Shampoo, rinse, repeat.
Have a wonderful night together, travel out of town for work, feel boyfriend/lover retreat to his cave, come back from travel and confront increasing despondency, hear accusations of infidelity, cancel anticipated plans for romantic weekend, REPEAT.
I return from New Jersey and find zero voice messages in response to my two. Cruising down the toll road from Austin International: "Well, I'm guessing you're in another mood over some arbitrary thing you heard me say or not say so... call when you're ready to talk." Star date: last Friday in July.
Star date: last Saturday in July. Two hours of grueling advanced bikram yoga are behind me and Laine is en route so we can make a weekend of it in Houston. I'm to meet her friend, Jason, who's recently relocated to Houston from Austin to work on-site for a newly-landed client. He's 26 years her junior and 12 years mine. "Am I seriously ready to raise another child?" inquires a fellow mom-friend.
No, but then again, aren't all men children? R has the emotional maturity of a 12-year old and he's almost 50. What difference truly exists between a 30-year-old and 50-year-old man? I'm willing to bet the difference is inconsequential. Actually, I'm willing to bet this guy is infinitely more mature- if based only on Laine's description of him. Time will tell.
We check into the Hilton Post Oak and make our way to the executive suite. Thank you Hilton Honors!
From the suitcase I retrieve the red Karen Millen from earlier in the week, though I have zero intentions of being unzipped from it tonight. In fact, I could not care less about meeting Jason - let alone fucking him - considering how wrapped up I still am in the mood spectrum of R. For a guy, R is more mercurial than a 17-year-old about to start her period. Christ. Like Katie Perry's "Hot & Cold," there is no telling which man I'm going to get when I call. Time and perspective cause me to wonder whether R might be bipolar.
Anyway, into the red dress I slip and Laine in her black&white Ann Taylor business chic dress. It's off to that alleged naughty adult play-ground called Maggiano's where the illustrious NOTHING happened in June when R toppled off the edge of his emotional mantle. Tonight should bear a different outcome though, and lo and behold it does. Jason shows up, a strapping young man oozing with confidence and the ability to carry an adult conversation about something other than himself.
From Maggiano's to inside the loop it is a musically-inspired cab ride from one bar to the next until tunes blaring from cab-driver Alex's stereo inspire us to head for Drink Houston. At this four-clubs-in-one we work our way through the Latin club until we recognize the heavy bass beats of the rap room. Phew, finally something bearing a resemblance to Hits 1. A quick glance around the clubs... are we the only white people here?
At an earlier club the bartender misunderstood me when I asked for gin and tonic and somehow heard me say, "I'll take a scotch and water." It would have been simple enough to ask for another drink, Jason even volunteered to correct the error; but I found nostalgia in the glass reflecting on my ex and even ordered another. An hour later at Drink Houston we down crown shots as the DJ pumps Flo Rida through the speakers right behind us. The alcohol, club temps and sexual energy dull rational thinking.
Jason pulls Laine and me to the dance floor, positioning Laine in front and me in back. Flo Rida segues into Rihanna and Calvin Harris and we find our groove. What did Jason just say? Something about never being in this position again? What position is that? That of a dance sandwich? A possible three-way? Hard to say with that heavy bass beat coursing through my head.
We close the place down and Alex takes us back to our hotel. Jason wants to know if he can stay at the hotel so he doesn't have to drive home. Later, Laine will tell me how easily the cab could have taken him home seeing he lives less than a mile away. Funny, not ha, ha. Funny as in interesting.
The buzz wanes and room service fails to take our call. "Let's go see concierge," I suggest. Jason and I walk/run to the elevator. In the lobby we assault concierge with our need to keep the party going. "What? What do you mean you don't serve alcohol after 2? It's a hotel, are you kidding?"
Serious bummer. We walk with mild disappointment back to the elevator, but the mood shifts. Did someone just say, squirrel? The door closes and we distract ourselves with a kiss, a lovely kiss that begs the question: just where exactly is this evening going?
Back in our suite Laine wears a lovely fitted night gown. Jason excuses himself to the bathroom.
"I don't know for sure, but I'm thinking he might want a threesome. What do you think?" Am I really asking this? A lifetime ago my ex made this request of me and I could NEVER go there. Now suddenly I'm throwing caution to the wind... maybe because I'm older, maybe because I have nothing invested in this person I met less than five hours earlier. Significantly more sober, Laine shuts the idea down and frankly, I'm relieved. Things are 99% over with R back home, but they need to be absolutely complete before I move on with someone new.
Jason returns from the bathroom as Laine walks back to finish her night-time routine. "So, I was thinking maybe we could all snuggle," Jason proposes to me.
"Uhm, yeah. Well... talk to Laine. I'll be right back."
I exit for a bio break. Moments later I hear the two of them talking as I wash my hands and face. "I'm going to take the pull-out sofa," Laine tells him.
"Nooo, come snuggle." I change into my night shirt as they continue their discussion on sleeping arrangements. I brush my teeth and exit to find them both in one of the two queen-sized beds.
"All right you two, I'm just gonna... " what? this is a little awkward.
"Come snuggle with us," he invites.
"No, I'm good. I'll just sleep over here."
"Nope, you're coming over here. Come," he commands.
I crawl into bed and our positions aren't much different from the dance floor with Laine in front, Jason in the middle and me in back... all of us falling asleep on our sides. I close my eyes and feel Jason reach back to touch my hip. It's sweet in an odd kind of way. I quickly fall to sleep, but only to stir off and on over the next few hours. An urge to pee wakes me providing the perfect exit strategy from a very crowded bed.
I fall into the empty bed with room to stretch out, cool off and fall asleep once and for all. Jason departs a few hours later, mumbling something about conference calls and brunch with Laine. My head pounds but water sends pain running for the hills and stops the cramping in my left calf.
It's a long drive home following a big brunch and pleasant goodbye at the Grand Lux Cafe. Laine and I say our goodbyes in my driveway back in the ATX and then it's back to the at-times-engulfing loneliness I feel in a post-divorced world. I think about R and anger quickly supplants despair.
I call R's cell wondering why he had to let what would have been a delightful weekend disintegrate into dust. "Look," he says. "I think you're terrific." Oh Christ, spare me the placating about to ensue.
"But, I told you before I'm not going to fall in love with you. I mean, I can come over there and fuck you if want me to but that's all. I just want to fuck you."
And there it is. The ugliest most hateful thing a human being has ever said to me in my entire life. He is completely and utterly dead to me.
Three weeks later a text comes in on a Sunday night:
R: You are laying on your back on my bed. Head falling back and my cock so far down your throat your eyes water. You gag but you welcome my cock. You cannot wait for the punishment you know is coming and you surrender completely.
Me: (seriously?) Hello to you u too.
R: ; )
R: I still desire you...
I think of a message he sent months before when I expressed my disappointment over his desire to return to Austin Dinner Club while we were still dating: "TFB." TFB I texted back then, confused by another digital age acronym. "Too fucking bad" he told me. I think about texting that to him now, but refrain in the spirit of politeness.
Me: And I you (if he was remotely emotionally stable and mature)
R: Come over, while I'm in the mood. You will not be disappointed.
Seriously, "while I'm in the mood?" Isn't that the crux of it all right there? In a second each moment we shared flashes through my head. What I believed was connection and intimacy was only my projection, a fantasy only in my head. I made up it was about us when it was only ever about selfish, childish R. What a narcissistic twerp, but better to learn that in a few months than in a few years.
Me: I have an early flight tomorrow (I lie)
R: Crapooooola. You would have suffered so well.
Me: (Yawn).
R: I miss punishing you.
Me: Yes, I'm sure it would be a blast, but then I'd leave in the morning and the afterglow would eventually fade because I want more and you can't give me that.
R: Live for the moment...
And he drones on and on in such a boring fashion.
R: The wand misses you.
Me: I bought my own (whatever)
The next day a weak apology comes over in a text. Too fucking bad, I think. R can find someone else to punish in the bed as well as out of the bed with his hateful, ugly rants. I don't even want a friendship with this poop stain of a human being.
And like that, the door is unequivocally closed forever. Shampoo, rinse... get out of the shower.
Friday, August 31, 2012
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Drama at a Glance #22 - One Step Back?
We snuggle on the couch watching TV as if we were a married couple.
"I don't get how this show has won critical acclaim. The writing sucks."
"Oh my God, how can you be so negative? Besides, Mary-Louise Parker is totally hot," he parries.
"And she's acting horribly. She was infinitely better in Fried Green Tomatoes. The writing and the acting are both horrible."
"Do you want me to change the channel?" he asks, poking me in the ribs.
"No," I giggle.
"You're nuts," he tells me. Leaning against him I lean my head back to smile. "And you're so pretty" he adds.
"Thank you," I say. I want more of this... not the compliments per se, but the snuggling, the simple everyday-ness of relationship. Can we do this?
The show ends and we make our way upstairs. "Undress me, please."
"What? Why?"
