Gaelen & me: The evening

So that night I got another couple of bantering-type texts from her. Nothing romantic, just friend stuff. The next day there was a Kazum practice and when I picked up my phone afterward I saw that I'd received a message: "I will pay for all the text message charges I incur if you will spend a night in my bed."

My whole body flushed. This wasn't a maybe; this was a warm and eager offer of a sure thing. She knew very well that I'm a lousy hint-taker, so she was her characteristic blunt & forward self. I appreciate that more than she'll ever know.

I showed off my neat new message to the Kazum folks, though I hid her name so that I could spring it on 'em as a surprise.

When I got home I showed Aaron, and Jed, and I was so giddy I could barely sleep.

I did feel bad about my crush: the wonderful lady from iHeart. So I wrote her an email explaining what was up, what I felt, and how I was concerned. She responded pretty quickly and reassured me that she was thrilled for me and every bit as happy about being my email pal.

It was the perfect setup! Gaelen was obviously sowing her customary wild oats and I was the chosen plow!

The next evening was the party that Uli invited us to: a surprise welcome-home party for Naia, a friend of Kazum and the last girl I spent the night with (at 2007 OCF; a brief and casual encounter that was fun and non-problematic.) Alex & Gaelen both planned to attend, and I invited Jed & Aaron & Zane as well. We hustled on over and had a great evening. Normally I'd write all about it, but I've got more steamy things to get to... except that I need to take off for practice.

To be continued...