The trip to Seattle

I can't believe I'm even here yet.
I've done work this morning, so it doesn't feel different from when I'm in Richmond, and I drive to a coffee shop and freelance.

I got in last night after a 2 hour flight from Richmond to Atlanta, a sprint through the airport (since we landed 15 minute before the next flight took off), and a freezing 5 1/2 hour flight into Seattle.

On the first flight, I start reading a book that I think was recommended by the friend I'm going to see (and I later confirm this). It's called "the perks of being a wallflower." I can only get through chapter 1 because I tear up about 3 times and it gets harder not to cry with each paragraph...so I have to put it away. One of the lines that I remember is: "we accept the love we think we deserve"
It's a coming-of-age story about a teen boy in high school, but I feel like the author has cracked open my head and is writing things from my subconscious. So much has struck a chord with me in this book. It's a little scary.

I land and drive from the airport to the Irish Pub where my friend works. It took maybe 10 minutes. He told me to come there first and he'd buy me a drink before last call. I stopped to get a couple 6-packs at a convenience store, and got "hollered at" by about 5 dudes in the parking lot and in the store. Not sure what they'd call that out here, but I'd been in the city for 15 minutes and already got more attention than I ever get in Richmond....not that it's the type of attention I'm looking for, but still.
Someone told me Seattle was full of single dudes and the ladies are outnumbered...maybe that's true.

I got to the bar and he came outside to make sure I got to the right place and then ran back in to make my drink. Long hair and a thick beard. All black still. Red shoes. Makes me smile.

When I'm waiting for him to get off work, two dudes in the bar befriend me and ask me about Sasquatch. It's fun. Talking to strangers like I'm used to it. The bouncer yells for us all to leave, but then says that "Miss Virginia" can stay.

"Do you have one of those cute Virginia accents?" he asks me.

"I do"

"Oh, yeah, you do!"

Two words and they can tell.

I take my friend to the car he's borrowing, and on the way he notices I'm not listening to any music. He offers his CD's. I can choose the new Animal Collective, a jazz cd or Explosions in the Sky. I'll take Explosions in the Sky, since I've never actually heard it.

We drive east toward the house but on the way, he pulls over at an overlook so we can check out the view of the city at night from West Seattle. It's lovely. And reminds me of a time in Libby Hill Park, when we walked and talked and looked at the skyline in Richmond. He tells me how beautiful this place is and how he can't wait to show me around over the next couple of days. He says the view goes on forever.

His house is a decent size. He's got several roommates, but a proper room and a proper bed. We sit up and talk for a bit and listen to jazz and sinatra. He's a gentleman and offers me the bed and makes a palette on the floor for himself. He lights a candle and then puts on celestial harmonies as we fall asleep.

Seattle has been awesome so far.