the monkey and the man – Y2K, B.C. (before chad)

It was today in 1999… I got together with my then ex John, a law student at Washington University, to go out and pal around, get a drink and shoot some pool at a little hole in the wall called Manchester Street Cafe.

The bar was a little more crowded than usual because it was a dart league night – nonetheless it didn’t really matter since they were obviously not using the pool table.

Before the first eight-ball was sank, we spotted this staggeringly handsome man sitting on the sidelines of the dart people, looking at US.

“shhh… Stop it John, don’t stare.” I pleaded. But before I could ask again, he had walked over and invited the guy to come over and join our pool game.

We played a few games and John relentlessly flirted with the beautiful stranger until it was time to go. I was too intimidated to chat extensively and avoided eye contact.

We parted ways exchanging emails…. Within two months John was moving back to Manhattan and Kevin and I were dating.

I ran across a bunch of old photos while taking another organizational whack at the catch-all / storage / guest room which made me pause. Wow… we’ve both done our share of aging.

You don’t notice it with relationships had in your 20’s…. This one, the longest thusfar, has bridged the gap into my 30’s… It’s evident.

In five years we’ve seen two apartments, two houses, three cars, a successful business, humbling professional spankings, an additional partner and… a few more pounds, wrinkles and grey hair.

I’ve never aged with anyone before…. and there’s something nice about it.

It ads a whole new take on the schmoopy Beatles song my mom used to play on vinyl.

How about another five Mr. West – let’s see what else goes to hell. I couldn’t think of a better person to fall apart with.

Will you still need me… Will you still feed me.

(*will I still not be blogging at 64?)

Happy Anniversary Kevin… I love you.