The second date.

Things in my life had been going so swell. I had no complaints. Patrick and I continued to talk, and it wasn't long before we started hanging out at each others places. We would text all day at work and he would come to my place to just spend time with me next to the fireplace as we smoked hookah. We learned so much about each other in such a short time. Patrick and I didn't rush into anything and we took things slow. He was different in that way and I felt respected like a woman should be. We had only locked hands a couple times, snuggled a bit, and he even managed to slip some forehead kisses onto me. It was mostly all smiles and laughs. He really knew how to treat a girl. We continued to go on small dates such as movies and dinners weekly. Patrick always made an effort to go above and beyond and he continued to do so... 


So while we had our small dates, he had been tossing around the idea of visiting Friday Harbor for the day. I agreed to the adventure and it was another date! This would be considered our second date and after our first date I was very impressed. I don't think Patrick counted the small dinner and movies as dates but as treats and his pleasure. Saturday came around. We woke up early, he picked me up, and we headed up to Anacortes. It was an overcast cool Washington day. We both were bundled up and dressed comfortably. We listened to country music the ride up and just enjoyed each others presence as we always did when we hung out. I had lived in Washington my whole life and Patrick took me to do things and took me to places I had never been to or done before. We pulled up to the ferry terminal, parked, got our tickets, and boarded the big boat. It had been years since I had been on a ferry so I guess you could say I was like a kid in the candy store. Plus there was something very romantic about a boat date...must be that scene in Titanic on the front of the boat. A girl can dream right? 


We found a booth and sat until the ferry got going. Then we walked around a bit, took some pictures, and went out front. It didn't last to long as it was chilly, windy and my nose and cheeks were bright red. We went back to the booth and just enjoyed the scenery or the islands, other boats, and the water as we headed for Friday Harbor. After about 45 minutes we pulled up to the dock and got off the ferry. The sun was trying to peer through the heavy fog and clouds but no such luck yet. I had no idea what we were going to do spending the whole day here. Patrick lead me into a building that read "Whale Watching". I smiled and wanted to slap myself to wake me from this dream I had felt like I had been living, but it wasn't a dream. I was just a very lucky girl. This was going to be an adventurous date and I couldn't wait.

We went in and got information on the whale watching tours that day. We chose to go with a zodiac boat tour that was leaving in an hour opposed to waiting a few for a nicer boat. We walked around the shop looking at shirts, keychains, and post cards for sale waiting for our tour to fill up with more people. It wasn't long before the boat was full and we could get going. Patrick then dropped $400 dollars to pay for our adventure. The handed us floatation suits to put on and we went to the dock, got on the boat and went over safety information. I looked ridiculous in this  floatation suit. It was bright orange and was so padded. He just giggled and smiled and took a ton of pictures of me. We departed in the zodiac boat and headed north. I held Pat's hand and enjoyed the cool, crisp wind blow past me. After about 25 minutes, we pulled up to a stretch of an island where we saw sea lions, and eagles. Patrick took pictures as I sat there being a girl tapping his shoulder saying things like "awww" and "look how cute". He must have enjoyed that. 


We later headed to where the whales had been spotted. It was still cloudy and cool and the sun hadn't yet made its way through. We took a few pictures together as we hadn't seen any whales yet. Excitement started to build up on the boat as we finally saw our first whale in the distance. It was so pretty. We got closer and one whale turned into a few, and then a few turned into a few pods. We probably saw thirty or more whales. Some jumped out of the water, but most of them spouted and brought their dorsal fins up. We even had one right next to our boat that swam and came up right next to me! I was three feet away from an orca whale. It was amazing and something I had never experienced before. The sun had started to peer out and blue skies came about. Patrick still had his camera out and enjoyed my giddiness. It put a smile on his face.

