The Way We Never Were

It had been way too long since I had a sweet, great date. My focus had been on Cole for way too long and nothing had come of it. I became bored of this crush that I had on him and began to sense that Sarah had wanted him much more. So I decided; she could have him. Don't get me wrong I still think that he is incredibly hot, though not taking it more seriously than what it is; serious eye candy during the workday

It was after this epiphany that Josh called and asked if I would like to get together. My stomach did flutter a bit when I saw his name pop up on my caller ID; perhaps Cooper had been right and I was happy that his speculation proved to be on point. Josh and I agreed to meet on Friday and grab a few pints at Limerick House, which is located right down the street from where we live. Ruby was in absolute hysterical laughter after I told her that I made plans with Josh.

"JOSH?!?! But...it's Josh!!!", screamed an excited Ruby, "He's so...he's so not who I would see you with."

"What? I like dorky guys; you know that. I usually have the best relationships with guys who match my level of dorkiness", I contested.

"Yes, I agree Frankie", began Ruby, "though you're so much more...you're you and he is...Josh."

"Yes, you said that. And what does that mean??", I asked, laughing.

"OK. He is fun to have drinks and spend time with at the bar...on a platonic level. You have difficulty with this concept, I know, but Frankie, dear, dear Frankie...you're hot. I know that you think you're a dork and you are; you have one of the dorkiest personalities of anyone who I know. You watch Jeopardy! for fun, hate air quotes, are a complete grammar snot, and listen to both Taylor Swift and Korean pop music. BIG DORK. Huge. Though according to your looks; sorry babe, a dork you are certainly not. And hot he is not".

"Uh, well Ruby, dear Ruby. Thank you...I think", I replied, "that was sweet though you know I find the dorks irresistible".

"Well, one more thing Frankie. I heard that his last break up set him off. His ex-girlfriend cheated on him with someone who she met on Facebook. He is on a mad, indiscriminate fucking rampage. Plain and simple, our little, young dork has become quite a dog. Please be careful."

"Really? That must have hurt! Though Josh...a complete hound? I can't see it."

"Yes, like no one would ever think that you know EVERY SINGLE LINE TO EACH AND EVERY EPISODE OF FRIENDS. He is a player in dork's clothing."

On Friday, Josh called and asked if I would mind his friend Cary tagging along to which I replied, "Of course not; the more the merrier", trying to hide my feelings that this did strike me as a bit strange. I now wondered if perhaps I had been mistaken. Eh, why am I examining this so closely. I promised myself that I would have no expectations of this evening except to have a great time with an old friend.

The guys stopped by and we walked together to the bar. Josh and I picked up from where we left off. He had me laughing and we were having such a great time; such a great time that I didn't mind that Cary tagged along. His girlfriend, Reina stopped by after we had a few pints and the good times continued. Josh even paid for most of my drinks, though I sneaked in a round for the group when returning from the ladies' room (it's simply good manners). We were amazed that we both had lived in the neighborhood for so long and never saw each other.

By the end of the night I was exhausted though wanted the night to continue; we were having such a good time. Outside of the bar, we said goodnight to Cary and Reina then Josh walked me to my door.

"I am really happy that we met again on the platform and tonight was super great", he said.

I smiled, "Yes, it was fun catching up. I am still in disbelief that we live so close."

He started,"Well I'm going to go. Far walk you know."

I laughed and he asked, "Frankie could I please take you to dinner next week?"

Jeez, he even said please. Still smiling I agreed, "Yes. I would like that. Tonight was good fun, Josh. Thanks for a great evening".

He leaned in and I could swear he was going for my lips, though at the last moment brushed my cheek with his lips, wrapping his arm around my waist and hugging me close. Pulling away slowly, he said in a low tone, "Goodnight Frankie, I'll call you during the week."

"Goodnight Josh. Be careful walking home", I replied, joking.

Ruby was up when I came inside. She was keeping a low profile after caring for Kerry. If that wench made Ruby sick (via flu or heartbreak), I was going to put her in the hospital again.

"How was it?", asked Ruby.

I thought for a moment, breathing in deeply, "Like old times...though much better."

--Frankie