As Mom mentioned in her post, I met Billy through his online journal when she and I sheepishly asked for his password after he locked up. He actually inspired me to start a journal of my own, and our correspondence continued through playful entry comments to each other, as well as occasional emails. A couple of months after emailing, we then ‘met’ through Skype, and we would occasionally talk through AOL as well. When he told me that he was joining his parents this Christmas for their annual trip to NYC (they live outside of London), we agreed that I would pop up there as well so we could meet in person. We were fun together, he and I, and we clicked. But we were just friends. Sure, we had playful banter, and we obviously had chemistry, but it was never anything more. That is, until six months ago.
Shortly before my 21st birthday, a young man called me asking if I would like to go out to dinner with him. I had only met him once before, and then lo and behold, nearly a year later he was calling to ask me out! Of course, all of this excitement was diligently recorded in my journal-- everything from the shock of being asked, to detailing both chaperoned outings (thank you Will!). Billy was reading all the hoopla about this, and in typical Billy fashion he left comments expressing his jealousy, with plenty of frowny faces to spare. I of course haha-ed to it all, completely unaware that there was actually truth behind Jealous Billy’s words. But it was after my second and final outing with the young man when I realised that he and I didn’t have a fraction of the connection Billy and I had. And even though Billy was just a friend, when I thought about eventually meeting someone else, a tinge of sadness would hit me. A couple of weeks later, I received an email from Billy expressing his affection for me as more than just a friend, and how he had felt that way for a long time. And while I was shocked by his profession, surges of happiness shot through me like I had never before experienced, and that day is one I will never forget. He later told me that it was my meeting with ‘Mr Date’(as Billy called him) that finally prompted his confession, and we now joke that ‘Mr Date’ might be the best thing that ever happened to us!
And so began our online courtship… and the wait for New York. Now it had changed from just two Internet pen-pals meeting up for fun, so the anticipation and excitement was almost unbearable! And while we bemoaned The Meeting being six months away, I am so grateful we had that time of waiting. As the months passed, I saw the Lord powerfully move in our relationship, with Billy and me growing closer together each day. My family also grew to know and love Billy through weekly Skypes and emails, so as December approached, EVERYONE was on the edge of their seats about the pending rendezvous.
Finally, after many months and countless emails, Skype sessions, and AOLs, December 14th arrived! Dad and I began our 12-hour car journey the day before, spent Monday night in Fredericksburg, VA, and on Tuesday rolled into New York City. As soon as I saw the skyline I felt like screaming I was so nervous and excited! Billy began texting me as soon as his plane landed and gave me updates as they made their way from JFK airport. We both arrived at our respective hotels that afternoon-- Dad and I at the Marriott Marquis in Times Square, and Billy and his parents at The London (ha!) near Central Park. My dad was able to get a room on the 28th floor with an amazing view of Times Square, and he laughed when he looked out the window to see the NYC Barclays building (Billy's employer) right across from us as well! After we settled into our room and freshened up, Billy called the room phone and said he and his parents were on their way. I told him we would be in the hotel lobby, and that I was setting up Skype so poor Sweet Momma wouldn’t miss out on anything. We hung up, and Dad and I headed downstairs.
At first I was in a panic because we had trouble connecting to the lobby’s WiFi, and I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to get the family on Skype. Thankfully Dad got some help, and we finally got it running. I calmed down after I set up the video, but still my insides felt like Jello as the minutes ticked by, knowing he would arrive at any moment, as our hotel was only a short walk from his. Then, before I knew it, as I was on the cell phone talking with Mom, I saw him. Immediately I hung up the phone (Mom would later tease me about how I “ditched her”, lol), and after he caught my eye in the crowd, he instantly made his way to our table. Even if I had all the words in all the world at my disposal, I would not be able to describe the feeling I had when we met. It was the most surreal moment I have ever experienced-- it was literally a dream becoming real right in front of me. I remember burying my head in his coat as we hugged, because the simple act of looking into his eyes was so overwhelming. (Anyone familiar with video conferences will know that you're either looking at the screen, or at the camera, but never actually in the other's eyes.) I was tearing up and trying not to lose it, only to look over at his mum and see her crying too! I went over to his parents and hugged them both, so happy to finally meet them in person. After introductions were made, we all sat down at the table together to chat and Skype with the family. We then had a relaxing dinner together at the Atrium Lounge in the Marriott, and after Billy’s parents left, he came up to the room to Skype some more with the family and say goodnight. It was truly an unforgettable day, and far more perfect than I could have ever imagined.
The next few days were beyond wonderful. We started every day with Billy coming around to our room early in the morning, and he and I would go downstairs to get a Starbucks and split an almond croissant. We always sat at the same table where we met to chat over our coffee for an hour or so before going out; it became a cherished ritual. After breakfast we'd head out and explore the city, walking everywhere and taking in the sights. Even though this was the first time we had been together in person, being with Billy was just as easy and as natural as I'd always pictured it. There was no awkwardness, no pretenses, no nerves. It didn't feel like the first time we met-- it felt like I had known him all my life, and we had just come together again after an extended trip apart. Even holding his hand, when I'd never held any man's hand before in my life other than my dad's, felt as normal to me as breathing. Everything just felt right.
