Hell was in the lower level of an Atlanta nightclub, fittingly named the Masquerade. It was a place where people showed up to hide from reality and enjoy the night. That is why I was there. I wanted to escape the serious parts of life, to forget about life’s problems, to relax and just have fun.
I was invited by a classmate, I had recently met. She had been invited by another classmate who went out dancing weekly with a friend. That was all the information that I knew.
We were having a girls night out
At least, that was my assumption. I am not the best at making friends, so this seemed like a great opportunity to possibly make three new friends. Of course, I agreed to go! The plan was for the two of us to meet the other two there, since we lived on different sides of the city.
We arrived way too early. How early? So early that there was just one guy dancing in wild circles alone in the middle of the dance floor. We took advantage of the time to talk and get to know each other. We did not know it at the time, but that was the first outing of many and a continuing friendship. She is my bestie now!
As the clock edged closer to midnight, more people joined on the dancefloor. We did the same. We slowly danced our way across the dancefloor, strategically dancing away from what I will call “space invaders” along the way. Shortly after midnight, the other two arrived.
This was not a girls night out
My assumption about a girls night out was incorrect, but where did this guy fit into the equation? They did not seem to be a couple. Was she interested in this man with the captivating eyes? I did not want to ruin a friendship before it started, especially not by moving in on another women’s love interest.
Lots of questions, but no easy way to ask. The bass vibrating through the club made words difficult to share. Glances were our main form of communication that night. Flirting without saying words as we danced together and among our friends.
My world changed that night I looked into his eyes. I was not looking for a relationship, but the interest and spark in his eyes gave me a desire to know him more.
Before I knew it, it was time to leave. Pet Shop Boys singing about opportunities as I left.
I’m looking for a partner
– Pet Shop Boys, Opportunities
Regardless of expense
Think about it seriously
You know it makes sense
Opportunities by Pet Shop Boys became our song in way, a running joke that he did not realize I was saying goodbye as I left that night. Shortly afterwards, my questions were answered. Then, my phone number passed his way.
Soundtrack for the last twenty years
Our relationship, like all long relationships, has had it’s ups and downs. These songs reflect some of my feelings throughout the years.
Hey, I just met you and this is crazy
–Carly Rae Jepsen, Call Me Maybe
But here’s my number, so call me maybe
It’s hard to look right at you baby
But here’s my number, so call me maybe
I didn’t know that I was starving till I tasted you
–Hailee Steinfeld, Starving
Don’t need no butterflies when you give me the whole damn zoo
By the way, by the way, you do things to my body
I didn’t know that I was starving till I tasted you
Sometimes I hate every single stupid word you say
–P!nk, True Love
Sometimes I wanna slap you in your whole face
There’s no one quite like you
You push all my buttons down
I know life would suck without you
At the same time, I wanna hug you
I wanna wrap my hands around your neck
You’re an asshole but I love you
And you make me so mad I ask myself
Why I’m still here, or where could I go
You’re the only love I’ve ever known
But I hate you, I really hate you,
So much, I think it must be
True love, true love
It must be true love
Oh, I know you’re feeling insane
–One Republic, Let’s Hurt Tonight
Tell me something that I can explain, oh
I’ll hit the lights and you lock the doors
Tell me all of the things that you couldn’t before
Don’t walk away, don’t roll your eyes
They say love is pain, well darling, let’s hurt tonight
If this love is pain, well darling, let’s hurt, oh tonight
Come to me my sweetest friend
–Goo Goo Dolls, Come to Me
Can you feel my heart again
I’ll take you back where you belong
And this will be our favorite song
Come to me with secrets bare
I’ll love you more so don’t be scared
And when we’re old and near the end
We’ll go home and start again
Start again
You fill me up, you fill me up
–Jon Bellion, Guillotine
You set my soul ablaze
You fill me up, you fill me up
Your love is so amazing
You fill me up, you fill me up
You set my soul ablaze
You fill me up even when I lose my head
Damn, I like me better when I’m with you
–Lauv, I Like Me Better
I like me better when I’m with you
I knew from the first time, I’d stay for a long time ’cause
I like me better when I like me better when I’m with you