The Rebound

My heart is not broken, but getting used to the change sucks. The hardest part about all this is that my best friend – slash – girlfriend, Angelika is no longer there to listen to me bitch about everyday things., no one is there to listen to my thoughts about seemingly insignificant things, and no one is certainly there to give me late night lovin. It really kinda sucks.

If I look at the bright side, things really don’t seem that bad. Like for example, I am now allowed to watch TV until I fall asleep, no more pretending to read “The Davinci Code” and having to remember to turn the page every 5 minutes. I can play video games now. I can eat real pasta, not the whole grain “good for you” shit she used to buy all the time. Did someone say white bread? Yup, no more whole wheat. And did I just wake up at 1PM on a Saturday morning without someone telling me I’m lazy? Can it be that it is Sunday morning and no one is vacuuming my room at 8AM? Yes. All these creature comforts are back, and oh yeah, I no longer have to get dressed in the dark, I can turn the lights on in the morning and take advantage of the entire closet that is now mine… all mine. Funny how all these little things really do make you feel complete again.

So what is left to reclaim? My mojo. I have to dust this puppy off and take it for a spin because he’s been in hiding for the last 4 years. I’m not sure what I’m capable of anymore, its time to call in the rebounders.

Rebounders serve a great purpose in life. They give you companionship, they let you practice your mojo skills, they keep you keen and cunning, they give you a little of that much needed drama, they help you get over your last chick, and most importantly they give you that late night booty you’ve been askin for. Once a week is better than none at all. Right? (Did I just try to convince you that I can get it once a week? I have trouble believing that myself.)

So, here begins my dating journey. I have a lot to catch you guys up on, but lets start at the beginning. Angelika and I broke up a few months ago. A month went by without a date and without any interest in dating. Slowly but surely the finest internet harvests were wearing out and porn no longer seemed like an option. It was time to start dating again.

“Mission Objective is to get you out of the house. At approximately 1900 hours there is a gallery opening. I expect you to be there.” Said Bailey, my ex military friend. He hasn’t quite reintegrated into society so talking like a civilian is nearly impossible for him.

“Nah man, I’m just gonna chill at home tonight, ‘Lost’ is on and I got to be up crazy early tomorrow, I think I’ll pass. But don’t take me off your invite list.”

“Negative. You will be there at 1900.”

“Bailey, you really have no idea what it’s like to work 5 days a week do you?”

“Do you know that 1900 hours is 7PM in civilian time?”

“Oh… sounded much later than that. Fine I’ll go; I’ll meet you at your place at 1800 hours.” I said feeling like a complete moron.

“Copy that.”

I dressed in my fresh new gear, hopped in the car, and headed over to Bailey’s. I picked him up and we were soon on our way to the opening. The promise of the typical free booze you find at these events got me kind of amped about it and I was really now starting to look forward to it.

We arrived and just as expected, the wine table was set up and ready to take my order. I grabbed the Pinot Grigio and began to peruse the art. Bailey, who is now a college freshmen in his mid 20’s, was quickly snapped up by his new found college friends. That was fine by me because I had my pinot and some really amazing photographs to study.

I came upon a photograph that caught my attention. I was frozen by the beauty in this photo and could have stared at it for hours studying the beautiful lines and movement of the photo. It was a black and white picture of a woman. Her face was cropped out and she was off center, but in doing so it left just the right amount up to the imagination. It was stunning. As I stared for what must have been days, I was approached by this girl.

“That’s a picture of me” She said.

“Really? I was wondering what the rest of your face looked like.”

“Yeah most people wouldn’t be able to guess that it was me, but it is. I took that photo like 3 years ago. The original was ok, but once I cropped it and added sepia tones to it, it almost came to life. “

“Well I am captivated by it. I could really just stare at it for hours. What’s your name?”

“Daniela, yours?”

We exchanged names and made small talk. I couldn’t help but notice how effing tall she was. Approximately my height, but with heels on she was a statue. Exotic features, tall and thin, she was really becoming quite appealing.

“Well I feel honored to have met the mind behind this photo; can I take a picture with you?” I said busting out some rusty moves and feeling corny as shit.

“Sure.”

I whipped out my trusty camera phone, put my arm around her, and snapped away.

“What’s your number, I’ll send it to your phone.”

My heart raced for 3 seconds as I awaited her response. ‘There was no way that this move could still work.’ Low and behold she recited her digits as if she was waiting for me to ask since the beginning of time. I quickly pounded them into my phone, sent her the picture, and continued on with the convo.

“Cool, well you just showed me your great work and I just showed you mine. I got to run, but let me know when you have another opening, you got my number on your phone.”

I practically clicked my heels as I walked over to Bailey. My heart was racing, my adrenaline was pumping, I was feelin good. A rebound was born. A tall sexy, 20 something, exotic princess. I had her number, now If I could just find a way to get her email address or Instant Messenger screen name I would be in. See I am no good on the phone, but if I can write to you, I will surely win you over with my personality.

I have absolutely no game. I must admit, I’m a good looking guy, but I’m also a nice guy, so running game is particularly hard for me. I have no game. I think women just kinda feel sorry for me because I’m such a moron when it comes to meet and greets, that they find it kind of refreshing from the daily “Hey baby’s,” “Whatcha doins?” and “Excuse me miss’s” they always get.

The Plan, text her and get her Instant Messenger screen name.

I did, and I got it. I was on my way.

The first 3 dates have already happened... stay tuned for the details...

Next: Date 1.