"Don't act all put out... just unzip me. See, right here," I tease. "I like it when you do this. It makes me feel sexy." And down goes the zipper so I can step out of the lovely, red Karen Millen so he can hang it up on a hook in the bathroom.
He stands back taking an intense long look with his big green eyes. "Follow me... over here," he says grabbing my right hand. He stands me up against the bed with its covers pulled back to the foot and removes my leopard-print bra and panties. "Lay on your back across the bed." I assume the position looking up at him wantonly. What started in New Orleans has become a mainstay in our lovemaking, even in the off-again, on-again drama of summer.
I stare up at him, hungry... turned on. I bite my lower lip in anticipation not unlike that fictional girl in Seattle. "Close your eyes," he demands. I inhale deeply and close my eyes as he climbs on top straddling me. My hands graze his obliques. This almost 50-year old puts guys half his age to shame. "No... put your hands back on the bed."
Ever the dutiful lover I acquiesce because yielding to him brings me such delicious joy. Snapshots from last night zip through my brain as they did on the drive to Austin Dinner Club earlier. We're laying in bed expressing how we've neither one ever experienced sex like this. It is truly the best sex of our lives.
"Lift your head," he instructs. Something soft and fuzzy is placed over my eyes. Will he tie my hands to the corners of the bed this time too? He speaks before I can finish my thought. "Bring your legs up over your head, spread eagle." R gently grabs my left foot and secures it with a satin-type of strap. I test the knot only to meet heavy resistance in the sound of the chaise lounge. Grabbing my right foot he secures it with an equally strong knot. And there I am, all bottoms up and slightly vulnerable wondering what he has in store.
"I am going to fuck you really hard now. Are you ready?" he asks. I hesitate as I hear the magic wand spring to life. "Are you ready?" he repeats with a little zap of the wand on my clit.
"YES," I hiss between closed teeth. Will I ever grow accustom to the intensity of sensation from this particular piece of equipment? R reaches for my hands, telling me to take control of the wand without ever saying a word. At the helm of my own orgasmic destiny I place the wand exactly where I need to maximize the pleasure about to ensue. R then moves his hands up the length of my legs to my feet and back down my calves to my ham strings.
He squeezes the back of my legs in a gentle, massaging fashion as a preamble to gripping my ass, right thumb finding its way just inside my introitus. He lingers there 30 seconds, then a minute. "Now, please!" I beg.
"Shhh... I'm in charge," he declares. "In fact, I want you to turn over." He quickly unties my feet and turns me on all four. "Remember this," he whispers in my ear as he returns the wand to my hands. "Now come back just a little." With his hands back on my hips he pulls me back and without a word thrusts himself deep inside. I open my legs slightly to lower myself down further onto the bed. We find our rhythm after another adjustment or two and here we are, making love as we have come to define it over the past five months.
I maneuver the wand within inches of a climax but it eludes time and time again. Ever observant and in tune with my own needs in bed, R suggests a return to my back. He helps me turn over and removes the cover from my eyes. "Hi," he says softly bending down and deeply kissing me.
"Hi back at you," I return. He lays on top of me, cock at the helm as we stare at each other like we have countless times before. And suddenly there it is, connection... the reason I keep coming back. In the distance a familiar sensation builds in intensity as muscles contract and find their release. My body tingles all the way down to my toes not unlike our first morning together last March.
R smiles sweetly at me and just like before he reassuringly says, "again." Surrendering our eyes lock and emotion finds its release as well. Two weeks before R told me he couldn't allow himself to fall in love with me. Does he feel the same now? Can he step out of his story to see the potential in US?
We fall asleep once more in each others arms but not before discussing plans to have dinner at my place when I return from New Jersey on Friday. I want to believe we're on the road back to relationship. I want to believe this is more than just sex. I want to believe that he's the man I want, the man I need. I want, I want, I want.
"I don't get how this show has won critical acclaim. The writing sucks."
"Oh my God, how can you be so negative? Besides, Mary-Louise Parker is totally hot," he parries.
"And she's acting horribly. She was infinitely better in Fried Green Tomatoes. The writing and the acting are both horrible."
"Do you want me to change the channel?" he asks, poking me in the ribs.
"No," I giggle.
"You're nuts," he tells me. Leaning against him I lean my head back to smile. "And you're so pretty" he adds.
"Thank you," I say. I want more of this... not the compliments per se, but the snuggling, the simple everyday-ness of relationship. Can we do this?
The show ends and we make our way upstairs. "Undress me, please."
"What? Why?"
"Don't act all put out... just unzip me. See, right here," I tease. "I like it when you do this. It makes me feel sexy." And down goes the zipper so I can step out of the lovely, red Karen Millen so he can hang it up on a hook in the bathroom.
He stands back taking an intense long look with his big green eyes. "Follow me... over here," he says grabbing my right hand. He stands me up against the bed with its covers pulled back to the foot and removes my leopard-print bra and panties. "Lay on your back across the bed." I assume the position looking up at him wantonly. What started in New Orleans has become a mainstay in our lovemaking, even in the off-again, on-again drama of summer.
I stare up at him, hungry... turned on. I bite my lower lip in anticipation not unlike that fictional girl in Seattle. "Close your eyes," he demands. I inhale deeply and close my eyes as he climbs on top straddling me. My hands graze his obliques. This almost 50-year old puts guys half his age to shame. "No... put your hands back on the bed."
Ever the dutiful lover I acquiesce because yielding to him brings me such delicious joy. Snapshots from last night zip through my brain as they did on the drive to Austin Dinner Club earlier. We're laying in bed expressing how we've neither one ever experienced sex like this. It is truly the best sex of our lives.
"Lift your head," he instructs. Something soft and fuzzy is placed over my eyes. Will he tie my hands to the corners of the bed this time too? He speaks before I can finish my thought. "Bring your legs up over your head, spread eagle." R gently grabs my left foot and secures it with a satin-type of strap. I test the knot only to meet heavy resistance in the sound of the chaise lounge. Grabbing my right foot he secures it with an equally strong knot. And there I am, all bottoms up and slightly vulnerable wondering what he has in store.
"I am going to fuck you really hard now. Are you ready?" he asks. I hesitate as I hear the magic wand spring to life. "Are you ready?" he repeats with a little zap of the wand on my clit.
"YES," I hiss between closed teeth. Will I ever grow accustom to the intensity of sensation from this particular piece of equipment? R reaches for my hands, telling me to take control of the wand without ever saying a word. At the helm of my own orgasmic destiny I place the wand exactly where I need to maximize the pleasure about to ensue. R then moves his hands up the length of my legs to my feet and back down my calves to my ham strings.
He squeezes the back of my legs in a gentle, massaging fashion as a preamble to gripping my ass, right thumb finding its way just inside my introitus. He lingers there 30 seconds, then a minute. "Now, please!" I beg.
"Shhh... I'm in charge," he declares. "In fact, I want you to turn over." He quickly unties my feet and turns me on all four. "Remember this," he whispers in my ear as he returns the wand to my hands. "Now come back just a little." With his hands back on my hips he pulls me back and without a word thrusts himself deep inside. I open my legs slightly to lower myself down further onto the bed. We find our rhythm after another adjustment or two and here we are, making love as we have come to define it over the past five months.
I maneuver the wand within inches of a climax but it eludes time and time again. Ever observant and in tune with my own needs in bed, R suggests a return to my back. He helps me turn over and removes the cover from my eyes. "Hi," he says softly bending down and deeply kissing me.
"Hi back at you," I return. He lays on top of me, cock at the helm as we stare at each other like we have countless times before. And suddenly there it is, connection... the reason I keep coming back. In the distance a familiar sensation builds in intensity as muscles contract and find their release. My body tingles all the way down to my toes not unlike our first morning together last March.
R smiles sweetly at me and just like before he reassuringly says, "again." Surrendering our eyes lock and emotion finds its release as well. Two weeks before R told me he couldn't allow himself to fall in love with me. Does he feel the same now? Can he step out of his story to see the potential in US?
We fall asleep once more in each others arms but not before discussing plans to have dinner at my place when I return from New Jersey on Friday. I want to believe we're on the road back to relationship. I want to believe this is more than just sex. I want to believe that he's the man I want, the man I need. I want, I want, I want.
Monday, August 27, 2012
Drama at a Glance #21 - Red and Gold
Crap I am out of time. I pull the zipper up on my "woman in red" Karen Millen dress, slip on my satin, peep-toe heels and race down the stairs to my true love. The garage door lifts and Central Texas sun peeks around the corner over my black 328i with its sexy lines, camel interior and exquisite stereo.
Inside I remove my shoes to drive barefooted. It really is safer this way as three-inch heels have a way of getting caught under the gas and brake pedals. Shifting into reverse I back out slowly, mindful the neighbors kids could be playing (lurking) about. Seeing the coast is clear I merge into traffic and make my way toward the freeway.
Kings of Leon blast through the speakers as "Sex on Fire" concludes and Sirius XM The Pulse segues into Mumford & Sons' "Roll Away Your Stone." Snapshots of last night zip through my brain as I accelerate to 75 down Loop 1. Candles flicker while R and I stand on our knees in the center of my bed devouring each other with kiss after kiss.
