughh Dinah, don't do this, don't be weird...

Rowdy then grabbed her hand, kissed it and presented her with a rose in a medieval Britain kind of way. "Oooo, a kiss on the hand and a flower! Who says chivalry is dead!" She then chuckled. He then gave her a compliment on her looks and the flirting began. Let the wooing begin. Dinah chuckled. "Thank you... have a seat... I got you an iced coffee, didn't know what ya liked so I chose on a whim and got you hazelnut flavor... it's delish!" Dinah gave him a wink. "So, Rowdy Yates, let's talk... My name whole name is Dinah Laurel Lance, I'm originally from Gotham, born and raised. Well, I did spend a little time in Metropolis when I was a kid... Anyway... Umm, things I do for fun... I like music, art, movies, staying active, kicking the bag, reading, things like that. What do you do for fun?"

Dinah then waited for his response. "Oh by the way, how's your day going so far? Hope I'm not talking too much..." Dinah awkwardly chuckled. Smooth moves, Dinah! But you aren't new to dating! Just... what's that word, rusty?

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“Chivalry will never be dead as long as I’m alive!” Rowdy bellowed, raising his voice for all to hear.  Then he leaned in and whispered, pretending he had bad news.  “Did I tell you I went to the doctor today?”  Then he laughed and pulled away.  “Your directions were perfect!” he beamed, answering her inquiry, but once Dinah started firing information and questions at him in rapid succession, the smile on his face faded fast.  Here we go! he thought to himself, inhaling sharply while sliding into the empty chair beside him.  He didn’t tell Dinah whether he liked the hazelnut flavor or not because she didn’t ask.  His expression was so serious as she rattled off facts about herself.  He sat back, crossed his legs, and nodded every now and then, waiting patiently for her to get it all out of her system.  When she came to a stopping point, he raised his hand to get her attention.

“Pardon me, but are we speed dating?” he joked, but he was being serious.  Then he smiled, uncrossed his legs, and sat up straight.  “It’s my turn, right?  Okay.”  He tried to recall how Dinah had presented her information so he could follow suit.  “My full name is Rowdy Alan Yates.  I lived in Arlington, Virginia my entire life until I graduated high school.  Then I relocated to California for a decade to seek my fortune.  I recently reconnected with a high school buddy of mine and moved to Gotham City to open a business with him.”

It was intentional that Rowdy wasn’t revealing too much about his past.  That would come later, if there were more dates in the future.  For now, he decided to skim the surface and keep things general and shallow.

“Let’s see . . . what do I do for fun?” he asked himself, knitting his brow.  “Hmmm.  I work all the time.  Oh, yeah!  I love music!  I play several instruments, and sing a little.  The nightclub provides me a venue to enjoy that hobby – kinda like mixing business and pleasure, y’know?  I also enjoy working out and playing racquetball.”

He took a deep breath.

“Did I answer all your questions?  Oh, wait!  Yes, my day is going well.  Thank you for asking.”

Reaching across the table, he took her hand, hoping it would ease her nervousness.

“Anything else you want to know, Dinah Laurel Lance?  By the way, that's a beautiful name.”

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Rowdy's smile had become less cheerful and semi serious. Hmm, does he not like to talk about his life? Is he hiding something? Was I being too pushy? If only he knew my secret. "Umm, it's not speed dating Rowdy, it's getting to know one another... I'm not a mind reader!" Dinah then chuckled. Dinah then nodded and cupped her ear under hear blonde hair when Rowdy sarcastically asked if it was his turn. "So Rowdy is your real name, hmm... figured it was a nickname, but that's cool. It's different ..." Dinah chuckled. "Small town boy with big city dreams, I like that... Would have loved to live in a small town. Did you say nightclub? You own a nightclub? Well that's convenient when you want to ave a good time. Could I get free drinks?" Dinah winked. Dinah wasn't much of a partier or a clubber. She spent her time doing other things, like fighting mobsters and saving people, stuff like that.

Rowdy then grabbed her hand. Dinah kind of tensed up a bit, she loved the touch of a man's strong hands. It had been so long for that kind of touch. She then began to rub his hand with her thumb, slightly over his fingers. Dinah looked down at their hands together. She missed that, just a simple interaction such as holding hands. She then looked to Rowdy, looked deep into his eyes with a smile. His eyes, this man had such beautiful eyes, soft looking lips she just wanted to kiss. Dinah still holding his hand sighed.

"I'm sorry... I'm acting all weird.. it's just that it's been a while... since... since I dated. I was in a long-term relationship just a year ago. So bare with me okay?" Dinah said that last part in a chuckle and a breathy tone.

