Hey Ankh!
She gave you a counteroffer. That's a good thing. The truth is that most women are booked on weekends. Dinner is never too strong for a first date. In fact, lunch is better -- less load on your pockets for the same reward. I would have taken her out for a drink, not because you're afraid, but because you want to evaluate this girl and make sure she isn't crazy or using you for a plate of food.
I always ask for a week day until she presses me on why I never ask her out for a weekend. She'll be wondering if there's "someone else" forcing her to show her hand to you

ALWAYS works like a charm.
Hmmm ..as far as advice goes:
On the date:
1) Let her do all of the talking and just listen. Control the conversation by asking her question after question. At various points she'll turn it on you, or she'll even ask deep questions to figure you out. Always turn it back on her in those scenarios. For every half-page worth of talk from her, she should only get one sentence out of you.
2) Keep the conversation light and playful. Stay off of deep subjects that can produce negative emotions or defensiveness. Stick to talking about her interests. Questions like "Where is this going?" "Why is your boss such a piece of sh*t?" are always bad. Stick to: Favorite movies, what qualities matter to you in a guy, favorite places, childhood memories, restaurants, family, are good topics.
3) Keep your feelings to yourself: "You're so beautiful, you're the one for me, etc."
She tells you that you're wonderful then tell her "thanks." and move on. Two compliments TOPS. (The pastel blue really brings out your eyes really well vs. Nice rack )
4) Watch her body language: Does she light up when talking to you? Maintain good eye contact? Play with her hair or piece of jewelry? Doesn't fold her arms? Does she initiate touching?
5) Any comments about yourself that will not raise her interest in you shouldn't be shared. If you're unemployed, have a GED, and live with your parents still, that's none of her business.. once she's your girl...and madly in love with you...hearing that will probably make her want to help you and not dump you. But, in the mean time, it'll lower her interest and probably make her not want to go out with you again.
Closing:
1) Don't make any plans to see her again right, then, and there. Too eager is a turn off.
2) I only recommend going for a kiss on the FIRST DATE if you're UNSURE of her level of interest in you. This will tell you whether or not you're wasting your time. An interested woman will give you a kiss. One who is using you for entertainment, food, and ego stroking will not. If she's all over you like a hot tamale then you can wait until date two..
3) First date: Keep it an hour tops, tell her you "have a meeting to go to and have to go." Ask for the check and only pay for the whole thing -- if there's no red flags from her such as talking about other men, or saying something that makes you feel like you wouldn't want to date her again. If you know it isn't going anywhere then tell the waiter to split it. Pay your portion and toss her number. Talking until you both are bored and run out of subjects doesn't leave the best memories. Leave her wanting more! It just looks better when you're the one ending the date and not her.
After the date:
1) Since it's lunch a phone call to ensure she got home safe will not be needed
2) Wait about 4-5 days to call. Every guy is so predictable and calls right away. A woman who is sane and interested in you wouldn't mind a wait. That crap about "I'd move on" is a load of b/s. I waited 6 days to call the woman I'm seeing now and we're as happy as can be. Women only move on if they don't like you, have low self-esteem, or are full of sh*t. There's no rule that says you must call or text right away.
Most guys f*ck it up with their behavior after the first date, more often than the date it self by smothering her with TOO MUCH communication.
Even when you call..keep it to 10 minutes and use it to arrange another date. Once you get your date "see you then, good night." *click* I'd save the conversation for the date itself.
Hope this helps! You're on your way!