This is Michael speaking . . .
I had no idea I was being set up. All I knew was that Arynn was bringing her sister to come try out role-playing. At hearing this, I wasn’t even hopeful of a potential connection, I was actually more concerned that this new person might change the really good dynamic that was in our role-playing group than I was optimistic about any potential romance. Clearly, I had no idea what was coming my way. What a treat Robyn turned out to be! Not only did she add to the role-playing experience, but she laughed at every one of my jokes which made me feel great and led me to keep joking and flirting with her. Before I knew it, our characters were flirting shamelessly during the adventures (her character happened to be wealthy and would pay for my character’s expenses, but my guy would carry all her gear on our cross-country hikes). When we weren’t gaming, Robyn and I also had some amazing conversations off the bat. I actually enjoyed just talking with her so much that I invited her to lunch solely for the pleasure of more conversation—not intending to pursue anything beyond friendship.
Even though I had an amazing three hour lunch with Robyn on our first outing, I didn’t really have any plans to ask her out again because of a misunderstanding that took place. We were talking about religion and dating and I thought I was reading correctly between the lines in something she said and came away with the idea that she was only interested in men of the LDS faith for long-term relationships. What's funny is she was actually trying to tell me just the opposite--don't ask me how this mix-up occurred! Nevertheless, this glitch explains my week of inaction following our first date. What happened next I simply can’t explain. I was at work, standing over my desk where my cell phone lay. An image of Robyn suddenly entered my mind’s eye accompanied with numerous positive emotions that I had experienced when in her company. I grabbed my cell phone off the desk and before even thinking through what I was doing, punched a quick three word text message to her: “I miss you.” I dropped the phone on my desk after I sent it and thought “what the heck did I do that for? You hardly even know this girl and just went out with her the one time.” Although this was a genuine expression of mine, it was a totally impulsive action which is totally unlike me—Mr. Planner. I became anxious that maybe I said too much with those three words too soon. Fortunately, after Robyn was assured that I had texted the right girl, she responded with "Well, it just so happens that I kinda miss you too."
I couldn't get her off my mind and so, as Robyn mentioned, I asked her for a study date. I volunteered to help her prepare for an upcoming test under the pretense of being a friend. Because of my misinterpretation from our lunch conversation, I thought that she would want to keep things that way, not to mention the fact that I planned to apply for a job where she worked. If things eventually didn’t work out—which let’s face it, they never had in my 28 years with anyone (why should I expect this to be any different?)—that would make for an awkward situation. So I was playing it smart. I tried really hard not to kiss Robyn and potentially make things weird. I was just there to help her study! . . . and enjoy the cinnamon rolls she baked for me when I came over. . . and maybe to massage her feet as a way of showing my appreciation . . . and maybe to allow myself to kiss her adorable toes . . . and maybe to pause just long enough to smell her sweet perfume after that kiss on the cheek late at night under a starry sky on a crisp night. Jeez, looking back I didn’t even stand a chance!
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