This One Time, I Met A Boy
“Go! You might meet someone”.
These are the famous last words spoken by my mother at the end of a very long day of moving apartments. I was tired, and a bit grubby, and not entirely in the mood for going out that evening.
My mother, on the other hand, was kind of tired of her 30-year-old daughter being single. She was optimistic. I was just pissy. However, I had promised my friend Valerie that I would go out with her to this party, and I didn’t want to back out on her at the last-minute.
I took a quick shower, threw on some clothes (I’m normally agonizing over what to wear, so this should give you an indication of my mindset), slapped on some makeup and headed out with my friend. I was dialing this one in, baby – just call me “wingman”.
I can’t quite remember the name of the mutual friend throwing the party, but we referred to him as “Shoeguy”. He was a social guy with a big personality and an *erm* effusive enthusiasm for shoes and accessories. We discovered in our short wander around his apartment that he had, among other things, a chandelier. In the bathroom.
There MAY have also been a pair of false teeth on a shelf. (Or were they made into a brooch?) And some other oddities instead of the usual tchotchkes. He was, indeed, an interesting guy. Who had interesting friends, as there may have been a guy wearing a kilt, too.
Needless to say, the interesting decor, etc provided plenty of conversation starters. Normally I’m a bit anxious in this type of situation, but since I was too tired to care about making ANY kind of impression, and the vodka and tonics were going down a treat, my friend and I found ourselves in conversation with a guy she had pointed out as being cute. He was good-looking – kind of preppy, in a plaid button-down, and a great head of hair. Not someone I’d have considered her type, but cute.
It was an easy conversation, and his friend was really nice, too. I got the impression that his friend was interested in mine, so I positioned myself so they could talk – she really deserved to meet a great guy, she was such a lovely girl. (Still is.) During the course of conversation I learned that this guy was on a beach volleyball team. I wasn’t playing in any recreational leagues that summer, and so when invited me to play with his team and asked for my number, I gave it to him.
I was giddy. About playing. Volleyball.
(Oblivious much?)
He did call later, but to ask me out. (!!!??!?!?)
Well, butter my buns and call me a biscuit!
We did go out on that date.
And about three years later, I married him.
I never did get to play beach volleyball with his team that summer, though….
* * * * * * *
The moral of the story?
Listen to your mother.
This post was inspired by a prompt from this week’s Writer’s Workshop. Head on over to Mama’s Losin’ It for more entries in this week’s workshop, wherein you will find stories about acts of kindness, life stories as told by songs, stories from the 4th grade, and things your mama did that you swore you’d never do…
15 Comments
Vanisha O.
This was a very cute story, and I must say that as a single 29 year old woman, I may just take heed and listen to MY mother! 🙂
PS- your blog design is adorable ♥
Jenn
At times, it is a good idea. Most of the time. (sorry Mom!)
Shell
I met my “boy” when I least expected it, too. LOL @ still not getting to play on the volleyball team!
Jennifer Worrell
What a great story–the unexpected happens when we’re not looking:)
hilljean
Gah! I love this! This is like one of the cutest little love stories ever 🙂 I’m gonna make my single sister read this and tell her to listen to the lady who’s always bothering her–Mom. Moms do know best. And older sisters do too, but that’s another story.
@MryJhnsn from iNeedaPlaydate
I love happy endings! Great story and I love how you tell it – like a conversation over cocktails.
Jenn
I like happy endings too! We celebrate our 9th anniversary this year!
(Love your blog name!)
Megan C.
What a sweet story! Yes often times Mom does know best.
Jenn
And as you can see, she will not let me forget it either! Thanks for stopping by!
Diane
Loved this! And he’s cute! And I’m totally not telling my mother about the moral of your story. No, ma’am.
Glad I came over from the Writer’s Workshop!
Jenn
Good plan. Mine always told me that I was too picky. I told her SHE could try to weed out someone acceptable to even date, then…she never took that challenge!
Mimi
Of course I am always right. Got to listen to me more often. Nine year anniversary coming up next week. How time flies.
Jenn
*sighs*
Sarah
What a cute story! Sometimes the best things happen to us when we’re not even trying (or looking, or anything else).
Jenn
That’s what “they” always tell us, isn’t it? We’ll find the right person when we stop/aren’t looking…. thanks for the comment!