Gabby: You seem a bit down, Liz.
Liz: Is it that obvious?
Gabby: Your face always gives you away. What's up?
Liz: It's Dave and me. We've been together three years now, and it all seems to have become rather routine. It's not that we argue, but we are flat.
Gabby: That sounds boring. You're too young to be feeling like this.
Liz: Well, I'm not young in the way you are. You're like a whirlwind, Gabby. I've always admired that, but it's a bit scary to think about actually changing things.
Gabby: Change is what keeps things interesting. Maybe you just need a little spark, something to remind you that you're more than just Ms. Reliable.
Liz: Maybe. But I don't even know where to start. Everything feels so... settled. I'm afraid that if I try to shake things up, I'll just end up making things worse.
Gabby: Or you'll find out whether what you have is worth having, or that maybe you're not where you are meant to be.
Liz: Now that sounds scary!
Gabby: Scary is what we sometimes need to confront, Liz. Let's have another glass of wine and we'll figure out a plan to get you out of this rut and back into your life.
Liz: Wine is always a good plan.
Liz: Is it that obvious?
Gabby: Your face always gives you away. What's up?
Liz: It's Dave and me. We've been together three years now, and it all seems to have become rather routine. It's not that we argue, but we are flat.
Gabby: That sounds boring. You're too young to be feeling like this.
Liz: Well, I'm not young in the way you are. You're like a whirlwind, Gabby. I've always admired that, but it's a bit scary to think about actually changing things.
Gabby: Change is what keeps things interesting. Maybe you just need a little spark, something to remind you that you're more than just Ms. Reliable.
Liz: Maybe. But I don't even know where to start. Everything feels so... settled. I'm afraid that if I try to shake things up, I'll just end up making things worse.
Gabby: Or you'll find out whether what you have is worth having, or that maybe you're not where you are meant to be.
Liz: Now that sounds scary!
Gabby: Scary is what we sometimes need to confront, Liz. Let's have another glass of wine and we'll figure out a plan to get you out of this rut and back into your life.
Liz: Wine is always a good plan.
Gabby: I'm going out this Saturday night with a few of the girls. Why don't you join us?
Liz: What will I say to Dave? We are always together, even if we are doing nothing.
Gabby: Tell him you're having a girls' night out! He probably needs a break from you too. Just kidding. But seriously, come on. Let's get you out of the house.
Liz: A girls' night. I haven't done one of those in years.
Gabby: Exactly! See, the plan is already working. You're starting to sound like you're actually having a thought about doing something daring.
Liz: Maybe. But I'm not sure I can just... switch it on again.
Gabby: That's why you're coming with me. I'm a professional at switching it on. Just put on that red dress you're always too shy to wear, and we'll hit the town Saturday. I'll pick you up at eight.
Dave comes home from work, gives Liz his standard peck on the cheek and heads to the TV with a beer. Liz looks across at Dave as she prepares dinner, wondering if he even appreciates her efforts.
Liz: Dave?
Dave: Yeah? His eyes don't depart for the TV and then he laughs at a joke on the show.
Liz: I'm going out Saturday night with Gabby for a drink.
Dave: Okay honey. He still keeps watching the TV.
Liz shrugs as she realises he's hardly concerned.
Saturday night comes and after dinner, she goes upstairs to put on the red dress she never wears. She walks up to Dave from behind, who is still on the couch, and kisses him on the cheek.
Liz: I'm off for a drink with Gabby.
Dave doesn't turn around: Sure, honey. I'm planning an early night, so I may be asleep when you get home.
Liz feels hurt that he didn't even turn around and see how she looks or show much concern. She hears Gabby's car horn and goes out the front door and into the car. Gabby is impressed with the outfit Liz is wearing.
Gabby: Wow, Liz! You look a million dollars! What did Dave say when he saw you?
Liz looks disappointed: He said nothing. He didn't even look my way.
Gabby: Well, his loss. Tonight is all about you. Let's get the evening rolling!
They arrive at a bar and a few of Gabby's friends are already there, laughing and having a drink.
Gabby: This is my friend Liz. She's here for a good time. Can we make sure she has that?
The ladies in unison: We sure can. Welcome Liz!
Liz feels a bit overwhelmed by the noise and the attention, feeling out of place, but the warmth of the group is welcoming.
Liz: Thank you. It's... it's been a while since I've been out like this.
One of the friends, Sarah, leans in and looks at the red dress.
Sarah: That dress is a showstopper, honey. Now, what's your poison? Let's get you a drink.
They go for lunch and a walk. It's the most they've done together as a couple for months. Dave is trying to be attentive, and it's working to some extent.
Liz: What will I say to Dave? We are always together, even if we are doing nothing.
Gabby: Tell him you're having a girls' night out! He probably needs a break from you too. Just kidding. But seriously, come on. Let's get you out of the house.
Liz: A girls' night. I haven't done one of those in years.
Gabby: Exactly! See, the plan is already working. You're starting to sound like you're actually having a thought about doing something daring.
Liz: Maybe. But I'm not sure I can just... switch it on again.
