A night with the guys

On Friday night I half watched the Bomber game while doing up the dishes and talking to Vince online to figure out what we were going to do that night. By the time the game was over it would be too dark to play frisbee or volley ball in the park. Vince suggested we play Settlers of Catan and Wii, at Rob's place, which I protested against (only the Settlers part).

"You're going to have to be a guy tonight," he said.

"And what is being offered in return?"

"The satisfaction of trying something new."

Feeling that it was time for negotiations, I said, "I think while playing the game, there must be a girly movie playing."

Proving that he is much less stubborn than I am, Vince wrote back, "sure."

We ended up only playing Wii, and given my limited experience with video games, I could only hope for a personal best. Apparently I'm pretty good at circling my arms really fast. Must be from all that hand mixing I do.

* * *

On Saturday night I picked up Vince and we joined Judy, Tonia and friends on a patio at The Forks. It was the Folklorama kick off party and there were supposed to be fireworks, which I wanted to see. Either we missed them completely (we were told we wouldn't be able to see them from where we were sitting, but I never heard a single bang), or the show was a myth.

After drinks we all sort of decided we wanted to go to a bar, but the location was up in the air. I was wearing runners and a light hoodie, which just wouldn't do for any kind of dancing. When we parted, the plan was for me and Vince to go back to my house so I could change, while Judy and Tonia grabbed a drink at The Tavern. Then we'd all meet up again at Blush. In the end, Vince and I went to Blush while Judy and Tonia enjoyed the warm evening on the patio.

Now, you'd think it would be hard, or odd for a single guy and a single girl to go to a club and have a good time checking out the opposite sex. Vince and I made it work by scoping out marks for each other on the dance floor.

Vince had just grabbed a beer when he suggested we go check out the upstairs. I led the way, but when I turned around at the stairs, he was lost in the crowd.

"Hey, are you having a good time?" a tall, blond guy asked me. Funny that he was tall, because I had remarked to Vince that all the guys in the club seemed too short. Every time I looked around the floor for something a little taller than I am, all I saw was girls.

"Yeah, this is great," I nodded and replied before turning back to scan the crowd. How in the hell did I lose him in a matter of ten feet?

"My name is . . ." I honestly can't remember his name. I shook his hand and introduced myself.

"Jill? What do you do Jill? Do you go to school?"

"Work, actually." I sneaked another look behind me. Seriously, he should be at the stairs by now, or did he some how get ahead of me?

"Work? what do you do?"

"I'm in advertising,"

"Oh, do you do sales?"

"No, I'm a writer," I loved that moment. Very Carrie Bradshaw feeling. (Hush, those of you who know how little actual writing I get to do.)

"A writer? That's very cool. Very intellectual."

He was tall, he was blond, not bad looking and trying to have a respectful conversation with me. Boy, silver platter, hello. I couldn't do it. "Um, I'm really sorry, I'm looking for my friend, I have to go, but I will catch you later," I said, touching his shoulder and retracing my steps to where Vince and I had parted.

"I gave a piggyback ride to a bunny!" Vince said proudly when we bumped into each other again. I followed his gaze toward what had to be a stagette party of girls wearing bunny or cat ears.

"Nice job," I said and clapped. Vince later explained the girls had a list of "to dos" for the evening and he was happy to help them check one off. Sadly, his bunny left shortly after.

Later in the evening we were on the dance floor when I spotted the only other acceptable height guy in the club. We made eye contact, I smiled, and we danced. We couldn't really find a rhythm though. When he started licking his lips I turned around, and thank the Lord, Vince was right there.

Just before closing, Vince pointed out to me a guy in an orange shirt.

"What about him?"

I had spotted him earlier and kept finding my eyes wandering over in his direction. He looked like this guy I know. The only problem was, he was definitely with someone.

"Yeah, he's very nice," I nodded. "Too bad he comes with a girlfriend though." Then I laughed. "Actually, he's just my type."

I stole a few more glances. They were so lost in each other, and as much as it kind of killed me, it looked beautiful. I want something beautiful. Some day.