On Wednesday we made our way to Rockefeller Center, stopping along the way at any shops that caught our eye. After we saw the tree and watched the skaters down below, we then headed over to Saks 5th Avenue to shop. It was a lot of fun shopping with Billy, as he and I would point out items that caught our eye, and also guess to see if we knew the other's style as much as we thought. I couldn't believe how well he knew my style, and even the correct cuts and lines that are flattering to me (especially considering he had only seen me full-length for the first time the day before!). While we were in the menswear section, Billy tried on some hats, as we'd previously talked about getting him a fedora in NY. There was one fedora he tried that fit his head perfectly, looked sharp, and even elicited a compliment from a passing shopper. We later went back and were so tempted to buy it, but it was above budget, and we decided it'd be best to pass.
That evening, Mr. and Mrs. Lane treated Dad and me to a delicious meal at Beacon Restaurant & Bar. The setting was gorgeous, all decorated for Christmas, and the food was extraordinary. Billy and I shared the wild mushroom flatbread pizza as our starter, and for the entree I had the duck confit, while Billy had the scallops. It was so nice to relax over dinner and spend time with his parents, and we had a truly enjoyable time.
The next day brought more sightseeing, and included an excursion to Tiffany & Co., which was lovely at Christmastime. But the day was particularly special because it was the day of The Carriage Ride. Billy and I had actually planned taking a carriage ride through Central Park months ago, so to see it become a reality was incredibly special. It was one of my most precious memories of the entire trip. That evening was the night of the show. The day before, Mr. and Mrs. Lane surprised us by giving Dad and me their seats to the The Radio City Music Hall Christmas Show! They got separate tickets for themselves so we could sit with Billy, and as much as Dad and I tried to decline such a gesture, they wouldn't take no for an answer. Ever since I was a little girl, I have always wanted to see the Rockettes, and to share that with Billy was wonderful. It made for a special evening to a perfect day, and I will never forget their kindness.
The next day and a half we made sure to get in the rest of our sightseeing, which included a visit to Macy's where we bought Billy a flat cap (which he looks very handsome and very British wearing), and a stop inside the Empire State Building. In the beginning of planning our trip, we had the idea of meeting at the top of the ESB just to add to the An Affair to Remember-ness of it all, but we soon decided that we would rather not waste our first day together waiting in line all day just to meet! But we didn't have to visit the top for it to mean something-- just being there in the lobby together, finally, was a memory in itself. That night, Dad took us to The View restaurant at the top of our hotel, the only 360-revolving restaurant in NYC. The food was incredible-- I had the crab cake for my starter, filet mignon for my main (SO tender), and the NY cheesecake to finish. Billy had scallops again for his main... I learned on this trip that Billy loves scallops. It was an absolutely beautiful setting, and such a special way to mark our last evening of the trip.
Our final morning together was spent trying to savour every last moment. We had our coffee and croissant at our table once more, and the feeling of sadness was heavily upon us. We sat there, just trying to memorise each other, not wanting the moment to end. The remainder of the day was like that as well. We went to Billy and his parents' hotel so that Billy could pack, and while we were there I opened my Christmas presents from him. The first was a box with an egg cup and a jar of Marmite, an English spread for toast (which is also eaten dipped in soft-boiled eggs) that I had been wanting to try. Apparently, one either loves or hates Marmite, and I learned that I love it! He also gave me a Lancome gift set of Tresor perfume (my signature scent) and body lotion. It was such a thoughtful gift, and I loved it. It came at the perfect time too, as I had just run out of my previous bottle!
After Billy and his parents checked out of their hotel, we all came back to the Marriott lobby and sat at our table again before it was time for them to leave for the airport. Our last hour together was so hard. We took a walk around the lobby, and just stopped and held each other for a long time. Saying goodbye was heart-wrenching. I tried to keep it together, but the tears couldn't be held back. It felt like a ripping inside as I watched him walk away. But through my tears and sadness, I kept reminding myself of the wonderful memories we made during our time together, and the comfort of knowing that we won't ever have to wait that long again before we next see each other.
Being with Billy in New York was greater than I could have ever imagined. I'm so incredibly thankful to the Lord for making this trip possible, and to my family for their unwavering support to make it happen. It was the best Christmas present I could have ever hoped for.
Thank you Billy for making every moment with you one I will treasure forever. I can't wait to see you again.
Billy, aka Mr. Kiss-and-Tell (his new nickname), has written a post describing his version of events, including video of our first meeting which his dad recorded on his iPhone-- click here. It should be known that he did ask my parents for permission to kiss me, to which they quoted the Apostle Paul, "greet one another with a holy kiss," but added, "just remember to keep it holy!"