I grab my phone and dial R before I can over-think my next move.
"Are you alone tonight? Or are you with your son?"
"Hi... he's at his mom's tonight. In fact, I only have him twice this week and then he's on vacation with his mom for a week starting on Friday."
"Hmm. Feel like company?"
"Aren't you going to the Austin Dinner Club tonight?"
"Yeah, but I don't care. Nothing is going to happen there I'm pretty sure."
"I'd love to see you."
"Well it might be late, like 9 o'clock or something. Are you going to be up that late?" I tease. "How about if I call you to make sure."
"Okay," R replies. "But I'm pretty sure I'll be up."
"Hope so," I say and hang up the phone, returning it to the center console below the gear shift.
I am stuck behind a dip-shit in a Mitsubishi in the left lane. Who the hell are these people that actually drive below the speed limit in the passing lane? And how can they NOT notice the 8-10 cars behind them? It is one of life's greatest mysteries and I'd ram my bumper up their rear-end if it wouldn't result in a ticket and $5000 worth of repairs. "Move the F out of the way," I mutter.
Something catches my attention in the rearview mirror. A quick glance reveals xenon headlights as a gold BMW driver races toward my back bumper. Seriously dude? I roll my eyes as Gold Finger gets a little familiar with my back side and crank up Carly Rae Jepsen whose "Call Me Maybe" pours from the speakers. Dip-shit holds steady just as an advance in the center lane provides the clearing I need to gain the upper hand. I move to the right, but Mitsubishi dip-shit goes for a power play and blocks my pass by accelerating. Nice! MF'r.
Gold Finger stays the course in the left lane and I have not only missed my chance to pass Mitsubishi Red but now I'm behind the Beemer. Damn! My ego waxes to full strength and I dart back to the left to regain dominance. Gold Finger spots an opening and jumps two lanes to the right to pass Mitsubishi DS. No he did not do that! No I did not just follow him to a T! Mitsubishi DS fades into the distance while Gold Finger and I weave in and out of traffic, dancing a tango of sorts.
We race past Windsor, then Enfield. We whip past Lake Austin Blvd for the 5th Street/Cesar Chavez exits. Finally a shot to pass and win the race. A random thought: wait, I wonder if this guy is headed to the dinner club? Nah, couldn't be. I push the pedal down and speed up to 90 and zip to the front. Loop 1 curves as I take the 5th Street exit at 80 miles an hour all adrenaline and not an ounce of sense as I make the curve like a pro. I slow for a yellow light, Gold Finger still hot on my trail. Hmm, this will be a little awkward if he's going to the same restaurant.
I turn right and right again. In a cozy little parking spot I reach for my shoes while opening my door. Two spots over Gold Finger exits his car. "Nice driving," he says with a smile.
"Not too bad yourself," I offer.
"Going to the Austin Dinner Club?" he asks. Oops.
"Yes I am," I reply. He's cute in a nerdy kind of way. Tall with dark hair and glasses. Maybe there's hope for tonight after all.
"Are you going to lock your doors?" he asks. What? Of course I'm going to lock my doors, like, as soon as I get situated. Is he walking with a limp? Inside we take our seats and meet our host from ADC and another guy who is way too young.
"Here's your menu," he suggests. Do I look like I've never been to a restaurant before? Ugh, and so it begins, the immediate picking apart of a potential suitor in a post-divorce world. My filter (baggage) kicks into overdrive as I take a giant gulp of Tanqueray and tonic.
I smile politely as us girls are trained to do. "Thank you," I answer. And the next two hours cannot pass fast enough. I want to leave and run to R, run to what I know with all of its imperfection.
Dinner finally concludes and the ADC host comes over before I can bolt. She inquires delicately into R and what happened. He's a customer of hers and I don't exactly have permission to disclose all of his idiosyncrasies. I do share that it's been a summer of ups and downs, but that we were together last night... in fact, "I'm on my way to his place tonight."
"I don't think it's over yet for you guys. Go," she encourages. And with that it's a turn on my heels and a dart toward my car.
Inside I remove my shoes to drive barefooted. It really is safer this way as three-inch heels have a way of getting caught under the gas and brake pedals. Shifting into reverse I back out slowly, mindful the neighbors kids could be playing (lurking) about. Seeing the coast is clear I merge into traffic and make my way toward the freeway.
Kings of Leon blast through the speakers as "Sex on Fire" concludes and Sirius XM The Pulse segues into Mumford & Sons' "Roll Away Your Stone." Snapshots of last night zip through my brain as I accelerate to 75 down Loop 1. Candles flicker while R and I stand on our knees in the center of my bed devouring each other with kiss after kiss.
I grab my phone and dial R before I can over-think my next move.
"Are you alone tonight? Or are you with your son?"
"Hi... he's at his mom's tonight. In fact, I only have him twice this week and then he's on vacation with his mom for a week starting on Friday."
"Hmm. Feel like company?"
"Aren't you going to the Austin Dinner Club tonight?"
"Yeah, but I don't care. Nothing is going to happen there I'm pretty sure."
"I'd love to see you."
"Well it might be late, like 9 o'clock or something. Are you going to be up that late?" I tease. "How about if I call you to make sure."
"Okay," R replies. "But I'm pretty sure I'll be up."
"Hope so," I say and hang up the phone, returning it to the center console below the gear shift.
I am stuck behind a dip-shit in a Mitsubishi in the left lane. Who the hell are these people that actually drive below the speed limit in the passing lane? And how can they NOT notice the 8-10 cars behind them? It is one of life's greatest mysteries and I'd ram my bumper up their rear-end if it wouldn't result in a ticket and $5000 worth of repairs. "Move the F out of the way," I mutter.
Something catches my attention in the rearview mirror. A quick glance reveals xenon headlights as a gold BMW driver races toward my back bumper. Seriously dude? I roll my eyes as Gold Finger gets a little familiar with my back side and crank up Carly Rae Jepsen whose "Call Me Maybe" pours from the speakers. Dip-shit holds steady just as an advance in the center lane provides the clearing I need to gain the upper hand. I move to the right, but Mitsubishi dip-shit goes for a power play and blocks my pass by accelerating. Nice! MF'r.
Gold Finger stays the course in the left lane and I have not only missed my chance to pass Mitsubishi Red but now I'm behind the Beemer. Damn! My ego waxes to full strength and I dart back to the left to regain dominance. Gold Finger spots an opening and jumps two lanes to the right to pass Mitsubishi DS. No he did not do that! No I did not just follow him to a T! Mitsubishi DS fades into the distance while Gold Finger and I weave in and out of traffic, dancing a tango of sorts.
We race past Windsor, then Enfield. We whip past Lake Austin Blvd for the 5th Street/Cesar Chavez exits. Finally a shot to pass and win the race. A random thought: wait, I wonder if this guy is headed to the dinner club? Nah, couldn't be. I push the pedal down and speed up to 90 and zip to the front. Loop 1 curves as I take the 5th Street exit at 80 miles an hour all adrenaline and not an ounce of sense as I make the curve like a pro. I slow for a yellow light, Gold Finger still hot on my trail. Hmm, this will be a little awkward if he's going to the same restaurant.
I turn right and right again. In a cozy little parking spot I reach for my shoes while opening my door. Two spots over Gold Finger exits his car. "Nice driving," he says with a smile.
"Not too bad yourself," I offer.
"Going to the Austin Dinner Club?" he asks. Oops.
"Yes I am," I reply. He's cute in a nerdy kind of way. Tall with dark hair and glasses. Maybe there's hope for tonight after all.
"Are you going to lock your doors?" he asks. What? Of course I'm going to lock my doors, like, as soon as I get situated. Is he walking with a limp? Inside we take our seats and meet our host from ADC and another guy who is way too young.
"Here's your menu," he suggests. Do I look like I've never been to a restaurant before? Ugh, and so it begins, the immediate picking apart of a potential suitor in a post-divorce world. My filter (baggage) kicks into overdrive as I take a giant gulp of Tanqueray and tonic.
I smile politely as us girls are trained to do. "Thank you," I answer. And the next two hours cannot pass fast enough. I want to leave and run to R, run to what I know with all of its imperfection.
Dinner finally concludes and the ADC host comes over before I can bolt. She inquires delicately into R and what happened. He's a customer of hers and I don't exactly have permission to disclose all of his idiosyncrasies. I do share that it's been a summer of ups and downs, but that we were together last night... in fact, "I'm on my way to his place tonight."
"I don't think it's over yet for you guys. Go," she encourages. And with that it's a turn on my heels and a dart toward my car.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Drama at a Glance #20 - Two Steps Forward...
We cruise up the freeway, four hot moms and our five five-year-old daughters returning back to the ATX after a fun-filled weekend in Port A. Up until 4am the night before playing naughty truth-or-dare (naughty as in not yet ready to "share in a blog" naughty - if ever), we are hung over big time jonzing for carbs, caffeine, aspirin and water.
