That’s what I used to insist when Nate and I first started hanging out (back in 1997). My friends had noticed that we were hanging out a lot and I was bringing him up in more and more of my conversations. “Nate and I were doing this” or “Nate helped me fix my computer.” (Actually he still does).
But seriously, we were just friends. Yes, that summer, we were seeing each other about 5 days a week but it was nothing. Just coincidence. He had just quit his job to take another but then the other job fell through. My summer classes just happened to get canceled. Both of us had loads of free time.
So, it was just natural that we would hang out. Going to the movies, practicing for a joint fellowship night for church, going to the Waikiki Zoo to listen to free Hawaiian music, going to YWAM (Youth with a Mission) meetings, meeting at church for worship practice. It wasn’t that much really. It’s not like I wasn’t hanging out with my other friends—jogging, doing aerobics and water aerobics, salsa dancing and shopping. I had lots going on that summer. I was having fun. And NO, I wasn’t looking for a boyfriend.
Annie with Dragon Boats at Ala Moana Beach
So I was talking about him to my friends because you know, friends share about friends. But I guess his name was just peppering my conversation more than I thought. My good friend, Yoneko, then commented to me one day, “Annie, I’m convinced that something is going on, that you and Nate are not just friends!” I laughingly brushed her off.
But you know, my mind got to thinking. What if? What if we’re more than friends?
Could we be more than friends?
