Eva loved to talk. She would talk and talk and talk. Everyone who had the opportunity of having a conversation with her listened and either nodded or said frequently, “Um, huh.” Again, no one really minded because the stories she told were very funny. Just watching her explain things made people smile. Her eyes would light up as she told a story, as if she were reliving the incidents right then and there.
Eva’s back was turned to me as I approached the dinner table but everyone else could see me coming. I put two fingers to my lips and mouthed, “Ssshhh.” Everyone laughed as I walked up behind Eva and scared the daylights out of her. Eva jumped and turned around.
“Girl, you scared me,” she screamed and grabbed her heart.
“Well, that’s the only way we can get you to sit down and eat.” I started laughing and had my hands on my hips, being sassy. We hugged each other and gave each other kisses on the cheek, and sat down; then we all ordered.
After an hour or so, two very attractive men came in and sat at the bar. I had seen them when they first walked in and so did Eva. Eva whispered in my ear so her husband wouldn’t hear. “Girl, you see what just came in the door?” I looked at her sideways, knowing she knew what I was thinking: stop! I nodded and continued to sip on my iced tea, never saying a word. I wasn’t that interested in them. Yeah, they were both fine, and I did mean fine, but then again, so was Julius. That thought right there stopped me frequently in my own tracks.
Now Eva, on the other hand, was always looking for trouble when it came to men. However, tonight she couldn’t display her usual flirtatious behavior because her wealthy husband was there. She whispered to me, “Girl, those two at the bar are fine, and lookin’ our way. Dang, I wish Adam wasn’t here with me.”
I whispered back, “Girl, sit there with your hubby. Stop it, it’s gonna get you in trouble one of these days.” I laughed. Her husband, Adam, looked at us a few times, but he wasn’t really paying any attention to us. He did get up all of a sudden and walk over toward the men at the bar. He gave them the “what’s up” nod and then shook both men’s hands.
Eva’s mouth and mine hung wide open. How did he know them? I wondered if they were his collogues or maybe his clients or something. Whatever the case may have been he brought them back over to the table with him.
“Baby, a couple of colleagues of mine . . . Is it all right if they sit for a few? We need to discuss some things,” Adam asked.
Eva was in shock. I had to kick her under the table so she would at least close her mouth. She got up and put her hand out to shake theirs and meet them. “Oh, okay, hello . . .” She put her professional on. She was so funny.
The men sat down and were in a conversation with Eva’s husband. It seemed pretty serious but none of my business. I looked down at my watch and realized I needed to get home to my babies soon. Eva caught me.
“No, it’s still early.” She leaned into me with her drink in her hand and whispered, “Don’t leave me alone with these fine men. I’m tellin’ ya, I won’t be accountable for what happens.”
I laughed. “Girl, you have to go to church with me. Please let’s make sure you give your life to Jesus!” She laughed and I stayed a little longer with her.
Soon the crowded dinner table became empty. I got up and put on my coat. I did see the men stare at me quite a bit. I had to admit, I liked it. I dramatized everything I did. While putting on my coat, for instance, I made sure my weave shook, knowing it would fall right back in place. I knew how to entertain when somebody was watching.
I kissed Eva good-bye on the cheek, went out the door, walked across the street, and gave the attendant the ticket for the car. While I waited for the valet to bring the car around, I noticed one of the men come out from Brio and walk toward me. I figured he was coming to talk to me. I had been told since the day I was born how beautiful I was, so it wasn’t a big deal for any man, any color, age, or stature, to approach me. I didn’t want him to see the big Kool-Aid smile on my face while he was running across the street over to where I was standing.
“Woo! This is a fine brother,” I said under my breath while biting down on my bottom lip. I managed to get a pretty good look at him. He was tall with a bald head, athletic build, and was very chocolate. He dressed as if he could pull out a million bucks and not blink. The brother was fine and I continued to admire him. He was all jeweled out. I noticed the nice platinum link around his wrist, not to mention the platinum Rolex I spotted on his left wrist. I had to admit I was getting interested. I could tell by the suit he was wearing that it was tailor made for his muscular frame.
“Hello, I’m Jason but you . . . you can call me Jay. I was at the birthday party inside.” He nodded toward the entrance. “I couldn’t help but notice you there. How are you tonight?” he asked, smiling with teeth that had to be bleached they were so white. He held out his hand to shake mine. I smiled and reached out and touched his. I stared at the platinum bracelet on his wrist, dangling as we shook hands.
