It was a long day at the airports, and in flight to finally make my arrival to the Denver airport. The constant delays through security, departure and in obtaining my bags had made the trip almost already unbearable, and I hadn't even had to do my work yet. I wasn't anticipating a good weekend in the foothills of the Rockies.
After retrieving my delayed luggage I found my way to the car rental, picked up my small sedan, and headed out onto the freeway to Boulder, not more than 30 miles from the airport in Denver. The drive was beautiful and went a long way at easing my frazzled nerves from the trip. The air was cool and clean, unlike that in the cities of the Eastern seaboard where I had spent much of my time over the past decade. The drive into Boulder was quick and easy and I had found my small hotel without problem, checking into a modest room on the top floor with a modest view of the idyllic city.
I had time for a quick shower and changed into some jeans and top before heading out to meet some of the people I was going to be working with on the project tomorrow. They were a lively bunch of guys, all in their mid 30's, and a good laugh to have around. One was married, but all of the others were still single and enjoying life on their own. We ate a nice dinner out in the center of town and then made our way to one of the well known watering holes near the park. The time had already slipped past 8 pm when we arrived and grabbed a few stools. By the time a few drinks had been downed the conversation had really livened up and we all got to knwo each other better. I felt sorry for Jake, the married guy, having to hear about the recent exploits of the other men, knowing full well that he likely went home to his wife every night and missed that aspect of his freedom. I couldn't add too much good stuff about women as I had been overly busy with work as of late, but was always happy to live through others when I could. At least someone was having fun with the girls.
More and more drinks were consumed and it was then that Scott brought up that I hadn't told any stories about my own dating life. They all jeered out at me, sensing that I was vulnerable on this topic, and urged me to tell them something. Surely, they assumed, I would have at least a few stories that would contribute to the overly good stories shared by all. Being a generally modest person, I told them that my own love life was not nearly as adventurous as their own and that I had been overly consumed with my work responsiblities of late. They did not take this well. Scott told me that it was going to be his goal to fix that, and as soon as possible. I shook my head no, hoping that the spotlight that was directed on me would soon move to someone else, but they wouldn't let it go.
"Ok, Man. Look around this bar. There are plenty of good looking women in here. Go on...take a look around and pick the one that you think is the hottest..."
With this I swivel in my chair reluctantly and take a spy. Scott was correct in one thing, there were lots and lots of good looking young women in thise college town. Many appeared older than your average college aged student, more likely in graduate school by the more studied looks on their faces and maturity in their drinking. I saw all sorts of women that I wouldn't have thought twice about hitting on normally.
"So?" Scott blurted out. "Which one is the best? Because I dare you to go up and start talking to that one as soon as possible and to try and leave here with her..."
I take a slug on my drink and look again. It was at this point that I notice a face that catches my attention. She is near my age, in her mid 30's, and looks very familiar. She happens to turn in my general direction and I place it. Sue. An old ex-girlfriend from college. Wow, over ten years later and here we are, in the same bar in a little town in the foothills of the Rockies. I realize my chance and take it.
"Okay, gentlemen..I found her. I bet you each $50 that I can take a girl home tonight of my choosing."
The guys all take me up on this wager as I stand and walk over towards Kim. She surely never saw it coming, and was even more surprised to here such a confident line from a stranger behind her.
"So, you come here often?" I murmer.
She turns around, getting ready to laugh at the poor guy trying in vain with such a poor line to pick her up, but you can see in her face that she recognizs me. There is a moment where she registers it all, making sure I am who she seems to think i am. I know the guys at the table see us looking at each other and might think that all is going well, even though she had yet to say a word.
"Is that you?"
When I nod my approval she flashes a big beeming smile. I know that the guys are watching and must think I have used a very effective pick-up line, none the wiser that I have known this girl, quite intimately, before. We get to talking, catching up on old times and telling the old stories. I try and keep my posture and distance to make it appear as if this is all spontaneous.
