With Jules as my co-pilot

Sometimes you can't see the forest through the trees. During those times, good and honest friends serve as gentle guides who lead you through the darkness and toward the light. Other times, friends just give you a swift kick in the ass to get you moving in a new (and hopefully better) direction.

Thursday night has become girl's night out--my night to dress up and hop from place to place with my dear friend Jules and whoever else wants to tag along. This past Thursday, Jules and I ventured out, enjoying each other's company and some fine red wines.

Toward the 11 o'clock hour, I received an unexpected text from a man who I have known casually over the last year. The man had just arrived back in town from a business trip and wanted to say hello. I showed the text message to Jules.

"Invite him to join us!" Jules insisted.
"His plane just landed," I protested. "He'd never come out for a drink at this late hour."
"Come on! What's the harm in trying? Just do it," she snapped back. Jules shoved the phone in my direction.

I hate text messaging for reasons blog readers might remember. But, in the face of peer pressure, I typed out a response.

"Friend and I are at XYZ. Come for a night cap! My treat..."

Within 20 seconds after sending the text, my phone rang. It was the man. "Hey! I got your message. XYZ is not far from where I live. I'd love to see you."

I was stunned.

Twenty-five minutes later, he showed up. I introduced Jules and the man. You would have thought the pair had known each other for years the way their conversation flowed. And before I knew it, Jules was organizing a dinner party at my house for the following Monday.

"Diane is an excellent cook and would love to have dinner at her home, wouldn't you." she said.
"Uh... yeah, sure. I'd be happy to," I responded without a lot of certainty.
"Excellent. It's all settled." Jules said gleefully.

Before I had time to wonder whether this dinner party was for my benefit or not, Jules abruptly ended her part of the evening.

"Diane, I hate to cut this short, but I am really exhausted. Would you mind if I take your car home?"

Then, in the same breath Jules turned to the man, "You wouldn't mind giving Diane a ride to her car later, would you?"

"I'd be happy to drive her," he said with a smile.

With those words and just like that, my girls night out had turned into late night drinks with a new fellow along with ready-made plans to meet again. I'm not going to tell you what time I finally made it home. But it's sufficient to say that I am now a convert to the idea of a wingman (or wingwoman), especially one that maneuvers as well as Jules and, more importantly, knows when to hand over the controls.