We left off with Jeff deciding to get us something to "loosen us up." Now let me clarify, none of us are big drinkers. That translates into maybe once a year or vacation only. Eric and Jeff had "their days" but those had ended. Jeff honestly thought it would help us loosen up and talk more. If he only knew....
I rode with Eric to his apartment. (Jeff's suggestion) The first thing I noticed in his car was a huge cross he had hanging from his mirror. I asked him why it was hanging there. Was it for show or did it really mean something to him? We discussed our beliefs, morals, and values on the way to his apartment. Oh, wait, we made a stop. We stopped at Blockbuster to get a movie. There is where we saw the "sorta ex." Let's chase a rabbit for a while....I had liked this guy all through high school but we remained best friends. When he went into the military, we lost touch. (ok, when I dated his best friend in HS that probably cut some ties also. But he gave his blessing!) When he came back, we had what you could call a defining moment. I think we both wanted to see if anything would ever happen between us. We sat out on my parent's porch swing one night talking, I mean really talking. He shared about his experiences while he was gone. Something had happened in his past that I just could not get over. It would be something that would be forever on my mind. It wasn't that I couldn't forgive, because it wasn't mine to forgive, but it was something that I believe strongly in and would always come between us. We were still friends, very close friends, when he met his wife. That was a bit awkward because we were supposed to go to a movie and he never showed up. Turns out he was moving in with her that night. Nine months later they had a baby. His wife was (is) not fond of me so I tried to back off. I wanted to be her friend she saw me as a threat. I can understand that. So...after chasing that rabbit we come back to Blockbuster. Now remember, I was a bit concerned about Eric's height. The main reason, I had on HUGE heels that night. When Eric and I stand next to each other without shoes we are the same height. So, when we ran into my previous best guy friend who is tall and holding his new baby, well, just weird. How do you even explain who Eric is? He wasn't my friend yet and we already established he wasn't my date. So we just said Hey and went on. Just awkward.
When we arrived at his apartment I was shocked at how clean it was. I had never, ever met a guy that could keep anything clean! This was so impressive to me. He had already impressed me on the drive over with his beliefs and his desire to live for the Lord. It was weird and cute at the same time to see little girl toys in his apartment! ;-) We talked for a while and Jeff handed out his "looseners." I played it cool and shared a wine cooler with Stacey. Now remember, I am having HALF a wine cooler. I had nothing else that night. In about 10 minutes, I had a buzz. Eric says now that was his first sign that he liked me. I apparently did not drink! I remember laughing at Stacey and the drink went flying out of my nose. I just busted out laughing more and kept saying, "It came out of my nose! Did you see that??". Ok, that is so not me. Not when trying to impress a guy. Eric had a song called "Iron Butterfly" on the radio. Stacey decided to become an iron butterfly by putting a blanket over her head and fluttering around. Yes, we are sad.
We stayed at his apartment for a long time just talking. My buzz did wear off and we had a very nice conversation. He drove me back to my car later. (side note-we were never alone in his apartment!) He was searching for something in his car and I figured it was a pen to get my number. That was a big hit with me because he wasn't the smooth date. You know the ones who know exactly what to do? He was flustered and it was cute! I think he finally just said he would ask Jeff for it. We said good bye and headed our separate ways. No hugs, kiss on the cheek, anything like that which was ok for me. Hey, he didn't pay for dinner!! ;-) (that's a joke)
When I woke up the next morning my mom asked me if there had been any lightening bolts. I looked at her like she was crazy! I said "um, no. He's not my type!" She laughed and just said "uh-huh." I secretly liked him but I was scared to admit that. Eric was so far off from what I *thought* I was looking for.
Then when someone decided to introduce me to what I thought I was looking for....
**I just had to share...since that night, I have never had another drink. Ok, well a sip of wine one Christmas so I wouldn't seem rude at my sil's house. I am not against people who drink but that out of control feeling is not for me. I am a control freak! Plus, alcholism runs in my family and that has always scared me a bit. It's just easier for me to stay away. I liked the taste waaay to much but not the after effects!
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