by Marcus Woods
"Lol. Yea I know. What can I say? I'm a unique girl. Lol. I got into them because I use to ride with my dad on his motorcycle as a little girl. They fascinated me so I started riding them myself when I got older."
"That's interesting. So daddy's little girl got her own motorcycle now huh?"
"Lol. I guess you can say that. So what made you get on POF?"
"To look for a woman who ride motorcycles." (smiley face)
"Lol! Devin, you are too much. So the women you seek have to ride a motorcycle?"
"She could ride a tricycle for all I care. Lol. If she piques my interest like you do, then I got to see what's up with her." (winky face)
"Oh ok. So what are you trying to say?" (smiley face)
"Well it's not what I'm trying to say, but what I like for you to do. I want you to give me a call at 901-555-7747 tonight at 7pm. We can go from there."
"Ok. That sounds good. I will definitely give you call."
"Alright! You do that motorcycle lady." (smiley face)
"Lol. Will do." (smiley face)
Keisha called me around 7pm and we conversed for about 30 minutes. She seems like a cool chick. In addition to her POF profile info, I discovered she is twenty-seven, graduated from Lane College, and is a manager at FedEx. She recently got out of a 5 year relationship so she isn't looking for a boyfriend. My type of gal!
Depending on a woman's vibe (and comfort level), I will invite her over to chill or we can go out somewhere first. Our sexual chemistry was apparent so I invite her over.
She came over 2 hours after our phone conversation. We hit it off in more ways than one. We had sex and yes, I wore a condom this time (Big Rob would be proud). When Keisha left, I plopped on my big white sofa and kicked my feet on the swivel oak wood coffee table.
"Man, I love my life!" I fantasized of having moments like this back in high school when females were unaware of my existence. I've come a long way.
"Hmmm. I wonder what Lucy is up too?" I pondered to myself.
Since our first meeting, we maintain contact via text messages. We've been unable to hangout due to her hectic schedule. It is something intriguing about Lucy. I cannot fully grasp what it is yet. Oh well! I will continue to "physically grasp" these other Memphis females in the meantime.
Chapter 6
Checking on Mama Banks
*Doorbell ring 3 times*
"Hello Devin. So you decided to check on your old mama huh?" my mother said with a refreshing smile.
"Mama, don't start. You know how busy I am with work and everything else going on in my life," I replied while greeting her with a warm, embracing hug. I observed how beautiful my mother is at 55 years old. Her reddish-brown skin is smooth with hardly any wrinkles. A golden necklace adorns her neck. She is in her favorite maroon silk nightgown. At 5'1, my mother was never the tallest but would throw on some heels in a heartbeat to adjust the setting.
"I know. I'm just happy to see my only baby." She starts rubbing my head. Whether I was sick as a dog or graduating from college, rubbing my head is my mother's signature gesture. I guess it was her way to ensure me that everything will be alright. She lets me inside the house.
(Johnny Taylor "I Believe In You" playing in the background)
It is a warm, sunny Sunday morning. My mama removes cleaning gloves from her hands and turns down the radio. The blended aroma of Pine Sol, Clorox Bleach and Windex circulates the air. Cleaning up during the weekend is her thing. Back in the day, she made me get up on Saturday morning and clean up with her. I dreaded hearing her little footsteps come towards my room armed with a broom and dusk pan. Being a custodian wasn't in my future.
"Uh oh! Somebody's got a man coming over later on", I said jokingly to my mother while playfully nudging her arm.
"Boy, you crazy. Ain't no man coming over here…is there?" she replied, revealing her trademark grin. We both laugh.
One trait I inherited from my mother is a sense of humor. No matter how bad things get in life, she always maintains a good sense of humor. I recall a few years ago when she was diagnosed with type-2 diabetes. I can remember her response vividly. Most people would be distraught by such news. Not my mama. She smiled and said to the doctor, "Well diabetes never met Teresa Banks so it might as well be ready to put its dukes up and get ready to fight me." She raised both her hands and started throwing punches like a boxer. Mike Tyson would've been proud. I remember the doctor laughing and saying no other diabetic patient ever responded positively when given the bad news. That's Mama Banks for you.
