Putting yourself out there is scary. When I finally worked up the courage to contact April my message was short, to the point, and as honest as I could be. To my surprise, she responded and seemed somewhat interested. What would ensue next was a tennis match of sorts…back and forth messages, day in and day out.
Getting to know each other seemed to be moving at the speed of light. Days at work seemed extra long because of all of the time we would spend talking every night and each night that passed by seemed equivalent to a week’s worth of time getting to know each other. I am sure I averaged two hours of sleep each night before I left for work, yet I was up and ready to tackle the day just to make it to the night again.
Once we decided to meet in person there was one large obstacle in front of us. We lived an hour away from each other and we both had extremely busy lives as single parents. I remember hitting a point where I just couldn’t see how things between us would work. I kept telling myself that somehow, we would find a way to make this work. I did not want to stop progress between us because of an hour long commute.
There was something completely different about April. Besides her external beauty, she was so loving and honest. It felt as if we had been friends forever. After what felt like years, we were finally able to plan our first date.
The days leading up to our first date were full of mixed thoughts and emotions. I was beyond excited to be able to finally see this woman face to face. But I was also terrified. What would she think of me? Would she get back in her car and go home? Would she run to me in slow motion like a scene from Baywatch? And to be honest, it felt very confusing for me to be moving on so quickly. After all, I had just gotten divorced after fighting tooth and nail for what I thought was right. What would everyone think when I finally tell them about this amazing woman I met? Were people going to judge me for my choices? Will they get angry or disagree? Only time will tell.
That fateful day arrived. I got up early, got ready and drove to the store. I picked out the perfect card, double stuffed Oreos, which are her favorite, and flowers. I grabbed the books I ordered for us and hit the road, with my heart racing. That 45-minute drive felt like hours. I weaved through quiet neighborhoods that smelled like garlic and finally pulled into a school parking lot. Immediately my mind was racing with doubt and anxiety. Scenes from MTV’s Catfish flashed in my head. I looked down at my seat and stared at the two books. A book of 12 Essential Ways to a Love That Lasts for Her and the same For Him. Giving the book to her was either going to be the best idea ever or cause her to run away.
A silver SUV caught my eye and I watched it pull into the parking lot. This was it. Here she was.
I got out of my truck first, just in case I had a mini heart attack I would have enough time to recover before she stepped out. Her door opened up and time stood still. Now came the aforementioned slow-motion Baywatch scene, or so I thought. This petite, drop dead gorgeous, smiling ear to ear, blonde sprinted at me like a cheetah after a gazelle. My natural instinct was to run from this predator, but I didn’t. Before I could even say hi the most satisfying feeling came over me. Those arms wrapped around me tight and her head was on my chest. An instant feeling of love, happiness and relief all at once.
I pulled my tailgate down and had her sit. I grabbed the Oreos, flowers, book and card and brought them to her. She opened my card and I followed her eyes as she read every word. Knowing she reached the bottom reading my cheesy George Straight line, Check Yes or No, my heart stopped and I held my breath. She grabbed the pen and checked yes faster than I could blink.
Relief. I wasn’t catfished and she was my girl.
People may think we were crazy. But we were just crazy about each other. After all of the suspense, it was on to what would be the last first date I would ever have to plan.
