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When the Phillies had a Sunday afternoon home game during the season, Andrew Zarzour tried to hang out with the "College and Career" class at his church on Sunday nights. He really enjoyed the group of "twentysomethings" as they came to be known. There were about 25 young singles in all, people from all walks of life who treated him as if he were just one of the gang.
On this particular late August Sunday evening, his class had no activity planned, so Andrew decided to treat his parents to a nice dinner at an upscale restaurant.
During the course of dinner conversation, the talk turned to Andrew's old sister, Mary Katherine, and her new beau. Then, as Andrew had feared, the conversation turned back on him.
"So when are you going to get a serious girlfriend?" Andrew's mom asked.
Oh no, here we go, Andrew thought.
"Come on, mom," Andrew replied, rolling his eyes and suddenly feeling like George Costanza being grilled by his mom on Seinfield.
"But why aren't you dating anyone?" she persisted. "You're a nice young man. You're a strong man, a professional athlete. I would think the girls would be beating down your door. What about this church group? There has got to be someone you can date in that group. I've heard you talk about a Melissa. What about her?"
Andrew just shook his head. "Mom, I go on dates. I have lots of female friends, even some close ones like Melissa. But I just haven't found *the* one yet. It's OK. I'm still young. I'm just going to concentrate on enjoying every day, making as many friends as possible and then when the right woman comes along, we'll see what happens."
"But son," Andrew's mom said. "I'm not getting any younger. And your father and I would like some grandbabies to take care of. We thought we'd be grandparents by now. All our friends are, including Mary, who's got five already. Five! Plus, everyone should have someone to go through life with, especially someone of your age and stature."
Andrew's dad finally entered the fray. "That's enough Elizabeth. Leave the boy alone. He knows what he's doing."
Just then the pretty, blond-haired, blue-eyed waitress -- probably in her early 20s -- bounded back over to the Zarzours table, asking what the family would like for desert and if they needed their coffee and tea refilled. She winked at Andrew, obviously flirting a little with the star ballplayer in her midst. After she left, Zarzour's mom smiled.
"Why don't you get her phone number, son?" she said. "Just ask her out. She seems sweet enough. You never know what may happen"
"Good grief," Andrew thought to himself, "I should have stayed home and watched Seinfield re-runs."
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