We met first on the 'net and became good friends. Since we lived so far apart, it seemed unlikely we would ever meet. But when my boss walking into my office one afternoon with a flyer in his hand advertising a conference in your town, my heart leapt. He wanted me to attend and asked me to make the arrangements. I was on the phone before he left my desk.
I quickly sent you an e-mail giving you dates and times and smiled to myself thinking about actually seeing you and your friend, Jessica, after all these months of correspondence.
You wrote right back and told me where you live. I was pleased to learn it was not far away from the hotel I was staying at and where the conference was being held. I asked if you and Jessica would be willing to keep the Friday night I arrived open so I could take you both to dinner. You agreed.
We had a date!
Everything set, the day arrived for me to go and I flew without any troubles. I took a cab to the hotel and before I unpacked I called you to announce my arrival. Jessica and you had picked out a lovely restaurant near your apartment for dinner and we all decided to meet there at 7.
I dressed with my heart beating. I had been saving my black velvet gown (with spaghetti straps and a delicious slit up the right thigh) for a "special" occasion and I knew this was it. We had flirted over the 'net for many months but I never allowed myself to dream I would actually meet you. While I felt sad over the recent dissolution of my marriage, I felt I was on the threshold of a new life and I was excited to begin.
As I arrived in the cab, I immediately saw you and Jessica. While I did not know what you looked like, I knew in my heart that it was you standing there discreetly holding the other woman's hand. I waved and ran up to the two of you. We exchanged whoops of excited introductions, hugging, kisses on cheeks and well wishes. Both you and Jessica were dressed so lovely. You had on a rose colored strapless evening gown and Jessica wore a black pant suit outfit with the most exquisite silk blouse I had ever seen. Your hair was down, over your shoulders and Jessica's was piled high up on her head, exposing her slender neck.
We entered the restaurant and the rest of our time there was a blur. Stories told, comparisons made, side long glances exchanged as we checked one another out. I remember that at one point, your hand came to rest on mine and I felt a glow grow inside me as your warm fingers lightly touched me. I paid (my company's treat!!) and we stood outside in the warm air deciding what to do next.
Both of you said at the same time that we could go back to your place. I thought I saw a secret smile pass between your eyes but I could not tell for sure. I agreed and the three of us piled into a cab and sped off.
When we arrived, you unlocked the door and we tumbled in, laughing at something Jessica had said. I kicked off my heels (an Alaskan habit whenever you go inside someone's home) and looked around your apartment. It reflected the person I had met - bright, colorful and comfy. You led me to a long couch and handed me a glass of wine. We toasted our meeting then began to chat again about all manner of things.