I was at a barbeque with some friends a couple of years ago. Lauren was a friend of a friend’s friend, but we were attracted to each other immediately. She had long brown hair and sparkling brown eyes, and this presence made me want to see more of her. We talked for hours at the barbeque, and it just wasn't enough.
I asked for her number and if she would like to go to dinner. Lauren smiled and asked for my phone. She gave me her number on that day, and I called a couple of days later. We talked on the phone for a while and made plans for dinner on Friday. We talked for a while that night, the next, and the next. We had amazing chemistry, and we could talk about anything.
Lauren asked, "So, what's your favorite time of year?"
I answered, "Summer because that is when all the good storms happen."
She seemed shocked but soon returned with, "I like summer too, and I love a good storm," she continued, “I have to go; I'll see you on Friday."
I thought I said something wrong; she ended the call quickly after I told her I loved a good storm, was that a bad answer? I would ask her on our date over dinner.
When Friday came around, I was excited to pick her up for our first date. I was a little nervous when I got to her front door, but I was even more nervous when Lauren opened that door. She was dressed to kill, and I had to gulp before I said hello. I kissed her cheek softly and asked if she was ready to go.
She smiled at me, "Yes, let's go!" She grabbed my hand and pulled the door shut behind her as we headed out to the car.
The black skirt that she wore kept revealing her legs. They were shiny and tan, but I resisted the urge to touch them. I rationalized it in my head as too much, too soon. I didn't want to scare her off; I enjoyed talking to her, and I was curious as to where this would go.
We talked briefly about our jobs, families, and dreams of the perfect life until we got to the restaurant. Once I parked, I went around and opened the door for her and reached out my hand. She placed hers in mine as she rose, and I closed her door. I put my hand on her back and felt the silk white shirt as we entered the establishment. The restaurant was a little bit of a hole-in-the-wall Italian place, but the food was amazing.
I asked her why she ended our conversation quickly last night. She smiled and said, "I don't want to reveal too much too quickly; I think I really like you and I don't want to rush through this."
She could tell that I was more confused but changed the subject. I didn't push her any further about it.
We had a great conversation, and the dinner was a hit; when we went back to drop her off at her place, she invited me in, and I happily accepted the invite, as I was engrossed in our conversation so far.
We sat on the couch, and she handed me a glass of wine. We shared more stories about ourselves and enjoyed ourselves. She leaned over, and I kissed her softly, and she whispered to me, "Before our next date, I need you to do some homework."
I looked at her, puzzled and unsure of what she meant.
"I want you to do a little research on what Astra philia is," as she kissed me again and said, "Call me tomorrow, and we'll talk more about it."
She walked me to the door and kissed me gently before opening the door for me to go.
I had the dictionary open by the time I got to the car.
"Astra philia: This behavior refers to the sexual attraction toward thunder and lightning. Storms heighten sexual urges and intensify the feelings of satisfaction."
I couldn't believe what I was reading—no wonder she didn't want to share that with me yet. I will tell you this: I resisted the urge to call her immediately. I rationalized that we'll talk about it as soon as she is ready to. However, she did tell me to do the research, so did she want me to know?
When I called Lauren the next day, I had many questions for her, but I wanted to take my time with things, and she would bring them up when she was ready. It took a while before she asked if I had done my research.
I acknowledged that I had but asked what it all meant. She told me, "Basically when it rains, I get wet!" We giggled at how she worded it, but I knew what she meant.
"I guess in the grand scheme of things, you could have a more significant issue, “I said, trying to be supportive.
Lauren told me, "Normally, it is not terrible; however, when the terrible storms hit, and I'm single, it makes life rough." "I'm...