Dining with my nemesis

I’m really crap at holding a grudge. Case in point: feckless Husband. But I do have a nemesis. And I discovered yesterday afternoon that we were going to the same travel function last night.

I’d thought the only person I’d need to avoid at travel functions was Husband’s you-know-what, since she used to be in the field … ha! No longer.

That was very short-sighted of me and possibly karma for having cackled at her misfortune.

The person who blithely informed me that my nemesis would be at the function saw my horrified face and immediately rang the PR to ensure we were’t seated together.

I considered cancelling but, hey, I’m made of sterner stuff than that. Although I do hold her responsible for the most traumatic event in my life aside from my marriage break-up.

I even (briefly) regretted having turned down an invitation to dinner and mind games with a square-peg bloke I met waaaaay back who’s bizarrely reestablished contact. That’s how much I was looking forward to going.

The venue was a delicious place called Beppis. (Husband and I once owned an apartment above it, way back in the day, and celebrated special occasions within its luxe walls.) I stepped through the door, took a deep breath and a giant swig of vodka, lime and soda, and waded into my idea of social hell.

Of course, the first person I was forced to squeeze past was my nemesis. We didn’t speak, I didn’t make eye contact, I just made a beeline for the CEO hosting the function and engaged him in intense, energetic conversation.

It quickly became apparent that avoiding my nemesis was going to be tricky – only 14 people were attending the intimate gathering.

But I did it. And I unexpectedly scored a new mate in the process – I chatted up a storm with the woman sitting across from me. Well. I kinda chatted up a storm with anyone within earshot, as is my way these days. And there’s never a dull moment, because they get to hear about my separation trevails, because I have no filter.

My new friend is 46 too and just married the love of her life, so she was very inspirational.

She gave me a lift afterwards and I’m off to Facebook friend her in a sec …

So the night ended up being bulk fun, despite my nemesis being seated only two chairs away from me. I feel a bit sorry for the person who was sitting between us because I basically had my back to her the whole night – sorry, but it was way too awkward any other way.

You’re probably feeling a bit disappointed now, if you’d been hoping for a bit of biffo.

Do you have a nemesis? What would you do if you ran into them?

Song of the day: Pat Benetar “Hit me with your best shot”

PS The piccy of Brad (above) has reminded me of my favourite part of bloke physique … That hip line bit. I love the hip line bit. I especially like Brad’s hip line bit. Mmmmmmm.