Lilla and I had been friends for the past three years. We had met at the apartment pool and teased each other with humor. From there we had built a great friendship. Whenever both of us weren't dating someone we would go out with each other. Frankly I had more fun with Lilla than with any of my dates.
The pressure wasn't there like it was with the dates. There wasn't the constant judgment that goes on with dating. Instead there was fun, great conversation and genuine friendship. This was a great relationship, just not a romantic or physical one.
One night we were watching a movie together at my apartment. This was a typical John Wayne western. Lilla even likes the same types of movies I enjoy. We had been talking about the silly people we meet on a daily basis and how they would fit into movies, when I looked over at her and it struck me hard. I Love this woman. Isn't that interesting, I Love this woman.
Of course I didn't say anything nor do anything about this right away. Hell I haven't committed to anything or risked anything for a number of years in the relationship department. Just because I realized I Loved Lilla doesn't mean I was going to jump until I had totally thought this through.
It was a week later after my thoughtful revelation that I made my decision. I needed to let Lilla know how I felt about her. Kind of strange that I've known her for three years and I hadn't made any moves on her, now after just a week I knew what I wanted to do. The hard part was how was I going to do this.
Now I'm not Mr. Romantic or anything. Really I'm not. However, I think that this will require a romantic act to show Lilla how I feel. If I'm going to make a fool out of myself I might as well go all the way. Well I'm a great planner, just not always the best at carrying out the plan.
I was real lucky; it was the month of February, right at Valentine's Day. This was a perfect time to implement my plan. My God even in my mind it sounds like I'm putting in action the plan for a War front.
I called Lilla up on Valentine's Day at about 2:00 in the afternoon. "Lilla, this is Stan. How are you doing?"
"Well I'm ok," said Lilla. She sounded a little down!
"What's the matter? You really don't sound too happy." Oh my God please don't let her have problems with a new boyfriend or something.
Lilla took a deep breath and said; "I always seem to get a little down on Valentine's day. I'm not really sure why I just do."
"Well how about coming over to my place tonight. We'll order a pizza and watch a little tube." How's that for sounding bland I thought.
"I guess that will be fine. I hate being alone on Valentine's."
"All right then I'll see you when you get off of work." I hung up the phone and almost screamed YES!
I was ready at about 5:00. Unfortunately Lilla wouldn't be here until 6:00. That's ok I would be ready for her.
At about 5:45 I started lighting candles. I might have overdone the whole thing because it took almost 15 full minutes to light all of them. It sounds silly but I know Lilla really likes candles. She goes to those candle parties quite often.
Right on time Lilla hit the door. I love it when a woman is on time. Those fashionably late people I want to strangle.
I opened the door and Lilla came inside wearing her work clothes still. She has to wear nice clothes to work so she was looking rather nice in her black dress. I just wish her hemline were a little higher up but what the hell.