by Marcus Woods
"Okay. Well let's do some investigating and see what we can find," says Greg.
"Cool. Let's do that."
We began checking Keisha's photo album. Most women have pictures of their kid(s) somewhere in their Facebook photos. After scrolling through various pictures, we stumble upon some of her holding an infant. My heart sunk like the Titanic. Greg and I simultaneously glance at each other and said "Damn!" We probe through the pictures in hopes of it being someone else's baby to no avail. In some of her captions, she mentions the child was her "Little Antwan." In some of her past statuses, she refers to herself as "a single parent." All I could do is stare at the laptop screen. Life sucks at this moment.
"Wow. Seems like Keisha was telling the truth," I mutter.
"Yeah, it seems like she is but guess what? Greg asks.
"What?"
"That does not mean the child is yours."
"True. I just don't know G. I wish I wouldn't have mess with this girl at all. But if Antwan is mine, I don't want to be a deadbeat dad."
I examine pictures of the baby to determine if we share any resemblance. To me, most babies don't favor their parents until they get a few years older. Since Antwan is less than a year old, I can't say if he does or doesn't favor me.
"Hmm. I don't know G. I can't tell if the child looks like me."
"Well look. You can't do anything today since it's the weekend. But soon, you should schedule to get a paternity test. You don't want this situation to linger too long."
"Yeah, you are right. I can't sweep this under the rug. I will get the paternity test soon. I just hate I got to contact Keisha to do all of that."
"I know. But that's life Dab. Sometimes we have do things we don't want to do in order to be in the place we want to be."
"True. Well thanks for coming over and helping me figure out my next move."
"No problem." One more question before I go."
"Sure."
He chuckles before asking, "How in the hell you didn't know that wasn't Lucy on top of your face?"
"Mane, I'm still asking myself that too. Keisha and Lucy isn't too far from weight and height. Again, I was blindfolded. All I know was some pussy was in my face. I assume it was my woman's." We both laugh.
"Only shit like this happens to you Dab."
I shook my head. We stand and exchange friendly hugs. Greg exits my house.
I lay on my white sofa and recollect the advice Greg gave me. He is right. The only way I'm going to get Keisha out of my life is to prove Antwan isn't mine. I turn on the TV in hopes of finding a good comedy movie. My phone rings. Lucy is calling me again. This is her fourth time calling today. After talking with Greg, I feel well enough to talk. I answer the phone.
"Hey babe," I respond.
"Hey stranger. I've been trying to reach you all day. Is everything alright?" asks Lucy. I hear the concern in her voice. If she only knew. Now isn't the right time to confess.
"I'm good. Just been catching up on some rest. What's up?"
"Ok. I'm glad to hear you're alright. Anyway, I miss you and would like to come see you."
Aw baby. I miss you too. Actually, I got the perfect idea for a date."
"What's that?"
"Well that's for me to know and you to find out."
"Devin. You know I hate surprises."
I know but you will love this surprise. Just meet me downtown by the river at 6pm."
"Ok. Is there anything particular you want me to bring?"
"Just three things: You, yourself and Lucy." Lucy giggles.
"Boy, you're crazy. Well I will definitely see you then."
"Alright babe. I love you.
Aw. You said I love you first. I always say it first."
"I know. Got to switch it up from time to time." She laughs.
"Alright crazy. Well I love you too. Bye." She blew a kiss in the phone.
"Ok. See you at 6pm." I blew a kiss back in the phone before hanging up.
I refuse to let Keisha's baby allegations affect my relationship with Lucy. This evening, I am getting back to romantic times with my woman.
Chapter 14
Picnic on the River
(Rick James & Teena Marie "Fire and Desire" playing in the background)
"Aw baby. So this was your plan? A picnic on the river, that's so sweet," Lucy said excitedly.
I made sure to get there before 6pm so I could surprise her with the picnic near the Mississippi River. A blue and gray Memphis Tigers blanket lays over the grass with a wooden picnic basket in the center. The basket contains an assortment of fruits, vegetables, and small deli sandwiches. In addition, because it is warm, I brought a bottle of OFF bug spray because mosquitoes love dark meat.
