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I thanked John for our amazing weekend and we went our own ways. It was a bit awkward.

We returned to University life and no one in our college town knew about our excursion, except for 2 of my girlfriends. My college roommate instantly referred to John as “Marriott Boy”.

Later on that week, I went over to his house for help with my American Government homework. I remember wanting to discuss our weekend but he quickly brushed it off. 

My Livestock Judging team was preparing for our first competition of the year in Phoenix, AZ. As a team, we practiced lots together in the evenings at the “Judging House” which also happened to be where John lived.

I passed the class and took John for lunch at Applebee’s to show my appreciation for his help. For whatever reason, I vividly remember that we both got chicken sandwiches. I realize this is not relevant, however the same outing John announced that he was departing for Washington, DC after Christmas, just a couple weeks later.

“What? You’re leaving? How come I didn’t know this??” I blurted out.

It wasn’t my lack of asking questions. I’m the Queen of rattling 20 of them off, before the person I’m curious to know more about, has had a chance to get one response out!

However, before he answered, I knew the reason. “Because he’s private and doesn’t share much.” (In reality – there is a strong possibility that he didn’t tell his family much before either!)

I went back to Canada for Christmas and returned to Texas after the New Year for my second semester in Texas.

Fast Forward

Out of the blue, John surprisingly emailed me!

These were the days before Facebook and text messaging, I recall the most social media we had was email and an early version of MSN Messenger.

I don’t even know if I had John’s email address. He literally disappeared. I suspect he did some searching to find mine!

The email I received from “Marriott Boy” was requesting my Dad’s contact information?

Happily Married and Living With Passion,

If you’ve missed a chapter of this love story

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Gentleman – I quickly questioned in my mind. Have I ever met a man like this before? WOW! Our definition of "gentleman" clearly differs. When I think of the word, the following thoughts come to my mind, kind, caring, sweet, charming, manners, open the door, yes ma’am – not the action of sleeping on the couch of a very expensive penthouse.

Without batting an eye, as a very naive young Alberta woman, I blurted out,

"This is a gorgeous room and a huge bed. There is lots of room for two of us to share. Nothing has to happen, but you may as well enjoy this amazing sleep!"

John crawled in…and nothing happened.

I am not just saying that just to keep this PG Rated. I already told you John was very innocent…there was nothing wrong with that!

I woke up in the middle of the night, to a leg thrown over me, and I was being completely spooned in the fetal position. This is when I first discovered that John was a cuddler! I laid really still, trying not to laugh, and pretend not to be awake. A few Pretty Woman scenes ran through my mind and I quickly gave my head a shake. I drifted back asleep.

As the sun peaked through the curtains on Saturday morning, I woke up, convinced I was in a dream or a fairy tale.

I decided to make a dash for the restroom. As I tiptoed there – a piece of paper caught my attention that had been slid under the door.

The receipt!

Mmm…I really wanted to peek – but what if John is awake and catches me. I refrained and went into the bathroom.

On my way back out, the idea of looking at the “total” got me excited again…

Right about then…I heard a snore…YES – Tex was still sound asleep.

I peeked inside and my eyes could have popped out of my head!

$374!

AHHHH – that is REALLY over my $60 budget. I had a minor freak out, Julia Roberts quickly flashed through my mind again – were there expectations last night, that I didn’t meet? Then I calmed myself down, this Texan just showed me a fabulous evening, like nothing I had ever experienced before, just enjoy.

Once John woke up, he suggested we go for a swim. We changed and put on the complimentary white plush robes. I felt like a princess. I’m a dork I realize, however I was a mere 20 years old, living 3000 miles from home!

Then we set out to explore San Antonio. We walked down the Riverwalk and enjoyed lunch at a fabulous The Original Mexican Restaurant with wonderful ambience. It’s the famous one with all the colorful umbrellas that gets featured in travel pictures lots.

As much as I love taking pictures, for whatever reason, I have none from this trip!

On Saturday afternoon we visited the Alamo and took an open air, train car ride to a Mexican flea market. I got to barter for “junk”, for which I just love!  Then we walked through a mall and that is John went into a store – I took the opportunity to call my parents & Laura. 

I squealed the details to Laura and my parents (who I’m lucky to also call friends!) about the weekend adventure!

John and I enjoyed dinner on the Riverwalk and spent one more night in the exquisite Marriott. Nothing happened…just sleeping. We were both exhausted and collapsed after a jam packed day of sightseeing and shopping.

On Sunday morning we headed back to “reality”.

As we arrived back to our college city, John requested that we keep our weekend adventure a secret. I was a bit confused…

Happily Married and Living With Passion,
Robyn

If you’ve missed a chapter of this love story

After awhile, John questioned, “Are you done with the television?”

“Yes thanks” I responded.

John turned the lights out and a few minutes passed. However…he didn’t come to bed!?

This got my curiosity interested, through the dark I asked, “Are you going to come and sleep in the bed?”

To which this charming, shy Texan replied, “No, I’m going to sleep on the couch.”

“WHY?” I questioned very puzzled. I would have liked to have seen the look on my own face.

“I’m a gentleman.”

Happily Married and Living With Passion,
Robyn

P.S. You’ll have to wait for the next chapter…

If you’ve missed a chapter of this love story

After my relaxing experience in the modern bathroom, I put on my pyjamas. When I came out, I was shocked to see a silver platter sitting on the dining room table. After I picked my jaw off the floor again – John informed me that he ordered us room service.

Under the classy silver cover, unveiled a huge ice cream sundae with chocolate syrup, whip cream and two cherries on top. This dessert was accompanied by two glasses of orange juice in long stemmed glasses. (Note – I wasn’t “21″ the magic drinking age in the USA and my date didn’t drink!)

What was this man trying to do? Seduce me?

Happily Married and Living With Passion,
Robyn

P.S. I’ve got one more chapter ready to share this week  – check back for more romance ;)

If you’ve missed a chapter of this love story

I quickly observed the only bed – a massive King bed with a stunning canopy overhead. It was something I would imagine royalty to have in their castles.

I had a million thoughts running through my mind. Was I Julia Roberts in “Pretty Woman”? What did John have planned? What was expected of me? Yikes!

I was determined that despite the drastic change in how I envisioned the trip to go, it was going to be more amazing than I envisioned. My kind, innocent Texan was attempting to sweep me off my feet.

John suggested we go for a walk and explore the famous Riverwalk. I was relieved that I had bought a dress earlier that day, that I could ‘slip’ into. After we freshened up we went exploring.

Happily Married and Living With Passion,
Robyn

P.S. Check back later this week for another chapter ;) Happy New Year!

If you’ve missed a chapter of this love story