Foolish Heart, Stop & Start

Flashback (Moody Girl Style)

It was February 2009 and the plan was to spend the entire day/evening with The Complicator on Valentine’s Day. I dressed up for the occasion and wore a lovely red ruffle chiffon top with a crushed velvet chocolate brown skirt, paired with my tall, sleek toffee leather boots. I had a great hair day, smooth with just enough body for that flirty look, with my killer red lipstick, gold accessories, dark glasses and my wool winter coat for this particularly cold but sunny day. The Complicator picked me up in his new Mercedes and we drove around the city. He said he wanted to surprise me and I was super excited, since surprises are so few and far between with him. My heart was filled with hope until we arrived at The Gladstone for The Erotic Arts and Crafts Fair.  I reluctantly got out of the car at The Complicator’s insistence (my heart sank), but I went along with it and tried to feign interest in the amateur arts & crafts created in the name of love or rather sex. I mean it would be a fun thing to do if it was your first year together on V Day or if you’re a hipster with a $20 budget for Valentine’s Day. The Complicator insisted on buying me my V Day presents from there, and I ended up with an extra, extra small lime green shirt (that was tight back then) with a red dragon on it and a pair of fuzzy red handcuffs (that broke as soon as we got to the car), oh wait there was a feather tickler too. I thought to myself, great surprise, what’s next or is this it?

After frequenting a few art galleries that had nothing to do with me on this particular occasion, I was wondering if the surprise was coming up. As the day turned into evening, I sadly realized that The Complicator failed to make dinner reservations on Valentine’s Day. I remember stopping at a few places and being told that the restaurant was completely booked, how embarrassing. The surprises kept on coming! If only The Complicator had put just a little thought into it! Anyway, my hunger pangs were increasing as we continued to drive around. When my hunger grumbles turned into loud growls and I couldn’t take it anymore, I told The Complicator that it be would be okay with me to go to a familiar place where we would be sure to get a seat. Our friend who owns Sambuca and (now) Valens had opened up a place in the village and I figured since we were close by, why not drop by to see the new space, Sambuca on Church. By the time we arrived at the restaurant, there was a massive line up outside and full to the max on the inside. Surprise! I was wrong! The Complicator started getting visibly agitated so I had no choice but to take control. I walked up to the front of the line and told the hostess to let Kandar, (the owner) know that The Complicator and I were here for dinner and would really appreciate a table. I was quite pleased with myself and was hoping for a nod of approval from The Complicator, instead I got scolded, “I can’t believe you just did that”. After a few minutes the hostess returned and showed us to our table. I walked in with my head up high and he looked utterly embarrassed.

Once we were comfortably seated, I looked around to see how other women were dressed, (since I looked marvellous), then it occurred to me that I was the only woman in the restaurant and instead was getting a few jealous looks from other men. Did I mention that Sambuca on Church is located in the gay village? Regardless, we had an unconventional Valentine’s Day. It’s kind of funny when I think about it now. Hey at least we had dinner and it was a fantastic dinner. I playfully said to The Complicator, “You didn’t wish me Happy Valentine’s Day”, and he quickly muttered it to me, over the blaring music at the restaurant. I thought to myself, “Yep, eat your heart out men, this fool is with me”. J

While we were driving around after dinner, I drifted into my own thoughts while listening to the enchanting sounds of Nicola Conte’s Rituals. I was thinking to myself is it too much to ask for the person you’re with to articulate how they feel about you even if it seems redundant. I wasn’t expecting a present from Tiffany & Co. or to be whisked away for a romantic weekend (although I would have been very impressed). All I really wanted was to hear some heartfelt words.  When I checked my phone, I saw that I had a voicemail message from Grant Bedford, our mutual friend (who just happens to be dreamy). Anyway, he had received the musical birthday card that I had sent him and was genuinely touched that I remembered his birthday. I had written a note in the card telling him that Thievery Corporation was playing later in the month and that he should also come. In the message to me, he confirmed that he would be there. At the end of the message, in his deep voice he said, “Oh, um by the way, Happy Valentine’s Day” and my heart melted and a gigantic grin took over my face, as I drifted further into my thoughts.

Later I found out that Grant Bedford didn’t even know who Thievery Corporation was, but came to the show anyway. Hmmm, interesting! (Grant Bedford and I went to the show together that night, but hey that’s another blog). By the way, I saved that particular voicemail message :) Sometimes it’s not always about who says Happy Valentine’s Day, but rather how it’s said that makes all the difference!

Moody Girl Out.