In a few months, we celebrate the one-year anniversary of the day we met. Yet, it feels like I have known her longer. Our emotional connection is genuine. I can converse with her for hours about literally anything… except sports. Before meeting Lucy, I would have bet the Mackmobile that I would met Bigfoot before meeting my so-called "soul mate." Hell, before Lucy, I could not even fathom the thought of referring to some female as my soul mate. But here I am enjoying a romantic picnic on a splendid spring evening with my…soul mate.
Lucy lays her head on my chest as I wrap my muscular arms around her. We both sit on the blanket while staring at the sky. The sun is slowly fades out of view as nightfall settles over the Mighty Mississippi River. The coolness of each breeze whistles across the river. If I could make three wishes to a genie, it would be unlimited opulence, to never meet Keisha, and to preserve this weather wherever I travel.
I lean in towards Lucy. "So Ms. Jackson, how are you enjoying your river picnic with moi?"
"I'm enjoying it. I must say you continue to surprise me Mr. Banks," Lucy replies, gazing up at me. Her sparkling light brown eyes illuminates through the nightfall.
"Oh really? So how do I continue to surprise you?" She pauses to gather her thoughts.
"Well, you carry yourself in an unpretentious manner and there is certain air about you that I do not expect from men in their 20s." Lucy sits up until we are at eye level. She grabs my hand.
"To be honest, that night we met at The Premiere, I knew there was something about you. Your aura. Your demeanor. I was feeling you. I could tell that you were younger than I was but that didn't matter. And it's crazy because I always dated older men.
"Oh I see. Let me guess. Because of their maturity level right?"
She nods her head. "Yep, but you want to know the crazy thing Devin?"
"What's that?"
"You are more mature than a lot of men who are in their 30s and 40s."
"Really? That's interesting." I wasn't surprised. Lucy was not the first woman to tell me such. Some fellas never learn how to grow up. I see 50-year-old dudes wearing cornrows like they're teenagers!
"Yes. It's unfortunate. But what's not unfortunate is meeting you. You have changed my life for the better. You made me dream again."
"Hmm. Dream again of what?" I sit up in anticipation of her next statement.
"Dream of being in love! Dream of achieving more in life. Dream of becoming the woman I've always wanted to be."
"Wow. I didn't know I had such a profound effect on you. Well not like that," I utter, seductively. Lucy laughs while shaking her head. She knows I can get sensual at any given moment.
"Get your mind out of the gutter, sir." She snuggles in my arms and I get a whiff of her perfume. This woman always smells wonderful and that's a big turn-on.
"Negative. I can't do that unless you get unsexy." She giggles.
"Unsexy? Dab, you are too crazy."
"I'm just saying. That's what it's gonna take."
"Ok. Well I guess I will have to put up with your smooth butt, huh?"
"Yes ma'am." We lean towards each other and French kiss. Another turn-on is the softness of Lucy's lips. This woman must have a lifetime supply of lip balm because her lips are always moist.
Afterwards, we cuddle
while observing the formation of stars in the night sky.
Downtown Memphis tends be a busy location but it was tranquil this evening. Background noise of vehicles whistling back and forward didn't matter. Lucy captivated my attention. The night belongs to us. Two lovebirds nestled under the watchful eye of the Mississippi River. The Keisha-baby situation and all other of life issues ceased to exist. The first time I shared a picnic on the river with Ms. Lucy Dangah Jackson is a night I will never forget.
Chapter 15
Don't Run Away From Your Problems, Run Towards Them
(Usher "Yeah" playing in the background)
"C'mon Bridgette! Hit it! Hit it! Get that shit girl!" I exclaim.
"Aww! Shit! Shit!" Bridgette retorts.
"C'mon girl! Keep going deep!"
"Damn it Devin! Damn you!"
"I know girl. You almost there."
"Awwwwww!"
"That's what the hell I'm talking about! Now that's how you get it!"
