The Blonde and I were due for an evening of bubbles, dishing our dirt, figuring out the meaning of life, and memorable adventures.  Her job is such that I don’t get to see her as often as I’d like, and when we do finally get together… watch out.  This evening we wanted to start with cozy chairs and a fireplace, so we headed to our favourite bar in Vancouver – you know, that bar where most of our adventures are born…

We ordered nachos, drank prosecco and became engrossed in conversation, completely oblivious to our surroundings.  It wasn’t until two men approached us to ask if they could occupy the empty seats next to us, did I notice how busy the small bar was. Buzzing would be an understatement. Who knew this obscure bar would draw such a crowd.

The two men were British with impeccable manners… of course we allowed them to sit next to us. It was when we decided to change venues and asked for the bill, that one of the men finally spoke up and asked us where they should go on an evening such as this one.  Out of towners.  I love giving suggestions to those who don’t know our fair city.  We got into a conversation about why they were in town and where Brit #1 had acquired his fabulous shoes.  The men were in Vancouver shooting a film – best friends and assistants of a sort to one of the leading actors, a man I hadn’t seen in many films but who had been getting a lot of hype lately due to one recent blockbuster and two major future roles. If memory served me correctly, he was also hot…

The two men were charming and as always, it was a pleasure to speak with foreigners. As we made a move to leave, they perked up and asked if we’d like to stay with them for another drink.  Desperately needing a change of scenery, I suggested they join us at Coast, to which they agreed but insisted that they didn’t want to intrude. I love men with manners.

Coast was a far cry from our quiet oasis and was jam packed with squealing socialites. I don’t think it was exactly their cup of tea but they humoured us by telling us to find a seat while they ordered our drinks.  The Blonde and I scrambled for available couch space in the lounge and could only find vacancy across from a couple who desperately needed a room. I haven’t seen a couple in their 40’s suck each other’s faces off as intensely as these two.  They didn’t come up for air and I couldn’t take my eyes off of them. Luckily, another section of the couch cleared out and we were able to relocate. I think the Brits were uncomfortable by the blatant show of lust. But even from my new vantage point, I couldn’t help but sneak a peek at the show.  The evening had so far been quite tame and I wanted to get my rocks off somehow.

I became immersed in a conversation with Brit #2, who was surprisingly very spiritual and inspirational. He explained his beliefs on the connections that people have, how souls are linked and how the universe works in mysterious ways when destiny has plans. I love conversations like these… it certainly beats small talk.

The men got a text from their leading man, who suggested they join him and his girlfriend for a late dinner at Joey’s Restaurant. The invitation was immediately passed down to us and it was difficult to say no… it’s not every day you get an invitation like this one.  The Blonde unfortunately, had to pass as she had an early morning and had suffered an arduous week.  We said our goodbyes to her and I walked with trepidation with my new friends to the restaurant.

We approached the table and there “he” sat lounging, but as soon as he saw us approach, he leapt up and enveloped me in a huge bear hug. Why, hello there.  His girlfriend did the same and I instantly felt completely at ease around them, all prior nerves vanished. They were both so charming, easy going, humble and relaxed (not to mention, they were the kind of couple you wanted to hop into bed with) – I wanted them to be my new best friends.

Dinner consisted of laughter and smiles, and overzealous servers doting on the star attraction.  It was the perfect meal until one very drunk girl stumbled over, reached across the table and grabbed a chicken wing from under our noses, only to merely examine it and put it back on the plate.  Is this what crazed fans do? Needless to say, she was immediately ejected from the restaurant by the manager.

At the end of the evening, I had a renewed faith in the kind of friendships that are stronger than oak. These four had so much respect and love for each other it was seeping into my own pores.  It made me think about my friendships – what I would do for my closest amigos and how much I cherished them.

I bid my reluctant adieus and hugged my new bosom buddies goodbye.  Little did I know at the time, I would be engaging in a full on dance party with them all the following evening, and forming a lasting friendship with the lovely Brit #2. It was enormously refreshing to find genuine people involved in a world so often described as fake.

My Lessons From a Bar Stool:

Lessons for the Ladies:

1. You’ll often find that you’ll attract more attention when you aren’t interested in your surroundings. Get lost in a conversation and forget about the world around you.

2. Intense public displays of affection are best reserved for Europe.  But if you must show the world how lusty you are, don’t do it half assed.

3. Never steal food from another person’s table, regardless of who is sitting there. Worst table manners ever.

Lessons for the Men:

1. Skip the small talk and dive right into a philosophical conversation.  It will tell you a lot more about your companion than empty small talk will.

2. Be welcoming to everyone you meet. You will be surprised at how positively people react to your openness and warmth.

3. When faced with a packed bar, an excellent way of meeting people is by asking to share a table.  You never know what will be in store.

-SA

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