Someone, Somewhere (In Summertime) - Simple Minds

I met her in middle school. We had a memorable (for me) meet cute in a small class for gifted kids. My friend told me she wanted to dance with me at a dance later that year but I was too scared to ask her. Had classes together in high school, similar friend groups, but our paths didn’t cross much. Ended up at the same college and commuted home together every few weeks. It was a three hour car ride so we talked about everything. She was the best listener and she had the ability to make you feel like the coolest person in the room. I developed feelings for her but I was also dating this girl I truly had no business dating. When the girlfriend dumped me, I let my friend know I was really crushed. She made the first move! She told me she wanted to date me.

I felt the exact same way but I had just been dumped and I put my foot in my mouth. I said (twice) something to the effect of “why would you be interested in me.” Dumb… so dumb. We rode home but she was obviously disappointed. I didn’t know what to say at that point, but I knew I had stepped in it.

Once I had finished licking my wounds from the breakup a couple weeks later I tried to make contact by sending flowers with a note asking for a date. I got a call from her the next morning—she had gotten involved with someone she was casually dating when we had our missed connection. I was absolutely devastated. I had some personal problems and spent a couple of years getting my life together. I called her about two and a half years later and we talked for over an hour. I asked if she was seeing anyone and she was, unfortunately for me.

Today I’m blessed-amazing wife, three fantastic kids, a great career-but I still miss those drives home with Tanya. She was a wonderful person. I’ve never felt the same connection with another person.