Yesterday morning I was watching one of my favorite pastors on TV while talking to Schmoop-Dog on the phone. "I really like what Jentezen Franklin is wearing today," I commented. "What's he wearing?" "A black mock neck long sleeved shirt and gray slacks with black shiny shoes. It's a good look for him." Then they showed a little commercial and he was wearing a gray open front cardigan with the thick neck and lapels. "Oh I don't know how I feel about that," I said. "Do you have a cardigan?" "Nope," Schmoop replied. "I have a heavy high-necked pullover. In brown of course." We laughed as that is his favorite color. "Did I buy that for you?" I asked. "Nope!"
That made me remember something and I burst out laughing. "What?" he said.
"Oh, I just remembered a time when I bought two brown print cardigans for separate people."
"You have to tell me this story because you never buy brown!" So I did.
When I was a senior in high school, I became really good friends with this underclassman that I had a bit of a crush on. At the same time, I also had a little something going on with my brother's friend, who was older and in the Army (see "Under the Mistletoe"). Anyhoo, since Christmas was coming I decided to get my young guy (David) a present. I went to the Joy Store (best store ever!) and saw that they had brown printed men's cardigans for $5! It came with a tie belt and I figured he would like it. So I bought it for him.
A couple of days later, I received a phone call from Derek (older guy)! He was coming home for Christmas! I was so excited. Then I realized I should also get him a present. You guessed it: I went right back to the Joy Store and bought him one of those tie-belt brown print cardigans for $5! What a bargain! And since neither guy knew the other, they'd never know I got them both the same present.
David got his first and he loved it. I knew he would! A couple of days later I saw Derek and gave him his. He loved it!
Since we were on Christmas break from school, David and I hung out a lot with my best friend Emily and her boyfriend. It was nice because they both had cars. So one day we were driving around Glens Falls and Emily said, "Hey, we're close to your brother's house Rita. Why don't we stop by to see him?" "Oh that's not a good idea," I said. "He's probably not home." But I was sure Derek would be because he was staying with my brother! "Well let's just stop by and see." There was no way I could have signaled Emily because there were no cell phones back then and she was in the front seat with Robert. All I could do was pray no one was home.
But sometimes prayers just bump the ceiling; because not only did Derek answer the door: he was wearing the sweater! I didn't want to look at David but I did: and he was a most unhappy camper. But thankfully, he didn't say anything. So we went in and visited with my brother and Derek for a few minutes. Then when I said we needed to be leaving, Derek said to me, "Why don't you stay for awhile and I'll give you a ride home later?" And somehow I heard myself answer, "Okay!"
"We'll give David a ride home. Call me later!" Emily said with a wink; and they left. My brother had things to do so he left almost right behind them. Then it was just me and Derek. Before your imaginations get carried away: there was no hanky panky: just a little kissing. But I digress...
When I got home I didn't even get a chance to call Emily because she called me first. "How mad was David?" I asked her. "Not mad, just hurt. He cried all the way home." That made me feel a little bad, once I stopped giggling. Was it wrong that I felt a little powerful at that point? But I wasn't going to give up the chance of spending time with Derek.
I finally got up the nerve to call David and apologize. It turned out that he was more upset about me staying than about the twin sweaters. But eventually he got over it (with a little convincing) and Derek went back to his Army base.
After telling him the story Schmoop said, "See how you women are, even at a young age? You play us guys, buy us the same gifts and we as stupid men get over it because you blind us with your science!" My reply? "Well, yeah."
I hadn't thought about that in years. But I couldn't help laughing because stuff like that never happens to me. I'm no player! If you don't believe me, ask Brie. She'll be sure to corroborate that fact! Except it did kind of happen again in 1995...but that's a story for another day!
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