His name was Drew and he was so fucking perfect.

We met at a Vineyard in Cali. I noticed him watching me walk to him, smiling. His smile was the light that I needed that day.

We ordered our food, sitting outside amongst the beautiful landscape and garden of tulips and roses.

We talked, we laughed, we snorted a little. Okay, I snorted a lot from laughing. It was refreshing. Easy.

There was no music and for the first time in the night, he pulled his phone out to play, ‘Sky is the limit,’ by Mark Ambor. I had never heard it before. It’s so very lovely. We danced and in that moment, as I’m embraced by him, I smiled. Without even thinking. I smiled.

It’s the fairytale I’ve been waiting for. But the song was too cheesy, even for a couple of cheeseheads, so he quickly pulled away from me, took his phone and I started laughing as Nelly’s ‘Hot in here’ is blasting through the speakers. We both bust out our best moves. Parts of me never wanted the night to end. I was enchanted.

The staff came out to tell us that they were leaving and basically to get out. We apologized and started moving toward the only two cars in the visitors lot.

He walked me to my car and suddenly I am nervous. “Will he kiss me? Do I want him to kiss me? What if I have spinach in my teeth from earlier? Did I check when I excused myself?” He is so gorgeous in the moonlight and the first words I speak are, “You’re gorgeous in the dark.” What is wrong with me? We laughed.

He’s got a great laugh that’s incredibly infectious. He grabbed me and pulled me close and kissed me. Passionately. With intent. A kiss that was meant to be remembered.

We said our goodbyes and even planned our next adventure in our home states. I climb into my rental and as I’m heading to my hotel, I am uncontrollably smiling. Replaying the nights events.

I hadn’t checked my phone in five hours to see if you texted me. No missed calls from you. I made a tough decision that broke my own heart and told you goodbye. You’re on vacation so that’s no surprise. I haven’t heard from you in almost a week.

I can smell him on me. If I close my eyes, I could feel his lips on mine.

But there you are.

Always on my mind and I don’t know how to get rid of you.

If only I had met him first.

JMS