Communication with Mr. Heavy Equipment continued fast and furious. It was crazy that every time we planned to meet, something would come up and one of us had to travel. As he was returning to Ottawa, I was sent to Quebec and I wouldn't be back for 3 weeks. We laughed it off. If we could survive all of these set backs, chances are things would work out. As my parents always said, if it's worth having, you have to work hard to get it!
We talked every day for hours. It felt like we'd known each other forever. No topic was left unexplored, but unlike other men he was never inappropriate or blatantly sexual. He was a very respectful gentleman and somewhat religious.
When I finished my 3 week stint in Quebec, I made arrangements to have my aunt come out and meet me. She'd never been to Quebec City and after watching my kids I thought it would be nice to spend a girls' weekend together. As I was driving to Quebec City, my guy called and said his mother was being urgently air lifted to Quebec City from Newfoundland. She might need emergency heart surgery. He was going to try to get off work and drive down to be with her because his sisters couldn't travel. I told him I'd be in Quebec City so if there was anything I could do to let me know.
My aunt arrived and we had a blast sight seeing in different towns and trying out restaurants. The weather was beautiful. We spent hours taking walking tours and shopping. I casually mentioned to her that a friend's mom was being airlifted and I might sneak away to meet him for coffee if he came down.
Aunt: "Absolutely, what a coincidence that you're here. I'm sure he'd appreciate the support. You go, don't worry about me. I can keep myself entertained."
I hadn't told her I was using online dating. She's actually my late husband's aunt, but since his death we've become extremely close. I see her like a mother figure and was afraid she'd be upset so decided not to tell her I was trying to date.
Our second day in Quebec City my guy called and said he was on his way with his son. His Mom was having tests done and they would decide the following morning whether she was strong enough to have surgery. The hospital was 2 blocks away from our hotel. He'd call when he arrived.
That evening we had dinner downtown and then decided to sit and people watch. It was so busy just bustling with people in Old Quebec City. My guy called and asked what we were up to.
Me: "We're hanging out on a bench in front of the Chateau Frontenac."
Him: "We were thinking of heading downtown for a bite and then do some walking around. You girls enjoy, maybe we'll see you tomorrow."
About a half hour later while we were sitting in the park talking I hear someone calling my name. I thought it was one of my colleagues who was still in town, but when I looked over my jaw dropped. I immediately recognized the car, then him, then his laughter.
Me: "C----?"
Him: "Would you know where I can park the car?"
Me: "Yes, continue straight then turn to the right and you should find spots along the road."
Within minutes they were standing in front of us. I ran over and hugged him, trying to maintain my composure. I was in shock. We live 5 minutes away from each other and had tried to meet so many times and here we were standing face to face in Quebec City 5 hours away from home! What are the odds? Talk about unusual first meeting! He introduced us to his son and we talked for a while. His son was very pleasant and he was his usual hilarious self.
Him: "Well ladies, it was great to run into you. We're going to let you ladies continue your visit and go grab a bite then do some touring around. What do you suggest?"
Aunt: "We did the walking tour earlier and it was great. It won't be dark for a bit, so if you eat fast do that you'll really enjoy it and see most of the old city."
Me: "Have a great night, we'll talk later."
We hugged good bye and off they went.
Aunt: "What a nice guy. How long have you known him?"
Ok, I didn't know what to say. Tell the truth or lie? I couldn't lie to her.
Me: "Auntie, there's something I have to tell you. I hope you're not too disappointed. A few months ago I decided to use online dating. It's been 5 years and I truly feel I need to move on. We've been emailing and talking for several weeks, but with all my travel and his work were never able to meet before now."
There was a long moment of silence, I wasn't sure what she was going to say.
Aunt: "You mean this was the first time you've met him in person?"
Me: "Yes."
Aunt: "Are you kidding, oh my goodness that's hilarious!"
Suddenly she burst into a fit of uncontrollable laughter. It was so contagious, I joined her. People in the park must have thought we had lost it. We laughed so hard, we were crying.
Aunt: "Seriously, this is the first time you've met in person?"
Me: "Yes, I can't lie to you. We live 5 minutes apart and here we are meeting in Quebec City for the first time."
Aunt: "How did he find you? It had to be your hair. The park is full, what are the odds he'd find you in this crowd? You mentioned we were here, but still. Oh my goodness, this is too funny. I was with you for your first meeting. He's so polite, I approve! His son is really nice too. What a pair! You with me and him with his son."
We laughed even more. I thought I was going to pee myself and I was cramping up in pain. Off to find a washroom then we went for coffee before heading back to the hotel.
Later that night me and my guy talked. I asked him how he had found me.
Him: "As we were driving around the park, you turned your head and I saw your face. I recognized you right away. By the way, you look way more beautiful in person. How could I miss you?"
Me: "The park was crowded, you must have seen my hair."
Him: "No, honest I saw your face that's why I pulled over. I was hoping I'd find you and I did. Great first meeting huh? Your aunt seems really nice, she's funny and likes to talk doesn't she?"
Me: "She insists you recognized my hair. She liked you and your son. I told her about the online dating and how we've been trying to meet. She couldn't stop laughing, she thinks it's the most hilarious thing ever. We laughed so hard we almost peed ourselves. She couldn't believe it was our first meeting."
Him: "So glad we finally met. Mom is good, they're going to decide on the surgery tomorrow. Have a great night. Sorry I couldn't kiss you, I really wanted to. Didn't want to be inappropriate in front of your aunt. I wasn't sure if she knew the whole story. Man this is too funny. I can't believe I had to drive so far to meet you for the first time, but I'm glad I did. Sweet dreams."
Aunt: "You deserve happiness. This guy seems really nice, I hope things work out. I'll never forget this. No worries if you need to go to the hospital tomorrow. Good night!"
I look back and still laugh. It felt good and having my aunt's approval meant a lot. Now I'm going to leave you hanging. After all, there has to be some suspense and intrigue! Bye for now,
Dateless in Ottawa
No comments:
Post a Comment