Story Of The Week – A Night To Remember

Story Of The Week

A Night To Remember

by Fredia Sinclair

My stomach twirled as I drove along to the familiar sounds of Luther on the radio.  I was on my way to a blind date with a new attitude and hope in my heart.

I had decided to stop being so picky and to be more open to guys who didn’t necessarily meet all my criteria.  As a rule, I hated blind dates, but my best friend had met this “wonderful” guy, who supposedly had a wonderful friend, and I was ready to be giggly over a newfound acquaintance with some potential. I had not met my friend’s new friend yet, but based on her description,, I was hopeful that his friend would be as equally dynamic.

However, when I arrived at the restaurant, the evening began on a catastrophic note.  When the waiter showed me to the table, there were two of the best-looking men I’d ever seen sitting alone in a booth.  They stood, introduced themselves, and explained that my girlfriend hadn’t arrived yet.  I couldn’t remember the name of my girlfriend’s friend, and I didn’t know the name of the guy I was supposed to meet, so I sat down in the booth next to the one who appealed to me the most and assumed I was sitting next to the right guy.  But I was wrong.

 After about five minutes of animated dialogue, my girlfriend’s date introduced himself and introduced his friend as the one I was invited there to meet.  I was so embarrassed,  I almost stumbled over myself as I rose sheepishly to move to the appropriate side of the table. Just as I got up, my girlfriend flew in the door apologizing for being late, and her entrance was a welcome distraction.

For the rest of the evening, I felt nervous and embarrassed.  I also found it difficult to concentrate, because I was so immensely attracted to my girlfriend’s date.  My date was attractive enough, but he wasn’t as charming as the other guy, or as polished.

While he attempted introductory chit-chat, I peered curiously over the top of the menu and silently envied my girlfriend’s new friend.  This man was not only a sight to behold, but he had a beautiful body and a magnetic personality.

Throughout dinner, I attempted to be polite and engaging, but my mind would not reconnect itself from my earlier mistake and the hazel eyes under lush lashes that would occasionally shine towards me didn’t help the situation. By the end of the evening, it was very apparent to everyone at the table that my date and I had not connected, and I felt like an idiot.

However, the worst part of the evening came when my girlfriend excused herself from the table and asked me to join her in the ladies’ room. As soon as she closed the door, she told me it was very obvious that I found her friend more appealing than the other guy and she was very offended.

I didn’t even try to defend myself, as I left out and went back to the table to get my coat.  Without explanation, I ran from the restaurant with tears in my eyes.  When I called her the next day to apologize, she refused to talk to me, and I understood why.  We have not spoken since.