The One Who Got Away

In honor of Valentine's Day and for the single folks out there, I thought I'd write this one about a lost "love". Everyone has at least one really amazing relationship (of any duration ranging from a one night stand through marriage) that for some reason or another, slipped through their fingers. I have my share although I don't regret a single one because without them, what funny stories would I have to tell? But if I really explore my soul deeply, there is a hook up that I didn't have that if I could turn back time, I would totally totally have. I coulda woulda shoulda.

A couple years ago I had a New Year's Eve party. I threw it together last minute and hosted it alone so I was anxious about whether or not it would come together. But don't you know it did? So many people came! It was really really an awesome time. Somebody in my building called 5-0 so it musta been good, right?

A (male) buddy of mine from college came through with a bunch of British friends. Uh oh. I didn't know it at the time but I was beginning to develop a soft spot for the Brits. I just love the accent, it sounds sexy...what can I say? Anyway he walked through the door with this smashing fella who was tall, slim, with prematurely salt and pepper hair and the most adorable dimples. That and his charming accent really got my attention. Plus he was the life of the party which I really like in a man since I have a strong personality myself. I like a man who can keep up! Let's call him...

Apparently this feeling was mutual so not long after that my college buddy invited me out to meet them one night down in the Meatpacking District. We ended up at APT because I think it was a weekend and there are very few "safe" places down there on a Saturday. You just may end up in an uncool place if you choose unwisely. But APT is reliably Eurotrash upstairs and downstairs the spinner keeps it just obscure enough so the place stays über chic. We met up with a couple of other friends of mine and Sting and I stared into each others' eyes tickling fingers in the candle lit back room until 3am. So intense. My friends were buggin' out...like yo she's into this dude? I think most of my friends have the wrong idea about what I like these days.

(The inside of APT)

Leaving the place, he invited me home with him. I remember it so clearly....

Sting: Come be with me tonight. [holding me close]

Me: I can't, I just met you, I don't know... [turning away]

Sting: Don't worry, it'll be fine. [gently cupping my face]

Me: I'm not that type of girl. [wrenching away]

Sting: Don't be silly, come stay with me! [hand reached out]

Me: I'm sorry, I have to go. Call me? [escape in cab]

This scene literally took place at that crazy intersection in the Meatpacking District in front of Pastis, so imagine it like in the movies because it probably looked like it.

Why didn't I go with him? So many reasons, not the least of which was it was laundry day and also too I hadn't shaved my legs. I remember being concerned about the morning - if I would sleep and wake up pretty, thinking that I needed to floss, and wondering if I had a brush or any eyeliner in my purse. Of course I don't travel with my do-rag and what would he have said about that anyway...or the possible hair disaster the next day? Plus I was feeling pretty fat that day as I recall. It certainly had absolutely nothing to do with him!

I later tried to recreate the magic via some subtle flirting but to no avail, the moment was lost. Now I'm permanently in the friend zone and he calls me "dear" or some other such nonsense. He has a girlfriend too, but I hold out hope that he'll come to his senses and dump her one day. Then I can be like, Trudie Styler. It's been two years but I'm still waiting!

What's that saying? It's better to regret something you did than something you didn't do.