The Ring is Off!

September 21, 2011

I had a big week at work. Tomorrow is a huge presentation and tonight I wanted to grab a drink and tell someone all about it. So I called Pastor. We met for a late night drink, which is totally against the rules, but I did stick to two drinks, so that's good.

I got a present. He had his ordination service a few weeks ago and I was invited, but I didn't attend. I thought it was weird. I was dating him. I don't want to meet his father now. I don't want his church to know me, not unless I'm his girlfriend. So I didn't go. And he brought me a cupcake. It was all wrapped in a fancy little bag, which I'm sure one of the church ladies did for him. But still. It was thoughtful.

And the second thing I notice as soon as I sit down is that Pastor isn't wearing his wedding ring.

To clarify, I'm still not certain it's his wedding ring. But it looks like a wedding ring and he's wearing on his right hand ring finger, which is something I heard widows and widowers do.

But tonight it's gone and I've had a great work week.

We talk about how fabulous I am. He asks me to let him plan the rest of my career.

I sometimes get this weird feeling from Pastor that part of what he likes about me is my potential. He sees a giant 'Do Over' sign above my head, which makes me so uncomfortable I usually stop talking about the great direction my life has taken and start talking about how even if I'm nothing more than what I am right now, I'm going to be fine. I don't know what I'm trying to get him to see by saying this.

So if I'm honest, I will admit that I got a little flirty. He started talking about all the things he dislikes about his church and I want him to feel better, so I start touching his knee.

HE'S NOT WEARING THE WEDDING RING

I mean, if he's finally emotionally available, then all bets are off. These guidelines could be out of commission.

It was a very good night. And he asked to see me Friday. I mean, initially when we were talking about getting together, I offered up lunch on Friday or drinks tonight. So maybe I started it. But still, to take every date and time I give him... that seems promising.