This past Saturday I met up with my good friend Annie. I love spending time with her because she always has a very refreshing take on things. This 'take' came in handy even more than usual as we made our way to Bar Anticipation ('Bar A' for those familiar with the shore) for a college alumni event.
I should say from the very beginning that going to Bar A is a total trip. One because it is not only a massive structure of indoor and outdoor bars complete with a sand volleyball court but also because it is a huge melting pot of every type of personality the shore has to offer come summer time. You have the college kids, the fresh out of college types, the locals, the people just passing through and others who seem like permanent physical fixtures at the bar: and not just that day but every day. Back in the day I worked there during college. I was a waitress and I collected the cover charge. Anyway, that was ages ago and in a time far, far away. I go (maybe) once a summer now and it is always humorous to see who's there and who still works there from back in my day (because trust me, people still do).
Anyway, as we made our way down to the 'experience' that is Bar A, Annie and I chatted and caught up. One thing she asked about was this guy I had spoken to at a bar whom I had brought up the last time we talked. Nothing had happened with regard to this guy (who I had given my number to but had never heard from) and I couldn't really remember who she was referring to. But she reminded me how I had been so psyched in regards to just giving this guy my number and then letting it go (which I sometimes have a hard time doing. Single ladies, do you hear me?) Anyway, I remembered that empowered feeling surrounding the situation overall but for the life of me couldn't remember anything about the guy. So we moved on.
Or so I thought.
Bar A was busting with people when we got there. Sadly, no one from either of our years was there but still it was a total scene and fun to just people watch. Shortly after getting there we walked around and I gave Annie, who had never been there, a quick tour. Soon after we settled in to two seats at one of the outdoor bars and continued to enjoy ourselves.
Not too much time had passed before this cute guy was right near us, striking up a convo with Annie. Then he looked at me.
"You look so familiar," he starts. "How would I know you?"
I feel like this might be a line. But I see how he is talking to bartenders there and think that I might know him for real from when I worked there.
"I'm not sure, to tell you the truth. Do you work here?"
"Yes, I work here on Sundays," he says. "Maybe you come in here a lot?"
I know this isn't the case at all.
"No, not at all. But I did work here back in the day. Maybe that's it?"
We begin to compare notes about when I worked there and when he started and nothing pans out. The conversation dies. Annie and I turn our attention towards other friends who have shown up.
Time passes. Once again we start talking to Mr. Walk Down Memory Lane. He persists.
"I know that I know you. I just can't figure out how," he says.
At this point I am really thinking that this is just a line but, well, I'm flattered. Because he's super cute! And interesting. Anyway...what follows actually happened, Annie as my witness:
"I don't know how I would know you, except maybe through working here," I reply.
He thinks and then asks, "Do you go to the Downtown ever?"
The Downtown is a bar in Red Bank I go to all the time.
"Yes," I reply. "I go there a lot."
"And you always come in with a group of girls?"
"Yes, yes I do." (It's usually my sister and our friends).
"I think I spoke to you once there. I was a bartender there."
And then...like light dawning on Marblehead, I realize: this is the dude I gave my number to and then never heard from! I can't believe I didn't even recognize him. Funnier still, I find it hilarious that he is hitting on me yet again. So I decide to have a little fun with him.
"Wait a minute...you're a bartender there?" I ask.
"Yes." He is psyched I remember.
"I think I remember you. We spoke once, right?"
"YES." I can tell he is excited.
"And it was for a while, right? Not just a quick hello or something?"
"YES." He's still pumped.
"And you made me some funny drink that you invented yourself with berries and rum, I think it was?"
"YES, YES." Too excited for words.
"And then I think I had to go but I said something like, 'It was really fun to talk to you. Give me a call'."
"YES, YES, YES!"
"And then I gave you my card."
"YES!"
"That's right. And you NEVER called."
And with that, his face completely fell. He was so embarrassed. All Annie could say was, "Well, it looks like fate stepped in and you guys are talking again."
Annie, you rock.
And talk we did. All three of us spoke for probably another good hour. Scott was interesting and funny and managed to (if only slightly) redeem himself. He seemed like a good guy but a guy who was, most definitely still in 'player' mode. Maybe in a few years he would be the boyfriend type but for now he is such a flirt he literally repeats himself.
But man, that was funny. Go Bar A.
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