As if a blog of over 300 posts isn't enough to say that I've quite a few encounters with mankind, there are actually dozens of stories that go untold.
Anyone that knows me on a beyond-the-blog-basis, knows that my memory is that of a 67-year-old woman. Therefore, I'll do my best to shake my memory box and see what kind of glitter rises. Here's to forgotten stories and hopefully entertaining recollections.To start on a high note, I give you: Mr. Africa.This is about the only boyfriend I've had in the past 2 years (okay, 21 months if you want to split hairs. He did have nice dirty blonde hair... ;)) Wait-- hold up! Stephanie had a boyfriend? It made it that far? I thought.... Shhhyeah! I'm totally girlfriend material (and 20% polyester) but, haven't found anyone worth the dedication of a relationship... nor have they found me worthy. Door swings both ways I suppose. But, I'm kind of enjoying the independence. So, back to Mr. Africa. We met a dive bar crawl that my best guy friend in Charleston, "Bro" as I refer to him, begged me to accompany him to this Saturday night event and reluctantly, yet not necessarily wanting to stay home, I agreed. He scooped me up in his Subaru (super safe haha) and we made our grand arrival at the first bar: Griffin. Picture walls of dollar bills, tattooed with sharpies, lipstick, and beer stains. Guinness on tap, saloon bathroom doors, and lighting as dim as Hollister clothing stores. [Hollister: If you can't see how unflattering the over-priced preppy outfit is, you won't be able to convince yourself to return it to the rack. Oh, and if we don't ask you to work here, you don't have "the look" and you won't even be able to find an application online so maybe try Aeropostale?] Regardless of the unique mood lighting, or lack there of, we managed to find our group without a sweat. Upon approaching the bar, I ordered a Guinness and returned to the group for small chat. Amongst the food and bev enthusiasts, I stumbled upon a blonde-haired cutie approaching the scene. "Hi! Are you with the bar crawl?" Like I was the ordained welcome committee complete with animal balloons and sprinkled cupcakes. "Hey. I'm Mr. Africa." Gosh, I love his name. But didn't think anything too serious about it. "Everyone, this is Mr. Africa. Mr. Africa, this Meredith, Corey, Jace, and Trinity. Oh, and I'm Stephanie." "Hey." Smiling, he sparked conversation with the three of us closest to him. Then, after giving my drink an up down he said, "I'm sorry- are you drinking a Guinness at a bar crawl?" "Shhhyeah! They're one of my favorites. Why? What could be better than Guinness?" "Uhh... a light beer. You realize this is the first bar of the crawl right? We're gonna be drinking all night..." "Well aware." As I tilted the glass back, allowing the smooth bold liquid pour down my throat, I smiled, "But, I do what I want." "Guess you'll need a refill. And guess I'll have to join you." "Really? Not too heavy for your palate at the start of a crawl?" "I mean, I can't let you drink Guinness alone." Smiling, he gestured for me to follow him, like I minded following BY FAR the hottest guy in the bar, much less our group to get a free Guinness. The conversation bled into the next bar and then the next and we found ourselves escorting each other to each bar. Without asking, he bought every beer that found its way into my unpolished fingers and I recall a couple shots. After last call, he smirked, "I'm pretty damn impressed." "At the selection of dive bars in the crawl?" "That too... but your tolerance and your ability to captivate me the whole crawl." That was the first moment I checked my surroundings to see that all but 2 of the other crawl members had perished. Wow. It's like no one else existed for the past 4- no, 4 hours?!!? I looked up at him after my epiphany and his blue eyes were focused on the shape of my face and the position of my lips. "Oh shit! Where's bro?" "Oh, your guy friend? He left an hour ago... I think." "How did I miss that? I'm a bad friend! And he's my ride!" "I'll give you a ride," He said smiling, while his blue eyes seemed to melt my knee-jerk reaction to say no. Doing a giddy happy dance in my head, I suavely shrugged my shoulders and said, "yeah. I mean, if you don't mind." Playfully nudging me, he led me outside and gestured the direction of his car. Flirting wee wee wee, all the way home, he slyly put his hand in mine. He held my heart like you held my hand, making me reluctant to get out of the car when we arrived at my apartment. After a discussion about religion and how we both attend church, he leaned in and kissed me. Shocked that's such a stud was truly interested, my face turn a shade of crimson. After retrieving my phone number, he text me instantly thanking you for such a great night. Our journey began.... As the most refreshing thing since the start of my dating escapade, I made him, dandy candy cane brownies Bake your favorite brownie recipe.. Whether it be Grandma's secret recipe, special brownies as they call it, or Ghirardelli compliments of your grocery, and let cool. Then melt half a bag of Hershey's candy cane chocolate kisses with two tablespoons of cream cheese and a tablespoon of butter. Do so on medium heat and stir frequently. Drizzle on top and smooth with a spatula. Indulge... I promise it's worth it
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorChef Steph cooking up trouble. If she can't find anything real, she bakes real good sweets. Chocolate really may mend a broken heart... Archives
April 2022
Categories
All
|