Bar Fly

 

Looking into the mirror, a fleeting thought crossed my mind. “What if I
met ’Him’ tonight?” I’m a hopeless romantic, and was single at the time. I
have always visualized things I need and want in my life, it has
worked for me as long as I can remember. Primping there, in my tiny, Pepto-Bismol pink bathroom, I had no idea what was about to transpire,

in the course of an evening.

” Bitter, party of one” was my mantra … I had all but given up on men,
marriage, and the dating circuit. Swearing off men, I put all thoughts
aside. I was going out with my delightful girlfriends to run amuck, wearing
a low-cut top and skin-tight jeans, (not because I wanted them tight, rather
because I had been eating my feelings for far too long).

Fast forward to the cute bartender, with whom Stacy was having a ridiculous

flirt-fest. Free drinks always followed her, wherever we went. We all
have that girlfriend, “the bait.” She had collectively saved us hundreds
of dollars, by using her fine tuned skill.

By the end of dinner, the chef and kitchen staff were standing
audience at our table. I must admit we were on fire, and old enough not to
care what fellow diners thought. We had paid our dues of insincerity,

awkward moments, and giving a crap.

Our crew headed for the bar, as I headed to the bathroom. I knew what

awaited the girls, … flirting, vodka, and more vodka . The grande dame of flirt

had a new victim, when I returned to the bar. Stacy was engaging a very tall,

cute man at the bar. He was having dinner alone, and quite enjoying

the attention he was getting. The conversation was as follows:  Harleys,

rides on back of said bike, flirt, yada yada, flirt, … “Oh brother!”

Did I mention that I have a lighting quick wit? My mother has always said,
“One would not know they were cut at the knees, until they walked away.”

(I know, “Don’t be such a bitch!”) This man was older, and had an air of self
confidence that we all found very intriguing, … I, perhaps, most of all.

Our “party token” proceeded to banter, and keep up with the pace. I was
concentrating on sucking in the inner tube, that had the audacity to still
be around my gut…. I know we’ve all been there, sucking it in and
smiling, trying to deliver oh so charming comebacks to prospective men, and
hoping they don’t see the evidence of months of  “on and off diets,” which
only leave us angry and puffy .

The tall stranger was invited to follow us to a jazz club…. I had
forgotten about the invitation, until, there in the door way stood said
man, looking for me. I instinctually walked over, and took him by the hand
into our lair (table).

Several rounds later … (He bought all the drinks, all night.)
There on the dance floor, in a hip little jazz club, it happend to me.
This gentle, giant of a man put shivers up my spine! He had no idea, as
I always give off an air of utter confidence, a fiery “Whatever! Who needs

a man?” attitude.

In that 10 minute window, at a bar, on the day celebrating my birth, my
world changed. I met the man of my dreams, the man I had waited for all
those years, enduring heartbreak, tears, loneliness, … all the while
wondering if I was truly lovable, and worthy. Would it ever happen to
me?

Those experiences made me who I am today. That night, I met a stranger … 

and married him 3 years later. He is, truly, the best man I have ever known,

the perfect balance to my wild, crazy ways.

Cherish where you are at this very moment. Embrace your journey, there
are no accidents. We must go through the crap, to get to where we

need to be. In the end, I am thankful for all the jerks I dated. Had I not
experienced those things, I would not have the wisdom to see the real deal.
There really are happy endings…. Marriage is a tough gig, but so worth
the ride!

To my darling husband, “You are my hero, and biggest fan. I love you.”


Peace out bitches!

Reigan Riley