What are you doing Dinah? Being too vulnerable, you're better than this. You went toe to toe with some of the streets most dangerous criminals, you eat fear for breakfast! But your nervous around a guy? Make sure your ready girlfriend. Don't rush it, but expressing your feelings is good. Some people like that. You deserve it...

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Rowdy laughed out loud when Dinah said she wasn’t a mind reader.  He wished he could say the same thing!  If only she knew my secret, he thought with a heavy sigh.

As she listened to him spout off facts about his himself, Rowdy thought Dinah looked so adorable.  He just wanted to reach out and pinch her cheek!  He knew she must’ve been a cute kid.  Maybe DiDi had some baby pictures she could embarrass Dinah with.  That would be F-U-N!

“Nah, Rowdy isn’t a nickname.  It’s my real name,” he admitted, after Dinah asked him about it.  “I was named after that character in the classic Rawhide television series.  Clint Eastwood played him.  Have you ever seen it?  It used to be my parents’ favorite TV show, and their last name was ‘Yates’.  Naming me 'Rowdy' was destined to happen!  I don’t know what I would’ve been called if I had been born a girl.  Probably Camilla – after that chicken on The Muppet Show!”

Rowdy started laughing and feeling more comfortable.

“Well, I wouldn’t call Arlington a small town,” he said shaking his head, “but I absolutely loved living there!  And I agree, you would’ve loved it, too.  Shit, anywhere beats growing up in Gotham City!  At least back home we didn’t have to deal with Batman and all those crazy characters that come out at night around here!  Hey, for all I know, you could be one of them, Dinah!”

Rowdy laughed.  Of course, he was joking.

He laughed out loud again when Dinah asked about his nightclub and getting free drinks.  “Of course!” he agreed.  “But there’s more to do there than just drink.  There's great food, live entertainment, and dancing!”

Rowdy watched Dinah’s facial expression to see if she reacted to any of those things.  He began to wonder what she did for fun.  “God!  I hope you don’t work all the time like I do!” he groaned sarcastically.  Then he relaxed and smiled again.  “Actually, I love my job.  It’s more play than it is work.  It’s all about the people.”

Rowdy felt Dinah tense when he took her hand.  He was perplexed by that, but then she volunteered an explanation willingly.  “No apologies are necessary,” he sighed, just sitting there and enjoying being with her.  “It’s been a long time for me, too.  I’m in no hurry to rush things.”

Suddenly, the smile disappeared from his face, and he looked Dinah in the eye.

“So it’s been a year, eh?” he sighed.  “I bet that son-of-a-bitch dumped you, didn’t he?  What’s his name?  I’ll go and kick his ass for you.  A sweet girl like you probably couldn’t hurt a fly.”

At that moment, Dinah had no clue how badly Rowdy wanted to read her mind and learn all the details, but he stopped himself.  He figured Dinah would share in her own time and in her own way.  Right now, she needed a friend.

“Hey, I don’t mean to pry,” he confessed, squeezing her hand.  “I was only kidding.  But seriously, am I the transition guy?  I need to know because we both know the transition guy never makes it.”

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"Oh cool... I love Clint Eastwood! Muppets too..." Dinah chuckled. His parents seem very interesting of that name choice. It wouldn't be my first choice of a name, but hey it gives him character. "Yea Gotham is something, but it makes us tougher... more aware of the world. People don't mess with Gothamites!" Dinah said with a chuckle, Rowdy also mentioned Batman. Think he knows of the Black Canary? What would he think of me, if he found out I was her? Wow, once again... if he only knew. She loved Rowdy's charm and wit and his joking open personality. But what she really loved was his understanding, understanding of her current state of mind of nervousness. Nervousness of getting there again, trusting someone all over, wondering if you would get hurt.

 Rowdy then asked about him, should I tell him? Sure, why not... what could be the harm? "Umm, my ex was Oliver Queen... maybe you heard of him? He was the love of my life, too bad he couldn't love only "me" back... he's a womanizer..." Dinah then let go of Rowdy's hand and felt kind of pathetic. Like she wasn't good enough. "I tried to forgive him, I really did... I mean I heard the rumors before I got involved with him, just didn't want to believe it... thought it would be different, thought he would change... well four years and two affairs, that's when I called it quits..." Rowdy then mentioned him being the "transition guy". What is that exactly, the guy who is there for a girl when she is going through a rough patch, but when things get better she then finds someone else and moves on, or worst goes back to the other guy.