Gabby: That's why you're coming with me. I'm a professional at switching it on. Just put on that red dress you're always too shy to wear, and we'll hit the town Saturday. I'll pick you up at eight.
Dave comes home from work, gives Liz his standard peck on the cheek and heads to the TV with a beer. Liz looks across at Dave as she prepares dinner, wondering if he even appreciates her efforts.
Liz: Dave?
Dave: Yeah? His eyes don't depart for the TV and then he laughs at a joke on the show.
Liz: I'm going out Saturday night with Gabby for a drink.
Dave: Okay honey. He still keeps watching the TV.
Liz shrugs as she realises he's hardly concerned.
Saturday night comes and after dinner, she goes upstairs to put on the red dress she never wears. She walks up to Dave from behind, who is still on the couch, and kisses him on the cheek.
Liz: I'm off for a drink with Gabby.
Dave doesn't turn around: Sure, honey. I'm planning an early night, so I may be asleep when you get home.
Liz feels hurt that he didn't even turn around and see how she looks or show much concern. She hears Gabby's car horn and goes out the front door and into the car. Gabby is impressed with the outfit Liz is wearing.
Gabby: Wow, Liz! You look a million dollars! What did Dave say when he saw you?
Liz looks disappointed: He said nothing. He didn't even look my way.
Gabby: Well, his loss. Tonight is all about you. Let's get the evening rolling!
They arrive at a bar and a few of Gabby's friends are already there, laughing and having a drink.
Gabby: This is my friend Liz. She's here for a good time. Can we make sure she has that?
The ladies in unison: We sure can. Welcome Liz!
Liz feels a bit overwhelmed by the noise and the attention, feeling out of place, but the warmth of the group is welcoming.
Liz: Thank you. It's... it's been a while since I've been out like this.
One of the friends, Sarah, leans in and looks at the red dress.
Sarah: That dress is a showstopper, honey. Now, what's your poison? Let's get you a drink.
The evening goes well, with chatter and fun all around. Some of the ladies in their group mix and mingle with other patrons. Liz and Gabby are sitting close together, and Liz is soon lost in it all, feeling invigorated. It's like she's gone back to the days she was unattached. They notice a nice man standing alone at the bar, waiting to order a drink.
Gabby: He looks nice. Go and order another drink and see if he talks to you.
Liz: I don't know...well, okay. He won't notice me, she concludes.
As Liz goes to the bar for another drink, she gets a smile from the man. He insists on paying for hers too.
Liz: Thank you, but there was no need to.
Man: I'm Greg. I wanted to. Having a good time? I saw you over there with your friends.
Liz: Oh, yes. We are having a girls' night out. I'm Liz, by the way.
Greg: Well, enjoy your night out, Liz.
Man: I'm Greg. I wanted to. Having a good time? I saw you over there with your friends.
Liz: Oh, yes. We are having a girls' night out. I'm Liz, by the way.
Greg: Well, enjoy your night out, Liz.
Liz goes back to her friends with a little more confidence. Greg stays at the bar, casting glances over to Liz.
Gabby leans over to Liz: I saw that, Liz. He looks nice. He definitely likes you.
Liz feels a rush of excitement. She hasn't felt this kind of attention in years, yet she kicks back.
Liz: Stop it, Gabby. He's Greg, by the way, and probably just being friendly. He's on his own, having a quiet drink.
Gabby: Oh, please. He was looking at you like you're the only person in the room. Why don't you go back and talk to him?
Liz: I can't just do that. I'm in a relationship.
Gabby: A conversation doesn't mean you're cheating. It just means you're here to be friendly with someone who bought you a drink. Go on.
Gabby leans over to Liz: I saw that, Liz. He looks nice. He definitely likes you.
Liz feels a rush of excitement. She hasn't felt this kind of attention in years, yet she kicks back.
Liz: Stop it, Gabby. He's Greg, by the way, and probably just being friendly. He's on his own, having a quiet drink.
Gabby: Oh, please. He was looking at you like you're the only person in the room. Why don't you go back and talk to him?
Liz: I can't just do that. I'm in a relationship.
Gabby: A conversation doesn't mean you're cheating. It just means you're here to be friendly with someone who bought you a drink. Go on.
Liz gets up and walks over.
Liz: Thanks again for buying the drink. Do you come here often?
Greg: Every Saturday night. I like the atmosphere and it's better than drinking alone.
Liz: It does have a good atmosphere. Everyone seems relaxed with no sign of any troublemakers. After some small talk, I'll get back to my friends now.
Greg: Well, Liz, it's nice to meet you. Maybe we could talk another time?
Liz feels a bit of a thrill. She's not sure why she's doing this, but it feels right to feel wanted.
Liz smiles: That would be nice.
Liz: Thanks again for buying the drink. Do you come here often?
Greg: Every Saturday night. I like the atmosphere and it's better than drinking alone.
Liz: It does have a good atmosphere. Everyone seems relaxed with no sign of any troublemakers. After some small talk, I'll get back to my friends now.
Greg: Well, Liz, it's nice to meet you. Maybe we could talk another time?
