Walking home that night, I was smiling. I could still taste her and the bourbon on my tongue. It was late and I was going to have some explaining to do, but it was worth it. I never expected to be here, considering how I met her, but life is full of surprises.
I love winter, especially at night. The old frozen snow crunching under my boots, so crisp and clear out. My jacket hung open. It was a two part choice, one medicinal, in hopes to sober up some, the second was comfort because I was still explosively hot from our encounter. I should probably be more worried, but I am not. I stop to lean against a lamppost and reminisce, not just on tonight, but on the whole crazy thing.
Part 1: The Meeting
I was introduced to Deirdre by my girlfriend about 6 months ago. She dragged me to her company's summer picnic. I dread those things because I am not a surface talker. I have to many questions and like getting involved with people. Not because I am nosy, but curious. In my experience, most people are not this way and prefer small talk. I'm polite, but in these cases, I'd rather not talk at all.
We walked around a bit, meeting Mr. This and Mrs. That. I shook hands, nodded, smiled, the usual. Then, I met her. She turned around from the buffet table as we approached, my body immediately reacting, tensing. I could feel her from here. Radiating. "Teddy, this is Deirdre. Deirdre, this is Teddy." Taylor said. I reached out and shook her hand. It was warm and so soft. She smelled like flowers and glowed in the sunshine. It was then I began panicking, not knowing how long I was shaking her hand or staring at her. "That's me, Teddy like the bear, just not as hairy." I said, immediately wanting to die. She giggled and said "Nice to meet you, too." They spoke briefly about work and the weather. I spent those moments re-thinking all of my life's choices up to the point where I mentioned bears and body hair. I was doing pretty well till then, but all good things come to an end.
We walked away. "Teddy, like the bear huh?" Taylor asked with a smirk. "Listen, I told you I am terrible at these things, which should absolve me from all present and future blunders." I answered back. I realized my right hand was balled into a fist and stuffed into my pocket. I could still feel her touch on my skin. This was going to be a long day.
I spent the remainder of the afternoon trying to steal glances of her. I had very little luck and was both relieved and disappointed. I kept saying her name, over and over. I liked how it felt in my mouth, how it felt coming off my lips. Deirdre. Deirdre. Like an exhale. Deirdre. Jesus, I am not sure what got into me, but it was not anything good, I could tell you that. I walked up to the bar because I needed a drink.
"Hairy, huh?" her voice came from over my shoulder. I stared down at the bar, wishing I had ordered a double. "Less than your average bear." I replied. Again, wanting to die. I used to think I was cool, but severely mistaken. Where was the bartender? I thought. "Sorry about all that, I am guilty of an attempt at being overly clever." I said, sighing. I could smell her, again. Warm roses. I sucked it up and turned around to face her.
"It was cute." She said.
An unreasonable amount of relief and excitement washed over me. It was? I was? What was? Nothing good, indeed. She was beautiful and yet, adorable. Her hands together, holding a clutch in front of her. Only letting go to brush breeze blown hair from her face. A spaghetti strap, orange sherbet colored dress, sleekly fitted, but not overly tight ending right above the knee, tan gladiator sandals. Like a dream. Her brown hair obeying the breeze at every turn. Her eyes glistened, lips a warm red, the only make-up she wore, and she did not need any of it.
Trying to recover I asked "Would you like anything to drink?" I restrained myself from saying I would pay since it was an open bar. At least one crisis adverted.
"Sure, what were you having?"
"Me? A drink."
