Shannon here: Marji Laine shares how she met her husband, plus a chance to win a copy of her latest Romantic Suspense, Breaking Point. Comment or answer the question in this post to enter the drawing. Deadline: Nov 2nd, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Marji:
Paul and I met at the Baptist Student Center at our East Texas university in January of our sophomore year. He and his best friend, Scotty, would flirt to get an invitation to my apartment for lunch on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
They were hysterical. Always lifting weights in the fieldhouse that bordered the path from the campus to my apartment next to the football field. They would watch for me and knock on the glass when I walked by.
Of course, I invited them over for sandwiches or leftovers; sometimes I’d even cook for them. Afterward, Scotty and I would try to get Paul to play hooky from his campus job and go fishing with us. It worked once. But usually, they’d both be on their way until the next opportunity.
That summer, I moved farther east to work at a summer camp. Paul wrote to me a few times – theological discussions that we’d started or common interests. Nothing mushy! We were only friends! He even drove me to camp one time when my car wasn’t behaving, a four-hour round-trip for him.
As the end of the summer neared, I figured I would give him a thrill and go out with him – full of myself, wasn’t I! But this was seriously my thought as I got to campus just in time to pack up and leave for Student Week in New Mexico. I noticed that Paul was driving the little truck that pulled the packed trailer. It only had room for one passenger, so I assumed I would be that person.
Until another girl got into the truck with him.
But he was my friend! I seriously don’t remember being jealous as much as incredulous that I’d never really thought of him in romantic terms before. We were best friends. We did everything together and talked all the time. Why had I never thought of him as a boyfriend?
And boy, did I get an earful about his relationship with this girl. Her best friend was in the 15-passenger van with the rest of us, and she kept talking about how in love they were. Really? Then why hadn’t I heard about her?
Well, that’s what I asked him at our first gas stop. The girl went into the store, and I took advantage of the
situation. “Heard you and *** have been dating pretty steadily.”
“Nah. She hangs around some. Just casual.”
“Really? Because her friend said she expected you to ask her to be your girlfriend this week.”
“Not gonna happen.” He finished gassing up the truck. “As I said, she was there, and I had nothing better to do.”
That was when I flattened him. “So, if you and I are supposed to be such good friends, how come I’m having to hear about this from a van full of dewy-eyed girls? Why didn’t you tell me you were dating someone?”
“Because I’m not.”
“Then why is she riding with you in the truck?” I had him there.
“Because she came and got in. I couldn’t very well tell her the seat was taken when you were busy climbing into the van, now could I?”
Well, that’s how the conversation went in my recollection anyway. Later that evening, we got to the camp. All of the girls were staying in a huge room full of bunk beds.
Paul’s “friend” cornered me on mine sharing about all of the fun she’d had with Paul this summer. But it was time to be serious, and despite all of the hints she’d given him, he hadn’t asked her to be his girlfriend. “You’re his friend. What would you do if you were in my place?” she unwisely asked me.
But I did make my best attempt to be honest with her. I gave her the best suggestion I could give her. “If I were in your shoes, I wouldn’t be asking me for advice.”
She didn’t listen. “No, I really want to know what you think I should do.”
Well, when she put it that way … “You should dump him.”
Yep, that’s what I thought she should do. And she did. 😊 And he and I were holding hands in Santa Fe the very next day.
I’m so glad she listened to my advice, and so is he. We’ll celebrate thirty-three years of marriage in December.
About Marji: Marji Laine has completed seventeen years of homeschooling, but with her publishing business, her various volunteer activities, and her large family, she will likely never live a life of leisure. And that suits her just fine! When she does find spare time, she enjoys watching sports and Hallmark movies and mysteries, loves having game night with her family and friends, and enjoys talking “shop” with other authors. You can usually find her in her favorite recliner, plucking away at her keyboard with her rescue fur-babies at her feet. Learn more and connect:
Marji’s Website Marji’s Facebook Marji’s Twitter
About the book – Breaking Point:
The mere rumor of treasure can change lives or destroy friendships, but kill?
Alynne’s Stone’s planned out and predictable life ended when she hurried to her mother’s side to support her during a family tragedy. So why would she now have a target on her back? Her father’s death had nothing to do with her, but suddenly she’s having these “accidents”? How can she stay and support her mom when someone is intent on eliminating her?
Police Lieutenant Jason Danvers believes her father was murdered. How, he can’t fathom, but he also can’t ignore the details that don’t add up. Attempts on Alynne’s life must be somehow connected. Still dealing with the pain of his own wife’s death, he can’t allow an innocent woman to die on his watch. Especially one as scintillating as Alynne Stone.
Even in a small town, things—and people—aren’t always what they appear to be.
Can’t wait for the drawing or worried you won’t win? Get your copy now: Marji’s Amazon Page
Question for Readers: Have you or anyone you know ever dated anyone who started out just as a friend? How did it work out?
Come back Oct 25th for Sandra Ardoin!
yes, my friend Julie and her husband Kevin were just friends until I “played matchmaker”lol. I was having a small dinner party and invited both of them and being the only single people there, they ended up sitting by each other. they have just celebrated their 20 th wedding anniversary.
nope
My daughter did and they are now married with 2 children.
wfnren at aol dot com
No. My hubby and his best friend ( who was dating my sister) came over and we started dating right away. Only one little split. We celebrated our 50th in June.
I have a winner! Paula Shreckhise won the drawing. I appreciate Marji for being my guest and everyone else for stopping by.