In love, as in dreams, there are infinite possibilities.
July 23, 2007
I recalled that night vividly, for there are few in my life more memorable. I was heading down to Cheery Cherry's, the local bingo hall, for Wednesday night bingo. I felt lucky tonight, the air was crisp from the morning rain, and I had a few pounds sterling burning a hole in my pocket. The sun was just cresting the horizon, and in the evening light I swear I could see into eternity. Unfortunately, eternity is pretty long, so I took the next right and headed into my favourite hangout, Cheery Cherry's.
Jim was tending bar as always, and he gave me a nod as I walked in.
"Hey Patrick, what'll it be this time?" he asked.
"Do you really need to ask Jim?" I chuckled. Passing me a Kilkenny, I held his eye for a brief moment and told him, "Jim, we've been friends for nine years, and I'm feeling particularly lucky tonight, my man."
"Yeah, you and about forty-six others, Pat. Good luck."
I continued into the hall, and was briefly dazzled by the lights. Blinking twice, I looked around to see why all the lights were up, and saw a banner overhead: "Winning Wednesday!"
This was news to me, but being a practicing indifferent loafer, I took my regular seat. I bought four cards from Nancy and warmed up my favourite dauber, checking out all the numbers and blotting the free ones - one step closer to winning I always thought.
"Top of the show, 90."
"Two fat ladies, 88."
"Open the board, 1."
On and on the caller droned, monotonous and unemotional. I couldn't get into it. Suddenly I noticed something. I was getting closer to the first column full! Now fully alert, I waited for 22 to come up...
"Double two, 22."
"Bingo!" I shouted with all my heart.
"Bingo!" I heard from across the room.
Furiously, I turned to see who would dare steal my thunder, and found myself looking into the eyes of the most beautiful woman I'd ever seen...