"So I see you didn't go to church. What you got planned for today?" I asked while sitting uncomfortably on my mother's red and green sofa. I wish my mama would invest in new furniture. Some of this furniture belongs in a castle. My mama is thrifty. She would rather save money than purchase a modern plush sofa. Here is where we are different. I would rather no furniture at all than some '1980s, The Cosby's Show' looking furniture in my crib.
"No. I didn't feel like it today. My arthritis been flaring up lately and I don't have much tithes to give in church," she replied somewhat solemnly.
"Oh. Well I understand the arthritis part but God don't care about tithe money. As long you show up to church and praise him. Ain't that what you taught me?"
"Yea, I did. But I don't want to show up and give him some of my utility's bill money. Then I'm gonna have to pray to him to not get my lights turned off." We both shared a chuckle.
"True that!" I reply, still laughing. "So how is everybody in the family doing?"
"Everyone is good for the most part. They always ask about you."
"Ok. That's good to hear. So even Uncle Teddy is doing well?" I said with a huge grin
"Devin, your Uncle Teddy is something else," replied shaking her head with a smile. "He is doing fine. He is not drinking as much as he use too. Also, he plans on getting married to a nice lady he has been dating for the past year."
"Wow! Uncle T is getting married? I thought I would never hear about that day. I've got to get in touch and congratulate him."
Uncle Teddy was a positive male influence for me growing up; especially during the years my dad was battling his drug and alcohol addiction. The funny thing is my uncle loves Budweiser as much as my dad. But for some reason, he never allowed alcohol to overcome him.
Back in the day, Uncle Teddy was as Jerome from the TV show, Martin, would say "A playa, playa from the Himalaya." Uncle Teddy was instrumental in advising me about women. He would always provide pointers on how they are and how to act around them. One of his favorite sayings is, "Every pretty woman got a story involving a man. So never put all your stock into her until she proves she is 110% down for you." I never quite got that saying until I entered college as an 18 year old wide-eyed freshman. To this day, every attractive female I run into has a dude in her past (or present) lurking somewhere in the background. This is why I'm apprehensive in revealing or giving too much of myself to a woman.
"Soooo speaking of marriage, when will I meet Mrs. Banks?" my mother said with an inquisitive look.
"Mama. Now you know there isn't no Mrs. Banks. I'm only focusing on me and my career." I hate when my mama asks that question but I understand. Every mother wants to witness their son find a phenomenal woman to marry. My mother will have to wait on that day.
"Oh ok. I understand. Just make sure you don't let your career get in the way of finding true love. You have too much to offer a woman to keep it to yourself," she replies with a look of slight disappointment.
"Don't worry mama. I will definitely take advantage when I meet a quality lady," I replied with a smirk.
My mother is clueless of my quest for a quality lady. I'm not sure if one woman is enough for me though. However, one thing my Uncle Teddy always told me is, "One quality female trumps ten so-so females." I never could comprehend this concept. How in the hell could one female be better than 10 or more? How could having sex with one woman forever exceed fucking a multitude of women on a weekly basis?
I thought Uncle Teddy was bullshitting. His engagement suggested otherwise. Then again, he is 60 year old man. It's easy to throw away your player card at 60! His advice mystifies me. One woman trumps countless women? No way.
"Well mama, I enjoyed chatting with you but I got to run," I reply while viewing the time on my smart phone. Several text messages await my response. Most are from various females and one is from my best friend, Greg. He says we need to catch up sometime. I shoot him a text back to say we will soon.
"Well baby, I enjoyed your company. Don't be stranger now," she replies as she gets up to hug me and walk me to the door.
"Yes ma'am. I definitely won't," I say before exiting from her home.
"Hey. Whenever you can, please check on your father. He really wants to see you."
I rolled my head around and huffed. "Yes ma'am. I will check on him soon." My dad has been in a drug and rehab center for several months now. I've yet to visit him. I would prefer not to witness my father in such a vulnerable state. In addition, I'm still somewhat resentful that he force my mother into a single parent role. Despite my parent's turbulent relationship, I wanted us to remain a family. I will make an effort to visit pops.
