Lunch with Linda

Another fairly enjoyable day. I went to Pep Boys intending to get new tires, but was told it would take about two and a half hours, so I made an appointment for 2:00 today, instead. I guess it will take that much time today, too, but I think I'll get on a bus or walk somewhere.
Washed my hair and changed, then went to Macaroni Grille. I got there about 20 minutes early for our 1:00 lunch date and wouldn't you know, Linda was about fifteen minutes late. She apologized, saying she had gotten a call she couldn't cut short. Well, okay, once in a while that happens.
We went in and when Linda heard I was going to order a beer, she giggled and said, "Oh, alcohol. Well, then I guess it's okay for me to have a glass of wine." I was puzzled at that remark, but she said some people might disapprove. Why she would care is beyond me, but oh, well.
We ordered, ate, and then sat there for, incredibly, more than two hours. Linda actually had two glasses of wine--the house wine, which I've had and recommended--while she talked and talked and talked and...
I can't figure out if I like her or not. I guess okay, but I was brought up short at her religiosity (Protestant), the fact that she was in the military, and most of all, her belief that CVS and Ventura Del Sol are both owned by "middle easterners," who are bent on changing "our American way of life." I'm just not sure what she bases this on, but I'm intrigued enough to research it.
Anyway, believe it or not, I was fairly--or maybe, faintly--interested in various things she talked about and the more she drank, the more she talked. She's been married four times (three divorces and a windowhood) and has a disabled 54-year-daughter (German measles when she was pregnant), as well as two other children and a granddaughter whom she raised; I'm not exactly sure why.
There was much, much more, but I finally mentioned an (invented) appointment and we left. I doubt very much if we'll see much of each other--she just isn't my type, but then my other friends here aren't exactly, either. Maybe there are no "my types"--dunno.
And yet...Doris called and we chatted about the casino trip and mutual friend, Sue. Maybe Doris isn't exactly "my type," either, but I like her a lot and the same goes for Carole and Nancy. I guess as long as you have some sense of commonality, friendship can thrive.