After some time put in at a Las Vegas fake beach, me smiling at people and saying ‘hello,’and even getting some ‘hellos’ back, I feel it’s time to get serious about finding a guy with whom I might actually go on a date.

Earlier, I saw an Irish pub in the mall. As I am already accustomed to being at an ‘ocean beach’ in the middle of the dessert, I am unfazed by the location of an ‘Irish pub’ in a mall.

More importantly, the sign outside announces live music that evening. Hmm. Beer, guitars … a likely place to find a guy to talk to?

It’s nearly 9:00 p.m. I’ve napped and showered and put on a skirt and t-shirt. Time to hit the mall and meet some guys. (And yes, these sentences make me sound like it’s 1983. Someone please hand me my hair scrunchy.)

Just me, some guys and a Guinness

Much like the clambake, the pub is packed. There are guys my age at the bar. And, just like the clambake, there is one seat open.

I take my place and smile at the three gentlemen to my left. They raise their beers to me. I order a Guinness.

Now, as my loyal readers might remember, I’d scored a free margarita and plate of clams earlier this week here in my Las Vegas tour. I’d also aced my homework by having a fun conversation with the random guy sitting next to me.

So I figure I’m on a roll.

Back to the three guys in the Irish pub. I make eye contact with one of them. I gesture to the man behind him setting up his amp and guitar on the tiny stage. He moves over to hear what I have to say.

“Looks like the show’s about to start,” I say.

“Ya,” says he.

“I love Irish music, don’t you?”

“Ya.”

I notice his buddies looking at him. Then back at each other. They have the tell-tale appearance of the Middle-aged American Male Conventioneer: untucked striped shirts, jeans, just-cut hair.

“You here for work or play..?” I venture.

“Work! I’m here for the electronics show!”

And we’re off to a nice conversation about things I know little about.

A few minutes later, my Guinness arrives. He smiles … I smile …

“Buy me a beer?” I say.

Blank stare in my direction. Buddies are now nudging each other.

Oh God. They think I’m a hooker.