In my hand, Lou placed two small boxes. Now, I have to tell you, I am a HUGE fan of tiny boxes. Big boxes can be scary. You never know what you’ll find in a big box…clothes that don’t fit, ugly-looking shoes, toasters, a vacuum cleaner. I was shocked when I opened the first little box and discovered a beautiful ruby and diamond necklace, and if that wasn’t enough, the second tiny box contained a matching ring. Wow!
I was so taken with Lou’s kindness and thoughtfulness, that I held back from cracking the empty champagne bottle over the top of his head when he broke the romantic moment with, “Glad you like the gifts. May I sleep with you tonight?”
“Ah…that would be a ‘no’, Lou”, I replied, totally irritated at his insensitivity and ridiculous assumption.
“Why not?”, pushed Lou, who was obviously thinking with his ‘little head’.
“Because I don’t have casual sex no matter how many how many presents I’m given.”
“Oh, okay. Just thought I’d ask.”
Men.
Lou’s next (and little did I know, final) trip to see me was fun. We did the tourist thing, walked the shops along Ferry Island on Coronado, and enjoyed a nice dinner at the Sea Lodge restaurant in La Jolla. At this point, I was really confused about my feelings for Lou. A special bond had developed between us as a result of working so closely together on the reunion, and a weekend trip to Phoenix (separate hotel rooms please) was planned to search for a site for the reunion. While I still did not feel romantically inclined towards him, Lou’s spunky character and lively personality were beginning to grow on me.
Following dinner that Friday evening, we went back to Lou’s room and with 60′s music playing softly in the background, Lou leaned over and whispered to me, “Camille, I believe I’m falling in love with you and can see myself spending all of my time with only you.”
I had an inkling that Lou was interested in more than just friendship, but falling in love with me? I truly had no idea he was that serious and I have to admit that I was at a loss for words (not a common occurrence). And while I would never want to hurt Lou’s feelings, I felt it only right to be completely truthful with him, so when he followed his declaration of love with, “So – how does that make you feel?” my response was gentle yet honest. “Lou, that is a huge compliment and I’m truly flattered, but you’re way ahead of me here and you need to give me some time.”
Lou understood, and as we continued to talk (and yes, even kiss a little) the Righteous Brothers began singing on the radio…See that girl? Look at her good. That’s something you don’t see every day, now. Dig those eyes…Ain’t they a prize? They sure can get to you, and, hey now.
“Whenever I hear that song, Camille, I always think of you”, Lou said softly. Now ladies, I don’t know about you, but whenever a guy plays a song for me, I find myself straining to hear each and every word – you know, so as not miss all those flattering things he only has courage to say through a song.
Look at that crazy smile (aw – how sweet), I bet you can’t believe, she was mine for awhile (for awhile?). Would you believe I’d go and blow it? (huh?) I let her slip away…and I tell myself I’m okay, But it just tears the heart out of me…When I see that girl.
Now I have to be honest. I was confused. Such a beautiful song, yet after listening closely to the lyrics it occurred to me that while I may have great eyes and a crazy smile, the relationship (according to Bobby & Bill) was over. Why in the world would a man declare his love for a woman and then, in the same evening, dedicate a song to her about his love slipping away? Was there something going on that only Lou knew, I wondered? Something he was afraid to share with me?
To be continued…
