The "Ex" Files

At the beginning he was everything I wanted. Tall, handsome, eyes as blue as the ocean, and a smile that took my breath away. I had just finished a long term relationship and wasn't looking to start dating again. It was time for me, Anna, some time and space to reconnect with who I was and who I wanted to be. So I made goals for myself, I started making friends, reconnecting with the world around me, and made it a point to do what made me happy. Then, out of nowhere, a beautiful man caught my eye. I was doing some last minute shopping for a night out with friends, and I could no longer focus. Who was this man? Why does he have this pull on me that I can't explain? He caught me staring. I tried to avoid looking at him again, so I walked away. I ended up in the opposite end of the store and figured I was safe from any further embarrassment. That day went and I enjoyed my night out. Me and my new sparkly shoes that I found on clearance. Go me!

A few weeks went by and I had almost forgotten about the handsome mystery guy, but then I saw him again. This time, he stood right before me at my favorite coffee shop. I was frozen. I couldn't believe that I was seeing him. Once again I stood there mesmerized. I was next in line and I must've gotten super distracted because the coffee clerk "ma'am" me as I watched mystery man put sugar in his coffee. Yes, I know that's creepy. He stared at me as I fumbled across my words and ordered my coffee and pastry. I put my order in and as I wait there for my coffee, I can't find him anymore. So I try not to think about him. I grab my order and head out the door. As I'm walking to my car I hear a man yelling, "hey!" I turn around and it's him. I nearly fainted as he walked over to me. "Yes?", I ask him. He hands me a folded piece of paper, smiles, and does that "call me" gesture with his hands. Smooth. He walks away with a grin on his perfect face and I walk the few steps left to get to my car. Once I'm safe from obvious embarrassment I start "happy dancing" in my car. Oh man, I feel bad for anyone who actually walked past and saw this dance of mine. Damn, I'm pathetic.

I drove home after work that day with this man in my head. His smile, his eyes, and his smell. Oh my goodness did he smell good?! As I settle in at home and make dinner, I see my purse on the table. I go inside and grab that piece of paper with his number on it. It has a name. John. Ugh, his name fit him perfectly. I grab my phone and as I'm dialing the number, I pause. A wave of anxiety came over me and I couldn't press the dial button. My excitement quickly became anxiety that would not go away. So I saved the number in my phone and figured I can try again tomorrow. I had to muster up the courage before even thinking of talking to him. My biggest problem is that I over think too much. I question if my voice sounds weird on the phone, or if I'll mess up my words and sound stupid. I finish cooking, enjoy my dinner, and get ready for bed. Waking up the next morning, I start my normal daily routine. The one I established for myself after my breakup. Wake up, brush teeth, coffee, shower, get ready for work, etc. Time to start my day.

Another work day came and went. I barely thought about John and figured that was a good thing. I don't want to get too excited for someone that might end up being completely not what I wanted. Do I even know what I want? But as I head home and settle down for the night, he starts to poke through my brain. I should call him but I'm still too afraid. Two more days go by and I finally took the leap. I call him. As the phone rings I start to think he won't pick up, and then I here his voice on the opposite end and freeze. "Hello, is someone there?". I finally answer him. "Hey, it's Anna from the coffee shop". You could almost hear a smile in his voice as he replied. "I though you'd never call, how you doin'".

Stay tuned for part 2!