Dating : A New Year's Love Story

On New Years, I spent hours finding the perfect sexy but classy outfit. I thought I could have him over in a group — I’m so cool and confident, after all! My stomach lurched when I opened the door and he was standing there. I just about slipped on the confetti.

He was in the same tight blue sweater that he wore on our first date. He fit back into my friend group again with ease. He appreciated the fancy cheese that I may have bought just for him…

We were out the door, on the way to a small party with great food and people. I got to live in a fantasy world, as if we were still together, as we all played games and Ex chatted with my friends. I let myself drink more of the sweet punch, easing into the evening.

Then, a tap on my shoulder.

“Hey, I have to go to the next thing,” Ex explained apologetically. “Okay!” I covered, overly enthusiastic. Two seconds later he was out the door. I was surrounded by great people, but I couldn’t have felt more alone. I cursed myself for letting him walk out without having a conversation alone with him. Though I had no idea what I even needed to say…

That’s when I saw his jacket sitting there, abandoned.

In one swift movement, I scooped it up and ran down a hallway in the massive apartment complex, too tipsy to take notes about which turns I was making.

The door locked behind me and it was freezing outside. I hoped I could catch site of his champagne colored prius. I knew he’d be driving…it was just a him thing to do. I clambered down the street…

After a few minutes, I realized I’d missed him. The emotions caught in my throat. Even worse? I didn’t have my phone and I couldn’t remember which building I’d come out of.

It was a good half-hour before a group of friends leaving the party helped me navigate the labyrinth back up to the party to grab my things and jump into their waiting Uber. I didn’t have time to think —and I was heading to who-knows-where.