It Started with the Abs

I met Nico at a time when I wanted to be single.

I had this mindset that I would like to be alone for the next two to three years because I had gone through enough breakups. But sometimes fate just finds a way for things to fall into place--or pull you to the right direction when you're going the other way.

Thanks to my bartending days in Paris, I have acquired this love for the nightlife that's hard to boot out. And thankfully I didn't kick the habit out because this led me to the one I will eventually marry.

The first time I met Nico was a typical night out with a friend. I had to tell my friends several times that I want to stay single for a while because this one particular friend was introducing me to the men in the club. But I was not in the mood to get to know someone or date around.

"Look this guy is from Argentina! You have to feel his abs," he suddenly said while pulling my hand to touch this guy's toned, chiseled abs.

Uhm great but what's new? Let's go back to the party! I just couldn't care less. And the guy looked like he was also drunk anyway. Okay, okay! I admit, I thought he was good-looking but not interested. And that was the first time I touched my then future husband's abs.

There was no silly music when I first met him--just the noise of the usual club music. I didn't see fireworks--just the flicker of the lights. My heart did not even race. It was just a funny moment of a party girl who bumped into a hot foreigner with abs at a club.

But I repeat: fate has its ways.

I bumped into Nico at least five times after our incredibly unremarkable first encounter. But it wasn't until the sixth meeting that our worlds started to collide.

I did recognize Nico and every time I bumped into him I had to explain that we had already met before because he couldn't remember me.

On our sixth run-in, I was writing an album and collaborating with this musician on one of the songs. He used to own a bar. We started writing at 6pm and ended at 3am the next day. I was already tired but he invited me to drink at his bar. I could have said no since I already wanted to rest, but I obliged since I owe him for helping me with my album.

And who was there? That guy again! Nico was there with a common Spanish friend.

"Solenn, I'm with Nico," our friend said.

Ahh, Nico! Yes, we've met before here, and there, and there, and there. I told Nico.

So here's the funny part, I initially thought he was Brazilian, a Brazilian model. As far as I know, most models tend to travel around for work. They would spend three months in Thailand and then three months in Shanghai. With this mind, I asked him where is his next stop, if he's going to Thailand.

He was confused.

"What do you mean my next stop?" he said.

Because I was so sure he was a Brazilian model, I replied, "Don't you guys rotate? You're Brazilian, right? You're a model."

"No, I'm not. I am an analyst," he replied.

Cha-ching!!! He's got a different job! And that's how I found out that he wasn't a model. Not that I have anything against models, I just don't want to be with someone in the same industry. Again, Nico was never my type. I was into bad boys with shaved heads and tattoos--everything that Nico is not.

I don't know what was I thinking but the next thing I know I asked for his number like it's no big deal because it should not be a big deal who will make the first move in any relationship. Take note, ladies and gents! And that simple power move was my ticket to a happy married life.

So I have Nico's number. Guess what I did next.

Nico's footnote:

For the record, I agree with everything my wife has said. But I just want to clarify that I already recognized Solenn in our third meeting. I already knew her on the fourth, fifth, and sixth meeting. But frankly, I was supposed to be in the Philippines for only six months, so I was not paying attention to the people I was introduced to--even if I was already being introduced to this beautiful girl who turned out to be my wife today.

I was hanging out with this popular guy who knows absolutely every soul in the country. So, he could introduce you to 50 people in 10 minutes when you're with him. That can be tiring and I was not used to that.

I was scheduled to move to Tanzania after my Philippine stop. I was not planning to stay so what's the point of entering into a serious relationship. But something happened that made me change my mind. I was falling in love with this most beautiful woman I completely ignored because of work. #