We had been out for hours and it was time to head back. The boat ride back to Friday Harbor was about 35 minutes. Many boats now occupied Puget Sound and it had turned into the most beautiful day. We pulled up and I was so excited to take off that silly suit. Pat and I then decided on some mexican food for dinner after walking around the town for a bit. We finished our plates and it was time to board the ferry home. I stayed close to him and used the excuse of "being cold" to cuddle him the whole way home. I still had thoughts racing through my mind. This was the second above and beyond date he had taken me on. The ferry came to a stop and we headed for the car so that we could get home. We were both chilly and warmed up as soon as he turned the key. The ride home consisted of me scrolling through the camera, more country music, and each other. It wasn't long before we pulled up to my place.


Do I kiss him? This was the second date and I never kiss on the first date. I know he and I agreed not to rush things and I knew that he wouldn't be upset if he didn't get one. Patrick respected me. He walked me to my front door, and hugged me. There was a pause and in that moment I decided to wrap my arms back around him, and thanked him for such a wonderful date. He kissed my forehead and said goodnight with a smile on his face replying "my pleasure" as he cradle my head in his hands. He was going to have to wait a little longer for a kiss. Believe me I wanted to lay one on him the night of the concert and the look in his eyes that he gave me that night made me want to kiss him then and there. I unlocked the door and went in. I was all smiles and my feelings for Pat grew every second. With a simple text, gesture, or date he sure swept me off me feet. I was head over heels in like. Did I want to admit it? Of course not. Could I help it? Not at all. The heart wants what the heart wants and I continued to let my heart lead as Pat and I became inseparable.

The first date.

I was finally all settled into my tiny room. Patrick and I had texted the remainder of that weekend. Monday came around and I was exhausted. It was back to work for me from 7am-5pm. Patrick texted me throughout the day at work and of course I was giddy and snuck my phone in my scrubs and texted him back when I got the chance. I will admit I did have that warm fuzzy feeling inside and I was all smiles. I had never really played "hard to get" and I wasn't doing it just to do it, I was just guarding my heart. I guess you could say I built a wall and tried to tell him I just wasn't interested.


We still texted daily and the weekend was drawing close. All week he had thrown around the idea of getting together or going out on a date. I tried to avoid it as much as possible until Patrick texted me "I got Brad Paisley concert tickets for Saturday and I would love for you to come". My first thought was wow...usually a first date is dinner or a movie, but a concert? This guy went above and beyond. My second thought was umm...I didn't really listen to country music. I knew he sung a song about mud but that was really it. I of course couldn't say no. I was obligated as it was such an effort on his part and I am all about taking chances. I agreed to the date that weekend. He told me to not think of it as a date, but to just go as a good time and as friends...yeah right. We both had mutual feelings, I just didn't want to rush it. So the remainder of the week I listened to nothing but Brad Paisley and country music every second I got. I will admit it grew on me a little bit but it wasn't my first choice of genre in music.


Saturday came around and it was time for our first date. It was September 11th, 2010, a huge day for America after the terrorist attacks. I proceeded to my closet to find something tasteful but still sexy. I settled for a off the shoulder lily tee, jean shorts, and leather flip flops. I curled my hair and did my makeup and waited on the couch for Patrick to pull up. Like a dog waiting for their owners return, I kept peering out the window. My phone went off, "I will be there in 5 minutes" he said. I then ran back to the bathroom to make sure everything looked perfect and sprayed one more mist of perfume on. As I finished I heard the "loud car" pull up just as I did the weekend prior when the guys came over. The doorbell rang and I opened the door to find Patrick all smiles and reached to give him a hug. He was in jeans, a button up, and a corona hat and looked quite handsome. "Ready to go?" he asked, I nodded and grabbed my purse.


