“Hungry?” he asked, placing the tray on her lap.
“Starving,” she admitted.
“Good. I have a bowl of nice, hot chicken soup and crackers for you and a big, greasy burger for me,” he said, sitting in a nearby chair.
“You have some nerve eating that big, fat hamburger in front of me. Is it topped with red onions?” she asked.
He nodded.
“What I wouldn’t do for a bite of that.” Tangie blew on a spoonful of soup before tasting it. The chicken soup was good, but she knew it couldn’t compare with Tony’s lunch—flu or no flu. She slurped it down, even though the smell of the burger was beginning to make her nauseous.
Unfortunately, she didn’t make it to the bathroom in time and ended up throwing up all over her sheets. Embarrassed didn’t begin to describe how she felt.
“Stop apologizing, Tangela. Where’s your linen closet?”
“Down the hall, second door on the left.”
Tony got up from the chair. “Can you make it to the bathroom okay?”
She nodded, not trusting herself to talk. When she returned to the bedroom after cleaning herself up, he had already stripped the bed.
“Here, sit in the chair while I clean the bed and the mattress pad.”
“I’m so sorry, Tony.” She shook her head. “I mean, you don’t even know me that well.”
“I’m here for you, Tangela, for as long as you need me, okay? And all those fly-by-night guys in your past are making it real easy for me because I’m not going anywhere.”
Tangie threw her head back and laughed. “You are too much.”
“And something tells me you can handle every bit of it.”
She laughed even harder and Tony joined in. He ended up spending the night with Tangie, watching over her from the recliner.
“You had the flu? You should have called us,” Heather told Tangie after breakfast at Charisma’s one morning.
“Tony took such good care of me I didn’t have time,” Tangie admitted. “The man has the best bedside manner I’ve ever seen. I mean, he cooked for me, washed dishes, even cleaned up my bed when I puked all over my sheets. It was incredible. I keep asking myself, what did I do to deserve him?”
“Are you kidding me? You deserve the best.” Heather smiled.
“He’s wonderful and he hasn’t even tried to get into my bra, let alone my panties. If he doesn’t hurry I’ll take them off for him,” Tangie joked.
“Sounds like a keeper,” Heather said.
“It gets even better,” Tangie admitted.
“There’s more?” Charisma asked.
“Yep, he invited me to his church tomorrow,” Tangie said.
“Get outta here!” Heather exclaimed.
“This man means business.” Charisma laughed.
“And I’ll be glad when it turns into pleasure.” Tangie grinned.
As usual, Tony was right on time Sunday morning, and as usual Tangie was running just a little behind schedule. Tony checked his watch as he sat in her living room.
“Tangela, we’re going to be late,” he said.
“Okay,” she said simply. “I’ll be out in a minute.”
Tony stood, unbuttoning his coat. It didn’t take long for beads of perspiration to glisten on his freshly shaved head.
He checked his watch. “Tangela?”
“I’m coming,” she said, picking up her coat from the sofa.
Tony followed her out the door and helped her into his car.
Half an hour later they were seated in the pews of the Great Deliverance AME Church. The large congregation appeared friendly, and several members nodded to Tony in acknowledgment.
The pastor preached on God’s divine order from the changing of the seasons to the direction of our lives.
When the service was over, a couple approached and invited them out to breakfast. The man, an old friend of Tony’s, shook her hand vigorously, and Tangie heard his wife whisper in Tony’s ear that Tangie was beautiful. Tangela was pleasantly surprised that he introduced her as his girlfriend. Tony declined their offer, but agreed to a rain check.
After they said their good-byes, Tony grabbed Tangela’s hand and guided her through the crowd.
“Hungry?” he asked her when they reached the car.
“Feed me.”
“I’m going to take you to this secluded little spot where they have the best breakfast in Queens.”
“I bet it’s packed.”
“Not a problem. I know the owner personally.”
“I can hardly wait.”