I tell myself it's time to push back from the booze. I find myself dehydrated if not a little shaky more mornings than not these days... these weeks... these months. Or maybe it's just that Summer 2012 is one big party now that my ex and I are apart and he keeps the kids every other week. I feel young again, and what I really mean by that is that I feel younger now than when was I technically YOUNG. Such a funny thing to feel younger and more carefree in my 40s than in my 20s or 30s. Is it being "sexy and free" or is it the growing detachment from looking good, from giving a damn what others think?
Who knows.
We roll up to hot-mom #1's house and separate into our individual vehicles for the final miles home. My kid's are throwing an ever-not-so-subtle tantrum about being unable to stay one more night with their friends and all I can think is that I have to get us home, unloaded, unpacked, laundered and re-packed so I can take them to their dads. As I face the herculean weight of my task-heavy evening I throw a tantrum of my own if only on the inside. In just one hour I'll have peace and quiet. In just one hour I will be completely and utterly alone for 10 days, and by alone what I really mean is lonely.
Loneliness creeps over me and I want something, anything to cope with this emotion. I crack open the cooler to find half of a large bottle of wine remaining from our moms-gone-wild beach weekend. Wait, I still have to take the kids to their dad's... where's my phone? If he'll respond to my text I will be able to fully escape the pain of being alone if only for one night.
Local time is 5 'til 6. "Come on girls," I bellow from downstairs. "It's time to go." We grab suitcases, nap mats and lunch boxes and make our way to the car. Looking at my phone I hesitate. Do I really want to re-engage him? Logically, I cannot see a future with someone if he categorically refuses to discuss our issues, if he insists on reacting like a child to his perceptions (misperceptions) and interpretations.
Fifteen minutes later the girls greet their dad and have to be reminded to hug me goodbye. Ouch, let's tear that self-inflicted wound open just a little more why don't we? Back in my car, I head back into traffic until I reach a traffic light. Sadness, loneliness and disappointment in myself as a parent permeate the car. I retrieve my phone and dial but don't you know that I reach his voicemail? Ugh, can someone just hand me those nails over there so I can hammer the rest of this lid on my coffin of self pity?
"Hey there," I say in a light but not too upbeat tone. "Just back from a great weekend away and have dropped the kids off at their dad's. Wondered if you might like to come over."
If there's anything worse than reaching for a cigarette after quitting for more than a week it's reaching for a cigarette only to find the packet EMPTY. Minutes tick by, then half an hour. Oh well, I guess that's a NO. I chuckle a little and turn to coping mechanism #2 before plopping on the couch to catch America's Got Talent. An hour in the phone rings and every single last trace of pity, sadness and loneliness vanishes when I hear his voice.
"I just now heard your message. When did you leave it?"
"Around 6."
"I wish I'd heard it earlier." Oh, no. Not what I want to hear. I go into super-persuasion mode.
"Are you in the middle of something?"
"Nah, not really... Just pulled up to Santa Rita's to order food."
"I see..." think, think, think. "What if you ordered it to go?"
"Eh, I don't know. Why don't you come down here?"
"I was there last time AND the time before that."
"Well, I'd have to go home and get the Magic Wand."
"No, we don't need the wand."
"We need the wand."
"Fine, order your food, go home for the wand and then head up here picking your food up on the way."
Silence meets me on the other end as he contemplates my suggestion. "Okay, I have to get up early though to get ahead of traffic."
"Not a problem. I need your ass out of here by 5:30 to get to the 6am Bikram class."
"Okay. I'm on my way."
"K, see you in a bit." I end our call as serotonin floods my brain, lubricating my synapses to better maximize the firing of neurotransmitters and neutralize all remnants of loneliness. I'm nearly hyper unpacking the remaining beach clothes, towels and gear while turning on the shower.
A quick wash and shave and I am ready to take a long, deep drag on R. I take a final glance in the mirror at this summer's tan when the doorbell rings. Tonight is going to be fun.
I tell myself it's time to push back from the booze. I find myself dehydrated if not a little shaky more mornings than not these days... these weeks... these months. Or maybe it's just that Summer 2012 is one big party now that my ex and I are apart and he keeps the kids every other week. I feel young again, and what I really mean by that is that I feel younger now than when was I technically YOUNG. Such a funny thing to feel younger and more carefree in my 40s than in my 20s or 30s. Is it being "sexy and free" or is it the growing detachment from looking good, from giving a damn what others think?
Who knows.
We roll up to hot-mom #1's house and separate into our individual vehicles for the final miles home. My kid's are throwing an ever-not-so-subtle tantrum about being unable to stay one more night with their friends and all I can think is that I have to get us home, unloaded, unpacked, laundered and re-packed so I can take them to their dads. As I face the herculean weight of my task-heavy evening I throw a tantrum of my own if only on the inside. In just one hour I'll have peace and quiet. In just one hour I will be completely and utterly alone for 10 days, and by alone what I really mean is lonely.
Loneliness creeps over me and I want something, anything to cope with this emotion. I crack open the cooler to find half of a large bottle of wine remaining from our moms-gone-wild beach weekend. Wait, I still have to take the kids to their dad's... where's my phone? If he'll respond to my text I will be able to fully escape the pain of being alone if only for one night.
Local time is 5 'til 6. "Come on girls," I bellow from downstairs. "It's time to go." We grab suitcases, nap mats and lunch boxes and make our way to the car. Looking at my phone I hesitate. Do I really want to re-engage him? Logically, I cannot see a future with someone if he categorically refuses to discuss our issues, if he insists on reacting like a child to his perceptions (misperceptions) and interpretations.
Fifteen minutes later the girls greet their dad and have to be reminded to hug me goodbye. Ouch, let's tear that self-inflicted wound open just a little more why don't we? Back in my car, I head back into traffic until I reach a traffic light. Sadness, loneliness and disappointment in myself as a parent permeate the car. I retrieve my phone and dial but don't you know that I reach his voicemail? Ugh, can someone just hand me those nails over there so I can hammer the rest of this lid on my coffin of self pity?
"Hey there," I say in a light but not too upbeat tone. "Just back from a great weekend away and have dropped the kids off at their dad's. Wondered if you might like to come over."
If there's anything worse than reaching for a cigarette after quitting for more than a week it's reaching for a cigarette only to find the packet EMPTY. Minutes tick by, then half an hour. Oh well, I guess that's a NO. I chuckle a little and turn to coping mechanism #2 before plopping on the couch to catch America's Got Talent. An hour in the phone rings and every single last trace of pity, sadness and loneliness vanishes when I hear his voice.
"I just now heard your message. When did you leave it?"
"Around 6."
"I wish I'd heard it earlier." Oh, no. Not what I want to hear. I go into super-persuasion mode.
"Are you in the middle of something?"
"Nah, not really... Just pulled up to Santa Rita's to order food."
"I see..." think, think, think. "What if you ordered it to go?"
"Eh, I don't know. Why don't you come down here?"
"I was there last time AND the time before that."
"Well, I'd have to go home and get the Magic Wand."
"No, we don't need the wand."
"We need the wand."
"Fine, order your food, go home for the wand and then head up here picking your food up on the way."
Silence meets me on the other end as he contemplates my suggestion. "Okay, I have to get up early though to get ahead of traffic."
"Not a problem. I need your ass out of here by 5:30 to get to the 6am Bikram class."
"Okay. I'm on my way."
"K, see you in a bit." I end our call as serotonin floods my brain, lubricating my synapses to better maximize the firing of neurotransmitters and neutralize all remnants of loneliness. I'm nearly hyper unpacking the remaining beach clothes, towels and gear while turning on the shower.
A quick wash and shave and I am ready to take a long, deep drag on R. I take a final glance in the mirror at this summer's tan when the doorbell rings. Tonight is going to be fun.
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Drama at a Glance #19 - Shortest Drama Ever
Text from R last night: "You could be enjoying 'The 20' right now"
My response: "I suppose you could if you were here."
Me: "I mean... I suppose I could if you came up here."
R: "Thought you weren't interested."
R: "Too late now, I've been drinking and can't drive."
R: "Thought I was flying solo tonight."
Me: "Let me clarify. If you could allow yourself to trust me, to be in a relationship and to fall in love with me, then I would be interested."
Fifteen minutes pass.
R: "Nope, I just want to own your pussy."
Hmm. What to say to that. Bugger off? Kiss my ass? A dozen different responses float through my head. I could say this, I could say that. Instead?
DELETE.
I delete the entire text thread and return my attention to the TV to enjoy the rest of "Harry Potter and the Deadly Hallows."
My response: "I suppose you could if you were here."
Me: "I mean... I suppose I could if you came up here."
R: "Thought you weren't interested."
R: "Too late now, I've been drinking and can't drive."
R: "Thought I was flying solo tonight."
Me: "Let me clarify. If you could allow yourself to trust me, to be in a relationship and to fall in love with me, then I would be interested."
Fifteen minutes pass.
R: "Nope, I just want to own your pussy."
Hmm. What to say to that. Bugger off? Kiss my ass? A dozen different responses float through my head. I could say this, I could say that. Instead?
DELETE.
