Writing left handed

The Wedding Date That Wasn’t Mine

An RKO publicity still of Astaire and Rogers d...

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So remember that wedding I went to earlier this summer?  Probably not, because it wasn’t my wedding and I don’t generally care for events at which I’m not the center of attention.  Besides, nothing blog-worthy happened—or so I thought.

I neglected to mention that on my way out of the church after the ceremony, I noticed a man seated several rows behind me.  Not because he was particularly handsome, mind you, but because it’s hard not to notice someone when both of your parents are hissing “Single guy at one o’clock!  He’s checking you out!  HE’S CHECKING YOU OUT!”

A discreet glance towards the back of the church confirmed that he was indeed checking me out but by the time we reached the reception hall, I realized that he wasn’t entirely at liberty to do so.  Why?  Well, he was the date of one of the bridesmaids.

Ordinarily, I wouldn’t have minded (alright, I wouldn’t have minded much) but I was dateless and the man in question was one of approximately two single men present.  Plus, he could dance.  And his date… well, let’s just say she wasn’t exactly making the most of his Fred Astaire tendencies.

I excused myself to the restroom to hide my disappointment.  Unbeknownst to me, my mother took this opportunity to grill the bride on the marital status of her entire bridal party.

“They’re just friends,” she informed me upon my return to our table.

“Huh?”

“The guy who was checking you out.  I got the full scoop.  He and the bridesmaid—they’re just friends.  They work together.”

At this, my dad pulled out his wallet.  “Go for it,” he urged. “Ask him to dance.  I’ll give you five bucks.”

“No way.”

“Ten?”

I shook my head.

“Twenty.  Final offer.”

I did actually owe my dad twenty bucks, so I decided to give it a shot.  Plus, the DJ had just called lady’s choice and you can’t say “no” to lady’s choice.

Long story short, he said yes.  And he was totally charming.  And totally brilliant on the dance floor.  I thanked him for the dance and he asked me for a second, but on account of his date, it never happened.  He left, as far as I could tell, with nary a glance in my direction.

“How did it go?” the bride asked as we said our goodbyes.

“Well, we danced…”

Yeah you did!” the groom interrupted.

“But that was it.”

Oh well.  I had my twenty bucks in my pocket (or rather a cancelled I.O.U.) and left secure in the knowledge that my bargain basement frock was indeed worth every penny.

Why did I bother to relay such a disappointing tale?  Well, it turns out that said tale isn’t exactly over—not yet.  The wedding date found me on Facebook and as if I’m not having a hard enough time trying to sort out my affections for two men (while simultaneously attempting to be honest and upfront with both of them), I’ve somehow agreed to introduce a third into the mix.

35 Responses to “The Wedding Date That Wasn’t Mine”

  1. Katie

    Huh. I’m short and uncoordinated, and I also happen to have a tall hunk of a husband who’s an excellent dancer. Oh well, I’m happy to sit back and let him dance with the ladies at the weddings — I know who he’s going home with. 😉

    (Nice, by the way! Have fun juggling!)

    Reply
  2. Kara

    Oh how exciting! Gotta love a man who dance! (Bri is working SO hard on ours, its adorable.). But now I fear you may not have as much fun at our wedding… I believe there are only two single guys coming and one of them is too young and the other is Bri’s friend so I have no knowledge of his cuteness or dance ability. Although, perhaps its better to not add another guy into the mix for you! Either way, I give you full permission to dance with the groom! See you soon!! (and I want lots of details!)

    Reply
    • Landlord

      @Kara, you must find out about Brian’s friend, we have to have some intrigue at your wedding!

      Reply
    • Kat Richter

      Disregard Landlord’s comment– three men is more than enough for me to handle!!! Can’t wait to see you (and your first dance!) 🙂

      Reply
  3. Debbie

    After a bit of an absence on my part (start of the school year…) I must admit that I take guilty pleasure in the continuing drama! From one man to three! YIPPEE!!! Tall and can dance! Girl…take a chance! (What’s up with the rhyming…)

    Reply
  4. Zak

    Ever since I started dance lessons, I just knew secretly women pined for me!

    I may not have height, but I make up for it in charm (I hope).

    As always, I enjoy your stories, especially when the come from out of the blue and are this amusing.

    Reply
  5. Landlord

    This is one of your funnier ones, of course since I play such a HUGE role in it all 😉

    Reply
    • Zak

      Sometimes it’s nice just being the “Money Man,” isn’t it? But, sadly, no one ever takes my bets. Perhaps I need some advice?

      Reply
  6. mydatingprescription

    I love that Chauffeur put up $20. Sometimes I’m not sure who is more funny, your chauffeur or tu abuela con vino. I’m definitely impressed with your chauffeur after his post about your birth.

    Reply
  7. A Chink in the Armor | Fieldwork in Stilettos

    […] Today marks the start of the Philadelphia Writer’s Conference.  This means—amongst other things—that I will probably find myself in the throes of an existential crisis in approximately 24 hours.  I’ll likely decide to quit my day job (again), make plans to run off to Europe (again), and attempt—albeit subconsciously—to end my relationship with The Wedding Date. […]

    Reply
  8. becky119

    FINALLY!!! I have been wondering when “The Wedding Date” was going to come into your life!! I am so excited that I”m almost caught up on your blog! 😀

    Reply

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