Two weeks ago I got a girls number for the first time. I was scared as fuck but knew I had nothing to lose. She told me she was busy at the first date/time I asked her to join me at, but did give me a really detailed message why and that she wanted to definitely see me at some point. Then about 1.5 weeks later I ask her to a coffee joint near my place for wednesday. To my surprise she said that sounds great. I totally misread her interest level.

Now I don't really know what to think about it all, or how to act. This is technically my first date in 5 years. I know about the 80/20 rule, and I'll definitely be steering the conversation towards her and letting her talk on. But escalation? Escalation. I wouldn't even know how to begin.

I know if I don't escalate it will turn into "two friends out for coffee" type meeting.

I know of concepts like kino, but can't for the life of me think of a situation at a coffee shop where I could even attempt to apply it.

Kind of all over the place here, just looking for a general direction for what I should steer the date towards and what to avoid if anything.