A series of shenanigans

Shenanigan number one. A day or two after my date was interrupted, I decided that I needed to throw a pizza party with the hopes that our mutual friend, Mike, would bring Dan along. It also meant that Mike would bring a whole host of strangers along with, but I decided that a pizza party with a room full of strangers would probably be worth it. None of my roommates were able to make it, so I just decided to be brave and go on. Previous experience had proven that my pizza parties were pretty magical, so I was really counting on a good time regardless.

So, the guests started trickling in, and I started making pizza. I was nervous and excited all at once. Mike had arrived, but Dan was nowhere in sight. The other Dan I met that night, ironically, was present. Just as the pizzas started going in the oven, Mike informed me that Dan might not come. He was driving back from Salt Lake. At this point, a pizza party with strangers was starting to sound unappealing and even a little scary. Mike, being the champion that he is, decided that a little convincing was in order. Mike worked his magic, and sure enough Dan made it to the party in time to enjoy a slice or two, and I started to relax and have a good time. From there, the shenanigans ceased and interactions became beautifully organic, albeit timid-- stolen glances from across the room... a smile here and there.... it was good.

We played games, chatted a bit, and a good time was had by all. The night drew to a close and I considered the party to be a success, a toe in the door. I was excited, and I couldn't stop thinking about him. What I didn't know was that after that night, Dan couldn't get me off of his mind, either. A couple days later, he decided to ask me out.

Mike gave me a heads up that Dan might visit me at the library while I was working. And that he might ask me out. He also told me that he thwarted another pizza party guest's plans to ask me out. I made sure that I looked extra good for Dan's visit. I worked the night shift on Wednesdays-- 6pm to Midnight. Essentially, prime time for guys to pick up on a girl trapped behind the only open reference desk at the library. I can't tell you how many times I said NO from behind that desk in the time I worked there. I was excited for the chance to say yes! So, I waited... and it felt like forever.

Finally, he came around. I had front row seats to whoever came in to the library, so I saw him instantly. I could not hide my excitement, and got a little flustered when I sensed the light of a thousand suns coming from my eyes and smile. He asked me if I would like to go on a double date to Salt Lake City that following Saturday, and of course, I accepted. We chatted a little, he asked for my number, and then he was on his way. My shift finally ended at midnight, and Mike came to walk me home so I wouldn't become another Provo rape statistic... but mostly because he wanted to hear how everything went with Dan.

Shenanigan number two. I hadn't been in my apartment for long when I got a text from Mike saying that Dan was going to pick him up from my place and to come outside so we could all hang out for a bit. I ran out, and there he was. Mike had the idea that we should all hang out in the car and chat. I thought it sounded awful strange, but I went along with it. Mike opened the front door for me and I got in and started talking to Dan. Mike stood outside for a while, and then I turned to look outside a little later and he was gone. We shrugged our shoulders and talked for a good hour and really got to know each other. I was a little worried that we might run out of things to talk about on our date, but nether of us wanted to stop. Finally, we decided that it was getting sort of late, so Dan walked me to my door, we had one of those funny side-hugs, and said good night. I was on cloud nine and my heart was ready to explode! This guy is a nice guy! I think he has a crush on me! Yes! And then I tried to sleep a little bit, but mostly I was just excited.

And that's how I got a little bit closer to falling in love...

[RACHEL]