Twenty minutes later Tony and Tangela pulled into the parking garage of his co-op. Tangie smiled to herself as they took the elevator to the eighth floor. Tony unlocked the door and ushered her in.
“Let me take your coat,” he said, helping her out of hers before removing his. “You smell good.” He took her in his arms and buried his face in her hair. “I could just sniff you all day. You know that?”
Tangie laughed, enjoying the moment. “But then I wouldn’t get the chance to sample your world-class breakfast.”
“Okay, Tangela, but remind me to pick up where I left off.”
“Oh, you don’t have to tell me twice.” Tangie kissed his full lips.
“Let me put some music on for you,” he said, programming the CD player. “Make yourself comfortable while I start breakfast.”
“Can I help with anything?” Tangie asked.
“No, you just relax and let me wait on you.”
“Okay,” she said simply, easing into the jazz and the sofa’s plushness.
Before long the aroma of breakfast reached her nostrils, and she knew she was in for a treat. Tony had whipped up cheese eggs, bacon cooked just the way she liked it, buttermilk biscuits, and the best home fries she’d had in years.
She enjoyed every morsel.
“I see why this spot is so highly recommended,” she joked. “I hope I’m invited back.”
“Being invited back implies that you have to leave first. Why don’t you spend the night with me?”
She looked at him closely. “You’re serious, aren’t you?”
“No question.”
Tangie thought for a moment. “You know I’m high maintenance, and I don’t have a thing here.”
“So take my car, go home, throw a few things in an overnighter, and come back.”
“You amaze me,” she said.
“You mesmerize me. Now here, take my keys and get busy,” he said, tossing her his car keys, which she caught in midair.
“Are you sure about this?” she asked one last time.
“Positive.” He playfully slapped her on the butt. “Now hurry back.”
Tangie didn’t have to be told twice. She took the elevator down to the garage and within a few minutes was behind the wheel of her dream car. She smiled to herself, relishing the moment as she turned the ignition. Maneuvering down Queens Boulevard—aka, the boulevard of death, she was reminded of just how cautious drivers had to be with pedestrians trying to cross against the light.
From the Van Wyck Expressway she eased into the Belt Parkway and before long she was back in Springfield Gardens.
She peeled off her suit and changed into a coral jogging suit with white piping. Next, she threw a pair of jeans and the essentials into a bag, choosing her jewelry and makeup carefully. Within the hour, she was on the road again and back in Tony’s building. He welcomed her with open arms. They spent the rest of the day talking about their favorite authors and movies. They both had eclectic taste in music, loving R & B, gospel, jazz, pop, hip-hop, and Frank Sinatra.
That night, he drew her a hot bubble bath and massaged scented body lotion into her skin afterward. Tony and Tangela shared childhood memories as well as their hopes and dreams for the future. They drifted off in each other’s arms, sleeping more peacefully and deeply than either had in quite some time. Monday morning they each took a mental health day and went shopping at Queens Center Mall. Tony insisted on buying somet
hing for Tangie. She declined his offer, but he insisted. Finally, she allowed him to buy her a beautiful silk scarf. They had lunch in the food court, and he drove her home later that afternoon. It was the perfect day.
“I think I’m falling in love,” Tangie exclaimed to Charisma and Heather over dessert one night. “I know. It’s mad crazy, but I think he’s the one. And do you know what the beauty of it is?” she asked without waiting for an answer.
“We haven’t even fooled around yet.”
“How do you know he’s not gay?” Charisma asked.
Tangela sighed. “Trust me. He’s not. And guess what he’s doing tonight?”
“Apparently not you.” Charisma laughed.
“Oh, you got jokes,” Tangie said.
“So what he’s doing tonight?” Charisma asked.
“No, forget it.” Tangie shook her head.
“Don’t be like that,” Heather insisted.
“No, it’s not important,” Tangie said. “But I think I’ve found the man of my dreams. One day you guys will too. Where the heck is that waiter?”
