Child's Play

So I am close enough to Josh to sleep with him, though not to suggest that he Nair his entire body, not that I would; that is simply mean. We had a few slumber parties (is it wrong that I am now viewing our time together from such a childish perspective?).

Ruby was holding a surprise birthday party for one of our friends, whom she had dated in the past. Yes, she was playing the field and having a great time inventing new and innovative ways to prepare breakfast. It was obvious to that Ruby had feelings for Jenn still after all this time. Jenn was turning 30 and Ruby wanted to show how good of a friend she is and I feel she wanted to also show what a great girlfriend she could be.

I asked Josh to accompany me to the festivities, as a bunch of my old friends would be there and I thought that this would be a good time to introduce him to them.

We arrived at Ara and found Matt and Karen sitting at the bar sipping wine. Not in much of a mood to slip into a wine coma, I joined Josh in a pint and asked that he order a Stella for me. Friends began slipping in and pretty soon the birthday girl walked in on the arm of none other than Ruby, who was glowing.

"You guys!", gushed Jenn, beaming and completely happy to see everyone. "What an awesome surprise! Thank you for coming!".

"Frankie!", she yelled, "I haven't seen you in forever! How are you?"

"Happy Birthday Sunshine!", I wished to my friend (who, by the way, has always been a bright ray of happiness). "It's great to see you. Though why so glum?", I joked.

"Are you kidding me? Who wouldn't be ultra happy to have such great friends; especially this little Ruby Foo?", answered Jenn as she put her arm around Ruby and kissed her cheek which was now turning crimson. "And this", she continued,"must be Josh. I have heard a great deal about you from Ruby. She tells me that you are the comic book guru. You and I must discuss the adventures of Anita Blake later this evening", said Jenn, winking. "Ha! Anita Blake, excellent. I am more of a Punisher man, though an open minded Punisher man", joked Josh, "And Happy Birthday Jenn", he continued.

Jenn leaned in and whispered in my ear,"I like him Frankie, he is a cute, well rounded, comic book geek".

"Yea, I kinda like him too, Jenn", I whispered.

Jenn giggled, and danced away to greet other friends all while singing, "When Irish eyyyyyyes are smiliiiiin'".

The evening was going well. We shared yummy appetizers; a Mediterranean plate, cheese plate, and Tandoori chicken pizza. Josh was chatting up Matt and it was nice catching up with my friends. Suddenly, in a bizarre display of...well, I don't even know what to call it. Josh laid his head on my shoulder and then proceeded to turn his face into my blouse. It was like a child who was becoming tired at a family party and showed his exhaustion by nuzzling his mothers body.

"This is awkward", I thought. "Are you feeling ok?", I asked Josh.

"Yes, I am fine", he replied as he sunk behind me on the sofa, while grabbing my waist.

"A small child indeed", I thought. "We could leave soon if you like", I said.

"You don't have to go, really. I will probably leave in 10 minutes", said Josh.

He was acting a bit strangely. I guess this is what one must deal with when shopping for love with child-like men in the kids department of romance.

We said goodbye to everyone, bought Jenn one final birthday shot of Jameson's (oh how whiskey makes me emotional) and walked home.

I thought Josh was going to ask me to tuck him in, though instead he made it clear that he wanted to end the evening. Was he tired? I am not sure. Not feeling well? Perhaps. A hairy child...definitely. --Frankie