by Taylor Love
Mika: Fine but this better be worth my time and drive
Robert: It always is
She didn't bother responding to his boast. She would take a thirty minute nap to get her nerves right before going to deal with him.
MIKA OVERSLEPT, OR at least that's the story she was sticking to. She was pretty sure her subconscious was being petty. Which was also why instead of wearing something sexy, she’d put on jeans and a sweatshirt and for once she was wearing sneakers as well.
She couldn’t bring herself to go completely “plain Jane”, so she was still wearing a sexy set of underwear. Mika threw her hair in a high bushy ponytail and called it a day. Even with minimum fanfare she didn’t make it to his house until 7:15.
She had barely rang the doorbell before he opened up, stepped out and closed it. “What—?”
“Come on you’re late.” He propelled her back down the steps towards his Lincoln. “We’ll be late if we waste any more time.”
He had bundled her inside before she found her voice. “Wait just a minute, I thought we were hooking up. I drove all the way out here expecting some birthday get-down. Not an abduction.”
He actually rolled his eyes at her last comment. “I never said you were coming here for sex, though I have zero problem giving you some before the night is out. Right now, we have someplace to be.” Starting the car, he drove out his neighborhood.
“You said you were in the mood.”
“Right, but I never said for what. Not my fault your brain is preoccupied with sex.”
“I’m not! You implied—” Mika cut herself off.
She knew it was a little ridiculous to be upset that he hadn’t accosted her in the driveway. But she was tired of the mixed messages he was sending. He had been the one to set the rules in the first place, yet he tended to switch them up whenever he felt like it. He wasn’t treating her like a mere booty-call, and most women would have been thrilled with that. She wasn’t most women and didn’t appreciate these blurred lines. This was not the way she had intended to end her birthday weekend.
She took a couple of breaths and finally spit out, “Well lead on, mighty Lorde of adventure.”
Robert didn’t say anything, just continued to drive. His mind was frantically trying to figure out what he’d done wrong in the three minutes they’d been together. When a woman had to cut herself off mid-sentence it was because she was trying to keep from going all the way off. Further she made it clear she didn’t want to talk by turning up the radio. Fine with him. Shit, if her attitude didn’t change this was going to be a long night.
Mika cracked her eyes open as she felt the car stop. Her quick meditation had helped. She was feeling calmer now. She would make the best of it. Though she wasn’t above demanding to be taken home or even calling an Uber if need be. Plenty of men had been fooled into taking her easygoing ways for weakness. Looking around, she could tell they were in a parking structure.
“Where are we?”
“At the Detroit Zoo,” Robert answered getting out.
It was barely over 50 degrees and already full dark. “What are we doing here?”
Robert considered what he should say as he studied her. In the end he didn’t smile or explain. He simply held out his hand and said, “Trust me...and you’ll find out.”
She didn’t smile either. Instead she looked at his hand, then back to his face. God help her but that was the problem. She did trust him, even though she knew she shouldn't. Stepping forward she took his hand. “Okay Mr. Kidnapper...show me what you got.”
MIKA COULDN’T BELIEVE they were at the Zoo. The knowledge immediately put her in a better mood. She was an animal lover from afar. Her parents had never let her have a pet. They were convinced she wouldn’t be responsible, and neither parent had time to take care of a pet. She’d thought about getting a dog or cat once she’d had her own home. Sad to say as an adult she didn’t think she had time now either.
She’d never been to the zoo at night. The last time she’d visited had been in high school. As they stood in line for tickets, she turned to him with a real smile.
“What is this?”
“It’s called Wild Lights. The zoo has it every year. They do elaborate light displays throughout half the place for a month or so.” Robert felt his shoulders relax, seemed like the crisis had been averted.
“How cool! Have you been before?”
“No, I only know about it because it’s hard to miss the lights each year on my drive home.”
“Well I’m looking forward to it! It’s been at least a decade since I’ve been to the Zoo.” She was bouncing on her toes, actually glad to have on some kicks. They walked through the gates and immediately saw the word “welcome” in holiday-colored lights, with a field of lighted reindeer behind the sign.
“Oooh, I want a picture!”
Shoving her phone in his hand, she ran over to the sign while he took the shot. They continued on looking at displays of colorful birds in flight, and staged displays of elephants and penguins all lighting the walking path. About ten minutes in they came to a snack hut.
“It’s cold, let's get something hot to drink,” Robert steered her over to the line.
“They have spiked hot cocoa. I’ll take that!”
“They have funnel cake fries, you sure you don't want those too?” Robert teased.
Looking up at him she actually felt herself blush as the memories hit her. Hopefully he’d think it was from the cold. “I saw. Maybe on the way back. They only have frosting for the dip anyway. Nothing as good as what we had.”
When they made it to the window he ordered two spiked hot chocolates, paying extra for the keepsake mugs as well. They were both grateful to have the hot liquid as it helped beat off the cold. She put her arm through his and snuggled against his side. Only to share warmth...is what she told herself. Walking on they saw a sleigh arched in the air as if it were flying, then came upon a small ice rink. They passed on actually skating, only pausing there for a while to talk and watch the others fall on the ice. From there they came to the restaurant and decided to grab some pizza while finishing their drinks.
