Oil and water, chalk and cheese, beauty and a beast, all describe opposites and all describe my new and growing relationship.
Our first meeting was in my dentist's office. She was having her pristine pearly white teeth cleaned while I was in for another root canal.
We were the only two people in the waiting room. She was absolutely gorgeous and hard not to look at. I tried to think about distractions like my upcoming root canal but my eyes kept glancing back to this beautiful creature.
She caught me looking a few times. Finally she smiled and introduced herself. "Hi, I am Elizabeth Griffin.
"Reg Griggs", I replied. "You look familiar and so is your name but I can't place it."
"I am a judge. A lot my cases make the news."
"That's where I have seen you! You are quite the celebrity."
"Many judges do the same work as I do. I don't know why I get so much attention."
"I do, you get attention because you are a powerful, wise, principled and very beautiful woman."
"Thank you for the compliment. What is your line of work Mr. Griggs?"
"It's Reg, and I am an electrical engineer. I work contracts with a few construction companies. I do everything from factories, apartments, condos and homes."
"It must be rewarding work."
"It pays well and there is no shortage of opportunity. I wish more youger men would consider the trades as a career."
Just then Reg heard a piece of music start playing in the waiting room. He closed his eyes as he listened intently. Music had been his life at one time and this song, this recording was sublime.
"Oh you poor man you must be in terrible pain." said Elizabeth.
Reg laughed and opened his eyes. "I am in pain but that is not why my eyes are closed. That music that is playing is Allegri's Misereri. It is one of the most sublime choral pieces ever written and one of my favorites."
Elizabeth smiled in agreement then heard the hygienist call her in for her cleaning. Moments later Reg heard the dental assistant call his name, he shuddered and walked the long walk to the chair.
Elizabeth Griffin walked out of the dental office and stepped into her Mercedes-Maybach GLS SUV. She had enjoyed her brief conversation with Reg Griggs. She thought that he was a handsome man and seemed to comfortable in his own skin. She was a bit sad thinking that they would likely never meet again.
I walked out of the dentist's office with the right side of his mouth numb and it felt like I was drooling. I got in my GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 and drove to my current job site. It wasn't every day you met a celebrity like Elizabeth Griffin. She is a very accomplished and beautiful woman, way out of my league. So imagine my surprise when three days later I get a phone call.
"Reg Griggs speaking."
"How is your mouth feeling this morning Mr. Griggs?"
I recognized the voice straight away.
"It is just fine thank you Judge Griffin. To what do I owe the pleasure?"
"I am in the middle of a case and we are on break. Reg, I have a symphony society event this Friday evening that I must attend. I have the option of a +1 if you would like to join me. It will be a symphony performance and reception. When I saw it come up on my calendar you came to mind. You had such a strong reaction to the Allegri piece. Would you mind accompanying me for the evening?"
"It would be my pleasure!"
"It is a stuffy affair so black tie. I'll be in a gown. It is probably best for me to have my driver pick you up so we can arrive together. I am looking forward to enjoying an evening with you!"
"Sounds wonderful."
We said our goodbyes. Holy crap, now to get a tux that didn't look like a rental.
I kept thinking that I was going to be a fish out of water at the event. I was not a society guy. I was a blue collar engineer. I really didn't want to let Elizabeth down. I had a tailor whip me up a tuxedo to fit my frame, expensive but what the heck, live a little.
Elizabeth and her driver showed up in the Mercedes-Maybach right on time. It was an impressive set of wheels.
Elizabeth looked absolutely stunning. She was wearing a single shoulder black dress that complemented her exquisite figure. it wasn't exactly sheer but it certainly wasn't opaque either, revealing just enough to make a person want to see more. Her high heels brought her a little bit closer to my height but she was still petite.
Arriving at the concert hall was a bit of a zoo. There were a crowd of onlookers and photographers. It was a crazy scene, surreal and more that a bit intimidating. Elizabeth took my arm and guided me, pausing several times to pose for photographers. I hoped I wouldn't look too dorky in the pics.
Once seated in the concert hall she apologized for the paparazzi but it was commonplace for events like this.
I assured her that it was fine, just a little uncomfortable experiencing it for the first time. The house lights dimmed, the maestro took the stage. The opening chords of Beethoven's ninth symphony gave me goosebumps. I blissed out through the first movement. As it closed I glanced over at Elizabeth who was wearing a huge grin.
She whispered in my ear, just loud enough for me to hear, "I am so happy I chose you as my escort tonight."
The rest of the symphony was wonderful. We all moved to the reception where the music was a bit more modern and danceable. The champagne was flowing and the guests were enjoying themselves.
I asked Elizabeth if she would like to dance. She took my hand and we took to the dance floor. I mentioned to you that she was petite, her heels brought her up to the perfect dancing height. Her head fit nicely on my shoulder. speaking of shoulders, my head was just above her naked shoulder. It was so pale and smooth, I just kind of lost my head. I bent my head down towards her shoulder and I lightly kissed it. Realizing what I had just done I stood bolt upright and whispered in her ear.
"I am sorry, I shouldn't have done that."
"It felt very nice Reg, Nothing to be sorry about. It just fit the moment."
We continued to dance for a few more songs when a grey haired gentleman tapped me on the shoulder and asked me if he could cut in. I let go of Elizabeth and took a step back. Elizabeth turned towards him and spoke.
"Marcus this is my guest and date for this evening, Mr. Reg Griggs. Reg, this is my ex-husband Marcus Griffin."
We exchanged handshakes and greetings.
"Marcus I would rather not change partners. It wouldnt be fair to Reg and it wouldn't be fair to you since there is no way I am letting you back in my life either personally or professionally."
I loved the no nonsense tone in her voice. I could hear a little bit of her Judge voice, stern and very sure.
"Fine Elizabeth, have your little fling. Enjoy the rest of your evening Mr. Griggs."
Elizabeth looked at me and asked if I would like to get some fresh air. I nodded and we made our way across the floor to the terrace.
The terrace was beautifully landscaped and subtly lit. Elizabeth and I found a bench and sat.
"I am sorry that you had to endure that Reg. My ex and I married in my final year of law school because he managed to knock me up. He was a senior partner in the law firm where I was working. I ended up with a miscarriage which sent me into a spiral of depression. Marcus wouldn't understand or show any compassion. All he cared about was getting me back to the law practice. It was pretty obvious the marriage was a mistake. We divorced a little over a year ago."
"I am sorry that you had a bad marriage. I had a good marriage but my wife passed away due to an illness. I kind of poured everything back into my work to deal with the grief."
"Aren't we a pair." she said and held my hand.
