I have always preferred dating men close to my age. Much younger men were never a consideration. It always felt like “robbing the cradle.” However, Declan became the exception. He reached out to me, and I responded by reminding him that there was a bit of an age difference between the two of us. He replied, “I’ll forgive your youth and beauty.” Now I am one who cannot resist a quick wit, and flattery will get you everywhere. Smiling to myself, I agreed to meet for Happy Hour at my favorite watering hole.
Declan walked into the lounge tall, bearded, and good looking. I must admit that my heart skipped a beat. He looked older than his profile pictures. The pictures had not done him justice. Though I normally do not prefer facial hair, his beard lent a kind of rugged sophistication to his demeanor.
He sat opposite me in the booth and put out his hand, introducing himself. I giggled like a silly schoolgirl, feeling a blush suffusing my face. What was the matter with me? Get a hold of yourself, girl! I silently rebuked myself.
He noticed I was drinking a glass of Prosecco and ordered a bottle for us to share. I do not recall how many glasses or bottles of Prosecco that we consumed. We were so engrossed in flirting and sharing humorous stories. Any further thoughts of having a regular meal or keeping tabs on one’s alcohol consumption were not considered. It truly was an enjoyable evening and harkened back to college days. He had a wonderfully quick and sharp wit and I laughed until I almost cried. We spoke and joked of many things.
We were the last to leave the restaurant. Declan walked me to my car. Once I was seated, he bent down and kissed me. Finding it quite enjoyable, I pulled him forward almost onto my lap returning the smooch. After a minute or two of this exchange, I suddenly realized where this would go if I didn’t push him away. We said our good nights and I drove home.
I awakened the next morning feeling under the weather. I had had too much of a good time the night before. Looking at my cell phone, I noticed that Declan had texted me. He, too, was feeling unwell. He also informed me that we had made another date. I vaguely remembered doing so but knew in my heart that it wouldn’t happen. I had allowed myself to let down my wall and become lighthearted and carefree. It had been a long time since I had felt so girlishly frivolous. I realized that, if I continued along this path with Declan, I would be untrue to myself.
I was looking for a forever person. Declan was looking for someone with whom to share a good time. We were not exactly traveling down the same roads. He was also a lot younger. So, “Mrs. Robinson” ended her short, lovely time with “Benjamin Braddock.” This time “Mrs. Robinson” ended the “affair” between herself and the “graduate.”
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