As I walk towards to the Mackmobile, a peaceful smile forms across my face. I rejoice how blessed I am to have such a wonderful mother. Afterwards, I began thinking if one woman I meet could be half the woman she is. They say the woman you remain with forever possess similar characteristics of your mother. I wonder is this true? If so, where the hell is she? When I meet her, "perhaps" I will join Uncle Teddy on 'One Woman Island.' PERHAPS!
Chapter 7
Thanks For The Enlightenment
(Nas "The World Is Yours" playing from my car stereo)
I just arrived at Greg's house. Before getting out of my car, I quickly reminisce on first meeting my best friend while attending The University of Memphis. This brother is something else. First off, we are similar yet so different. For one, we both share the same views and interest. We love sports (particularly basketball and football), women, and most importantly, thought-provoking conversation. How are we different? His favorite sport is baseball (I can't stand baseball), loves big women (I prefer a curvy woman minus a ton of gut), and doesn't care to exercise. I try to get Greg to exercise with me but he ignores me like a Jehovah's Witness knocking at his door. Nonetheless, he's still my boy!
As I get out of the Mackmobile and head towards his house, he flings the door open.
"Devin! How are you doing?" he exclaims while extending his arms and standing at the doorway. I hate when he does that!
"You startled me a little but I'm good. Trying to get like you," I said. We exchanged hand slaps. "Mane, you always say that. You're the one with the clean ass Mustang and messing with more women than Hugh Hefner," Greg said with a sly grin. We both began to laugh.
"True but I mean it. You're the one with the high paying tech job. Also, you got a loving wife who fully supports you. You're winning G," I said while waving my hands up and down like he is a pharaoh.
"Dab, you crazy. We're both blessed. Anyway, come on in." I began to walk in his house and sit down on his couch. His place is damn near spotless. Here's another difference! Greg is the neat freak of all neat freaks. Back in college, his dorm room was always clean and well-organized. It was so immaculate, I wondered, "Does he even live in his room?" As for my dorm room, you would be lucky NOT to see a week old Papa John's pizza box on top of the mini refrigerator. Of course, I would tidy up before a female guest came over though.
"So can I get you anything to drink? I got some beer," says Greg with a smirk.
"Yeah, I'll take a bottle of that," I reply, sarcastically. Greg is aware of my hatred for beer. Its taste couldn't be further from urine. Another reason is my dad loved beer. His lifelong battle with alcoholism made me detest beer further.
"Aw Dab. You got to drink beer with me one day. Like my uncle say, it'll put some hair on your chest."
"Playa, I like the hair I already got," I reply, stroking my goatee. We both laugh.
"I hear you. So you want anything to drink?"
"No. I'm good. So what's been going on with you?"
"Nothing much. Just working, taking care of the bills and spending time with my wife. My life ain't as thrilling as yours." Greg always makes comments about how my lifestyle is more fun than his. I appreciate the compliment but it makes me a tad bit uneasy. I don't want him to think that he is missing out on anything. He has a thoughtful, caring wife. Their relationship is damn near impeccable. In actuality, that's what I desire with a woman.
"Ok. That's cool. You're doing what a man's supposed to do. What I'm doing out here is something else. I mean it is fun but how long can I keep doing this? What you got is what every real man desires." I point at his wedding portrait hanging on the wall.
"Yeah, I suppose. Marriage life is not always peaches and cream but I am happy."
"Yep, and that is what it is all about. Finding real love and happiness. The shit chick flicks be talking about." We both share a chuckle.
"True. True. So you're sounding like a man ready to settle down. This doesn't sound like the Devin I met at freshman orientation." Greg cracked open his beer and sat back in his chair in anticipation of my response.
"Whoa now, cowboy! I didn't say I was settling down with nobody. It's just when you get older, you start thinking about your future more. I don't want to be the 75 year old cat in the club with a pacemaker trying to holler at these young gals."
"I feel you on that," he replies, chuckling. "So have you met anybody? Is there any lady who got the potential of being Mrs. Banks?"