I delete the entire text thread and return my attention to the TV to enjoy the rest of "Harry Potter and the Deadly Hallows."
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Drama at a Glance #18 - 500 Shades of Fucked Up
You cannot argue, defend, debate, negotiate or even communicate with someone who possesses zero capacity for being a rational-thinking adult. There may be a happy ending for "50 Shades of Grey," but 500 Shades of Fucked Up has a different one, maybe because he teeters on the edge of 50 vs. 27... maybe because there was no one there to rescue him as a child. Who knows? And at this point, who cares?
Didn't I know this a month ago (Drama at a Glance #10)? Perhaps two months ago? As a twenty or thirty-something-year old I might "stick with it or hang in there for months on end, perpetually hoping he'll change." As a forty-something-year old? I'll end this now because "hanging in there" runs counter to my effort to be conscious.
I dissect my life and live out loud in a way that people on the outside can judge negatively in person, on Facebook or in my blog(s). Those in my inner circle, though, know the degree to which I push myself to be awake. And as an awake 43-year old, I can no longer hope, pine or pray that this man or any man will change.
Men DON'T CHANGE. And just as a I suspected a month ago, I will not change to be something I'm not to accommodate someone else's fucked up pathology, no matter how great the sex!
I dissect my life and live out loud in a way that people on the outside can judge negatively in person, on Facebook or in my blog(s). Those in my inner circle, though, know the degree to which I push myself to be awake. And as an awake 43-year old, I can no longer hope, pine or pray that this man or any man will change.
Men DON'T CHANGE. And just as a I suspected a month ago, I will not change to be something I'm not to accommodate someone else's fucked up pathology, no matter how great the sex!
There is communication, honesty, collaboration and compromise in relationship, but only if the effort to reach these states is mutual. R is of the opinion that I lied to him regarding kissing the radio rep (Drew). In his "memory" (which is that of a gnat by the way), I had a date with him, but never kissed him. R is also of the opinion that my blog reveals how attracted I was to Drew and how much I wanted to (in his words), "fuck him."
Really? Go back and read it! The only person I want to "fuck" or be in a relationship with is R back in Austin: "when I contemplate Drew in bed I can't fathom a toss in the bed as hot as my guy back in Austin... He gets ready to drive me back, but not before darting across the table for a long, wet kiss. Whoa, not bad I think, still not R though. We drive back to my hotel where he makes a final effort to seal the deal with an invite upstairs. Seriously? I may be eager [for sex in general], but I'm not interested [in Drew]. I politely decline and disclose that there is someone else."
Really? Go back and read it! The only person I want to "fuck" or be in a relationship with is R back in Austin: "when I contemplate Drew in bed I can't fathom a toss in the bed as hot as my guy back in Austin... He gets ready to drive me back, but not before darting across the table for a long, wet kiss. Whoa, not bad I think, still not R though. We drive back to my hotel where he makes a final effort to seal the deal with an invite upstairs. Seriously? I may be eager [for sex in general], but I'm not interested [in Drew]. I politely decline and disclose that there is someone else."
I know to my core that I was transparent with R on this, which is precisely why he dove into a 4-day silent treatment back over Easter. Even his best friend admonished him for expecting a different outcome when he so purposely went out of his way to avoid saying we were "exclusive...", when he so purposely returned to the Austin Dinner Club a few days before (something else he conveniently forgets).
Whatever, even typing this feels like some lame-ass, bullshit way of justifying myself, inviting comments from R to argue otherwise; but oh my god how he so positively refuses to try on the idea that I wasn't lying, that I would not cheat on him... that the filter through which he sees the world is skewed. He won't consider that I would NEVER PUT SOMETHING in a blog that he would hear for the first time, that would land on him like a ton of bricks and hurt him. Give me a break. I'm dramatic, but I'm not mean.
What I know for sure is that it is over. R erupted into drama over my work life as I said above (Drama at a Glance #11), he grew despondent over my illusion of Paul and now shuts down over the shadow of some sales rep I dared had the audacity to kiss back over dinner. He can't allow himself to "fall in love with me" and I cannot pretend being friends with benefits (FWB) is remotely satisfactory. I am worth so much more than that.
A week ago R praised these blogs and requested that I finish our story. Was the sex better after the family reunion? Did it get hotter? Did it become more intimate? Yes, yes and yes. R introduced me to "50 Shades of Grey" having seen it on Dr. Oz. I dare say that what we shared was more amazing than anything written in those books, shared between those two fictitious characters barely old enough to appreciate what truly great sex and intimacy is.
Only three nights ago we try the FWB a second time. We fall asleep in each other's arms and as I trail off into dreamland a sailing analogy fills my thoughts. I am not a sailer, have only ever once been on a sail boat and only then as a passenger - not a participant. But I think about R in my arms and how swept up I am in this experience of him.
I want this ride to last forever and as he falls into a deep slumber I massage his head, brushing my fingers through his hair, tears forming and rolling from my eyes, thinking this might actually work, we may actually be getting back together after breaking up a month before. I want to protect him and keep him safe.
My sailing analogy is just an illusion unfortunately... a projection even. What do you think?
In my "Drama Queen Guide" blog the other night I spoke to my particular need to feel desired at this stage in my life (Connection, Desire, Self-Esteem). Funny [interesting] how my emotional state sooo dictates content (like one might expect for a self-diagnosed drama queen). Only 48 hours later I believe missing R now means that it truly is time to say goodbye. We view the world and relationship differently, so what more is there to even learn?
I have learned all I can from someone unwilling and unable to see my heart. And while I temporarily throw myself a pity party, I am more sad for him. In his narrow filter on the world not only will he preclude himself from being in a great relationship with me he will undoubtedly limit himself from true emotional intimacy with anyone other than his child. Not that I care anymore, right?
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Drama at a Glance #17 - Does She Know We Share?
We stand in our disappointment over a missed opportunity to be together, but the following weekend is a another chance to connect, to blend... to enmesh. It's also the weekend of the family reunion. Timeline? Late March.
I return from a quick trip to chicago and R invites me to dinner at his cousin's house - Day One of the Annual Family Get Together. At first glance they're normal. I don't know why I'm surprised by this, but I am. Maybe I can attribute it to the stories of his childhood which are not altogether pleasant. Or maybe it's the severity to which his father ended his life. Whatever the case, the grown siblings, cousins, spouses, aunts and uncles are absolutely lovely.
"How did y'all meet?" the family's recently-designated matriarch asks. Nothing like being put on the spot. Thankfully, I have my comic bag of tricks within arm's reach.
"We met at the Austin Dinner Club," I share. "It's this place for really desperate lonely singles to go and meet other pathetic lonely singles," I add with a feigned whine and whimper.
Lots of laughs. Yep, that WOO strength (winning over others) can be applied at work AND in awkward social settings where you're face-to-face meeting your new boyfriend's family for the first time. Somewhere amid the laughs and conversation his uncle proposes marriage to me. Like his sister the matriarch, he's charming and sweet.
R holds my hand throughout the night and I hold his in return. This nets us all sorts of oohs and ahhs, but tomorrow will be the real test. R's big brother drives in from Houston and his reputation proceeds him. R warned me on our first date at Tacos and Tequila that he'd be colorful. Without missing a beat, big brother arrives the next day and in hushed whispers I hear, "does she know that we share?"
What? Did I really just hear that?
He proves to be harmless and truly, the whole family is just so genuinely awesome. And they really like each other! At least enough to meet every year for an entire weekend. On my mother's side of the family my grandfather's siblings - he was one of 12 twelve children - and their descendants still gather one to two times a year in Topeka, Kansas. On Dad's side we had a reunion once ten years ago and I organized that from 1200 miles away. It was nice, but nothing like this. Always, I find myself drawn to those whose immediately large families offer more color than my own.
On Day Two we graze -- if not somewhat inappropriately -- on an all-day buffet of BBQ from the Salt Lick. With unlimited alcohol to quench our thirst we roll into the nighttime fairly lit. Most of the remaining siblings and cousins join R out on the porch while I stay inside to visit with his mom.
We can all put our moms in a box, assume that she is this or that without knowing the depths of knowledge or secrets residing in her heart. To R and his siblings she does nothing to take care of her health, she rambles incessantly and whines. Early in the day I agree with their assessment. At the end of the day she is quite different.
With KU playing in the Final Four in the background, R's mom discreetly shares her perspective on her youngest son and what didn't work in his marriage. Eventually our conversation turns to her and her relationships. If she has one piece of advice it's this: "uncover now or as soon as possible each other's issues before getting too attached. It'll make moving forward easier whether you're together or apart."
As if on queue, the next several weeks will consist of ample opportunities to uncover each other's shit as some call it. R's words from our second weekend together will resonate: "How do we sustain this?" Indeed, how will we?
For now, though, R and I bask still in the novelty of US. He returns from outside and joins me on the couch. "Mom, did you ever think that someone would like me this much again?"
Without missing a beat she replies, "Well, she doesn't know you that well yet." My eyes widen slightly, but her words seem to go in one ear and right out the other for R. Everyone files in from outback and the cousins take their leave, as does big brother with his wife and family. It's just R's mom now along with his sisters and their families and me.
