CHAPTER 8
A Year to Remember Blog
Sara Friedman’s journey to find her soul mate
March 25, 2012 We Represent the Lollipop Guild!
Prepared as I thought I was to begin my search for my soul mate, nothing could have prepared me for the sorry state of the pool of available men I refer to now as the Lollipop Guild. I refuse to mention names, but I can tell you this ladies, always remember to bring a credit card with you on your date. You never know when your date will “lose his wallet.” If your date doesn’t call to tell you he’ll be late or have a very good excuse for his tardiness, don’t bother with the date. It will only go downhill from there.
Guys, when you want to meet and refuse to give your phone number, we know you’re married. Ladies, if he answers his cell phone with a whisper, assume another woman stands near. I don’t understand how a married man can get away with posting a profile. Won’t someone recognize him and tell his wife? The worst offenders by far are the married men who claim they are widowed. It’s bad enough you’re cheating, but to “kill” your wife in the process is unusually cruel.
Tell me, what is the point of online sex? I’ve had a few offers and politely declined each and every one. Apparently, several couples have online sex for months before they go for their first cup of coffee together. That’s what I call safe sex! As for me, I like a little risk in my life-I prefer my sex up close and personal.
Not to say I haven’t met a couple of nice guys through online dating. It’s just that they are few and far between. Still, they give me hope I’ll find the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
CHAPTER 9
MARCH 31, 2012
DETROIT, MICHIGAN
WEIGHT: 179
STATUS: SINGLE
“I can’t believe you’re dragging me to this thing with you,” complained Missy on the way to my speed-dating event.
“Hey, you’re the one who volunteered to prepare me for it. You have an invested interest. You had to come. Besides, you had nothing better to do tonight.”
Not only had Missy chosen tonight’s ensemble, she insisted on taking me to the salon for a full makeover, just like the wedding. Personally, I wanted to present myself as I usually am, but Missy convinced me the point of tonight’s event was to essentially “sell myself.”
I wore a crimson blouse that plunged low enough to make me feel slightly self-conscious. Missy thought it looked sexy but not trampy. I matched it with a short black skirt and a new pair of high-heeled boots that cost more than all of my other shoes combined.
As I looked in the mirror, another Sara gazed back, one who hadn’t made an appearance since the wedding. That led to thoughts of my mystery man.
In the last month, I’d replayed the kiss over and over. I had hoped he would have revealed himself by now. Surely if he had been interested in pursuing me, he would have called.
That kiss became the kiss to which all kisses would now be measured. I didn’t even know who to give the credit to. Some nights, I’d dream about it. Only it didn’t end at the kiss. The stranger backed me up until we fell onto the couch, his hard body on top of mine. Then, because it was a dream after all, our clothes magically disappeared, and we made love. When I woke from the dream with my heart racing and a pulsing between my legs, I’d reach out for my mystery lover, feeling the loss of him. Then I remembered I don’t even know his identity.
The last time I’d spoken with my brother, I casually asked if anyone mentioned me from the wedding. He laughed and told me everyone there mentioned me because of my toast. Tonight, I’d forget about everything from my past. I’d present an optimistic attitude and carry myself with confidence and dignity.
When the door to the Underground opened, I strolled in with my head held high and smacked into Goldman.
“Are you following me, Sara?”
“What do you mean? Why would I follow you?”
He stood close and he smelled really good. “I’m just kidding, Sara. Relax a little, have a drink.” He noticed Missy standing behind me and I could see surprise on his face.
“I wouldn’t think this would be your scene.”
“It’s not, but ...” She let the sentence just hang without explanation and blushed.
But what?
Goldman nodded.
What did I miss? Why did it seem everyone was keeping a secret from me?
“I’m going to get a drink. I’ll see you both later.” Goldman spun around in a hurry, leaving Missy and I to fend for ourselves.
We hung our coats and proceeded to the check-in table where we ran into Elana, Steffi, and Lisa, three women we knew from our high school days. It’s a small Jewish world after all.