“I’m fine thank you. Yes, I remember you from inside.” I smiled, getting a quick glimpse of his handsome face.
“Two questions for you, what’s your name and where’s yo’ man?” He rubbed my hand softly, still embracing it close to his heart.
“I’m Reese,” I told him. “I don’t have a man. I’m divorced.”
He smiled; then he lifted my hand up as if we were dancing and he was going to spin me around then in his arms. “Well, that’s what I wanted to hear. I didn’t wanna steal some man’s woman away, but believe me that’s exactly what I was intending on doing tonight.”
I loved his confidence in himself. Very humorous this one was. “I love the comedy.” I laughed.
He still held on to my hand and replied, “What else could I say walkin’ up on a fine woman like you? You standin’ over here like you don’t need anything from no one.” He playfully pointed at my handbag.
I couldn’t take my eyes off of him. He had the most amazing dimples on his face. When he moved his mouth they sunk so deep into his face, making him the sexiest man alive. I had to speak to God in my mind while I watched him and tell Him, thank you!
I was completely into this man. I almost felt like I was under a trance. No interruptions could bring me out of it, not even when the attendant was trying to give me the key to my car. I heard his deep voice speak again.
“Look at you, all together lovely, baby. You got the designer bag, the Red Bottoms, and jewelry. Your hair flowin’, nails manicured, and I’m not even gonna say nothin’ about yo’ pedicure. I know you have on stilettos but I bet you got those toes done up too!” We both cracked up! He touched my ear and felt my diamond studs. “I have to respect that. I knew the valet was gonna pull up in somethin’ fly and your fine self was gonna let him escort you right into it.” I laughed. He was so funny and what I really liked about him was the fact he wasn’t intimated by my success. I thought that made him even the more attractive if that was possible.
“I don’t know what to say. I mean all of that is true but I’m not some diva. I work hard for everything I got.”
“Yeah, I’m sure you do, Ms. Reese. I do too, and you have become number one on that list. Can I work hard for you?” He escorted me by my arm into my car. This one didn’t miss a beat.
I felt like a schoolgirl. I hadn’t felt like this in a long time. My heart was fluttering like I was going down a big hill in the car. Then I reached in my purse and handed him my business card.
“When can I see you again?” he said, leaning over in my car window. Before I could reply he continued talking. “Let me take you out tomorrow. We can do anything you like. What do you like to do for fun, Reese?”
I didn’t know what to say. “Surprise me.” I smiled, then pulled off.
I watched him stand out there and look at me drive ’til I couldn’t see him anymore. I felt good about this one. It felt so right to me. I thought about the man all the way home and how he had me standing out there smiling, laughing, and giggling, like I was sixteen. “This is the one,” I said aloud. “This one is real.”
I was so happy with Jason in my life. Jason made sure he kept his word to me. He did everything he promised me that night we met. He made me number one on his list. This time around I had a man who did everything in the world to prove that he loved me. He treated my sons as if they were his and made sure I had everything I needed and more. I was wrapped up into him. We had become so close in such a short time, but like I said, it felt just right.
There was only one problem; I didn’t keep my promise and commitment to God again.
I hadn’t noticed I left someone out: Jesus. I had backslid right out of the will of the Lord for my life and I was sure for my son’s lives. I was in trouble and didn’t even know it. All I knew was I was enjoying my life. I was loved and protected by a fine man and didn’t want or need anything else, including Jesus. I just didn’t think about Him. I figured as long as I didn’t acknowledge Him then I would be okay. I knew I would eventually go back to my first love, Jesus, but for now, I was happy doin’ me! I had officially traded in my Holy Ghost for objects, affection, and greed.
After months, Jason figured it would be for the best if he moved in with me, seeing we spent so much time together anyhow. I agreed. It was such a good feeling having a strong, black, successful man—not to mention fine as all get-out—living with me. Woo, that man could take my breath away. Jason made everything about my sons and me. He even quit traveling so much to stay with us in Ohio. He sent his business partner in his place. He was wonderful to us.
“Baby, we need to go to the grocery store. I wanna cook for you and the boys when I bring them in from playin’ football wit’ me,” he would say. I was finally living my fairytale.
He impressed me every time he opened his mouth, and the gifts he brought me frequently amazed me. Every time he left the house and went somewhere he made sure he came back with gifts.
