Description: Even a perfect match has its surprises
Category: Romance
Keywords: love, romance, girlfriend, dance, sailing, sexual harassment, fraternization, threesome, oral
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I am rarely introspective; however it just seemed to be the right time to review my life. I did that when I first went to college and again when I commenced my full time Army service. I was soon to turn 30. As it would take me another hour to drive to my Aunt's place, now seemed the perfect opportunity. I turned off the radio so I could think clearly. The songs had been annoying anyway.
Overall I felt things were pretty good. On the positive side, I had independence and felt in control of my life. I enjoyed my job and felt reasonably secure, in spite of my boss who was an old bully. With the aid of a hefty mortgage, I now owned my own home although it badly needed love and restoration. Recently I also had the excitement of purchasing a reliable old sailboat. My parents were still healthy and my sister was happily married.
I had a reasonable number of good friends, who were old school, football or sailing buddies. Of course they were predominantly male. This led me to the negative aspects of my review.
I had been in a sequence of three protracted relationships since I left school. My friends would have described them as girlfriends; however that implies a stronger relationship than was the reality. A more accurate description would have been 'friends with benefits'. It was just last weekend that I attended the wedding of my most recent 'ex-girlfriend'.
I had no regrets as I had introduced Mary to Peter. Mary and my relationship had lasted two years, but it had always been very casual with no stated obligations. I am pretty sure there was a time that Mary would have considered marrying me if I had shown sufficient keenness. The reality was I had never been that interested. I suspect that if I had told my mother my true feelings, she would have scolded me for leading Mary on for so long.
The truth was Mary had first propositioned me and suggested the 'friends with benefits' arrangement. Mary was attractive, intelligent and fun to be with in small doses. We had many great days together and quite a few sleep overs, but I always felt a sense of relief when she left. She could be quite intense and preoccupied with her own problems and rarely enquired about any of my activities or interests.
It had no objections to marriage, but I had never met anyone that I wished to share life, secrets and dreams with. Between work, house repairs and family commitments I was lucky if I could find the time to go sailing twice per month. There was little time to waste on a futile search for a wife.
When my buddies dragged me out to a bar or club, I was often disheartened trying to talk to girls that became gushing and silly after a few drinks. Of course seeking a relationship with one of the girls at work was fraught with problems, particularly with my boss's recent preaching about the dangers of work relationships. If I was to find a suitable partner I needed to adopt a smarter strategy.
Perhaps when it really bothered me I could go to church, join a tennis club, or try a dating site. Fortunately, just at the moment I was content and not that desperate.
I was driving to visit my Aunt Margaret who was my mother's windowed sister. She was now in her 70s and as both her son and daughter had married and lived overseas, she missed having family visitors. As I drove into my Aunt's driveway I noticed a car parked outside on the street. She must have a visitor. The front door was open as usual, so as I entered I called out: "Hello Meg, I have come to check the bees."
The two bee hives were a joint project for my Aunt and myself. The hives were in her back yard and she held the equipment in a shed. My part was to do all the inspections and extract the honey, if there was ever sufficient available. I normally timed my visits for the first Saturday of the month except in winter when the hives were left undisturbed. Aunt Margaret liked me to stay overnight whenever I could.
"Hello Steven ... you are just in time for lunch. I have Shirley here as well."
I hadn't met Shirley before although I had heard her mentioned on previous visits. She did some cleaning once a week. Shirley looked to be about my age or maybe slightly older. She looked fit and attractive even wearing an old baggy track suit and having her hair held back by a scarf.
Just before I joined them at the kitchen table I introduced myself. "Hello Shirley. I am Meg's nephew, Steven."
"I know; Meg has told me all about you. While my job is to clean for about four hours each week, Meg insists that includes chatting over coffee. It is about time that I had the chance to see for myself if she had been exaggerating."
"Well that ruins the little speech I had prepared to introduce myself. What have you been saying Meg?"
"Nothing bad dear. You know I like to brag about my children and my favorite nephew. Meg normally cleans on Fridays but I had commitments with the Ladies Auxiliary. As Shirley kindly offered to come today, I promised her lunch."
