He agreed ("OK") and turned up more or less on time.
They served us a lot of starters (veggies and dips), and a glass of wine for me, then he realised that the vegetarian options were somehow limited and we decided to go elsewhere.
Because he'd not had a drink and the starters were free, I paid for my own wine, but as he'd invited me for dinner I assumed he'd pay for it, especially as he wanted to move to another (fairly pricey) restaurant.

I ordered the swordfish at the waiter's recommendation and he had some sort of quiche with chips, I had a side order of veggies and an orange juice whilst he had water. The waiter actually recognised him, which was funny. He said this happened to him all the time, but I felt a bit awkward talking to him whilst the waiter hung around, I don't know why. I had the impression he was eavesdropping and I didn't like that even though we only discussed fairly neutral subjects.
I really had no idea where this was going, it didn't seem flirty apart from the time when he complimented me on my sexy ear (whilst touching it), and when the bill came he was happy for me to pay half on my card.
Now here is the thing: my food was more expensive than his, and we split it down the middle, but as I'd expected him to pay (after all he'd suggested the "date" and the restaurant) I was still disappointed. On the other hand maybe so was he, because he may have expected me to pay for all my stuff by myself. What an odd compromise!
I usually offer to go dutch on meals, I don't want the guy to think I am cheap, but normally they tell me not to be silly and pay it all themselves. I have to add that we had discussed my (lack of) income, and he must have some cash stashed away from his successful carreer!?

Ah well, this made it somehow less awkward for me to just see him as a potential friend, not lover.
I mean I guess the chemistry was there from his side, I just don't know him well enough to really tell, and he's not my usual type. Also he's nearly 10 years older, which doesn't have to be a disadvantage but the whole conversation felt rather like he was advising me (like an older uncle or friend), so we were on slightly different levels. I appreciate friendships like that but in a partner I would want someone more equal.

He walked me to the tube and said goodbye with a peck on the cheeks- nice not sleazy, then we swapped some texts yesterday.