As I made my way out of the house I caught glimpse of the "loud car". "Is that your car?" I asked as my jaw dropped, "Sure is" he said with a proud smile on his face. He had a 2010 Chevy Camaro. It was dark grey with nice rims, and an exhaust you could hear for miles...hence the "loud car". I was amazed and beamed ear to ear at this point. Not only did he go all out on our first date, but there is just something about a guy driving a sports car that gets a girl going. I then started to pick my jaw back up until he got the car door for me, but I just left it. I was blown away. Never had a guy, except my daddy, get the car door for me or any door for that matter. He shut the door and walked around the car to get in himself. I was a very happy girl. He started the car and we headed for the Gorge.


The car ride consisted of us talking, and listening to music. I stared out the window at the beautiful day and caught myself looking at Patrick more then just a few times. I felt so carefree with the windows down, arm out the window, and my hair being tossed about by the wind. Of course I was a little shy but I was amazed. We stopped at the look out on I-90 just as you get over the Columbia River with the wild horse memorial. Patrick took a few pictures of us and the river. I had so much going through my mind, all of which were good of course. We got back in the car (yes he got my door again), and we drove a few miles until we got to the Gorge. We pulled in, parked, and made our way to the line to get in. Girls wore flower print dresses and cowboy boots and almost everyone had a cowboy hat on. After waiting in line we made it in, got some food and drinks, and headed to find our seats which were in the 23rd row. Patrick really impressed me without trying and I was growing fond of it.


The concert started with Justin Moore, then Darius Rucker took the stage, and finally Brad Paisley. All night I had that "Should I hold his hand or something?" thought going through my head. I had thanked him numerous times for all the things he had done and I felt like I owed him something. After a few songs  of questioning myself, I finally laid my head on his shoulder and wrapped my arms around him as we swayed to the music. He then kissed my forehead. That warm fuzzy feeling I had was now a blazing fire. I knew this wasn't just a good time or as friends thing, I had started to like him and he started to like me. Later the concert ended and we made our way to the car and he wrapped his button up shirt around me as I began to shiver. We got to the car and made our way back home. The car ride home just as the ride there. Enjoying each others company and music.


We pulled up to my place and I thanked him for such a wonderful first date. He walked me up to my front door and I hugged him and said goodnight still beaming ear to ear. And to answer your question, no I do not kiss on the first date. I then went inside and got into bed. I texted him until he got home. All I could tell him was thank you. I continued to lay in bed waiting for my phone to vibrate but he must have fallen asleep. I thought about so many things...should I have kissed him? Held his hand? Did he even want to kiss me or even hold my hand? Oh who was I kidding of course he did! The wall I built to guard my heart hadn't been destroyed, but remodeled I guess you could say. It was only our first date but I had never felt the way Patrick made me feel ever. It was everything about him and how he did things for me. My thoughts finally slowed down and I was able to fall asleep as well. I really started to slowly but surely, fall for Patrick.

And so it began...

September 3rd, 2010 was the date. I woke up early and eager to move out of my parents house as I decided to take responsibility of being an adult one step further. I quickly showered, threw on black yoga pants and a UW tee, slipped on my nike sport sandals, and I was out the door. I didn't even put makeup on and didn't even bother with my hair...why would I? I was just going to be moving all day anyway. So my dad and I loaded his truck up with the big stuff that wouldn't fit in my car and we loaded my car with boxes of miscellaneous things (that I would later find useless that night), and we headed for Kent to my new place. After a few short trips we unloaded both vehicles and my dad headed home. I unpacked, arranged, and hung up things about my tiny room I would now be paying $400 a month for. I was exhausted and planned on getting some sleep in my new place as I had to drive back to my parents to grab my clothes and makeup (things I would find useful later that night), and complete my daring move out. But my roommates had other plans...


