Rolling Along Swiftly
I had just moved to Houston from New Orleans just after Hurricane Katrina blew down the city. Having not found anyone special, I was thrilled to meet a really pretty Lebanese girl shortly after moving to the west side of Houston to be closer to my job. I remember thinking to myself the first time I saw her at church in a Jackie O-style dress: this is the prettiest girl I’ve seen since I’ve been here. We talked and exchanged numbers.
One Friday shortly after, she called me and asked if I would like to join her for bowling followed by dinner. Of course, I said yes, thinking that she was a bold one to make the first move. I was thrilled and couldn’t wait to see her. Driving there, I wondered where this might go. I imagined us as a couple down the line being very happy together and maybe very much in love. In hindsight, I realize such thoughts were way too hasty.
I walked into the bowling alley and start looking around. She was nowhere to be seen. I walked up and down the rows but no dice. After ten minutes, I called her. She answered and told me, “Oh yeah, we’re at the restaurant. We decided to eat first then go bowl.” I think I just stood there thinking, “Wha? Were you gonna call me to let me know?” I headed to the eatery and found that there were three other guys there with her. Of course, there was no place for me. I found a chair, joined them, only to become the bastard child that no one spoke to unless I spoke to them.
Then we headed to the bowling alley. There was more bastard behavior towards me. I do, however, bowl like a pro. None of them did. As the night progressed, I found out that the Lebanese lovely was not at all interested in me; she had her eye on another younger guy. I got no attention throughout the night so I started a solo guys’ night out: drinking beers and bowling aces. Before I went home, I tried to say goodbye to her but the younger guy was all over her so I just left.
