It was just another summer night. June 18th 2009 to be exact. My girlfriend Heather and I had plans to go out to a bar in Highlands Ranch with a bunch of friends. I drove to her house in Littleton so we could get ready together and mix a few drinks before going out. As soon as we left her house, her phone rang. It was someone by the name of Dane. I'd never met this guy before, and certainly never heard of him. He was calling to invite her to a place in Lakewood called JoJo's. Of course Heather agreed, so we went there under the impression of just having one drink, and then heading to meet our friends at Lodo's. Well, one drink let to three which led to six. I was so upset. I was having a miserable time and just would have rather been at home then out with these clowns. We left JoJo's and went to the Roadhouse. That's where it all began; what I thought to just be another night, turned into so much more. At least 3 months down the road, anyways!
Once we got to the Roadhouse, I sat down on a bar stool and proceeded to text my friends to let them know we were no longer coming. There had been a drastic change in plans. Anyone who knows me, knows that I don't do well with change of plans. I like things to go a certain way, especially once I've committed to something. I was miserable. Absolutely miserable and it showed! We were all drinking, they were doing shots, and doing things I hadn't done since I was in high school, and wouldn't ever dream of doing again. I was mortified to see my own girlfriend doing these things.
Dane knew just how miserable I was. My body language said it all. He kept asking me to put my phone down and have a conversation with him, but there was just no way I was even remotely interested in talking to someone who loved to talk about themselves to much. The whole night he was talking himself up. A total turn off if you ask me.
After last call, we went to Dane's friend Kyle's house. More boredom set in, and I offered to take his dog for a walk! I think that explains everything. We walked outside, and little did I know, Dane followed me. He came out to smoke and we ended up sitting there and talking for three hours. I pretty much told him my entire life story, or at least that's what he tells people! Ha! After that night, I had no intentions to see him again whatsoever. In fact, I was so irritated that I went home that night and left Heather to handle things for herself.
The next morning I drove back over to her house, because we had plans to barbecue and lay by the pool with our kids. Well, when I got there, just like every other time, I let myself into her house. I walked into her room, and there were the two of them...let's just say it wasn't a pleasant sight. I told Dane he needed to get up and leave. I told him we had plans and he was interfering. I don't think I was very nice. He then told me he didn't have a car, so me being the person I am, drove him half way across town to meet his friends. I was angry but didn't let it show.
After that, Dane called me non.freaking.stop. He was relentless! It sure is true about men loving the chase. Finally, after he pursued me with everything he had for about 2 months, I agreed to go out with him. AS FRIENDS. I figured I had nothing to lose, and who knew, maybe I'd have the time of my life.
Well, let's just say that I don't know what he put in my drink (ha!!), or what came upon me, but I FELL IN LOVE with the man. Absolutely fell in love with him. From this day forward, my life has changed drastically...read on for the rest of my journey. Some of it may be hard to believe, but I assure you it is all true!
