The ABC of Love
Arlyn and Ben Connected
“*card not accepted*. Now I’m sweating and bowling hasn’t even started yet.” - Ben
Our first date was at Lucky 9 Lanes. When we got there we went to get our shoes and pay for a round. The clerk asked if we wanted to pay “together or separate”. Arlyn quickly chimed in “Separate.” And me, being the gentleman that I am, looked at her with a smile and back to the clerk and say “Together”. Cool as a cucumber I pull my wallet out and tap my card. *card error*. So I try and insert it. *card not accepted*. Now I’m sweating and bowling hasn’t even started yet. Arlyn looks at me with a little grin and pulls out a $20 and pays for the date. Now, because of that embarrassing moment, I was thrown off my game and she beat me. We talked forever after bowling in my truck and the rest is history.
“We go between “I’ll pay” and “no let me pay” a few times before I “let the man win.”
For our first official date, we went bowling. I nervously drove to his house where I would leave my car so my parents would think we drove separately. (I can assure you that they knew we were going together). I arrived at Ben’s house and hopped into his truck, unaware of the future we were about to start together. We arrive at the bowling alley and it’s a typical first date story: personal questions, silent blushing, and rushes of pure giddiness. We go to pay for our shoes and go between “I’ll pay” and “no let me pay” a few times before I “let the man win”. He goes to pay and his card declines. (He wouldn’t know how many times I would replay this story in my head) I laugh and pay for our shoes, as our love story begins.