I lay on the couch while R massages my back. Indifferent to anyone in the room, his right hand finds his way to my chest. Seriously? He's grabbing at my right boob and it's all I can do to not Laugh Out Loud. I turn to my back and he refuses to stop, engaging my boob in a full blown titty twist. It hurts but mostly it -- or rather he -- just surprises me to no end with his inappropriate yet hilarious affection.
Laughter erupts from some deep primal reserve, unrecognizable and contagious. Soon, everyone is in on "the secret" as subtlety has COMPLETELY left the room. He pulls me up from the couch and, still laughing, he takes me by the hand. "Good night everyone," he says as we ascend the stairs. He walks down the hallway of his house determined to find a vacant room to continue with his "punishment."
We take temporary refuge in a guest room when I remind him, "Uhm, I'm still on that medicine... you know the one for the bacterial vag thing."
"Still?"
"Yeah. Not going to be able to you know..." He looks contemplatively at me.
"Feeling adventurous?" he asks with a devilish grin.
"With you? Always." And off we go into uncharted territory but not without his sister and her husband busting in on us first. Crap, did I just see a flash go off?
"Oh my god, you two," his sister berates while her husband snaps two more pics. Fortunately, we'd grabbed the bed cover just as we heard them at the door. They make a hasty exit but fail to turn the light back off. R, indifferent to modesty and the opinions of others, resumes administering his behind-the-scenes punishment. Twenty minutes and three climaxes later I have his full and complete consent to come a fourth and final time with him. We collapse in a pile of giggles and exhaustion as we attempt to regain our composure and our clothes. Dressed, we leave in search of a landing pad for a good night's sleep.
I return from a quick trip to chicago and R invites me to dinner at his cousin's house - Day One of the Annual Family Get Together. At first glance they're normal. I don't know why I'm surprised by this, but I am. Maybe I can attribute it to the stories of his childhood which are not altogether pleasant. Or maybe it's the severity to which his father ended his life. Whatever the case, the grown siblings, cousins, spouses, aunts and uncles are absolutely lovely.
"How did y'all meet?" the family's recently-designated matriarch asks. Nothing like being put on the spot. Thankfully, I have my comic bag of tricks within arm's reach.
"We met at the Austin Dinner Club," I share. "It's this place for really desperate lonely singles to go and meet other pathetic lonely singles," I add with a feigned whine and whimper.
Lots of laughs. Yep, that WOO strength (winning over others) can be applied at work AND in awkward social settings where you're face-to-face meeting your new boyfriend's family for the first time. Somewhere amid the laughs and conversation his uncle proposes marriage to me. Like his sister the matriarch, he's charming and sweet.
R holds my hand throughout the night and I hold his in return. This nets us all sorts of oohs and ahhs, but tomorrow will be the real test. R's big brother drives in from Houston and his reputation proceeds him. R warned me on our first date at Tacos and Tequila that he'd be colorful. Without missing a beat, big brother arrives the next day and in hushed whispers I hear, "does she know that we share?"
What? Did I really just hear that?
He proves to be harmless and truly, the whole family is just so genuinely awesome. And they really like each other! At least enough to meet every year for an entire weekend. On my mother's side of the family my grandfather's siblings - he was one of 12 twelve children - and their descendants still gather one to two times a year in Topeka, Kansas. On Dad's side we had a reunion once ten years ago and I organized that from 1200 miles away. It was nice, but nothing like this. Always, I find myself drawn to those whose immediately large families offer more color than my own.
On Day Two we graze -- if not somewhat inappropriately -- on an all-day buffet of BBQ from the Salt Lick. With unlimited alcohol to quench our thirst we roll into the nighttime fairly lit. Most of the remaining siblings and cousins join R out on the porch while I stay inside to visit with his mom.
We can all put our moms in a box, assume that she is this or that without knowing the depths of knowledge or secrets residing in her heart. To R and his siblings she does nothing to take care of her health, she rambles incessantly and whines. Early in the day I agree with their assessment. At the end of the day she is quite different.
With KU playing in the Final Four in the background, R's mom discreetly shares her perspective on her youngest son and what didn't work in his marriage. Eventually our conversation turns to her and her relationships. If she has one piece of advice it's this: "uncover now or as soon as possible each other's issues before getting too attached. It'll make moving forward easier whether you're together or apart."
As if on queue, the next several weeks will consist of ample opportunities to uncover each other's shit as some call it. R's words from our second weekend together will resonate: "How do we sustain this?" Indeed, how will we?
For now, though, R and I bask still in the novelty of US. He returns from outside and joins me on the couch. "Mom, did you ever think that someone would like me this much again?"
Without missing a beat she replies, "Well, she doesn't know you that well yet." My eyes widen slightly, but her words seem to go in one ear and right out the other for R. Everyone files in from outback and the cousins take their leave, as does big brother with his wife and family. It's just R's mom now along with his sisters and their families and me.
I lay on the couch while R massages my back. Indifferent to anyone in the room, his right hand finds his way to my chest. Seriously? He's grabbing at my right boob and it's all I can do to not Laugh Out Loud. I turn to my back and he refuses to stop, engaging my boob in a full blown titty twist. It hurts but mostly it -- or rather he -- just surprises me to no end with his inappropriate yet hilarious affection.
Laughter erupts from some deep primal reserve, unrecognizable and contagious. Soon, everyone is in on "the secret" as subtlety has COMPLETELY left the room. He pulls me up from the couch and, still laughing, he takes me by the hand. "Good night everyone," he says as we ascend the stairs. He walks down the hallway of his house determined to find a vacant room to continue with his "punishment."
We take temporary refuge in a guest room when I remind him, "Uhm, I'm still on that medicine... you know the one for the bacterial vag thing."
"Still?"
"Yeah. Not going to be able to you know..." He looks contemplatively at me.
"Feeling adventurous?" he asks with a devilish grin.
"With you? Always." And off we go into uncharted territory but not without his sister and her husband busting in on us first. Crap, did I just see a flash go off?
"Oh my god, you two," his sister berates while her husband snaps two more pics. Fortunately, we'd grabbed the bed cover just as we heard them at the door. They make a hasty exit but fail to turn the light back off. R, indifferent to modesty and the opinions of others, resumes administering his behind-the-scenes punishment. Twenty minutes and three climaxes later I have his full and complete consent to come a fourth and final time with him. We collapse in a pile of giggles and exhaustion as we attempt to regain our composure and our clothes. Dressed, we leave in search of a landing pad for a good night's sleep.
Monday, July 2, 2012
Drama at a Glance #16 - You Want to Dance? Let's Dance
I go to Bikram Yoga to meditate and sweat out my reaction to "overwhelming." Ninety minutes later I'm clear and it's home to pack for a three-day business trip to Iowa and Kansas. I check my phone and see a text from R.
"Okay, you're not responding to my texts... I hope you're okay. I know you do that delete thing when you're feeling defensive."
And two hours before that: "Hey, how was your day?"
I start to text a reply but opt to go old-school and call instead. He answers immediately, "Yello!"
"You thought I was ignoring you?"
"No... well, maybe a little." I smile hearing his voice as well as hearing his insecurity on the other side of the phone.
"I wasn't ignoring you. I've been in yoga."
"Okay, well I thought maybe my 'overwhelming' comment rubbed you the wrong way."
"It did. I mean, I took it a little personally."
"I don't mean anything personal by it, it's just that I'm used to being alone. I'm not used to having someone around so much but also, it was really intense. Don't you agree?"
"You're the one that insisted on the 20," I retort. "Truthfully, though. I could have gone another round this morning. I was disappointed we didn't."
"I couldn't have. I was, well like I said, 'overwhelmed'." Maybe it isn't personal. What if the stuff men say is never personal? Just a thought.
"I'm heading out of town tomorrow but return Friday," I tell him. "The kids will still be with their dad next weekend. Would you like to come up to my place Saturday night?"
"Sure," he says. "Lets talk later in the week."
The days tick by with a six-hour road trip to Council Bluff Iowa for a customer lunch meeting, a two-hour dinner in KC with a 35-year old surgeon customer whose maturity level rivals that of most 14-year-olds and finally a meeting with a marketing director at Johnson County Imaging whose boobs are as firm and high as cantaloupes floating in a bird bath.
I return home to greet the weekend with excitement and a trip to HEB where I buy ingredients for Lydia's Chicken Scallopine in Lemon-Caper Sauce. Knowing R's preferences for Sobe, Truvia and Rice Dream (for his coffee), I pick up those items up too before leaving the store to swing by Brushy Creek Wine and Spirits for Tito's.
Hours drag until finally, R stands in my home, mine all mine. What would normally take an hour to make takes three with myriad breaks for soulful kissing. At one point he stops to ask, "how do we sustain this?" I look at him. Isn't this the million-dollar question everyone wants to know.
"I believe it's sustainable when two people make a commitment to sustaining it," I answer in between kisses. "And I think that things happen, people say things that layer up over time. Two people have to be committed to breaking through the wounding things they do or say to keep scars and bitterness at bay." Which is precisely what would have kept my marriage in tact I think but quickly move past to focus on the present.