Mika was having a great time. She loved doing new things, and she couldn’t believe she’d never been here before. Then again there was always so much going on in and around the Metro Detroit area. She’d have to thank him for the evening. It was sweet. She would assume it was for her birthday weekend. Even so, he had no obligation to acknowledge or do anything to celebrate her day. She was touched by his thoughtfulness. After eating they made the loop back on the other side of the path and came across the theater.
“Hey, they’re playing Rudolph! Let's go in.”
“Really?” Robert said doubtfully. “You really want to see that?”
“Yeah why not! Everyone likes an underdog. Plus come on, don’t you want to sing Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer?”
“Umm, no.”
She pulled him inside anyway pointing to a sign. “And see it’s free, you can't have a problem with free. Free 4D showing.”
“You got me, I never argue with free.”
They stood in line chatting during the short wait for the next show. It was after nine o’clock, so mostly it was only adults with a few older kids here and there. Once inside the small theater, with their 4D glasses on they settled in to enjoy the fifteen-minute show. To say she wasn’t ready when fake snow started to fall on her head was an understatement, along with the piped-in smell of peppermint. She was enjoying the abridged version of the childhood movie. Until during the chase scene with the cranky snow monster Bumble, slush splashed on screen and water squirted up into the audience’s faces.
“Okay, they taking this 4D thing too far. I don't know where that water’s been!”
Robert laughed at her, wiping his own face. “Hey, they just keeping it real.”
“Too real,” she mumbled before focusing on the final minutes of the movie.
True to his word he refused to sing the song at the end. Lea
ving they were funneled into a two-room gallery filled with various nature photos. They took a few minutes to look around which helped her forget the assault from the show.
“You ready to go?”
“Yeah.” The crowd leaving had to contend with the crowd coming in, and he held her hand while navigating them out. She didn’t object when the hand-holding continued even once they were back outside. As they headed back towards the entrance they came across a huge lighted lion.
“I want a picture next to this.”
“Okay, hand me your phone.”
“Take this one with me.” Mika persisted.
“I’m not huge on taking pictures.”
“Don’t spoil my night.” She turned around and called out to the first person who made eye contact. Which happened to be an older couple.
“I’m sorry to bother you. Would you mind taking a quick picture of the two of us?”
“Not at all,” the lady said taking Mika’s phone.
Robert didn’t protest further and even smiled for the shot.
“Thank you!” Mika waved the nice couple off.
“Let me see it.” Robert reached for the phone.
“No, you said you didn’t want to take it.”
They argued and wrestled over the phone laughing as they continued on. Not long after they were back in the parking structure getting into his car. As they buckled up she turned to face him.
“Hey thanks for tonight. It was a really fun surprise. I’m sorry about earlier. I didn’t know what was going on.”
“Yeah that would be my fault. I didn’t mention we needed to be somewhere by 7:30, which is why I was rushing when you arrived. I could have given you a heads up. Anyway, I’m glad you enjoyed the evening.”
“I did enjoy it! What about you?”
“It was cool. I need to bring my little cousins here next year. You think they’ll like it?”
“I don't see why not. So what’s on the agenda next?”
“My place,” Robert said starting the car. “I’m thinking we should both call off work tomorrow.”
Mika burst out laughing, “What? You can’t be serious.”
“Why not? You asked what I had planned. I see a long night for both of us, and it won’t be spent sleeping.”
“Even so you assume it’s going to be call off work worthy?”
“Oh I know so. I guarantee it.”
Chapter Twelve
AS THE SECOND WEEK of December came to a close Robert was already tired of cold weather. While he was accustomed to it like any other Michigander, it didn’t mean he had to like it. The first real snow of the season had come a week ago, dumping six inches overnight. Even a week later three inches still remained on the ground. This was definitely “cuddle-buddy” weather. He supposed Mika was his as he hadn’t had sex with anyone else since August.
They’d spent the night after the zoo getting down twice before passing out for the night. He had originally been joking about calling off work. That was before she’d woken him up with a blowjob, followed with a slow ride. He’d barely had enough energy to call his office. Robert hadn’t skipped work for a woman since his college days of work-study.
She had showed off her only cooking skills by making him a hearty breakfast, which had actually been delicious. From there it was a morning and afternoon spent watching movies and talking. A specific portion of their conversation stuck out in his mind.
They were lounging on the couch with Mika wearing her sweatshirt and a pair of his boxers, as she laid crossways in his lap. She didn’t seem to get the concept of personal space. He had suddenly looked down at her and stated, “You are so not my type.”
“Oh? You mean, intelligent, beautiful, and creative? I agree, that isn’t your type.”
“No, I meant light-skinned.”
Mika sat up so she could face him.
“Don’t tell me you’re one of those brothers who’s got color issues. Like you never date light-skin women?”