Shirley explained that she had lived all her life in Bamberg and that she would like to see more of the world. She then quizzed me about my experiences travelling, particularly in Europe.
With a sound of reluctance Shirley then said: "I need to be going now as I have another appointment. Thank you for lunch Meg."
"You are welcome Shirley and thanks again for changing your schedule."
Shirley then stopped and said: "Oh Steven, of course you are coming to the dance tonight at the High School?"
"I am sorry, I haven't heard anything about it."
"Oh you have to come as it is one of our best town events. My cousin is an organizer and they have two bands playing a wide variety of music. This is a 'must do' if you wish to discover all about Bamberg."
"Well thank you for the invitation, but I really came up here to spend time with my Aunt."
With that Meg chimed in: "Nonsense Steven. We will have plenty of time in the morning. It would do you good to meet some of the locals and then you can fill me in on the gossip at breakfast."
Finally Shirley pleaded: "Please come. You could do me a favor by dancing with me to make my boyfriend jealous. I can never get Roger to dance and no one else dare ask as they know we are going steady."
"As it is an act of mercy, I probably can't say no. I would be delighted to dance as long as you are patient with my lack of practice."
As soon as Shirley left, Meg and I caught up on gossip while I checked the bee hives. As usual we had a good afternoon tea and then I showered and changed into some better clothes that I kept in Meg's guest room.
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It was only a few minutes past the nominal start time, but as I drove into the car park at the school I calculated that there were already over 100 cars.
I paid my admittance and was told that was to also cover the refreshments. I stood near the entrance for a few minutes to observe. The hall was decorated with dark red and black bunting and large vases of flowers placed at strategic locations. There was a raised stage and almost half the main floor was set aside for dancing. The remainder of the floor had tables and chairs set up and there was a small side room for the refreshments. The hall was noisy just from the sound of chatter.
Most of the tables were at least partially occupied so I was keen to find Shirley. I would have felt awkward trying to join a table where I didn't know someone. Although my experience with the Army and then as an instructor had made me confident to talk in any situation, I really was an introvert at heart.
"I wondered if you would turn up."
There was a smiling face surrounded by long brown hair in front of me that I had not at first recognized.
"Sorry, I didn't immediately see you Shirley. You look quite different when you are not wearing a scarf."
"I thought you appeared lost. Come and join my friends over at this table."
Shirley introduced me to Roger and two other couples. As I took my seat that faced towards the refreshment area, I notice a nice looking blonde laughing with a group of people as she served drinks. After discreetly watching her interactions with different people I was struck by her natural happiness. Of course being so good looking she would already have a partner and wouldn't have time for me. However, she did look friendly.
While I had been distracted, Shirley had been explaining to the others how I regularly came to visit my Aunt Meg. I was a little surprised that they all seemed to know her, but perhaps that was not unusual in a town of just under four thousand people. I answered their questions about where I lived and my work.
Then there was a burst of music from a group of eight musician on the left of the stage. One sat behind the drums, another behind the large electric keyboard, while the other musicians had guitars, saxophone, clarinet and trumpet. They were joined by a young girl who started singing 'Un-break My Heart' just like Toni Braxton.
Recalling my bygone dance lessons, I remembered that this number was a rumba. As it was one of the few dances in which I had some confidence, I immediately asked Shirley to dance. She didn't hesitate and lead me to the center of the floor.
It took me just a moment to recall all the steps so I was soon feeling pleased with myself. More importantly Shirley was happy and soon was singing my praise. I was even beginning to enjoy myself as well. I knew I could manage the rumba, foxtrot and waltz, but I knew the swing and cha cha were too fast for my unpracticed feet. I was more comfortable with dances that had a steady rate; like Army marches.
Fortunately the first song was followed by two more rumba tunes by Nora Jones. It was when I had no idea what the next dance could be that I suggested to Shirley that a break was in order.
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"It is a great turnout tonight Alice. You must be pleased after all the effort you have put in."
... "Hey Alice!"
"Oh ... I'm sorry Claire. What were you saying?"
"I was just saying you must be happy with the turnout tonight. What are you looking at?"