It happens a lot really, woman usually don't know what they want. Everything is a beautiful idea, but men always ruin that. We just try to go along with them and hope that they return the love and cherish us just as much as we do them. As for me, I'm a lover and fighter, living in this crazy world, this lifestyle of taking on the world, I would have to give my kind of love. I'm a superhero... I'm not normal, remember.

Dinah at first was stumped, was he the transition guy? Would she return to Ollie if the situation came to hand? "Rowdy... I'm not going to promise anything... it's just right now, that's not you... I don't have a game plan when it comes to relationships and I mean seem like a simple girl living in the city and working with her mom running a flower shop, but there is more to me than meets the eye... I just want someone to love me without being told... So to answer your question, no... you're not that guy, you just might be that first part of the new chapter of my life..." Dinah said with a smile.

Things were easier with Ollie cause they were from the same world, they both lived life knowing that anything could happen at any moment. It came with the territory of being a hero, just have to "act not react...." Even when it comes to your heart, thanks Ted for teaching me that...

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Rowdy studied Dinah intently as she opened up about her past relationship with Oliver Queen.  “Star City’s Golden Boy?  Wow!” Rowdy exclaimed sarcastically, trying to sound impressed.  “Yeah, I’ve heard of him.  You sure know how to pick ‘em, Dinah!  If that’s your caliber of men, why are you with me?  I’m surprised you haven’t gone after Bruce Wayne here in Gotham City yet!”

That comment made Rowdy think about Bruce Wayne with Selina Kyle, but he had to stop himself from going there.  This was definitely not the time to be pining away for Selina Kyle.

Rowdy flinched a little when Dinah referred to Oliver as the love of her life and pulled her hand away.  “That’s some serious wording, Dinah,” he told her, sitting back in his chair.  “If I loved somebody that much, I’d want to be with them, no matter what.  I’m a firm believer that when it comes to true love, any problem can be worked out.  All it takes is forgiveness and compromise.”

He made sure he had her full attention.

“From both parties involved.”

As Dinah continued sharing her story, Rowdy took a sip of his coffee.

“So Ollie chased skirts, eh?  I know the type.  After a while, guys like that realize how empty it is to lead that kind of life.  Maybe he misses you as much as you miss him.  You never know.  It’s good to hear that you tried to forgive him, gave him several chances, and hung in there for as long as you could.  It speaks a lot about your character.  Four years is quite an investment, but at least you were smart enough to end the relationship and walk away.  I hope you don’t feel any guilt about doing that.  Sometimes you need to put yourself first before other people.”

He smirked.

“Yes, I can tell you still care for him, Dinah.  When you love someone that deeply, how could you not care?  Shit!  I’m sure dealing with the pain has gotten easier over time, but it’s still there, isn’t it?  The little twinges suck, but they’re a good thing.  They serve as reminders of bad experiences and lessons learned.  Hey, at least you feel something, right?  None of us wants our heart to stay cold and calloused forever.  I can tell you from firsthand experience that tears are a good thing, too.  They keep your heart soft and malleable . . . and teachable.

“You’ve heard that old cliché, haven’t you?  ‘What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger’, right?  Well, it’s true.  You’re the woman you are today because of all the things you’ve experienced up to this point, and that’s the person I like and want as a friend.  So be thankful you went through what you went through.  In the long run, it’s all good.

“I’m not jealous of Oliver Queen -- I’ve never met the man -- but I am a little disappointed in him for treating you the way he did, Dinah.  In a way, his loss is my gain.  Sometimes people don’t realize what they have until they lose it.  I’m sure Ollie has his regrets, losing something as beautiful and valuable as you are.”

Rowdy laughed out loud at the puzzled look on Dinah’s face after he asked her about being the transition guy.  Then he got serious again when Dinah told him that he wasn’t in that position, and that she couldn’t make any promises to him concerning their relationship.

“Hmmm,” he hummed after she had finished.  “There’s more to me than meets the eye, as well, Dinah.  Too bad most women can’t get beyond the eye-candy part of me.  For the record, I don’t see you as being a simple person with a simple life.  When I look at you, I see a beautiful, strong, caring, and complex woman with thoughts and feelings and emotions – someone who matters, not only to others, but to herself.  You don’t have to tell me to love you because I already do – as a friend.  Will we become more than friends?  I don’t know.  Only time will tell.  What I do know, however, is that I’m in your life now, and you’re in mine.  How important we want to be to each other is a personal decision and up to us.”

With that, Rowdy got quiet.  He hated being so serious, but he felt it was necessary in this situation.