Guess what?

So, guess what, peeps.

Ray's got a hot date!!!!

Ugh, I was nervous. But I prayed a quick Ave Maria, which is like my life line, and called. I was smooth (now I'm cocky, but hey, I got a yes on try #1). I was direct, and I was all, yeah. Pretty good.

So basically what happened was as soon as I hear "Hello?" I'm all "hey, how's it going?"
"doing good, how bout you?" "Not too bad, hey, I was calling to know if you would be interested in going to dinner with me some time next week". I did not lead in. I came out swinging. Probably not tactful, but it got a yes. I then assured that there were no moral food oppositions (Im morally opposed to sweet tea, for example). After clearing up all places that served sweet tea and chicken in a biscuit, I implied it was a surprise wher we'd go. I'm picking up too...in my 2000 Ford Taurus. Which I am going to have to clean, which will instantly arouse my parents' suspicions. I haven't cleaned my car in like 18 months (it's not nasty or anything), and when they see me doing it, they're going to be all "ok, what's the deal?". But, the good thing is that I need an oil change on Monday, so I can justify cleaning it for the oil people.

It's this Thursday (I work all weekend versus conflicting interests in Mon-Wed), 6PM. I've got reservations made already (I'm totally NOT telling anyone. No lookey loos.).

Now, I need some more help. I know I should just be assertive and confident, but like I said, I don't want to be too over the top.

Question 1:
This is what I have in mind for clothes: a black button up long sleeve shirt, dark khaki pants, and brown shoes (not tennis, obviously). Is this the right amount for a west-side restaurant? I don't want to look too dressy, but not too casual.

Question 2:
Obligations. Am I obligated to bring some kind of gift on date one? I know flowers is pretty traditional, but I am not a big fan of giving something like a rose. Life is not the Bachelor. No matter how much I may want 25 total strangers cat-fighting for me, I am not, in fact, that amazing. I quite like alstromerias, so I thought it would be something different. IDEAS?

Question 3:
Time. What is the appropriate length of time for a first date. I am thinking 2 hours?

Question 4:
Appropriate level of contact. I'm a bit of a puritan, so trust me, there will be absolutely no lip contact of any kind. I know a lot of people expect that on a first date nowadays, but I am old-fashioned. What is an appropriate level of contact that demonstrates interest, but doesn't cross puritanical lines? (Contingent of course on chemistry).

Question 5:
What are two questions that you would NEVER ask, and what are two you think I should definitely ask?

Question 6:
Am I totally bollocks insane?

By the way, I would totally gloat, but we're facebook friends, so I have to keep hush-hush on this one....