Tag: Mixed Signals

7:30 AM Friday, Drew texting:  “Hey, sorry! I know it’s early. Got any plans this weekend?”  

[OMG! My heart starts racing. My biggest crush in forever is asking me if I have plans this weekend. OK, get a grip. I don’t want to appear too anxious; after all, we’ve never actually dated – just the occasional coffee and walks in the park with our dogs, Arlo and Dexter.]

[Alright. A sufficient amount of time has passed.]

7:40 AM, me texting:  “This weekend? Um …. I don’t think so. What’s up?”

[Just the right tone. Cool and calm …. which I’m neither at the moment. Gotta love texting. It’s so impassive when necessary.]

7:42 AM, Drew texting:  “I scored two tickets to Springsteen for Saturday night in …. are you ready for this? Vegas!”  

[Vegas! I love Vegas! I love Springsteen! I’m practically hyperventilating. Settle down and take a deep breath. Remember …. cool and calm.]

7:44 AM, me texting:  “Wow! That’s fabulous! Let me just check my calendar. BRB“

[Exit text, count to 30.]

7:46 AM, me texting: “Hey Drew, my weekend’s open.”

7:47 AM, Drew texting:  “Excellent! Even Arlo’s excited! And Amy, listen …. it’s an overnight trip; we’ll be getting back late Sunday. I don’t want to push you. Are you cool with this?”  

[Am I cool with this?? It IS a bit sudden but I have to admit it’s what I want. Go for it.]

7:50 AM, me texting:  “I won’t lie, Drew …. it is kinda sudden but I’m ready; it’ll be fun.“

7:52 AM, Drew texting: “This is gonna be an amazing weekend, Amy. I’m so happy you said ‘yes’. See you at your place tomorrow morning at 8:00. The flight’s at 11:00.”  

7:54 AM, me texting:  “Perfect! See you then.” 

My head’s spinning. This is really happening! So much to do before tomorrow! Skip lunch today and go to Victoria’s Secret. Get a bikini wax on the way home from work. Pack tonight.  

I couldn’t concentrate at work and excitement kept me awake most of the night; I finally gave up at 5:30. Time for coffee and a shower.

A quick glance at the clock …. ten minutes before Drew gets here. I place my carry-on bag on the bed, toss in my toothbrush and zip it up.

The sudden shrill ring of the doorbell startles me. Forcing myself not to lunge for the door, I pace myself, smile and casually open it to see Drew smiling back at me, one arm cradling Arlo, his other arm around the shoulder of a stunning brunette in tight jeans and a Springsteen tank top. My smile freezes in place. 

“Hi, Amy! This is Charlotte. I’m so glad you can take care of Arlo this weekend; we’re really looking forward to this trip. Anyway, the routine is the same as the last time you watched Arlo. We’ll pick him up Sunday night. Thanks, Amy. Sorry about the short notice. You’re a real pal!”  

Taking the pup, I manage a “Have a great time” and watch Drew and Charlotte walk down the hall and head for the elevator. They are laughing in that carefree way. Slowly I close the door, my stupid grin gone as I snuggle Arlo.

“Hear that, bud? I’m a real pal.”  

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This is “Waitin’ On A Sunny Day” by Bruce Springsteen

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