Tangie looked around. As if on cue, the waiter returned with their dessert. They raised their glasses in a toast.
“Behind every successful woman is herself,” Tangie said, smiling.
Tangie received her Valentine’s Day bouquet early that morning. The moment she saw the lime green roses floating on the delivery guy’s arm, she knew who they were from. The card read Can’t wait until the stars appear in the sky, and you are by my side. She smiled to herself as she tucked the card away. A swarm of coworkers invaded the front desk, admiring the roses’ vibrant color. None had ever seen lime roses before. From the oohs and aahs Tangie assumed they were impressed. She heard a few mumble under their breath that Tangie had probably sent them to herself. She shook her head. There was always at least one in the bunch. It never ceased to amaze her. Females were a trip.
That night Tony took Tangie out to dinner at a new spot in the city called the Posh Café. Tangie looked around.
“This place is . . .” she searched for the right word. “Indescribable.”
She felt as though she was seated in a wedding reception hall. The candles, the floral arrangements, the table linen, and the stemware were exquisite. “How do you find these places?” she asked him.
“It comes with the job. It’s just one of the perks.”
“Well, I for one love it.”
“And this is just the beginning. Trust me.”
They had a four-course dinner that night and ended up at Tony’s afterward. Once inside, Tony led Tangie to the sofa, where he pulled her onto his lap.
“I’ve been thinking about you all day,” he said huskily before kissing her.
She closed her eyes and smiled as his kisses became intoxicating.
She opened her mouth wider, allowing his tongue access to hers. Tony cradled her head with one arm and slid his hand up her back. She rubbed his head as he unloosened her bra, eager to feel his hands on her flesh.
What she felt instead was his mouth gently sucking on her nipples until they were hard and her body tingled with anticipation.
Her body ached for him in other places, but it was the wrong time of the month for the kind of pleasure she sought. So she pulled his mouth back up to hers, rehooked her bra, and said good night.
Tony made another date with Tangie the following night.
Tangie wasn’t surprised. She knew he wanted some real bad, and if it hadn’t been for the onset of her period, she probably would have given in. She had to admit she liked being in control. It was fun.
They went out for drinks, and she purposely wore a skirt—a very short skirt at that. He walked her to her door and she invited him in. Tangie sat on the sofa and crossed her legs, revealing her toned upper thigh. She ran her hand through her hair seductively.
As if on cue, Tony sat next to her, ready to play her game.
She leaned over, placed her hand on his shoulder, and kissed him on the earlobe first and then his lips. Tony kissed her back, sliding his hand up her thigh and tugging on her pantyhose. Tangie tried to pull his hands away, but he was too strong.
“What’s a matter, baby?” he asked between kisses. “I know you want me too.”
“You know I do,” she said. “But I have my period.”
“Oh,” he chuckled, sounding relieved. “I was starting to get a complex. I thought maybe I should change deodorant or something. You sure are calm, though. Some women are real bitches around that time of the month.”
“Trust me. I know. In my book P-M-S stands for ‘pass me swiftly’. Unfortunately, sometimes it does, and sometimes it doesn’t. Be patient with me?”
“There’s no rush. I’m not letting you get away.” He rose to his feet and pulled Tangie up too. “Get some rest, baby, and I’ll call you tomorrow. Okay?” He kissed her on the forehead.
She nodded, thinking to herself that maybe her luck with men really had changed.
“Okay, I’m in love,” Tangie told Heather and Charisma via threeway.
“We know. You told us already,” Charisma reminded her.
“No, I said I was falling in love. Now it’s official. I’m in love. I’ve reached my destination.”
“Did he wear you out last night?” Heather asked.
“Honey, we didn’t even go there,” Tangie said.
“You fall in love faster than anyone I know,” Charisma said.
“I guess I’m just meant to be part of a couple,” Tangie confessed.
