How I Met My Older Man

It was a beautiful morning on the West Coast. I had lived there for a little over a month, and it still amazed me how perfect the SoCal weather was. I loved going down to the beach early in the morning because it was so serene and peaceful. Most of the time, I read a book as I listened to the waves crashing in from the ocean. But for the last few days, I’d had my eye on something else. And just like clockwork, there he was, coming in from his morning surf session. Tall and so perfectly tan, with rippling muscles, dark shaggy hair, and the most beautiful piercing blue eyes I had ever seen. He had looked over in my direction a few times and it felt like he was burning straight through me with those eyes. In my opinion, he was perfect.  And he was walking my way!



I suddenly realized that as I had been sitting there thinking all of these things about him, that I had indeed been staring really hard. Oh boy! What was he about to say to me? I immediately felt all of the blood rush to my head, so I looked down at my book and pretended to read, hoping to get it under control before he got any closer. And then there he was, standing over me.



“The Firm huh?” he was referring to the book I was reading.



“Yes. I know it’s an old one but it’s one of my favorites. I also think it’s one of the best books Grisham ever wrote.”



“You a big Grisham fan?”



“Oh yes, definitely! I’ve read everything that he has ever written.”



“I’m Patrick.” He extended his hand out as he introduced himself.



“Jamie” I replied as I reached up to shake his hand. I started to get up and he kept hold of my hand and pulled me to the standing position. His grip was so strong.



“Very nice to meet you Jamie” he smiled down at me and I actually felt my knees weaken.



“Likewise” I said and smiled back up at him. He was even taller up close, and so incredibly handsome. We stood there staring at each other for what seemed like an eternity. In all actuality, it was only a few seconds.



“Well I’m kind of in a hurry now because I have to get to work. Would you like to get together for a drink later? Say around 8:00 up there?” He was pointing to a restaurant right off the beach.



“Sure that’d be great.” I said still smiling up at him with what I could only hope wasn’t a goofy school girl smile.



“Okay! I’ll see you then.” And with that, our first meeting was over. I sat back down in my beach chair and tried to at least pretend that I was reading, but in all actuality, I was slyly watching him jog to his car with his surf board tucked under his arm. Yes, this was going to be a good day indeed.



It was ten til 8 when I walked into the restaurant and headed toward the bar. I wanted to be a little early, but not so early that I seemed desperate. I figured I would have enough time to get settled and order a drink to calm my nerves. No such luck. He was already there. I caught his eye and he flashed that gorgeous smile as he waved to me. Then he was off his bar stool and strolling over to me.



“You’re early” I said as he reached me.



“Couldn’t wait to see you again” he seemed like a little kid at Christmas. I could see the excitement in his eyes. Those beautiful blue eyes. We walked over to the bar and ordered a drink.



“Okay now tell me where you’re from because I know that southern accent isn’t from anywhere around here” he said as he took a sip of his drink.



“I’m from Texas, east Texas to be exact.”



“How did I know you were going to say Texas?” he laughed as he said this.



“I don’t know. Maybe you’re psychic? I hear there are a lot of those running around out here.” I was teasing him but he didn’t seem to mind.



“Well, I can tell you for sure that I am not a psychic. I’m just a regular guy who works a boring job, and surfs on the side.”

“What kind of work do you do?” I just knew it had to be something outside because of his incredibly dark tan.



“I’m a contractor. I mainly build houses for the insanely rich. What about you?

”

“I’m a student. Well, I’ll be a student this fall. I moved out here to go to the University of San Diego. I was accepted into their nursing program.”



He seemed thoroughly impressed. “Wow! So you’re a smart chick. That’s refreshing.”



“Yeah I guess I am.” I said and kind of laughed. Do you not meet a lot of “smart chicks” out here?



“Not really. Most of the California women are really superficial. They’re only interested in men in regards to what they can do for them, and I just don’t meet their expectations. Call me crazy but I prefer a woman that actually has a mind of her own, and can think past what pair of shoes she is going to wear to walk to the mailbox.”



He seemed a bit cynical and I said this to him. He smiled at me and then the bomb was dropped.



“When you get to be my age, you tend to get a little cynical. Years and years of the same type of women will do that to most men.”



“How old are you? You don’t look like you’re an old man to me.” I said this smiling and silently hoping that he was going to say he was in his early 30’s. A lot of men tend to think that once they pass 30 they are old after all.



“I’m 41.” I could tell he was bracing for impact so to speak. Like I was going to throw my drink in his face and storm off. I would never do such a thing, because that would just be rude. And it’s not like I asked him how old he was and he lied about it. We’re just getting to know each other.



“You can take off now if you want.” He said



“Why would I do that? So you’re 20 years older than me. Not what I expected, but also not a deal breaker. And you certainly don’t look 20 years older than me. You’re hot!” did that just come out of my mouth?



He smiled and breathed a sigh of relief. He also looked a little embarrassed, probably because of my “hot” comment, but he recovered quite well.



“20 years older. So that would make you 21.”



“Yes it does.” I said and smiled up at him.



“Can I see you again?”



“Yes. You’ll see me on the beach tomorrow morning.” I said still smiling.



He smiled back. “It’s a date then."



I was so excited when I got home later that night. But I had no idea how much more excitement was in my future.