I had been up since 6am. It was now about 9pm. I had been moving all day. My bed was made and thats where I planned on spending my night. My roommates were stirring around the idea of a party in "The U District"that night. I had no choice but to go, I mean I just moved out. I could do what ever I wanted and be out until the sun came up if I chose so. The only thing I fretted was my outfit. Yeah it was a college party and I had a UW tee on so it was acceptable I guess. But my hair was a mess, I had no makeup on, and my toe nail polish was just about all chipped off. We loaded up in the car, headed for Seattle, and blasted music and sung and danced in the car. We pulled up to the house and went in. It was your average party- beer pong, music, and loud drunk college students. I was of course very under dressed but I got compliments on my shirt. The house got crowded after more people showed up so we went out on the balcony and continued our fun there. Although it was quieter, I heard music blasting and a crowd of people a block or two away. "What is that noise"? I asked. A college boy replied "Club Fusion". My roommates gave me that "are you thinking what Im thinking?" look. I was in for it.


It was decided, we were going to go clubbing. We left the house party and headed down to the gas station a few blocks away to get cash out for our covers. We approached the club and got in the long line. While many girls were all dolled up and sexy, I was in yoga pants and a tee. How was I going to get in wearing that? We stood waiting in line while cars drove by and blared horns, music blasted, and watched the streets come alive. My roommates and I peered over to see a group of four guys headed over to the line to get in. We giggled and joked about seeing them in the club. After 20 minutes we finally got through the doors. Good thing the bouncer thought I rocked yoga pants and a tee. We made our way to the dance floor and got down a little bit. We danced together so that random guys wouldn't just grab us and grind on us- even though it happened regardless. After a couple songs we sat at a table and chatted. It wasn't long before a few guys bought us red bulls and wanted to dance. We declined dancing but gladly took the red bulls, after all it was about 12am and I was exhausted! No more then a few seconds later we had more red bull on our table and the empty seats were taken up by some guys asking us a million questions. We were getting very annoyed and continued answering questions with short one word answers in hopes that they would go away. But did they...NO! 


After minutes seemed like hours with these guys, I wondered why me? Im in yoga pants and a tee. I wasn't all done up and fancied. Had no dress or sexy outfit on. My boobs weren't on display but the yoga pants did give my booty a nice snug fit leaving nothing to the guys imagination. While I was lost in that thought, I looked up to find another group of guys at our table. By then I was dumbfounded. After further evaluation, I looked over to my roommate and said "these guys are the four we saw outside in line!" with a huge smile on my face. What were the chances? The annoying guys left and again left the red bulls to us. The four guys we giggled and joked about outside stuck around and talked to us for a few minutes. They seemed different and one of the four had his eyes on me. They asked us to dance we didn't hesitate. We danced for a few songs and decided it was getting late. We all swapped numbers, gave hugs, and left all smiles.


The car ride home consisted of more music, dancing, drinking red bulls, and texting the guys. I was tired but I was wired on energy drinks and good feelings. We pulled up to the house and I prepared to get into bed. I brushed my teeth, washed my face, and removed my contacts. As I was headed to the living room to tell my roommates goodnight and that I had a great time, "The guys are going to be here in a couple minutes" was shouted very happily. I wasn't to thrilled. Its 2am and here I am exhausted, tired, looking like blah, and now the guys are coming over?! I rushed back to the bathroom to comb my hair, put chap stick on, and put some body mist on. I had to look a little more acceptable. Sure enough not even 5 minutes past and we heard a loud car pull up followed by our door bell ringing and in poured the four guys. 


Danny, Corey, Patrick, and Paul were there names. They were all in the army, and were friends. We smoked hookah, chatted, and just laughed. Patrick had seemed to be interested in me. We talked and sat by each other. He sure made me laugh and I felt great with him around. I found him eyeballing me more then just a few times. I just wasn't interested but there was something different about him. My dating history isn't something I regret as it formed standards, but I wasn't ready to give myself up again. He was sweet and offered to help me finish my move but I kindly declined. After all I just had my clothes to move and I was more then capable. It was getting very late and the guys left about 4am. I hugged Patrick and we both said "text me sometime". The "loud car" started up and roared until it faded in the distance. I climbed into bed, sent Patrick a few texts, and drifted off to sleep in small thoughts. Little did I know my life would be forever changed....