Dream Date

Chris and I have been out a few times and he is pretty good in bed, but he’s not very creative. I’ll chock that up to being young, though. His eyes just haven’t been opened to all the possibilities in sex yet. Randy, on the other hand, and I have gone out several times since our last date and I’m still getting excuses on why he can’t stay which is why I wasn’t very excited about our date tonight.

We were going to do the dinner and a movie thing but ended up in the ER. He picked me up at my place and kissed my cheek in greeting before we headed to the train station.

“How is Lady?” I asked making conversation.

“She’s good. I taught her how to roll over the other day.”

“I wish I could teach Murphy cool tricks like that.” I said, “What else can she do?”

“So far, I’ve been able to teach her how to lay down, speak, and sit. We’re still working on stay and handshakes, though.”

We talked about pets all the way to the movie theatre and stood in the lobby trying to decide what to see. Randy got into a playful mood while we play-argued over the best movie to see that ended with us kissing sort of passionately and then going back to debating over a rom com or a thriller. Suddenly, Randy seemed uncomfortable.

“Are you hot?” I asked. He was tugging at the collar of his shirt like he was overheated.

“Uhm…I…did you eat strawberries earlier?” He said sounding panicked.

I had to think. I had eaten some as a snack to hold me over until our date since we would be eating dinner later, after the movie.

“Yes, why?”

“I’m-I’m aller-gic to strawberries.” He was having a hard time breathing.

“Oh my God!” I said.

“Call…an..ammmbbu…”

“I whipped out my cell phone and dialed 9-1-1 as I walked Randy out to the street. He sat on a bench and focused on breathing while I relayed everything to the operator. Within minutes we were in an ambulance heading to the ER. I didn’t say anything while the paramedics gave him medicine in the cab and eventually rolled him into the ER waiting room. He looked swollen and they had put him on oxygen while we were riding to the hospital.

They took Randy back and I sat in the waiting room chairs for about an hour before a nurse came to see me.

“He’s asking for you.” She said before leading me back to his room.

He was in a gown and still on oxygen but he looked a lot better than before.

“Hey.” He said weakly.

“Hi,” I said as the nurse smiled and left, “Randy I am SO sorry. I had no idea…I never would have-”

“It’s okay. How could you have known?” He said, “I’m just sorry we aren’t here under cooler circumstances.” He laughed.

“What?”

“Well an allergy attack isn’t really manly, is it? Maybe if I’d saved a falling baby from a building or pushed someone out of the way of car I’d get some cool points or something.” He laughed again and then started coughing.

I got him some water and shook my head giggling.

“You’ve got plenty of cool points.”

“I’m sorry our date is ruined. I’ll make it up to you.” He said taking the Styrofoam cup of water.

“It’s okay, really. You can’t say it wasn’t exciting or memorable, right?” I joked weakly.

“Faith…I need to tell you something.”

“Okay.” I said with trepidation.

“I…haven’t been completely honest with you.”

I’ve come to hate surprises like this they always end horribly with your boyfriend telling you he cheated on you or that the woman he cheated on you with is pregnant or that he’s engaged.

“I don’t just live with Lady. I have a son.”

I was really caught off guard; but also relieved.

“O-uhhh-oooh.” I said expecting something completely different.

“He’s 7. His mom died three years ago in a car accident. I’ve been trying to figure out the best way to tell you. I didn’t want to scare you or make you feel obligated to meet him. I haven’t dated much since she died.”

“So, you’re a widower?” I asked.

“Yes.”

“I’m…I’m so sorry Randy.”

“It’s okay. Teddy and I have done our best to move on.”

“So his name is Teddy and he’s 7?”

“Yeah. He’s in second grade.”

“You could have told me this sooner. I like kids.” I said.

“I’ve felt horrible. Every time I’ve dropped you off at your door I’ve wanted to come in but Teddy doesn’t like to be left with the baby sitter for more than a few hours and-”

“It’s okay, Randy, you don’t have to explain. I understand…really. Do you want me to call the baby sitter and let her know where you are? She’s probably expecting you back soon.”

“Could you?” He asked.

I nodded and he gave me the number. I let Randy know that she would stay until we got back and then sat with him for the next two hours while he was observed. By the time he was discharged, it was past midnight, so I called a cab to take us home. Randy dropped me off at my apartment and went to kiss me but I stopped him.

“Maybe just a hug this time?” I joked.

“Good idea. I’ll make this up to you. I’m so sorry tonight was such a wash, Faith.”

“It’s okay. Feel better, alright?” I said. He nodded, waved, and then headed toward the stairwell. I feel like a weight has been lifted off of me. At least now I know why Randy has been blowing off my invitations. I really hope that he accepts soon, though.

(And yes, yes I am ignoring the Sean drama for now. How could you tell?)