Note to readers: I might have named my female lead 'Jillian', but I like the look of the alternative 'Gillian' and its separation from its male form Julian. The pronunciation is the same, just as with the word, 'ginger,' and the name of American actress Gillian Anderson. The familiar form, 'Gilly' is similarly pronounced like 'Jilly." Please enjoy, as you are able.
*****
Gillian gives me her most precious gift.
Chapter 02, Part 1 of 2:
Gilly (Gillian) became a mystery to me after our first and only date. As far as I am concerned, our date was fun and creative, and she seemed to have a good time. She thinks that I have an ulterior motive for dating her, conflated with the fact that my well-meaning, but moronic friend Jake referred to her as a 'spinner,' a derogatory term for a very petite woman.
The unfortunate part is that when Jake pointed her out, I saw her. I mean I really
saw
her! I saw her pretty face, and her attractive petite shape, but I also saw the way she moved, the way she held her lite beer bottle, especially with her little finger raised for balance as she tilted it to her full, pursed pink lips. I needed to meet her, to know her better. I needed to find out what her laugh sounds like, how my name sounds when she says it, how her mind works, all of those little things she does without knowing that she is doing them.
These are all things you can't tell from first glance, you have to spend time together. That is what we did, but since she overheard Jake, she thinks that I have some weird sexual agenda for her, and our fun and exciting date turned cold at the end of it. She did tell me not to lose her number when she gave me that non-kiss kiss goodnight ... it has now been two weeks since our date and I have not lost her number, but I have not called it either.
True, I have been very busy with school, work, friends, and etcetera. But, Gilly is crossing my mind tonight and I am going to call her. I need to find out why the cold goodbye after a warm and fun date. Hell, I received a warmer goodnight from the girl at the bicycle rental place
after
the date! I need to know! So, I am going to call her!
I pick up my cell, and hesitate; you know the typical "should I, or shouldn't I?" hesitation. Fuck it! I dial her number.
"Hello?"
"Hi, is this Gilly?"
"This is Gillian, yes."
"Gilly, you can see my number displayed on your phone, you know who this is!"
"Hello Michael!"
"So we are going to do this by the numbers are we? Okay, I'll play: How are you Gillian!"
'I'm fine Michael, but I haven't heard from you for a while. I thought you might have lost my number. I looked for you at the Fifth Street Pub a couple of times, but didn't see you."
"Well, I haven't been there much. Busy ... you know!"
"Yes. So let me ask
you
, Michael. How are
you
?"
"Confused!"
"Confused? About what?"
"Confused about dating a girl I like, showing her a great time, and receiving a cold goodnight!"
"Michael, I didn't consider it cold. Didn't I tell you not to lose my number? That was an invitation to call me again."
"Well ... I'm calling."
"It's nice to hear from you Michael. If you are up to giving a girl a second chance, I am available Friday nights ... usually!
"So, you do not have any questions about my motives for dating you?"
"I talked to Jake at the pub the other day, and he told me about your original motives that you just wanted to get to know um, me ... as a person. I liked that Michael."
And after a short pause she says quietly,
"Ask me out again!"
"First, I have to know if it is Gillian or Gilly!"
"Gilly!" she answers with a slight giggle.
"Well then Gilly, there is a concert next Friday ... classical ... Brahms and Shubert I think ... and I have scored two tickets. I will be there but there will be an empty seat next to me. I am looking for someone to occupy that seat. So, if you happen to hear about someone who likes classical music and likes me, perhaps you might let me know!
(She giggles)
"It just so happens that I know of such a person. She fits that bill perfectly!
"Really? That's great! Can you give me her number? Have her give me a call?"
"Okay, okay Michael I am sorry about the finger-kiss, you deserved better. And, I would love to go with you to warm up that empty seat!"
"Pick you up at Seven!"
"Wonderful! Bye Michael!"
So there it is! I have a date with Gillian for Friday night. Now all I have to do is to get two tickets together for Friday night's concert. Just kidding, I already have them! Okay, she said yes, so in my book that entitles our petite little girl to a reset. I know that she enjoyed our first date, and this one will be less creative, but I don't want to date someone I have to keep impressingโkeep winning. That's the task for the first date, and as far as I am concerned, mission accomplished.
That having been said, the death of any relationship is in the mediocrity and predictability that they inevitably become. So, if I want to keep this girl, I will have to throw her a curve occasionally. But, that depends on what I find out about her as we see each other more. Believe me; I will want to see her more! The combination of looks and cleverness is just too compelling!
Okay, so much for my views on dating, relationships and help for the lonely-hearted. I am meeting Jake for a couple of beers at the pub, and am on my way now.
"Mike! Dude!"
I hear the familiar booming voice, and the bone-shattering clap on the shoulder from an enormous hand.
"Hey, Jake! What's up?"
"Haven't seen your skinny ass around here for a while, what've you been up to?"
"Well, work, school, living my life, avoiding this dive! You know ... the normal!"
"Well, it's good to see you buddy!" I smile at him and say,