Liz feels a bit of a thrill. She's not sure why she's doing this, but it feels right to feel wanted.
Liz smiles: That would be nice.
She returns to her friends and tells them about the conversation.
Gabby: See! I told you. You're bringing your spark back.
Liz: It's just a chat, Gabby. Nothing more.
Gabby: Exactly. He wasn't pushy, just friendly. Everyone here is like that.
Liz: It's just a chat, Gabby. Nothing more.
Gabby: Exactly. He wasn't pushy, just friendly. Everyone here is like that.
The night continues with drinks and laughter. Liz feels more alive than she has in years. She feels a sense of freedom she knew was missing, but is unsure how to get it back with Dave. As the night comes to an end and the girls start to say their goodbyes, Gabby takes Liz home and on the way, they chat.
Liz: Thanks for tonight, Gabby.
Gabby: No problem. I'm glad you came out. You look like you’ve had a lot of fun.
Liz: I did. It was really nice to get out.
Gabby: Next Saturday?
Liz: Thanks for tonight, Gabby.
Gabby: No problem. I'm glad you came out. You look like you’ve had a lot of fun.
Liz: I did. It was really nice to get out.
Gabby: Next Saturday?
Liz: I'm not sure, but I will let you know. I appreciate you inviting me.
When she gets home, she finds Dave asleep in their bed. She pauses and reflects on the evening. How she felt special because she was seen and acknowledged. She gets into her nightwear and joins the sleeping Dave. She lies in bed and thinks about Greg and the way he seemed to appreciate her company. She feels a bit guilty.
Sunday morning and Dave comes downstairs and sees Liz in the kitchen.
Dave: Morning honey.
Liz: Morning Dave.
Dave: Did you have a good time?
Liz: Yes, I did. It was nice.
Dave: Good. I'm glad.
Dave: Morning honey.
Liz: Morning Dave.
Dave: Did you have a good time?
Liz: Yes, I did. It was nice.
Dave: Good. I'm glad.
He gets a coffee, not asking any more questions. Liz feels a sense of disappointment but no feeling of surprise. It's the default setting. She knows she can find excitement outside of her relationship if she wants to. The thing is, she doesn't want it that way.
Liz: Can we talk Dave?
Dave looks up, sleepy eyed: Sure. What about?
Liz: Us.
Dave: Us? What's there to talk about? We get on well and life is ticking along nicely.
Liz is frustrated: Ticking along nicely? Is that what you call it?
Dave senses the mood changing: What have I done wrong now?
Liz takes a deep breath: You might think everything is fine between us, but I don't. We eat dinner while watching TV. You didn't even see or compliment me on how I was dressed last night. You don't notice me or appreciate me.
Dave: That's a bit harsh.
Liz: No, it's not. It's our reality. At the bar last night, a man talked to me like I existed and was worth his time, which is more than I can say you make me feel.
Dave: So you're looking at other men now!
Liz: No, Dave. It's just that he looked at me, which was more than you did last night. I want us to be together, but I can't see the point if I'm no more than your cook, cleaner and momentary lover.
Dave thinks for a moment: Is that how I come across?
Liz: Yes. So either we start reinvigorating our relationship or it will die a slow death. It's on life support as it is.
Dave: What do you want?
Liz: I want you to care. I want us to talk. I want us to find something we both enjoy.
Dave: Okay. I'll try to do better. How about we go out for lunch and then for a walk in the park?
Liz: That would be a good start.
Liz: Can we talk Dave?
Dave looks up, sleepy eyed: Sure. What about?
Liz: Us.
Dave: Us? What's there to talk about? We get on well and life is ticking along nicely.
Liz is frustrated: Ticking along nicely? Is that what you call it?
Dave senses the mood changing: What have I done wrong now?
Liz takes a deep breath: You might think everything is fine between us, but I don't. We eat dinner while watching TV. You didn't even see or compliment me on how I was dressed last night. You don't notice me or appreciate me.
Dave: That's a bit harsh.
Liz: No, it's not. It's our reality. At the bar last night, a man talked to me like I existed and was worth his time, which is more than I can say you make me feel.
Dave: So you're looking at other men now!
Liz: No, Dave. It's just that he looked at me, which was more than you did last night. I want us to be together, but I can't see the point if I'm no more than your cook, cleaner and momentary lover.
Dave thinks for a moment: Is that how I come across?
Liz: Yes. So either we start reinvigorating our relationship or it will die a slow death. It's on life support as it is.
Dave: What do you want?
Liz: I want you to care. I want us to talk. I want us to find something we both enjoy.
Dave: Okay. I'll try to do better. How about we go out for lunch and then for a walk in the park?
Liz: That would be a good start.
He is relieved to see Liz is enjoying it. He also knows that if he fails to provide emotional support, it may end up coming from someone else.
Liz appreciates the effort and enjoys the day. They laugh together for the first time in ages. She is also aware that old habits die hard, so she will monitor things. She thinks back to Greg but quickly dismisses that thought. She wants to make what she has work. As she reasons, better the devil you know than the devil you don't.
No comments:
Post a Comment