At some point the lemon-caper sauce starts to burn. Crap! I save it before it reduces to a crisp. "Whoops."
"It'll be fine," he offers up understandingly. And he's right. We devour what turns out to be amazingly delicious. Then - because of nerves, an acid-akaline imbalance or because I didn't eat enough through out the day - I develop a mild stomach ache which R responds to by cleaning up the entire kitchen while I lay down on the couch.
We make our way upstairs to continue our night of a 1000 kisses, to pick up where we left off the week before. Something is different, though. Oh, no. Is this the beginning of the end? I sense it but do not acknowledge it. We've not even had a chance to exchange hurtful sentiment! R leaves after brunch and calls a few hours later. He recommends a visit to the doctor, that perhaps it's the result of taking antibiotics, that he doesn't want this to get in the way of US and that's why he's saying something now.
A gyno appointment reveals a bout of bacterial vaginosis. Oh, you gotta be kidding. I hammer the doctor for a probable cause: intercourse? vibrator? sweaty clothes from yoga? toilet seats in places that do not carry paper seat covers (Love Field Airport)? fooling around a with goofy cowboy from West Texas who insisted on calling me darling New Year's Eve EVE? Her response to each? An unequivocal NO. There is not a single cause other than, "sometimes things just get out of balance."
I'm betting it was antibiotics. Either way the crotch, the hootch, the pootang, the beast, the va-jay-jay, the bald man in the boat! Whatever, the pussy is closed for business for the next several days. Meanwhile, someone has decided they want to return to the Austin Dinner Club because it's "just fun to socialize." Excuse me????
That same day an email arrives in my work inbox from Drew. "Just wanted to check in on your advertising budget. Oh, and by the way, I've gone through a divorce recently. I've also lost 90 pounds."
Okay, that's not the type of news one professional normally shares with another. It's a bit suspect. He continues, "let me know if you're going to be in Dallas any time soon. I'd like to see what my radio station can do for you... we have a great promotion later this spring." It just so happens I'll be in Ft. Worth Thursday. This sounds less like a business dinner than a date, but I give him the benefit of the doubt. It's Drew after all. There's no way he's waxing on amorously.
On the drive to Ft. Worth I call R. There was nothing to worry about from the dinner apparently, "You don't have any competition," he says. Yea, that makes me feel so much better. I ask about getting together over the weekend but he's non-committal.
"Well, I understand if you want to take a weekend off," I throw on the table.
"Oh, wow, thanks. I appreciate you saying that," he replies. "Yeah, let's just play it by ear."
We play it by ear. I see Drew after my meeting that night and he looks amazing. The last time I saw him he was a frumpy - if not dumpy - middle-aged man with a lot of gray hair but a great personality. Now he's thin, fit and sporting short, dark hair. He still has a great personality and he seems taller now. At the restaurant I try to decide whether or not to order the filet mignon.
"Soooo... this is a Clear Channel expense?" I ask.
"Uhm, no. This is personal actually." So it is a date. I order the steak anyway and he spends the dinner opening up, describing how he's always had a crush on me but never said anything because we were married. He brings up his phone and starts to flip through a number of photos when I see a picture of me. He turns slightly red, "I hope you don't mind... I copied this from LinkedIn."
It strikes me as a little odd, but I suspend judgment. Drew is a good person. He's not a creep and I'm actually flattered. Dinner progresses and there's a little chemistry, but he's not R. I don't know what to think about R's whole return to ADC, but when I contemplate Drew in bed I can't fathom a toss in the bed as hot as my guy back in Austin.
He gets ready to drive me back, but not before darting across the table for a long, wet kiss. Whoa, not bad I think, still not R though. We drive back to my hotel where he makes a final effort to seal the deal with an invite upstairs. Seriously? I may be eager, but I'm not interested. I politely decline and disclose that there is someone else.
"Well he's a lucky guy," Drew tells me. "I hope he realizes that."
"Thanks Andy." And I hope R realizes that too.
"Okay, you're not responding to my texts... I hope you're okay. I know you do that delete thing when you're feeling defensive."
And two hours before that: "Hey, how was your day?"
I start to text a reply but opt to go old-school and call instead. He answers immediately, "Yello!"
"You thought I was ignoring you?"
"No... well, maybe a little." I smile hearing his voice as well as hearing his insecurity on the other side of the phone.
"I wasn't ignoring you. I've been in yoga."
"Okay, well I thought maybe my 'overwhelming' comment rubbed you the wrong way."
"It did. I mean, I took it a little personally."
"I don't mean anything personal by it, it's just that I'm used to being alone. I'm not used to having someone around so much but also, it was really intense. Don't you agree?"
"You're the one that insisted on the 20," I retort. "Truthfully, though. I could have gone another round this morning. I was disappointed we didn't."
"I couldn't have. I was, well like I said, 'overwhelmed'." Maybe it isn't personal. What if the stuff men say is never personal? Just a thought.
"I'm heading out of town tomorrow but return Friday," I tell him. "The kids will still be with their dad next weekend. Would you like to come up to my place Saturday night?"
"Sure," he says. "Lets talk later in the week."
The days tick by with a six-hour road trip to Council Bluff Iowa for a customer lunch meeting, a two-hour dinner in KC with a 35-year old surgeon customer whose maturity level rivals that of most 14-year-olds and finally a meeting with a marketing director at Johnson County Imaging whose boobs are as firm and high as cantaloupes floating in a bird bath.
I return home to greet the weekend with excitement and a trip to HEB where I buy ingredients for Lydia's Chicken Scallopine in Lemon-Caper Sauce. Knowing R's preferences for Sobe, Truvia and Rice Dream (for his coffee), I pick up those items up too before leaving the store to swing by Brushy Creek Wine and Spirits for Tito's.
Hours drag until finally, R stands in my home, mine all mine. What would normally take an hour to make takes three with myriad breaks for soulful kissing. At one point he stops to ask, "how do we sustain this?" I look at him. Isn't this the million-dollar question everyone wants to know.
"I believe it's sustainable when two people make a commitment to sustaining it," I answer in between kisses. "And I think that things happen, people say things that layer up over time. Two people have to be committed to breaking through the wounding things they do or say to keep scars and bitterness at bay." Which is precisely what would have kept my marriage in tact I think but quickly move past to focus on the present.
At some point the lemon-caper sauce starts to burn. Crap! I save it before it reduces to a crisp. "Whoops."
"It'll be fine," he offers up understandingly. And he's right. We devour what turns out to be amazingly delicious. Then - because of nerves, an acid-akaline imbalance or because I didn't eat enough through out the day - I develop a mild stomach ache which R responds to by cleaning up the entire kitchen while I lay down on the couch.
We make our way upstairs to continue our night of a 1000 kisses, to pick up where we left off the week before. Something is different, though. Oh, no. Is this the beginning of the end? I sense it but do not acknowledge it. We've not even had a chance to exchange hurtful sentiment! R leaves after brunch and calls a few hours later. He recommends a visit to the doctor, that perhaps it's the result of taking antibiotics, that he doesn't want this to get in the way of US and that's why he's saying something now.
A gyno appointment reveals a bout of bacterial vaginosis. Oh, you gotta be kidding. I hammer the doctor for a probable cause: intercourse? vibrator? sweaty clothes from yoga? toilet seats in places that do not carry paper seat covers (Love Field Airport)? fooling around a with goofy cowboy from West Texas who insisted on calling me darling New Year's Eve EVE? Her response to each? An unequivocal NO. There is not a single cause other than, "sometimes things just get out of balance."
I'm betting it was antibiotics. Either way the crotch, the hootch, the pootang, the beast, the va-jay-jay, the bald man in the boat! Whatever, the pussy is closed for business for the next several days. Meanwhile, someone has decided they want to return to the Austin Dinner Club because it's "just fun to socialize." Excuse me????
That same day an email arrives in my work inbox from Drew. "Just wanted to check in on your advertising budget. Oh, and by the way, I've gone through a divorce recently. I've also lost 90 pounds."
Okay, that's not the type of news one professional normally shares with another. It's a bit suspect. He continues, "let me know if you're going to be in Dallas any time soon. I'd like to see what my radio station can do for you... we have a great promotion later this spring." It just so happens I'll be in Ft. Worth Thursday. This sounds less like a business dinner than a date, but I give him the benefit of the doubt. It's Drew after all. There's no way he's waxing on amorously.
On the drive to Ft. Worth I call R. There was nothing to worry about from the dinner apparently, "You don't have any competition," he says. Yea, that makes me feel so much better. I ask about getting together over the weekend but he's non-committal.
"Well, I understand if you want to take a weekend off," I throw on the table.
"Oh, wow, thanks. I appreciate you saying that," he replies. "Yeah, let's just play it by ear."
We play it by ear. I see Drew after my meeting that night and he looks amazing. The last time I saw him he was a frumpy - if not dumpy - middle-aged man with a lot of gray hair but a great personality. Now he's thin, fit and sporting short, dark hair. He still has a great personality and he seems taller now. At the restaurant I try to decide whether or not to order the filet mignon.
