#10

I went to the party and met everyone; there were more girls than guys (I liked that). Mindy was the last to shake my hand and say hi. My first thoughts: pretty eyes, sweet demeanor, and nice, long/tan legs (as she walked away). Her first thoughts about me: cocky, chip on shoulder, funny looking clothes/shoes. I noticed that many of Mindy’s friends were cheerleader/peppy/preppy and they irritated me a bit.

One of the worst things I can think of hearing—was said, “Let’s all sit at the table and play a board game.” You have got to be sh!ttin’ me? So, we took our wine coolers (Bartles and James) to the table and gamed. Mindy and I happened to sit next to each other and I noticed that she was very outspoken about women and their abilities during the game. I had secretly wondered if she was in a UNR humanities class focusing on women’s rights. :>) In my usual manner, I observed and made comments to stir the pot a bit. As the game went along, Mindy and I had more and more side-bars/conversations and I thought she was so easy to get along with. She was purdy, too.

The game ended, because it was time to move to another house to watch the fireworks. I can’t remember exactly how it happened (Mindy will know), but we ended up in the same car in the back seat together. We just talked, talked, and talked and nothing else existed around me. Even though I was an emotional wreck, I asked Mindy an important question, “Do you believe in God?” Mindy said, “Yes, I do.” I was ecstatic; that’s what I needed to hear in order to move forward in getting to know her. Her answer was quick and sure.

At the fireworks house, our group setup a spot on the lawn (backyard overlooked Reno—like Hillside). What a great spot. I had brought a blanket in case it got cold—it did. Being a 1st-born and shepherd-type, I offered Mindy some of my blanket. :>) She thought that was sweet and I kept my hands to myself. At one point, we both had to use the restroom, so we walked into the house together. When I finished, Mindy was waiting outside the restroom door for me. I can’t fully explain WHY it touched me so deeply, but her waiting for me blessed my whole being. If I had felt comfortable enough, I would have hugged her from the bottom of my heart. This gesture of kindness/nurture (how it felt to me at the time) would be the major deciding factor in pursuing a relationship with Mindy. She saw through my rough exterior and put her proverbial nurturing arms out by waiting for me outside the restroom. I met Mindy on day 7 of my immature prayer request to God for a young woman to help me get on track.

We sat on the grass sharing a blanket, good conversation, and okay fireworks. I remember feeling like I’ve never felt with anyone else. After fireworks, our group went bowling and that was pretty fun. When Mindy would make a nice roll, I would put my hand up to give her a high 5. Instead of high-fiving me, she put her hand out for me to shake it. I thought it was a bit odd, but very cute.

More to come……