Behind (Biggie's) Blue Eyes

Biggie and I had exchanged texts to stay in touch since our last outing (yes, there were phone calls too) - I suggested we grab a bite because I was craving sushi the following evening. His response, "Is that an invite, hell's yes!" We'll he's still enthusiastic or he doesn't give it/me a second thought. I told him I woudl touch base with him to solidify plans but work kept me bogged down to check in. I got his VM (which was full? I still find that questionable) so I didn't leave a message (well, I couldn't). I figured I'd call him a little later. He'll see that I called and a) buzz me back or b) blow me off. (No, never once did I think he was on the other line).


Suddenly my phone beeped, I looked to see who had called and it was him. Without listening to the VM, I called him right back. "Hey! I was kidnapped by my buddy Conrad. We got to drinking maragaritas. I forgot my phone at home and I wasn't about to go anywhere until he would take me home to get my phone cause I was expecting your call. I know it's 'our night' but come meet us for a drink and then we'll grab a bite from there. I want you to meet him." Knowing my working schedule the following day, I had made plans and though they weren't exactly on my terms, I wanted to see what this night would produce. Meeting for A drink isn't what happened..


I show up to the neighborhood bar halfway between my pad and his, suddenly Biggie didn't look as tall as I remember him standing next to his two friends (yes, there was a third guy in the mix, Dudley) almost 7 feet tall to his under 6 foot frame. Once I got a glass of wine in my hand, a giant bear-like hug from Biggie, I positioned myself among the men. "So how do y'all know each other?" I should have known they would turn on me, "How do you and Biggie know each other?" A pregnant pause later, and upon reading his body language, I non-challantly said, "Well, he and I used to date many years ago" with a smile. Biggie chimes in, "We almost got married." Careful not to choke on that comment of news-to-me, I quipped, "No we didn't." He says, "Yeah, we did." Conrad says, "Ooh, the one-that-got-away."  We quickly changed topics. (You see, guys make comments like that and you wonder why we paint white picket fences and bassenettes.)  I announced that I don't have to be at work until late the next day, and amoung a round of rowdy cheers, and Conrad whispers to me, "It's nice to finally meet you, I've been hearing about you all day." Hmm, really? "I hope he told you all the good stuff.,"  I said with a flutter of the eyelashes.  One drink turned into 2-3 drinks and my daydream of eating sushi was quickly diminishing in a white-wine haze. Older friend Dudley was a downer and he finally left. Upon his exit, we started talking about food! Biggie suggested another bar/restaurant where his buddy Gordon was working. We hop in my car to drive the 2 blocks, singing and laughing and Biggie states how he can't wait for Gordon to see me. "It's going to be great."  I know realistically that Gordon's not going to care either way if I'm there; it's been 4 years. We had no tie to one another. Nice guy and all but seriously, ah Biggie, such a positive dreamer. I continue to try to calm Biggie's zesty attitude about the reunion and he says, "Of course he'll be glad to see you, we were just talking about you the other night."


[That's another reference of talking about me. Conrad admitted it, Biggie admitted it second. Interesting ]


Gordon was polite upon my greeting him. We split a meal and had some DELICIOUS drinks. We were going to go to one more bar to re-acquaint with another one of our contacts from back in the day but realistically at 1am, we both couldn't and shouldn't drink anymore. Now please bear in mind all night since our 1st-2nd cocktail, Biggie is holidng my hand under the bar, placing his arm around me, hugging on me, and even sneaking in some kisses on my cheeks. I just went with the flow. There's no rationalizing with a buzzed chick. And, I wasn't of sound-mind to analyze or rationalize what the heck was (not) going on. When we dropped Conrad at his car, he asked me to come over. I said no but that's not where the night ended...