“No, I’m not. I’ve dated and been with women of your complexion several times. But they are just not my first preference.”
“Oh really...and why is that?”
He watched her slowly cross her arms and knew she was ready for a fight. “Because I feel like they’re all out for the same thing. Seems like they find the blackest brother they can date to validate their blackness. They also seem to be high-maintenance more often than not.”
He was preparing for the worst when she burst out laughing instead.
“Really Robert? That is such old and tired crap. It’s like saying you’re sleeping with me to get as close as you can to being with a white woman. Is that true?”
“Hell no!”
“You sure? Many darker men put a lighter woman on their arm, or marry them as a trophy wife. Like a badge of honor all successful black men need to show they made it.”
“That’s not always—”
She cut him off. “It is more often than not. All you gotta do is glance at the top actors, sport stars, etc.”
He went to speak again and she waved him quiet. “And I’ve dated men of all races. I appreciate handsome men of all ethnicities, but I seem to be most attracted to black men...of all hues. Speaking just for myself, I don’t need anything about myself ‘validated’. Are we clear on that?”
“Sure thing princess.” He tried playing with her loose curls.
“Don’t try to distract me.” She batted his hand away. “Besides, you are definitely not my type either.”
“I’m every woman’s type.” He pulled her back across his lap before she could resist.
“Nope, not mine. I don’t like stuck-up, stiff, know it all’s.”
He ran his hand up over her breast. “I’m not stuck-up, I have standards. Also I do know best, it’s been proven.” She snorted and pinched his side. “And I only have one thing that’s stiff, and you seem to really enjoy it.”
That had ended any talking about that subject, starting a make out session instead.
Now he was leaving the gym a little after one on Saturday. The truth was he was already feeling bored at the prospect of heading home. He wondered what Mika was up to? He dialed her from the car.
“Hey, what you doing?” he asked when she answered.
“Nothing. Why?”
“I just finished working out downtown. Thought maybe I could stop by.”
“Oh...sorry, but today’s not good. I’m not in the mood for company, feeling a little tired.”
Robert had noticed she sounded off. “Everything alright?”
“Yeah, just been a long week. I might watch some screen, probably take a nap. Sorry.”
“Do you need anything?”
“Nope, just rest.” And to get off this phone she thought.
“Okay, I’ll talk to you later.”
Mika said goodbye and exhaled. She hadn’t lied she was exhausted. Which was amazing considering she’d only been up an hour. The only thing she’d done was eat breakfast, then scroll through a few personal emails and Facebook before Robert called. To be honest, she was surprised to hear from him. Last time she had spoken to him was by text, thanking him for a flower delivery almost two weeks ago.
The day she had spent with him had been fun. He was a good conversationalist, and had a habit of making her laugh. They both perversely enjoyed trying to get under the other’s skin. It was nice to be able to tease and play with a man who was secure in taking a joke. While she had loved her birthday outing, plus the wonderful sex that followed—she once again was thinking they should put an end to their fling.
“Don’t think about him today. R&R is the only thing on your agenda.” Gathering water and snacks she hunkered down on the couch. She started flipping through channels, randomly stopping on a game and started eating her chocolate covered Crunch n’ Munch. She zoned in and out for twenty minutes, sometimes watching TV and other times checking her phone, when her doorbell rang.
She shifted but made no attempt to get up. It
rang again and she ignored that too. If it was a salesperson they could rot for all she cared. When the banging started she jumped up so quickly, she almost tripped on a pillow laying on the floor. She stalked to the door heated. She just wanted to rest on a Saturday for goodness sake! She jerked open the door without even looking.
“There better be an emergency—” She trailed off as she saw who was actually standing on her step. “Didn’t I tell you now wasn’t a good time? If you came to get some oh well because I’m on my period.”
“Hello to you too. That’s not why I came by. I was bored and wanted to chill.”
“You a damn lie but that’s okay, I’m going to hold you to it.” She waved him in and shut the door. “Come on in. You on house arrest for at least two hours, since you just want to chill.”
“Fine with me.” Robert took off his boots and coat, before following her inside to the living room. He had been surprised to see her open the door in some loose fitting sweats and a looser fitting sweater. She still looked good but this was the least dressed up and unstylish he’d ever seen her to date. He’d taken her for a 24/7 fashion plate. “What game you watching?”
“Not this one,” Mika said irritably, already turning to a movie she remembered passing. “I want to watch a romantic comedy.” She was going to make him suffer, for once again coming to her house out the blue.
“Now who a damn lie,” Robert said dryly.
He knew she was being contrary just to spite him. He was lucky she hadn’t thrown something at his head. He was a man who’d grown up with two females. He understood that sometimes, their periods turned them into crazy people. She finally found the show she wanted before stretching out fully, plopping her footie covered feet in his lap. He got comfortable and then pulled out his phone.
“Why don’t you understand how to take no for an answer?” Mika grumbled.
“Just part of my DNA I guess. Folks who do don’t go far in life,” Robert replied still distracted with his phone.
“No, you’re just annoying. Your mother didn’t beat your behind enough.”