things never said.

I talk. A lot. And I say a good deal of the things on my mind. But lest people should think I have absolutely no discretion, I am about to prove them wrong.

There was a girl. Her name was "Gingersnap." It wasn't really. But [as I've done before] I call her "Gingersnap" just so you won't ever confuse her pseudonym with the Gingersnap you know. So... if you know a Gingersnap, change her name to "Cinnamon Teardrop." And if you know a "Cinnamon Teardrop..." I dunno, just do whatever the hell you gotta do to understand that you don't know who I'm talking about.

backstory:
[I met Gingersnap at a favorite restaurant a few years back. We became friends and talked from time to time. Eventually I asked her out on a date. So Gingersnap and I went out once about a year ago. Why only once?

Well, shortly after, I asked her out a second time, and she said yes. She told me to pick her up from her house. But when I drove over see her, she wasn't there. So I knock on the door, her mom answered, and said that she didn't think Gingersnap was expecting anyone.

I called Gingersnap, and she said she was on the freeway and would call me when she got back. She didn't that night.

Or ever again.]

That sets the stage for the following events.

Today my best friend and I go to aforementioned family favorite restaurant where Gingersnap works. She's on the clock. She tries to avoid me, but is apparently told by her boss that customers have to be served. So she comes us and feigns surprise at seeing us. "Brian, hey!" she starts. "I haven't seen you in, like, forever!"

There is so much I want to say.

Considered responses:
-Not since you stood me up.
-That's what happens when you intentionally avoid me.
-Your plan worked!

Actual response: "No, you haven't."

Later on in the conversation, I ask how life is going.

"Pretty well," she replies, "but I feel like I'm stuck in a rut."

Considered responses:
-You look like it too.
-You are.

Actual response: "I'm sorry to hear that."

The food comes, Nick and I eat. We overhear an elderly woman say to a consultant: "Can we make this quick? I have my daughter and three dogs in the car."

We laugh, and imagine all the ways that could be construed. I can't help imagining a newborn surrounded by two unfriendly rottweilers and a pug. Anyway, Gingersnap returns to give us our check. We chat again for a bit.

Finally, she says, "Gosh, I've been 20 forever."

Considered responses:
No more than 365 days.

Actual response:
"No more than 365 days."

...

Oh well. I guess nobody's completely tactful. Least of all me.

But I can keep things to myself.

[peace out]
-brian

post-script: it just occurred to me that i may have kept it to myself then, but i didn't now. but that doesn't change the fact that i have... a head.