I complete a personal training session. To witness a female client push hard through one of my workouts is a turn-on (if she is attractive). Lately, personal training serves as a mental escape from this Keisha fiasco. Despite blocking her number, Keisha calls me from unlisted numbers. I'm positive she is stalking me too. The other night, when Lucy and I left this restaurant, a car sped by us before we got to my vehicle. The car resembled Keisha's red 2010 Nissan Altima. Lucy thought it was just another crazy Memphis driver. She definitely got the crazy part right.
"Devin, you show know how to work a girl over," Bridgette says, wiping sweat off of her forehead.
"Hey. What can I say? That's why you hired me for," I say, smiling.
My coffee-brown eyes take delight to Bridgette's curvy shape. She wants to lose about 10 pounds to look good for the summer. A small stomach pudge didn't affect her gorgeousness. She stood 5 foot 2, 145lb, dark brown skin complexion, long dreads, and thick thighs that could probably crush my neck if I were in-between them. Oh boy. Let me get my mind out of the gutter.
"Well you are definitely doing your job. So is there anything else you want me to do?" Bridgette asks, smiling. Her molasses-colored eyes quickly scope my physique. She twirls her braids akin to a schoolgirl.
"Oh boy," I say to myself. I can tell she is choosing (i.e., flirting) me. Back in my playa days, I would swerve this into some extracurricular activities outside the gym. Bridgette wouldn't be the first the client. However, I'm in a committed relationship no matter how much my dick scoffs at that. I change the subject to discuss her training goals.
"Thanks Bridgette. You're straight for the day. Keep it up and you will have a summertime physique in no time."
"Yea, I believe I will. Thanks again." Her eyes roll in disappointment. Obviously, she's not thrilled I didn't reciprocate her flirtatious advance. I'm a changed man. I refuse to let "fly by pussy" alter my wonderful relationship. As Bridgette exits the gym, Big Rob came around the corner. He turns around to check out her ass. Rob approaches me with a wide grin.
"Damn Dab! You're training her?" says Rob. I nod my head.
"Yea playa. This was our 3rd session together." He gives me a side-eye glance.
"It was y'all 3rd session together, huh? So when did you hit it? After the 1st or 2nd session?" We burst out laughing.
"You're crazy mane. Bridgette and I are strictly professional. Believe or not, I have been faithful to my woman."
"Uh huh? Well that's what they all say until that ass is in your face."
"See, that's why you can't get a good woman Rob. You allow that ass to get in your face," I said, chuckling.
"True," he agrees.
I believe Big Rob's baby mamas distorts his view on women. He believes they want something out of a man. The truth is the women he deals with want something out a man. I always believe the vibe you harbor attracts certain people. I told Rob this on numerous occasions. Until Big Rob's outlook on women changes, he will continue to attract the same type of woman.
While I preach to him about avoiding messy females, I need his advice on this Keisha-baby situation. Nobody can sympathize with me better on this issue than Big Rob. Both of his children's mothers have put him through hell and back. Both are receiving child support from him even though he takes care of his kids. He gets to visit his daughter every weekend (1st baby mother). Oppositely, it is like pulling teeth to see his son (2nd baby mother drama). I pray one day that my friend gets full parental custody of both kids. I'm hoping not to endure the same fate. Big Rob should give me valuable insight on how to handle this Keisha ordeal.
"Rob, I gotta chop it up with you about something really important," I said." He gives me a look of concern.
"Sure Dab. What is it?"
From start to finish, I gave as much detail as I could possibly recall. Start: I slept with Keisha about a year ago. Finish: now she is claims I'm the father of her son. In addition, I told him how she calls from unlisted numbers and is low-key stalking. I disclosed as much info as my memory could chronicle.
"Damn mane. The bitch sounds looney tunes. Just straight bonkers," Rob replies, shaking his head. "It will be alright Devin." He places his hand on my shoulder.
"Yea. I just hate I got to deal with this shit. I finally meet a woman who I don't mind being monogamous with and a crazy broad from my past is trying to ruin that."
"Yeah, that truly sucks. So speaking of her, is Lucy even aware of this?"
I shook my head. He tilts his head in the sky and lets out a big huff. He tilts it back down.
