A grown-up Friday Night

One of the stories I keep meaning to share with you all is about my last night in New Orleans. The conference was over, I had walked through the French Quarter visiting little shops that were always closed during my early morning sprints to get to the conference on time. And yes, I acquired some adorable things. And had my complexion complemented in a used clothing store.

I do love New Orleans.

After resting up a bit, Ambassador and I went to his beau's home (he will now be known as The Beau). I was fixed a marvelous cocktail and got to see how beautifully the condo was decorated (so this is how grown-ups without children live). Then we walked a few short blocks to a lovely restaurant to meet up with friends of The Beau.

This is one of those pivotal meetings. Similar to the meeting of mothers, siblings or pets, this is the meeting that can bring fear into the hearts of lovers.

The meeting of the fag hags.

The Beau has a dear female friend (now known as the Supremely Cool One) he has known since the early days of college in the 1980's. I met Ambassador while we were both volunteering with the AIDS Quilt in 1992. The meeting of the dear, beloved gal pals is hopefully a wonderful occurrence. One of giggles, warmth and lots of teasing of those men who are gazing longingly into each others' eyes.

Meeting The Beau's friend was all that and more. She was just terrific. And so was her partner. He was awesome.

And!

[This is big so start a drum roll under your space key....]

The lovely, gracious and brave Painted Maypole walked into the middle of this to join us after a theatrical performance. She didn't know a soul, turned a corner to find 5 of us drinking and laughing, and plopped right down as if she belonged.

And she did.

She was funny, charming and everything you would think the author of a terrific blog like hers would be.

So the grown-ups started to peel away once we moved to a bar. First Ambassador and his Beau. Then an hour later the Supremely Cool One and her mate. Leaving me and Painted Maypole to talk next to a large picture window along a street until after 1:00 am.

A lovely grown-up night. Mixing old friends with new.