He was not supposed to exist.
I had been telling my friends for years I did not believe in soulmates.
The concept was too idealistic and unrealistic for the world I had seen.
Twenty20 / christinacorso
By
Updated 5 years ago,May 18, 2020
He was not supposed to exist.
I had been telling my friends for years I did not believe in soulmates.
The concept was too idealistic and unrealistic for the world I had seen.
Their parents each had their own marital secrets exposed relatively early in life.
My fathers father met his wife while visiting her village during his time in the Navy.
After he passed, we still speculated whether he ever regretted that decision.
All that to say, I learned early and quickly that words and feelings could be fleeting.
I was convinced from a young age that love was something that happened to other people in other worlds.
We would somehow be self-sufficient and get our money outside the confines of the 9-5 drudgery.
I would be loving and loyal, showering affection and acting as the strong woman behind the curtain.
It is and was a thoroughly obnoxious, childish fantasy until January 2013.
I did not notice him right away.
When I saw the open barstool, I knew I had to be quick to grab it.
Is anyone sitting here?
He turned and looked at me before answering in his Oxford accent, No, feel free.
I still had not glanced at him more than a second at this point.
I recognized the bartender for the evening as one of my favorites.
He came around the bar and gave me a hug before asking me what I wanted to drink.
It was when the bartender started making my drink that the Oxford accent called to me again.
Is that your boyfriend?
I finally turn and look at him, nearly swallowing my tongue.
A man, probably 62, with strawberry red hair and a neatly trimmed beard smiled at me.
He was built like the swimmers I remembered training for the Olympics in college.
No, actually, we actually all attend the same gym together, I replied.
I just make a run at come here when hes working to have someone to talk to.
He had the sexiest smirk on his face now as his hazel eyes brightened.
Well, Im glad to hear that, he said.
I found this place by accident.
I didnt remember my drink being put in front of me.
I didnt remember ordering what I ordered.
I was so enthralled and enchanted talking to him.
His laugh was infectious.
I found myself thrilled that I could make him laugh at all.
I found myself giddy and shared things I had not told a soul in years.
Before I knew it, he looked at his phone and practically fell out of the bar stool.
I did not realize what time it was.
I will be late for my flight, but this was fantastic!
He beamed at me and threw down his card to pay his bill.
Id love to take you out when Im in town next week.
You mean a date?
I asked, almost in awe that I said that four-letter word after all these years.
Of course, he said with a smile.
That night, I stared at the cell phone, both numb and elated with just a thought.
c’mon let this be real.