"Wellll, not exactly but this one female does have me intrigued."
"Oh really? Well, who is this girl?" Greg asks with a quizzical look.
"Her name is Lucy."
"Oh ok. Lucy. What's her nickname?" he asks with a sly smile. Greg knows I give women I date nicknames.
"Pink dress," I replied with a smirk.
"Pink dress??? You and these nicknames! So where did you meet her?
Remember the bar you told me to check out?"
"Yeah."
"Well that's where I met her at. She was wearing this pink dress. Playa, she was looking too right that night," I replied with a big grin.
In my mind, I momentarily reminisced when I first saw Lucy. She had a glow about her and it wasn't just lip gloss. It seemed like all the other women at the bar/club faded into obscurity. It's weird how this woman possesses a hypnotic appeal over me after one night. It's strange we had not seen each other since the morning after our sexual encounter. Yet, I think about her as if we've dated for decades. I am hesitant to inform my best friend my true feelings for Lucy after one interaction.
"Oh ok. So let me guess. Y'all had umm sexual relations?"
"You already know playa. I began sitting back in the chair with my arms folded behind my head.. Like Big Rob, Greg always wanted details of my sexual escapades.
"I knew it. Another one bites the dust. So what happened?" I began filling in the details of what occurred between Lucy and I at my place.
"Wow. So you picked her up like one of them dudes in those porno movies? You wild mane. Ain't no way in hell I'm gonna pick up my wife," Greg jokes.
"Well you are about 150lb and she is about 260 or 270lb so I understand. However, if you would work out with me, you would be strong enough to fling her around like a Barbie doll." We both laugh.
"True. I've gotta hit the gym so you can train me. You can't be the only one looking all swole." He began to a make muscle on his skinny frame. I snicker, shaking my head.
"Well we shall see. Speaking of personal training, I want to talk to you about something."
"Ok. What's up?"
"I want to start my own business. My own gym facility where I train people. It's time for me to have my own gym. Besides, Freewill Fitness isn't paying a brotha enough."
"Ok. Sounds good. So you got a business plan? Any idea of what your niche is
going to be?"
"Business plan? Niche? I didn't know I was in business class again." Greg and I took a business course together at University of Memphis. My attention span should of been with the teacher instead of a sexy half black/half Puerto Rican girl who always sat in front of the class.
"Dab? C'mon mane. If you're starting a business, you got to get a plan in order. Without a plan, you don't have a business, you have a wish." Greg words hit me profoundly. Leave it up to him to make me sit back and think. This is why he is my best friend. He challenges me to be greater than I currently am. He is a thinker while I'm a doer. His insight seems to always make me step my game up.
"You're right G. I wasn't thinking that far. I just wanted to start a gym period," I stated while pondering what my niche will be.
"Yeah, I know. You were always a go-getter and that's a great quality. It's time to be specific about what you are trying to get. Small businesses are failing every day. I don't want yours to be one of them."
"True. Well I definitely thank you G for the enlightenment. You always know how to open my eyes about ideas I be having or things I'm going through."
"You're welcome. We're boys, so don't ever hesitate to ask or tell me anything. Anyway, I'm about to get in the shower and get ready to go to the movies with my wife." He begins getting up indicating it was time to leave. I needed to go run some errands today anyway.
"Cool. Well I hope you both have a smooth time. Be easy on the popcorn. I think I see a gut forming." I began looking at his stomach.
"Nah. This ain't no gut. My shirt is just extra big." We both laugh.
"If you say so. Anyway, thanks again for the conversation."
"No problem Dab." We exchanged fist bumps and I exited Greg's house.
Walking back to my car, I evoke our conversation. I need to get a business plan and niche for my potential personal training business. I don't want to be a carbon copy of all these other gyms around here. It's time to sit down and construct a business plan. However, it is difficult to sit back and think with the lifestyle I live. It would be easier if I had 1 woman instead of several women swirling around me. By dating one woman, I can focus more on my potential business. I got plenty of planning ahead of me to do. First, I got to get my priorities straight. Thanks for the enlightenment Greg.