Wednesday, October 15, 2008

2: Friday Night, July 7th, 2006


I settle on a pair of jeans, a psychedelic knit shirt reminiscent of the '70s and some single strap, high heeled Candies. Looking as cute as I possibly can, I head for South Street in Downtown Nashville.

Shit. I'm too early. I perch on the bench outside. It's warm, but breezy and I people watch for the next quarter hour until a short, butch girl approaches me.

"Are you Gwen?"

"That's me!"

"I'm Diane."

I would love to intrigue you with the clever conversation that followed, but there was none. No chemistry. No "bings" as an old ex would call them. Not one single attempt of conversation by me was met by anything other than one word responses. We struggle through dinner conversation with me, Sherri and Lisa doing most of the talking.

"Let's go to the Lounge. I'm supposed to meet a couple of girls that I play football with." Off we go, thankfully leaving Diane to go about her evening.

As we walk into the bar, I see a long table full of women having a wonderful time to my right. Just feet from the stage. Lisa makes a bee-line for that table.

Lisa says, "Everybody, this is my girlfriend Sherri and our new friend Gwen!" I settle in between Carly, a cute prematurely grey woman and Sherri, thankful to be beside someone that will talk. Sherri doesn't know Carly either, but suddenly we are all three fast friends. We clink beer bottles, laugh and talk. We all three dance together. I forget everything but the moment.

A cute, butch girl in a black t-shirt walks up and is introduced as Carly's girlfriend's sister, Mandy. Lisa, in her loudest voice to be heard over the music that is blasting, invites her to the party next weekend. Mandy says, "Sure, I'd love to come, but make sure 'Dimples' is going to be there!"

Oh dear God, she's referring to me. To ME! She wants ME to come to the party. She's cute and she's interested in me. I blush and can't stop the dimples. I hate blushing. It betrays me every time.

Mandy walks away, but soon she's back and standing behind me talking to her sister, Ashley on the other side of Carly. I turn around, smiling at her, I pat my knee, "Wanna sit down?" I put my hand on her back and start the slow circling that most women enjoy. We chatted with everyone at the table and she leaves saying, "I'll be back."

Lisa buys a round of shots and dear God, I need one! My ex isn't even moved out completely and I can't keep my eyes off of Mandy. I'm incredibly drawn to her. We're all dancing and laughing and Carly asks for my number. She and her girlfriend go out a lot and would love to see us all again.

We can't find a pen, but someone has a Sharpie. I write my phone number on Carly's rock hard stomach. Gotta love the athletes! Again, there's Mandy right behind me. I turn to her, pull up her shirt and in permanent ink scribble my number on her flat stomach. Obviously, I've had enough to drink.

After more dancing and another round or two of shots, it's getting late and the table starts to scatter. I move to the door with them and suddenly Mandy's right in front of me. "Hey Dimples, don't leave yet, I've barely had a chance to talk to you." Lisa and Sherri hear her and cannot contain their smiles and raised eyebrows as they walk out.

I sit back down at the empty table with Mandy. I tell her that I can't stay long. I have a diabetic dog at home and I can't leave her for much longer. "What kind?" A rottie mix. She shows me pics of her dogs on her phone. Same breed. Cute puppies. A fellow dog lover. I would love to keep talking, but it's time to leave.

"Let me walk you to your car."

As we head out the front door, I am so flustered that I turn the wrong way when she asks me where I parked. We walk half a block to the East before I realize that I parked on the West side. Turning around, she asks me where I live. "Murfreesboro...ah, no, I used to live in the 'boro, now I live in Hermitage."

Geez, I sound like a bumbling fool. This woman has me turned upside down! She's going to think that I'm an idiot.

Arriving at my car, she tells me to be careful and hugs me goodbye. I swoon and smile all the way home.

54 comments:

Crys said...

i hope you're turning this into a book. you're good with the hooks, hon.

Anonymous said...

I agree with Crys, Dimples!

hee-hee. That's cute!

Knight said...

Sounds like you were drunk on Mandy. Maybe you shouldn't have been driving!

Christie said...

I wish I could remember how I met Jay. I was too drunk.

Kidding, kidding.

Mind of MadMan said...

OK you lose on style points thats for sure!!!
But that is what makes a moment a moment.

Dr Zibbs said...

Oh yeah. This is leading to something good.

CRUSTY MOM-E said...

so, chapter 3?

I love how you write!

Can't wait to see an update from you --I've linked you in my blog world, so thank you for letting me link you. :)

E~

Akelamalu said...

And............

what happened next???????

Dana said...

I'm swooning and smiling now!

Anonymous said...

This is so cute! I like how U get all flustered and forget where you parked...exactly the type of silliness i'd do!

You are adorable!

Seraphine said...

isn't it wonderful to be alive? and by getting lost for half a block, you got to spend more time together.
see, there's a reason for everything!

CheekyMonkey said...

:sitting on the edge of my chair:

I.NEED.MORE.

I can't wait to hear the rest of this story!!!

Glitterstim said...

