Today would be our 3rd anniversary

Oh my Alby, you always did have game.

I’m thinking back over how we met and how we evolved into us.

The very first time I talked to you, I had been given your information when I was looking for a contractor to renovate my kitchen. You had me laughing so hard, I had to stop the car and give you my whole attention.

You were so full of that New Jersey bravado, explaining why local coding wasn’t up to the quality you were trained on and maintained. Such a conversationalist and storyteller. I couldn’t help but adore you.

After a few conversations, we scheduled a time for you to come and see what was needed in my kitchen.

You agreed with all my design choices, which meant a lot to me. This was a big undertaking, and I had strong ideas about what I wanted. You said I had a great eye and that the copper stove hood and sink would be gorgeous against the large charcoal metallic tiles I had chosen.

I loved your support and put you in the Old Man Friend category. Someone I could laugh and visit with, but nothing more.

You had different plans.

As soon as the work was done, I got a text that read:

I’ve got a hunch, that one day when we’re done with all of our work crunch,
We could go out for some drinks and appetizers to munch, maybe dinner or lunch,
Or even brunch. I would like that a bunch.
So take out your phone and give my digits a punch.
It might be a lot of funch.

I laughed so hard.

Not in a mean way, but in a surprised way. You had it bad for me, and I still thought you were too old.

You called me later that night to see if I got your text.

I said, “Yes. You made me laugh.”

“Is that a good thing? Can I see you?”

I tried to let you down gently.

“Oh, I’m not interested in dating anyone right now.”

The conversation turned back to my kitchen, and I confessed to a design error when picking my lights. I told you I had bought replacements I liked better.

You jumped on it and offered to come swap them out for me.

I agreed.

After handling the lights, you turned to me with a big smile and said, “Let’s go get some lunch.”

I said, “Great! I’m buying.”

“Oh no you’re not. I asked you, and I’m paying.”

“Then give me an invoice for today’s work.”

“Not gonna happen. I told you I wanted to do this for you.”

And so two stubborn hearts went to lunch.

One of us conveniently forgot and left a couple of tools behind.

A friendship was born, with me telling you every step of the way that I was not leading you on, that you were too old for me, that I was just your friend.

You nodded and kept asking me out.

Shortly after sharing a meal and Old Fashioneds at the 57th Fighter Group, you went on vacation. When you got back, I caught you on my Ring camera leaving a package at my door. You were so careful with it.

I only lived two miles from work, so on break, I ran home to see what it was.

Mr. Tisdall had left a bottle of Woodford, an orange, a bottle each of bitters and cherries, packets of sugar, and two cocktail glasses. You brought the complete package for us to have Old Fashioneds at home, like we’d had at dinner.

On my birthday, you sent me a card that read:

Kathy, I think you are the most interesting, funny, intelligent, accomplished, sincere, beautiful, sexy, desirable woman I have ever met. Just thought you should know. You also have the most wonderful dancing blue eyes I have ever seen.
Al

In spite of everything, I was still holding out.

Before Christmas, my daughter had a heart-to-heart with me and said if his age was the only thing holding me back, I was stupid, because the man adored me.

I told her I was afraid I’d fall in love and lose him.

She came right back at me and asked if I was really going to cheat myself out of time with him because of fear.

She had a point.

I invited you to the family gathering for Christmas, and we touched pinkies as we sat outside on the patio that lovely day.

Then, on the eve of New Year’s Eve, we had dinner together. In the parking lot afterward, you asked permission to kiss me.

And boy, was I ever kissed.

It was like an old romance movie, when the lead takes her breath away.

It was official.

I read somewhere:

“I think one of my favorite feelings is laughing with someone and realizing halfway through how much you enjoy them and their existence.”

That’s my Alby.

I’m so glad we got even the short time we had together.