The Story of How We Met (part 1)

Tom and I made first contact on Match.com in late August of 2003. Just like most profiles on the site, we both said that we weren’t looking for anything serious, just out there because, “…it never hurts to meet new people!”

After exchanging e-mails, we soon graduated to phone calls and texts and long nights on Yahoo! messenger, discussing the latest episodes of “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy.” (remember, this is 2003!) Tom would always make me laugh with his “Queer Eye” lisp!

We decided to get together on Tuesday, October 28, 2009. The Miller Hill Mall Barnes & Noble was agreed upon as a safe place with lots of people. (note from Tom: I always liked bringing dates to B&N because if the conversation went flat, there was always plenty of topics within arms’ reach. Also, I tried to get there early and build a pile of serious-looking literature on a table in the café to make me look smart.)

Despite the fact we had seen pictures of each other; we discussed how we would recognize each other. Because of this wonderful metro guy voice with a lisp, and our mutual enjoyment of Queer Eye, I jokingly suggested he wear purple.

I brought my friend Veronica (Vee for short) for support (just in case). Vee and I watched as Tom walked in the door and down the main isle, wearing his purple shirt. We hid behind the shelf to spy on him just to make sure he was who he said he was. I

recall looking at Veronica all giggley and saying “Ohmigosh! Ohmigosh! Ohmigosh! Leave! Leave!”

Tom and I met over coffee at the café in the store. We made small talk for a bit, and I soon found myself accepting Tom’s invitation to lunch. This is when I had to come clean about my support team (Veronica) waiting in the wings. Tom laughed, admitted to this being a smart plan, and said to have Vee meet us at Applebee’s.

After lunch, Tom, Vee, and I walked around the mall for a few hours, Tom and I arm in arm the whole time. Who knew that I could be this comfortable with someone that I’ve only known in person for barely two hours!

At the time, Vee and I both worked at the mall. So we simply had to visit friends and co-workers to show off my new arm candy! The afternoon came to an end all too quickly and we parted ways without making future plans...

--Laura

(stay tuned for Part 2 coming soon)