The Magic Closet

Some months ago, my cousin, fresh from extended world travel where she had the opportunity to meet a range of potential mates, made a surprise visit to her mother's home for Christmas; fully intending to continue her journeys after the holidays. But there - emerging from his work on a closet in the middle of a remodeling project - was a handsome fellow who, in short order, became her boyfriend...and then her roommate. It made me wonder if this closet had some magical qualities, like that Milton Bradley game that came out in the late '60s, where you took your chances on the James Bondish guy, the athlete, or the bookish nerd, who at the time was the one nobody wanted to end up with, but who might be pretty nice to hang out with now. Bookish nerds get considerably more interesting with a little time and experience. (And by the way, this has nothing to do with this little story, but they still make the Mystery Date game, and it's - gasp! - FIFTY DOLLARS! It would be cheaper to buy your little girl a date. But that's probably illegal.)

Anyway, my cousin's meet cute story is not the first one like this I've heard...I started to remember other love connections that but for a few minutes earlier or later, people who are perfect for each other might never have met. Like my friend who went with her sister to the Birchmere on her birthday to see one of her favorite performers, and was seated at a table with four guys, and now she's getting married this fall. (Not to all four guys - just the one that she liked.) Or my buddy who met his wife on the subway on his way to a blind date, and was so taken with her he explained the whole situation - and asked if she would please agree to one lunch with him so that he could persuade her to understand what he was already feeling.

Ah, true love. Basherts. Meant to be. Soul mates. It's almost convincing enough to make me check the closet before taking the subway to the Birchmere.

© 2011 A Bit of Brie/Anitabrie