This was one of those absolutely fantastic nights, where a party is everything you hope it might be. Maybe didn't end the way I expected, but I still have to admit it was a great night. One of THOSE nights...
I made my way to the club, meeting up with Doro in the ladies powder room, making a few last-minute adjustments and give the hair one last spray of hairspray, and then making out way to the RAC.
When we arrived, it was actually quite a sophisticated show, as they had a string quartet playing, there were people in full Venetian costumes, and everyone stood around drinking champagne in a setting somewhat what I imagine Regency house parties must have been like. I just found myself constantly exchanging kisses with people and circulating the room. I spotted S arrive, but of course did not approach him, waiting until we more naturally ran into each other at a later point. I could tell that this drove Doro crazy, as now that she's realized we're both fond of each other, she's keen to see it all work out. Still, the game remains in play...
After about an hour of the cocktail reception, it was time to head in to dinner, where I found myself at an all girl's table, but I didn't really mind. It was funny as I stood at my place waiting for everyone to file in and find their places, I kept having people coming up to me and saying hello, at one point with three boys in a row actually lined up for kisses. I was definitely in my element, the social butterfly at the centre of the adoring swirl.
Dinner was fine but mostly forgettable, although by the dessert course I didn't even touch my dessert but instead made my way around the room circulating among the tables, just going around talking to people. There were so many great faces to see, from the Lansdowne to the ROSL, and there were friendly faces at every table I made my way to. Made my way out and ran into some Navy folks I remembered meeting, but of course couldn't remember names. Luckily, I'm so unreserved that I just apologized and re-did introductions, which charmed everyone. When I got around to S (last, of course), it turned out that the girl who was supposed to be seated to his left had never showed up, so I could have sat next to him all dinner! Oh well, such are the way these things turn out.
Then it was time for the dancing to start, so they cleared tables off the dance floor, and we all got going. As I continued to circulate, Doro was going absolutely mental, subtly asking me, "Don't you want to go talk to S?" She was so determined to get us together, and I did chat to him a bit, but was quickly called away by the Young Dutchman grabbing my hand to drag me out to the dance floor. The Young Dutchman is quite the dancer, and expertly whirled me around with some good swing moves, as we just found ourselves clinging to each other with excited laughter as we talked about his extraordinary GMAT performance once again. He's just so charming, I just love being around him, he makes me laugh. But poor Doro, once again I was spending too much time and attention on the wrong guy!
There was much more dancing and socializing, and I even did manage to spend some time talking to S and being a bit flirtatious (finding reasons to run my hands through his hair). But mostly just lots of dancing with everybody, until we finally reached the last song of the night. I couldn't believe how quickly midnight had arrived, but thankfully they were keeping the bar downstairs open until 2 AM!
So downstairs we went, to keep talking and drinking, and I found myself in conversations with tons of random people. When I got to the bar, the Old Ex-Boyfriend (of another friend) immediately got me a drink without me even asking, and just wandered off to talk to other people, it was just like it's this pro-forma thing, "Of course she needs a drink!" Glad so many boys watch out for me.
It was funny when at one point this guy in a suit-and-tie (not from the ball) came up to me and said, "I just have to tell you that you are fabulous! I absolutely had to come over here and tell you that!" I had to laugh, as he was obviously a bit tipsy, but therefore able to overcome his inhibitions to talk to what he thought was the prettiest girl in the room.
He introduced himself and his friend (easy to remember as they were both named James) and insisted he buy me a drink, but alas my current drink was already full. So I chatted to him for a bit, but mercifully not too long before he asked for my number. So I gave him my card, laughingly knowing he probably wouldn't call, but I'd give him a chance if he did ask me out whilst sober.
As the evening continued, I did find myself chatting with S for a bit, and was pleased that he was sliding his arm around me to hold me close, not just letting me do all of the flirting. It must have been obvious, because the Young Dutchman raised his eyes to me at one point in a question, and I told him the truth, that I like S, but I'm unsure.
Because I have to admit I had a lovely time chatting in Spanish with an American boy I've met quite a few times now, and who, despite being American, seems really nice. I'd like to get to know him better. And towards the end of the evening I found myself chatting to a Frenchman who I didn't give nearly the attention he deserved. With other options still open, could I really go for S? Because there would be no turning back if I did. This is one that I absolutely just can't mess up.
I was distracted sufficiently by the Young Dutchman, who had originally asked for an introduction to the young girl sitting to my right at dinner (she seemed nice, if a bit young), but then finding himself needing an escape later. Thinking back on it, I do spend so much time with the Young Dutchman and am so close to him, I wonder if S could have gotten the wrong impression of all of it. But the Young Dutchman didn't seem to question S's approach towards me, so maybe it all just isn't in my head.
Yet, at the end of the evening they were ushering us out of the bar, and so I left with the crowds to go get my coat. But S was dawdling talking to another girl. I dawdled too (socializing some more, of course) and when he reappeared the Young Dutchman invited S to join us for his birthday celebrations the next day. S agreed, but whispered to me that the Young Dutchman seemed a bit too slick, he wasn't so sure about him as a man and a friend. I was a bit miffed at the time, as I adore the Young Dutchman, but as I write this and reflect on it, I now realise that S undoubtedly has the wrong impression of the Young Dutchman, and so of course would not think well on a man he saw as competition. Oh dear...
We got our coats, and walked out the door with S to get a cab. Unfortunately we live not near each other, so there would be no cab sharing, but I figured we could at least say good-bye. Yet at 4:30 AM in the snow, cabs were rather hard to find. (Strange, right?) So S suggested we walk towards Picadilly where there were more likely to be cabs, although as I was unable to keep his pace in my ridiculous heels, I had to take his arm to keep up. We walked all of the way to Picadilly before we spotted a cab (my feet were killing me!) at which point he flagged it down and put me into it, with a simple peck on each cheek. Incredibly gentlemanly, but also incredibly unromantic. What was going on here?
I checked my phone in the cab, and found a message from Doro sent at around 2 AM: "Escaped all male attention and on night bus back. Slightly out of place. How are you getting on? If S doesn't make a move I'll eat my sock! xxx"
Ah, what a pity to have to tell her that absolutely nothing happened. I also texted the Young Dutchman to inform him of the sad turn of events, that I'd just been put into a cab, all alone. To which he replied, "A scholar AND a gentleman? Oh my."
I had to laugh at that, but responded that while I'm sure I would appreciate it tomorrow, at the moment I most certainly did not! So that got me, "Well phrased. Look forward to tomorrow. ;) x"
Yet, I know he was right. We see each other too much for an awkward hook-up, this is absolutely one relationship that can't be screwed up. But the way he put me into the cab without even a suggestion of anything does make me worry that he's not really interested at all. But then, I don't even know my own mind.
Finally home at 5 AM, where I sent him a message to say I was home safely and hoped to see him at dinner and drinks tomorrow. And then off to bed!
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