A Romance Scam

Andrea, I think it's great you own your own restaurant. I've been working in printing twenty years now, and my brother, Pete, and I have finally decided to start our own business. We're putting together a business plan this week, and I already have a few clients who say they will come over to work with us. It's all very exciting, and nerve-wracking.

Dimitri, that's wonderful. Congratulations! I started my restaurant quite a while ago, but I remember how exhilarating (and scary) it felt. I'm sure restaurants are very different than the printing business, but let me know if there's any way I can help. I give good advice — Maybe we can get together for coffee some time?

I wish I could. Unfortunately, I'm not actually out on the East End right now. I guess I forgot to update my email signature — I lived there for more than 20 years, but last month I moved to Oklahoma, temporarily, to help my brother, Pieter, put together our business plan. Pete's family's here and he has business connections that we're counting on. I'll only be out here a month or two though. I hope we can meet up when I get back.

I was starting to look forward to meeting you. It's been nice chatting, but maybe you should just email me when you get back in town. We've got a lot in common, but I'm not really a big fan of long distance relationships. I have such a busy schedule with the restaurant. I just can't commit the time.

Wait! Email is perfect for now. You said it yourself: we've got a lot in common. Let's not waste a chance on a little thing like distance, especially when we can stay in touch so easily. So...tell me about your restaurant. What kind of food do you serve? Did you go to culinary school?