"Devin, I can't believe you. All these times you are preaching to me about keeping it real with women. Honesty is the best game. Remember when you told me that awhile back?"
I nod my head. "Yea I do."
"Well what the hell are you doing?"
I shrug my shoulders. "I don't know mane. I jus…
"Dude, you need to tell Lucy the truth. I complain a lot when it comes to these Memphis broads but you found a diamond. She's certified wife material. If any woman deserves the truth, it's her."
His words hit me harder than a frozen sledgehammer. I sat and let his advice marinate in my mind. I never heard him say any woman is wife material. I had no clue he notice how valuable Lucy is. Being Big Rob is almost 30, it wasn't too far-fetched he would bestow wisdom upon me.
"Thanks playa. That's exactly what I needed to hear, I said.
"No problem Dab. Anyway, I got a female client to train shortly. She ain't as fine as Bridgette but she'll do." We both started laughing.
"You're crazy Rob. Anyway, I'm glad I could converse with you. I'm going to follow your advice and tell Lucy this evening."
"Aight playa. Please do. I'll pray it goes well and I don't see you on Fox 13 News in the worst way."
"Wow. Thanks for the words of encouragement," I said, shaking my head.
"Don't mention it," he jokes. "And one more thing."
"Yea?"
"No more blindfolds."
"Fool, get out of here." We both laugh.
"Aight. Let me know how everything goes."
"Ok, I will." We exchange fist bumps and Rob went to the other side of the gym.
Telling Lucy will be tough. For the most part, our relationship has been smooth sailing. We hardly had any arguments or debates. I just hope Keisha and her baby allegation do not slay our synergy. I am petrified to be a father. I'm still figuring out how to build my life. How in the hell can I build another life from scratch? Whatever the outcome may be, Big Rob taught me one valuable lesson: Don't run away from your problems, run towards them.
Chapter 16
Time For Another Transition
(LL Cool J "Around The Way Girl" playing from my mp3 player)
Here I am at my alma mater: The University of Memphis. Every so often, I walk around campus to get my thoughts together. I'd rather come here than my old neighborhood any day. I would rather witness young, inspiring individuals destined to make something out of their lives vs. old homeboys who still think and dress li
ke its 1998. You know the type, the ones who cannot outlive the past. The last time I went to my mama's house, this dude I befriended as an adolescent was talking to me about the high school days…for the 1000 time! He always reminisces about the high school days whenever he sees me. I remain courteous but I wanted to tell him to go back to Northside High School if he misses it so much. I could care less about evoking memories of my socially awkward, no sex-getting high school years. Since graduating high school, my mindset focuses on one thing: progress.
Walking around campus, the sunlight swirls around me like a halo. The warm humidity causes my white T-shirt to cling to my muscular torso. It is a vibrant day outside. I adore the blue and gray Tiger statues scattered around campus. The sunlight shimmers off their majestically carved stone silhouette. The ladies are out in full force. It would be a perfect day to spit game at some of these pretty, young females. Smooth melanin skin tones of different shades, thick thighs, perky breasts, curvy asses, succulent lips and beautiful feet if I was single. Thank God for blessing me with eyesight!
The beautiful array of women on campus made me think about my ebony goddess. I brought Lucy here a few times to sit at the outdoor water fountain near the University Center. It is pure serenity to watch the water sprout out of the ground. I could care less about high school memories. But at the U of M, I cannot help but recall fun moments I experienced here. The fun times were not limited to engaging in sensual mischief in the dormitories. Plenty of memorable moments took place at the student recreational center too.
From adolescence to high school, I was a chubby dude. Not sumo wrestler big, but still chubby. I use to eat king-size Snickers bars like tic tacs! My freshman year in college, I started lifting weights at the student recreational center. When I start seeing changes to my physique, my life changed forever. I have been a fitness fanatic ever since. Weightlifting was the closest thing I had to a girlfriend in my college days.
Now, after being a personal trainer for the past two years at Freewill Fitness, it is time to establish my own gym: Fitness 4Play. I have witness countless couples workout together at the rec center, Freewill Fitness and other gyms in the city. They would love it at my gym. Yet, no progress has been made with my business.