"Soooo... this is a Clear Channel expense?" I ask.
"Uhm, no. This is personal actually." So it is a date. I order the steak anyway and he spends the dinner opening up, describing how he's always had a crush on me but never said anything because we were married. He brings up his phone and starts to flip through a number of photos when I see a picture of me. He turns slightly red, "I hope you don't mind... I copied this from LinkedIn."
It strikes me as a little odd, but I suspend judgment. Drew is a good person. He's not a creep and I'm actually flattered. Dinner progresses and there's a little chemistry, but he's not R. I don't know what to think about R's whole return to ADC, but when I contemplate Drew in bed I can't fathom a toss in the bed as hot as my guy back in Austin.
He gets ready to drive me back, but not before darting across the table for a long, wet kiss. Whoa, not bad I think, still not R though. We drive back to my hotel where he makes a final effort to seal the deal with an invite upstairs. Seriously? I may be eager, but I'm not interested. I politely decline and disclose that there is someone else.
"Well he's a lucky guy," Drew tells me. "I hope he realizes that."
"Thanks Andy." And I hope R realizes that too.
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Drama at a Glance #15 - Winter to Spring
It's Monday morning after spending two delightful nights with R. My kids are on spring break with their dad and focusing on work proves to be a challenge. My ADD precludes me not only from working but also from giving a shit. Who can blame me? I just had the best sex ever so to hell with professional and financial responsibility!
I distract myself away from spreadsheets and customer follow-up with my cell phone to fire off a text to R. "I really enjoyed our time together."
He replies, "Me too! It was fun and exciting. At times overwhelming."
Pardon? What the F does "overwhelming" mean?
"Overwhelming?" Tendrils of tightness reach around my chest. Something is wrong, I know it.
"Everything was awesome. It was just intense is all."
Intense?
He continues, "I'm not used to being with someone this much, that's all."
"OK."
"Hey look, I'm in the middle of a bid. Let's talk later. Cool?"
"Cool... later."
That's all? Later? Cool? Man, please don't go all REAL on me. Can't you just stay there suspended in a bubble of perfection without opening your mouth? Without thinking? Overwhelming? Really? Then a comment from the life/sex coach comes crashing in, "Do you think you come across to men as being 'too much'?" My eyes widen. Damn, is this what she was talking about?
A month earlier I'd engaged a life-coach of sorts to help navigate this transition back into dating. I'll admit that choice was probably born out of the alleged and self-diagnosed inadequacy issue which bubbled up in December, but I don't know... maybe it wasn't inadequacy so much as just a deep desire to take sex to a new level, a level where I get what I want as much as my partner does... i.e., all-night sex verses a boring quicky. And how did I find the coach?
I found the OM people through a chance encounter with someone on an airplane Summer 2011.
SIDEBAR>> Consider that several solo travelers on planes Tuesdays through Thursdays work in the arena of sales or marketing and that those people are social butterflies (as some would call it), extroverts and/or relators. There is a certain inevitably that people like us are going to start conversations with those in the seat beside us. And that is precisely how I met Maxim.
I'm on a DC10 heading for Phoenix, getting comfortable in my aisle seat when the last passenger boards whose seat assignment requires me to get up from my own. I don't know why I feel so put out at times like these, but I do, and then in an instant I choose to put my bitch card away because it really does drain my energy to be like that. So, I'm standing in the aisle as he determines which over-head bin to stow his luggage. He starts manhandling bags, mine included, then turns to ask: "Is this one yours? Do you mind if I move it?"
"Sure," I reply which loosely translated means: I SUPPOSE. Oops, there's the bitch card again.
He takes his seat and I climb into my own when the over-powering aroma of garlic hits my nose. Oh my god this is going to be the longest two-hour flight of my life! My flying companion looks like he's from Middle East and the bitch-card beckons to be played. What is that smell? Is that body odor or hummus? They're just so close sometimes. Then I put my post-911 xenophobic attitude in check. Seriously, can I be more narrow-minded? I'm an agnostic liberal for Christ's sake.
Just then, he reaches down into his bag to retrieve a snack and I kid you not. It's a travel-size container of hummus and pita chips. See, I wasn't being a hater. I was being an astute observer on people and culture. "Hi, I'm Maxim," he volunteers. He's a second or third generation Afghanistani, no more and no less an American than I whose grandfather came through Ellis Island from Sweden 87 years earlier.
"Nice to meet you," I shake his hand introducing myself.
In a matter of time he downloads how he was in Austin to hang out with a woman friend, but he's not sure if wants to hang out with her anymore. Maybe because of chemistry? I forget. He works in the technology industry but lately has started coaching people.
"Coaching?" I inquire.
"Yes, I'm coaching people about orgasm."
NO he did not just say that word. He said it loudly and I'm suddenly feeling very self conscious in this conversation. He seems particularly bright and present as he speaks openly about orgasm, as if it were nothing in the world to be loudly discussing sex. It's one thing for to me write about the topic or discuss one-on-one with girlfriends, but this is a man, a stranger.
He divulges his desire to leave his corporate job in San Francisco to coach full-time. Then he turns his full attention on me. He is attentive and I'm starting to get a little warm wanting to find another seat or at least lower our voices (his voice) on the topic at hand. He's very cute, though young.
"How old are you?" I ask.
"Twenty-six." Great, just as I was starting to think he was cute with all of that dark wavy hair and big brown eyes. Connecting with someone 16 years my junior is way outside of my comfort zone when it comes to the opposite sex. But I suppose I'm getting ahead of myself thinking "that" would ever happen.
He reminds of Mr. Mediterranean from National Sales Meeting, January 2010 (Drama at a Glance #1, #1 Continued) and he perceives something in my train of thought.
"What were you thinking just now?" Whoa, it's been years since I spoke with someone this conscious, this tuned-in to others.
"Someone from work, actually. You sort of remind me of him."
"What happened?" he asks.
I exhale slowly. Do I really want to share this part of my life with a man I met only 20 minutes ago? Duh, of COURSE I WANT TO SHARE. I LOVE sharing.
I exhale slowly. Do I really want to share this part of my life with a man I met only 20 minutes ago? Duh, of COURSE I WANT TO SHARE. I LOVE sharing.
"Joe is a friend or maybe just co-worker in NJ. He works at our corporate office."
"You like him."
"Did... yes. "
"You don't now? Why?"
I dive into the details of what happened at National Sales Meeting. Telling and reliving the experience makes me cringe, but then there's the rest of the story. Like the Christmas party 2009, him taking pictures of me on the dance floor. Granted, it was along with others, but he put mine on the cover of the photo album. Maybe I was only regressing to a junior-high teenager daring to think this meant anything, but then there was the cocktail reception at NSM.
I stood at the bar joking around with Patrick and Allan when Jake entered the room that night. If it were remotely possible for Russell Brand and Michael Buble to pro-create, then their child would look like Joe: deep brown eyes with wavy black hair and a I-think-he's-straight-but-worse-case-scenario-metro kind of style. He's 10 years my junior, recently divorced and confident without being a tool like most of the guys at work.
Across the room, 30 feet or more, he looks at me and I take the subtlest of steps back. Did anyone else notice that? I see Heather at the bar who had looked up from her conversation to see me, then turning to Jake and back to me. Did she notice it too? That charge of electricity?
Later in the evening Allan will introduce to me his newest sales manager, Renee the Frenchman, insisting all the women love him. I think he just looks like a player and a douche, so Allan, my BF at work, inquires into what my type is exactly. At that point Jake is standing 10 feet or so behind him. "Six o'clock right behind you."
He turns around then quickly back to me, "Come on. Seriously?"
"What? Yeah, he's hot. Definitely cuter than the Frenchman."
I download all of this to Maxim whose brown eyes bear such a strong similarity to Jake's. Emotion bubbles up and I attempt to blink back tears before he notices.
"Tears? Why?" Damn, too late.
"I still just feel embarrassed and... rejected. I started to worry he'd share with others from work and then I really just started to panic about my job. But on top of that he was so damn mature. Why can't I be that mature? He's a decade younger than me."
"He DID invite you to his room," Maxim counsels. "I like him though. Good for him for not going there. Probably better that way for you too considering everything."
"Yeah, probably so," I weakly offer.
"At the same time, I don't known," Maxim continues. "Maybe there's something to go back to when your divorce is final."
"Maybe, but we kind of got complete at the Christmas party this past year. He drove me back to my hotel and we talked about it that night. We're cool now."
The pilot comes overhead, "We're on our final approach."
"Ladies and gentlemen, please make sure your seat belts are fastened," the flight attendant adds, like we need a reminder.
Maxim and I wrap our conversation. Once on the ground I follow him out of the plane and up to the terminal. "Well, it was a pleasure meeting you," I say and reach out to hug him goodbye.
He hugs me back then pulls back slightly. He bends his head down to kiss me and -- before my mind with all its trappings and notions about younger men can react -- I kiss him back.
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