“I should just try to shove my foot back into my boot, and I’ll hobble.”
“Nonsense, there’s no need. We’ll scan the menus and find something. I don’t mind picking up take-out.”
“You’re so good to me.”
After settling on a little seafood place, we went with something simple and chose angel hair pasta with shrimp scampi. It was delightful, and we enjoyed an intimate meal while sitting on the bed. As we ate out of the tin foil take-out containers with plastic forks, we laughed and shared stories of our childhoods.
We didn’t see a lot of daylight. Most of our time was spent in bed that weekend, and before we realized it our time was over and we were driving home. Time seemed to be flying by as our relationship continued to grow.
Watching the calendar, I realized Austin’s birthday would be here soon. I had no idea what to get him. When it came down to it, we were at that point where we’d been together for a few months, but I was still torn on gift ideas. If I did something too personal, would he think I was expecting too much? If I didn’t do enough, would he feel like I wasn’t committed?
I went back and forth between picking out a nice watch for him and opting for an experience like tickets to a ball game. Heather said I was over thinking it, and anything would be fine, but I wanted to get it right! If I got him a watch, he’d always have it, but a ball game would be over as soon as it was over. On the other hand, our ball teams were lining up for a game against one another and that could be fun too – if I could score tickets.
Groaning, I couldn’t decide what to do. After enough back and forth, I went for the game tickets. When it came down to it, we would have a fun day cheering on our own teams, and have a friendly little competition. I hoped to God he wasn’t one of those guys that painted his body in his team colors on the day of the game. Maybe I should pick him up a casual team sweatshirt or jersey for game day – it might sway him away from game day body paint if that was his thing!
I was so excited to give Austin his birthday gift, but I wanted to wait until after dinner. I made lasagna and garlic bread for him, and would give him the tickets after we ate. I was feeling really good about my choice, and knew he’d be excited.
Funny, I thought lasagna would be a great choice. I imagined us sipping wine, dining, and then getting randy later. I didn’t anticipate how heavy the pasta would feel in our bellies, and we were more tired and sluggish after that meal, then ready to go get naked and busy. Not to mention garlic, yeah, not a great choice! Live and learn.
When I finally revealed Austin’s birthday gift surprise, I was stunned when he hugged me and said, “Should I take Jake or Scott?”
“What do you mean?” This was hardly the reaction I was expecting.
“Well, Scott is more into football, but Jake can be a blast to hang out with,” he was oblivious.
“Umm, hello,” I said, surprised he hadn’t thought of me first.
“Huh, what? Did I forget to say thank-you? I’m so sorry,” he said pulling me into another hug, “Thank you, sweetheart.”
Rolling my eyes, “I sort of got the tickets for us, like for you and me to go together.” I felt kind of foolish having to say it out loud.
“Oh, I didn’t realize, I’m so sorry.” He begged forgiveness; he hadn’t even considered that the tickets were supposed to be for the two of us.
I stood looking at him. I almost felt guilty in that moment. He should take who ever he wants. I just thought he would automatically think of me, but I guess I’m just a girl and he didn’t see me as a football buddy. I was kind of bummed, but hid it the best I was able. Okay, who am I kidding; I hid it for all of a few minutes.
“You really didn’t think of me?” I didn’t want to feel hurt, but I kind of was. Why wouldn’t he automatically choose me first?
He pulled me close, “Oh honey, I’d love to go with you. I guess I just don’t see you as a huge football fan. I mean, I know you watch it time to time, but I figured you were just…I don’t know what I thought. Of course I’d love going with you.”
“I thought it would be fun. Our teams are playing one another, the rivalry, you know,” I felt like an idiot for still feeling wounded. I guess my expectations were different. The worst part is he did nothing wrong, not a damn thing, but my feelings still got hurt. I hated how I blew up these little things out of proportion. I reeled it in and swallowed my pride.
“It’ll be great. Let me show you how much I appreciate you thinking of me like this,” he said, sweetly kissing my lips. “We can go into the bedroom…”