Round And Round In The Circle Game

We approach the boys. I can not really get a read on John at first. The boys seem every bit as hung over as they were the day before. Like I'm in a position to judge. We make small talk and jokes and comment on the weather. The guys are hoping the day clears up. They want to squeeze every last drop out of Guys Weekend. Can't say I blame them. But it is a somewhat awkward gathering. I feel like we're in high school.

They have a bunch of beach games with them. They are all very complicated games that involve throwing things. Like toddler games grown up and on steroids. Think Toss Across with heavy machinery. They are uncommonly enthusiastic and competitive - razzing each other as they set up the court. I am wondering how they turn the game into a drinking game at all with all the potential for lost teeth and broken bones. In this particular game they are hurling wooden blocks. Big wooden blocks. And sending other big wooden blocks sailing in every direction. It is a Cave Man game. That crude.

The game is about to begin. John stands up. (I will admit that it irks me that he did not rise to his feet upon our approach. Gentlemen know to do that.)

He moves in close to me and asks if "this is it" for the weekend. Puts his arms around my waist and puts his face close to mine. I remind him that a bunch of us are staying another night. I forgive the lapse in memory. It was 3:45 in the morning. I might struggle to remember my own name. He gives me kiss and asks if we are going to hang at the pool. I tell him we hope to, pending the weather improving. He says he'll stop by a little later. Kisses me again.

We begin to walk away. Chris asks us if we'd like to stay and watch them play (Like a bunch of groupies???) I tell him it looks like a very exciting game but we'll wait for the highlight reels. He calls me a smartass and laughs. Takes one to know one, pal.

I head back to the room and begin to pack. Why wait until morning? It just makes it that much sadder. Once Girls Weekend ends, it really is the end of the summer. And what do I have to look forward to? Kids going back to school leaving me with endless hours by myself? Court with Lars? Jumpstarting my job search? More penny pinching and number crunching? Another few hundred miles on the trails in the woods?

I have a few days at the beach with my cousin planned. And another few with some beloved friends. But there are vast amounts of time in between. I need a plan. I need a job. I need a companion. I need a paycheck. I need a grip.

Bleak thoughts, all of them. I need a little happiness to happen.

As the day wears on, a lot happens.

The sun comes out. We stop moaning about the weather and race to our beach chairs, SPF 30 in hand.

I get some texts from Craig. He's been away for the week with his kids. He comments on FB and is generally very attentive. I like it, especially since I have no idea what to expect from John.

I get an invitation to interview for a job I'd long ago forgotten applying to. I have to go in on Wednesday morning or early afternoon. It completely destroys my plans to hit the beach again with my cousin, but I can't exactly tell the hiring manager that her interview schedule conflicts with my social engagements.

Kate says that as long as I am going to be in the city on Wednesday, she can get me into her company's big party for its customers. It's the event of the season and I can be a VIP. It's a nice consolation prize. No beach but a chance to get dressed up and mingle with strangers. Who knows who I might find there?

And to put the candles on the cake, the boys come to the pool. They are getting ready to go home. Someone's kid is returning from China and they have to be home at some appointed hour and they are all in one car yadda yadda yadda.

Kate and John strike up a conversation they began back on Friday about her company party and his company's presence at it. He wants to go. She tells him she can probably get him in. She's getting me in. He looks at me and smiles. I smile back. "You're going?" he says, smiling broadly.

I nod and say that I am. He says it looks like he's going with me, then.

I am trying to be cool but I am smiling like an idiot. He says he'll have to meet me there, he'll already be downtown. I skip over the interview part of the story and tell him I'm sure we'll find each other. I am wearing a lime green dress. He smiles and says, "Niiiiiiiice!" I actually have something to look forward to that feels like a date. A date with promise.

We all say our goodbyes and make jokes and make plans to see them at home that we all know we won't keep. But John holds me close, kisses me and says he'll see me at the party. He gives my hand a squeeze as he turns to walk away.

All is right with the world. The band has come on stage. Juuulia has found us a table and held it for us because we'llnever get one on our own. We move from beer to drinks with garnishes. And soon enough, two young men approach our table.

The braver of the two says "Hello, ladies. We're sure these two seats are reserved for two much better looking gentlemen, but can we be your Plan B for an hour until they arrive?"

We all crack up. We ask them to sit and wave Juuuulia over for another round. The weekend has truly come full circle.