“And who said, and I quote, ‘When you give away your heart, you give away your power?’” Charisma reminded her.
“What I meant was that when you give away your heart to the wrong person, you give away your power,” Tangie clarified as another call came in. She checked her caller ID. “Let me get that. I’ll talk to you guys later,” she said before switching over.
“Question,” Tony began. “What are you doing this weekend?”
“So far, nothing.”
“Good. Keep it open for me. I want you to meet my parents if you’re up to it.”
“Really,” she said simply.
“Really,” he repeated.
“Are they here in Queens?”
“No, they live in Bayshore. I told them about you, and they want to meet you.”
“Oh.” She smiled.
“So how about it?”
“I’d like that,” she said slowly.
“Great. I’ll tell Mom and Pop to expect us.”
“You do that,” she said before hanging up, amazed at just one more way Tony was different from Blade. They were like night and day. She and Blade had gone together for two years, and he hadn’t even introduced her to his dog. And here Tony wanted to introduce her to his folks after a few months. Some things couldn’t be explained without driving oneself nuts.
A single lime rose was delivered to Tangie on the day she was to meet Tony’s parents. It came with a simple message.
I know they’ll find you as irresistible as I do.
Tangie smiled to herself and got dressed. Tony picked her up around three and they headed out to Bayshore. Normally, she had no problems making a good impression on parents, but this time her hands were moist with perspiration, betraying her lack of confidence. As if reading her thoughts, Tony reached for and gently squeezed her hand as he sped down the Southern State. They drove in silence for a moment. Finally, Tony spoke.
“Relax. My parents will love you. You’ll see.”
Before long, they were pulling up to a ranch-style brick house surrounded by two huge bar oak trees. As usual, Tony walked over to the passenger side to help Tangie out.
Together, they walked up to the door, and Tony rang the bell.
His mother, clad in a floral apron, answered the door.
The excitement was evident on her face as she quickly flung her arms around her son in an embrace.
“This must be Tangela,” she said warmly, ushering them in and closing the door.
<
br /> “It’s so nice to meet you,” Tangie replied, extending her hand.
Gloria Banks flung Tangie’s hand away and gave her a hug. Tangie immediately felt welcomed.
“Honey, Anthony’s here,” she told her husband.
Herb Banks rose from his chair in the living room to greet Tony and his guest. They embraced as well before Tony introduced him to Tangie. Mr. Banks was pleased to meet her, eagerly shaking her hand with both of his own.
“Let me take your coats,” Mrs. Banks said as they joined Tony’s dad in the living room. He folded up the newspaper and gave them his full attention.
“Something smells good, Ma,” Tony said. “What ’cha make?”
“Your favorite,” Tony’s mother replied. “I hope you’re good and hungry.”
“Nobody makes roast chicken, garlic mashed potatoes, and fresh string beans like my mother. Nobody. Trust me,” he told Tangie.
“Well, it sure smells delicious,” Tangie said.
“Thank you,” Mrs. Banks said, rising to her feet to check on dinner.
“Can I help with anything?” Tangie asked her.
“As a matter of fact, would you mind helping me put the biscuits in the oven? I don’t see as well as I used to, and I’m always burning myself,” Mrs. Banks said.
“Oh, I’d be happy to,” Tangie said, following Mrs. Banks into the kitchen and leaving the men to talk about the upcoming basketball game.
The kitchen was just as warm as Mrs. Banks with its floral curtains and tablecloth. It was a huge kitchen with a wooden island in the middle. Tangie took the pan of homemade biscuits from the counter and slid it in the oven, closing the oven door carefully. Mrs. Banks stood over the table with the electric mixer in hand, making the mashed potatoes.
She motioned for Tangie to have a seat.
“So tell me how you and my son met,” she said.
Tangie proceeded to tell Mrs. Banks about the job fair that brought them together and how long they’d been dating.
Just repeating the story brought a smile to Tangie’s face.
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