Oh, I love all the little sappy details! I mean, you've seen what I write...lol Great story you're telling!!

:o) BJ

Karen said...

I love it!!

Chanda (aka Bea) said...

Hi - thanks for stopping by my blog,lo those many days ago. Im a total putz for not stopping by sooner.

I love your blog, and Im already hooked.What's gonna happen?? :)

Hope everything works out just as you want with Mandy.

Gary's third pottery blog said...

You ARE adorable!

Spiky Zora Jones said...

Okay...let me tell you sweetie, I love it.

More...please.

Ooo, do I sound like Oliver. Yike. hehehe. I love the part where you wrote your number on their rock hard stomach.

Pumps arm...YES!

That is so very yummy.

Ciaop babes...can't wait for more. Youknwo this sounds like the begining of a wonderful novel...think about it babes. I'll get you betas if you need them. :D

Nolens Volens said...

Nothing like a trip down the memory lane. :)

~*Jobthingy*~ said...

*giggles* this is lovely. i cant wait for the next 'chapter'

Scarlet said...

Come on Dimples, don't leave us hangin'!

Vixen said...

I second Dana.... :)

- said...

I'm sooo lovin' this. And I like it even more that you have the dimples you do! :) Too cute!! I can't wait to read much more!

*smiles*

Anndi said...

Y'all are so cute. *giggle*

Jormengrund said...

You know what's best RLL?

You write from the "human" perspective, and you don't try to embellish or flatter what happens.

All you do is narrarate how you're feeling, and what you see.

I love reading this blog!

Jormengrund said...

You know what's best RLL?

You write from the "human" perspective, and you don't try to embellish or flatter what happens.

All you do is narrarate how you're feeling, and what you see.

I love reading this blog!

Unknown said...

Love the stories... keep em coming :)

Diva said...

Damn girl! You are a gifted story teller. I'm hooked and waiting patiently for the next chapter!

Lu' said...

tongue tied :) fun in many ways.

Jill said...

Aww I forgot how much I love your stories! I got all giddy thinking about J and I's first night meeting up again. Butterflies, being flustered, all part of the wonderful memory!

Jen said...

I've been on vacation. It seems I've missed some. . . uh. . . schtuff to say the least. . .

I have a lot mixing around in me leetol head, but I'll only say this:

There's nothing in this world like finding happyness. Nothing. You enjoy it!

Tiggerlane said...

I am just LOVIN' this story!! Writing your number on someone's stomach with a Sharpie can only end really well or really badly - that just cracked me UP!!

Now I'm all excited about the next installment. You SO should write a novel.

tt said...

I just love 'how we met 'stories!! More-more.........dimples!

Jessica said...

Aw, this is great! :) You tell it so well.

Claire said...

great story!

Anna Lefler said...

You're a terrific writer!

And thanks for the 'stache compliment...

Hope you're having a smooth day...

:^) Anna

michael, claudia and sierra said...

i love a good love story...

Anonymous said...

You go girl!!

I'm thinking I need way more than dimples to compete against you! ;)

Jules said...

I LOVE your stories. Keep writing.

Dianne said...

ahhhh 'Dimples' you are so adorable and this is making me happy.

Anonymous said...

Lovin' this story! :)

g-man said...

You are good at making me feel what you feel. :)

Fortune Cookies said...

damn girl! you are a gifted story teller! I love how you got all mixed up, I turned into a blumbering fool when I first met Wifester too. :)

Schmoop said...

I'm smiling now too. Great story. Have a great weekend, Mizz Thang. Cheers!!

Hilary said...

Sounds like the start of a fine romance.

Thanks for your visiting my blog. I'll be back to read more of your entertaining writing. :)

buffalodick said...

How exciting! Ihave no point of reference- married all of my adult life!

Just telling it like it is said...

What a wonderful exprience..I remember the first time I met myt boyfriend... I felt his heart beat as he hugged me good bye and I was swollen with the same kind of effect..although he still will tell you I kissed him on the first date..I never kiss on the first date...that is why he things he's special..thanks for taking your time to vistit my blog..much appriciated!!!

KellyKline said...

Wow ... cool to see a pic of the Lip before the remodeling. I even see a couple friends in the pic - Michelle (the redhead) at the bar, and Kerri is at the bar with a bandanna on her head, but her back is turned.

shrink on the couch said...

Cliff hanger!!

elizabeth said...

AWWW!! How wonderful! Really and truly!

Frank Baron said...

I'm betting she's just as intrigued with you.

Monogram Queen said...

Ah isn't attraction grand! So new and exciting! You describe it perfectly!

Vinny "Bond" Marini said...

I love reading the story of how a relationship blossomed...

This was a fun read...

Thanks for sharing them all

ETK said...

Ok, you're killing me with the suspense!!! I'm very impatient. I want it all NOW! :)

You are an awesome writer - can't wait to hear the rest of the story (especially knowing it has such a happy ending already)!

Anonymous said...

sounds like the start of something good!

I needta come around more, I misses the ex'ing of the ex!