turning a page

recently, i've had the opportunity to befriend a man i would have otherwise never crossed paths with. because we have a mutual friend, a few weeks ago, our paths met.

at first glance, i mentally rolled my eyes and braced myself for a long day spent on the boat with what seemed like a total frat boy. as he walked up the driveway with his other frat boy-looking friend, carrying a bottle of karkov vodka with a cocky grin on his face, i considered making a run for it, but i knew that would seem a bit dramatic.

as soon as we were on the boat, i situated myself with chelsea's book, happy i would probably be able to read it all, as i knew i wouldn't be partaking in conversations about beer bongs or the merits of bart simpson.

and then something odd happened.

beer bongs and bart simpson never came up. five minutes into our day on the boat, i put my book down and joined in on the fun. i wiped the sour look off my face and decided to get to know this guy a little better. and i didn't find a frat boy in him; i found a new friend.

sure, he might not be into discussing religion or engaging in a heated political debate, he might drink a little too much karkov vodka for my tastes, and (gasp!) he might not be nearly as liberal as i'd like him to be.

but you know what? two weeks into our newfound friendship i've realized that he is quite possibly one of the sweetest, most caring men i've met, flaws and all. we've spent an ample amount of time together, as i've recently begun dating one of his friends, and i always leave with a genuine smile on my face after time spent with him.

turns out that silly little cliche "never judge a book by its cover," really does ring true.

oh, and chelsea's book? it's made a home by my nightstand, about halfway read.

i guess that's just summer for you.