Paul's Going Away Party

Originally Posted by tallcall

I said goodbye to my best friend yesterday. We had a pretty large group at the club (Club Dolche - formerly Club Paris). The entertainment reporter I work with was on good terms with the owner and got us into the VIP lounge and the first round of drinks was gratis (I only had soda because I had to work early this morning). These were 100 something dollar bottles of Gin (maybe Vodka - I couldn't read the label, it was too dark), and all the mixers. Then we learned that there was a lingerie show at midnight (we figured out that they thought we were all there to give the club good press so they treated us to everything we asked for - oh well, their loss). I was told the show would only feature female models (Paul did promise to utilize the poles in the room after a few more drinks - so I poured him another).

I had such a good time, Paul and his partner, their friend and his partner, the entertainment reporter and his partner, my executive producer and her partner and their gay friend from Louisville, Kentucky were all there. The guy from Louisville was kind of cute and had great taste (he wore a black suit with a dark purple shirt, a dark red tie, and a burgundy handkerchief - very nice!).

I stayed with Paul and his partner for about for about 3.5 hours (I had almost an hour with them alone - I already miss them so much ).

Before I left for the night I gave them all a hug and hoped that they would have a safe and fun trip (they're moving out of state). I just really didn't want to let Paul go, he kept telling me that he knows everything will be alright, that our job is not the end all experience in our lives, and that he cares and wants to keep in contact. I probably hugged him 4 or 5 times that night (his partner was also an awesome guy and good friend, I got to hug him a couple times too). Paul promised me he was going to leave me a couple signed copies of his head shot (photos usually given out to fans at special events). He had a bunch left over and signed them all with strange phrases (usually pretty funny), I really hope I get one of those! He's also passing out his e-mail and phone number.

God I miss him so much! He's been there with me through very tough times and I don't know if I could have come this far without him. He and his partner are so sweet together, I can only hope to have that one day. They just randomly kissed each other when we were waiting to leave for the club (leaving from where I work - we all met there and walked down the road) without any fear or trepidation - it was so nice to see and feel that kind of confidence and love. I will not forget my time with Paul, he was a very special friend when I needed one most!