The short of last night is this: I had an amazing, wonderful, awesome time and feel like I could go on about it for hours!
I arrived a few minutes late because traffic was terrible. I left my car with the valet because I didn't see any street spots in the immediate vicinity of the restaurant. I opened the front door and there he was, right there at the bar, sipping a glass of wine. Mark turned as I opened the door and we made immediate eye contact and he stood up and we hugged (that "what to do?" concern was off the list of things to worry about!). As I sat down next to him, I could tell that I wasn't the only one who was nervous (more on that later!!). Despite being nervous, the conversation flowed like it always did. No silences, no awkward interruption - just really good conversation and sharing stories with one another.
After we each finished our glass of wine, we went across the street to the Italian restaurant (turns out he had called and made 900 reservations earlier in the day). We got there a bit before 9 and the place was completely packed, so we went to a bar close by and had another drink while we waited - all the while talking and catching up about really light topics (travels, work stories, family stuff).
When we returned to the Italian restaurant, we were seated and shared an appetizer and 2 entrees (YUM - great food!). This whole time talking, talking, talking...
toward the end of the meal IT came up - the elephant in the room - what the heck happened three years ago. He was very sincere and apologetic to me in his explanation: The woman (he referenced when he broke things off with me) moved back here and he thought she was perfect for him (physically, personality-wise, hobbies, etc.). He said that they dated for a few months and he learned her true colors and really regretted letting me go. He actually said "I'm so sorry." I was floored.
Then I asked him what made him initiate contact with me and he told me that he almost didn't because he didn't think in a million years that I'd respond to him. His answer left me a bit speechless - he initiated contact with me because I've always been in the back of his mind these last few years. He said he found himself thinking of me, little thoughtful things I did for him, how I truly "got" him, and how, in his travels, he'd often find himself places that he wished he could experience with me. WHOA. And then he said that he is so graetful to be getting a second chance, if that's what this is. And I was honest with him - I said I didn't fully trust him anymore and he replied back that he was willing to work hard to earn my trust. I could see the sincerity in his eyes - or he's a stellar actor.
So he asked me out for Saturday night and we're both looking forward to not having to cut our time together "short." By this time it was after 12, and we were the only ones left in the restaurant, except the owner. I got my car out of the valet and drove him to his car and we exchanged the usual "I had a great time" "so did I" etc. pleasantries. Then, we kissed. Not heavy making out kissing, but really nice, sweet, super intimate kisses. And as he pulled away he kissed me on the forehead and paused there for a few seconds before pulling away. Seriously, it was like out of a movie or something - that moment was totally not my life.
Imagine my surprise this morning, as I'm sitting here, writing this, when a new text is delivered to my phone: Good morning, Happy Friday! :) Had a wonderful time last night and looking forward to spending more time together on Saturday. Have a great day!!
Sigh. :) But I must also remember to stay guarded... I can't let myself to trust him too much just yet...
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3 comments:
YEY...so excited for you :)
sxx
Nay, I've been a sideline fan of your blog since before the holidays. Reading it has become such a guilty pleasure :)
I was actually talking about joining a dating site when a new employee of my PR/Marketing firm told me about your experiences and sent me the link to follow them here.
Within a month's time, you had inspired me to join a site. But which one? So, I "double fisted," as my girlfriends call it, and joined the two most popular sites, one of which you are a member.
What a great decision! It has been so much fun getting to know so many people and, even better, rule out so many people. This process has helped me to really understand what is important to me in a guy (religion, ethics, a great sense of humor, having a career he is passionate about) and what I thought was important to me but is really what my mom tells me should be important to me (how tall he is , the socio-economic class of his family, etc.). God bless her. She means well. :)
I respect you so much for taking the time to share this experience with the world and, more so, for working SO hard to keep everyone involved anonymous.
I'd love to join you and our mutual friend for a drink sometime to dish on our experiences in person. Turns out, through the "other" site, I've met an amazing guy who is really active in my church and works in marketing about three blocks from my office. Yet, without the site, I may never have known he existed. (It's a really big church.) It sounds like, without the site, you and Mark may never have made it back into one another's lives. Just goes to show, life is about taking risks and being open to what may come from them. There's little more true in this world than the saying, "You can't win if you don't play." :)
I wish you the best with Mark and all of your dating adventures.
Za Za Zu's biggest fan,
MS
Ginger, what a pleasant surprise to learn that I have a "sideline fan!" I'm so honored by your kind compliments and support. I'm thrilled to hear you're having some great dating adventures of your own. As for the "double fisting" - that's awesome! Well done!! :) I'd love to grab a drink sometime - I'm sure we'd have tons of stories to share and a lot to talk about!!
xoxo,
Nay
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