Apropos of Nothing

I don't know why it is, but some songs just hit me right. If my life were a sitcom, the music playing over the opening credits right now would probably be "Long December" by Counting Crows.

"There's reason to believe that maybe this year will be better than the last..."

I was reminded of my waning days as a single girl when I found Tift Merritt's excellent "Bramble Rose" CD hiding under the passenger seat of my car. I was amazed at how quickly the opening notes of "Trouble Over Me" took me back to late 2002, early 2003 when my brain had that song playing on a continuous loop. Despite living a life of single girl bliss, like Tift sings, there were times when I wouldn't have minded someone to "make a little trouble over me."

There was one guy in particular, a longstanding professional acquaintance, for whom that song seemed written. We'd occasionally run into each other at meetings, and shamelessly flirt our way into dinner plans. After a couple glasses of wine, I always got the sense that through his witty banter, he was hinting that he might want more. And though I always sent back my own hints that more might be okay, we never closed the deal. It was probably wise not to complicate a valuable professional relationship for less than a sure thing, but I enjoyed the sparks. Ah yes, "love comes at quite a price, oh but don't we get along fine" ....

I haven't seen this guy since I've been back. It would be out of character to call -- our dynamic was based on chance -- but I'm sure we'll run into each other sooner or later. As I listened to Tift sing, I couldn't help but wonder if, when we do, we'll fall back into the same old groove or if my marriage has altered any of that.

Time to change the music....



The Wife Who Knows