I touched her chin, turning her face towards me.
“Baby you can do whatever you want. Don’t look at the crowd look at me,”
She sat silent for a moment sipping her wine.
“You know what? I’m going to do it! You just make sure you announce me,”
I gave her a peck on the cheek and stood.
“Baby I got you,” I waited for the last poet to perform and headed back to the stage. He handed me the mic so I could make the final introduction.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I hope you’re all enjoying yourselves. We have one more performer this evening. This is her first time on stage. So show my lady some love. Sandy come up here and show us what you can do!”
I took her hand helping her up the stairs that lead to the stage. I gave her a hug, placing the mic in her hand.
“You can do it baby,”
She smiled and waited for me to have a seat.
“Hello everyone, this is my first time on stage so please bear with me. This is a poem I wrote right before I went back to school to become a police officer. It’s called; My People. I hope you like it.” She nervously squeezed the mic, closing her eyes for a split second.
“Black on black crime is at an all-time high, brothers and sisters killing each other with no real reason why? Robbing, stealing, raping, our own, It saddens me; this is the only life some of us know. Our ancestors fought for us, they gave up their lives, and this is how we repay them? By having no shame or pride? We are black Kings and Queens. It’s time to remember where we’ve been. And learn how to get where we should be. It’s time to start loving, and respecting one another. Before it’s too late and we never recover.”
She finished her poem and received a standing ovation. I was so proud of her. I knew she was afraid to stand up there in front of so many people. But she did it anyway. She conquered her fear. She raced off the stage, into my arms. I was thankful she was back in my life.
I had one last surprise for her. I helped her with her coat, and we headed for the door. Our night was going well, until I spotted Lexi strutting in our direction. I prayed silently that we would make it out the door with no drama. I could feel my body tightening up. Sandy must’ve as well because she asked was I all right.
Before I could answer we were both standing face-to face with Lexi.
“Hey guys! How are you?” She asked.
“We’re fine. And how are you?” Sandy responded.
I couldn’t think of anything to say. Even though I broke things off with her, I still wasn’t sure she was over me. I grabbed Sandy’s hand and tried to head towards the door, when Lexi noticed her ring.
“Oh my God, your ring is beautiful!”
“Thanks.” Sandy said calmly.
I could feel the tension in the air.
“Do you mind if I get a closer look at your ring?” Lexi asked.
Was she crazy? All I wanted to do was get the hell out of there. This woman really had a lot of balls. Sandy was proving that she was a woman with no doubts about our relationship or me. She held out her hand so Lexi could get a better look.
“That is really nice. That ring looks like it set you back a few dollars,” she stated sarcastically looking in my direction.
“That’s really none of your business,” Sandy hissed.
“My bad I didn’t mean any harm. I just wanted to congratulate you both,”
“Yeah I’m sure you did,” Sandy smirked while pulling on my sleeve.
“Listen Lex it was nice seeing you. But we have to go,” I said following Sandy out the club I prayed this incident wasn’t about to spoil the rest of our night.
We drove in silence to our next destination. I knew she was upset, because she didn’t question where we were going. I turned on the radio, to bury the silence. I was grateful when we finally pulled up to City House bed and breakfast. Now maybe we could get our evening back on the right track. I thought.
“Where are we?” She asked?
“This is the second part of your surprise,” I smiled.
She didn’t seem too enthused. She opened the car door and walked over toward the lobby doors. She didn’t even let me open the car door for her, which meant she was pissed.
“Lord help me,” I sighed.
I popped open my trunk and grabbed my bag. I locked my car doors, and slowly headed inside to check-in. Sandy was sitting at a table waiting. I went over to the front desk to get the keys to our room. I reserved the Bryce room. It had a great view of our city’s beautiful Susquehanna River. The location was romantic and was conveniently close to where her graduation would be held tomorrow.
Our room was on the first floor. And even though the establishment was modified it still had that old era feeling. I opened the door and she gasped touching her chest.
“Oh my goodness this room is gorgeous!”
I sat my bag on the floor, watching her as she took everything in. The room was very cozy. It had big French doors that faced the river. The decorative fireplace had large candles sitting on top. I plopped down on the king size bed and turned on the forty inch flat screen.
I flipped through the channels. I really wasn’t interested with what was on cable. I wanted her in my arms. I wanted to make love. I strolled over to where she was still standing. I placed my arms around her waist, kissing her neck.
“Are you enjoying your surprises?”
She turned to face me.
“Yes I am. I have one question why did you bring me here?”
My heart sank. Maybe getting the room was a bad idea. I thought.
“Don’t you like the room?” I asked.
She placed her arms around my neck.
“Of course I do. But this place is romantic,”
“What’s wrong with that?”
‘Baby I told you how I feel. I don’t want to have sex until we’re married.”
I sighed, removing her arms from around my neck, placing them close to my heart.
“I thought you knew me better than that. I didn’t get this room just for sex. Remember a few years ago. You said you had never been to a bed and breakfast. Tonight I wanted to show you that I do listen to what you say to me,” I paused, looking into her big brown eyes.
“From here on out I want to be the man that makes all your dreams come true,”
She took a deep breath and exhaled.
“Sweetie thank you for all of this. I can tell you put a lot of thought into it,”
‘You’re welcome. As long as you’re happy my job is done,”
“So what do we do now?” She asked.
I grabbed my bag off the floor and was about to dump contents on the bed.
“You better not have any kinky stuff in there,” she laughed.
I threw the bag on the bed and gave her a peck on the forehead.
“You know what before you get to see what goodies I got in here. I’m going to start a fire,” I ginned, turning on the electronic fireplace.
She tried to sneak a peek in my bag. I raced over and playfully tackled her down on the bed. She brushed her lips against mine. I welcomed her kisses and gently touched her breast.
She quickly removed my hand. I sat up, pulling her arms so she could sit up to.
“I’m sorry I got carried away,” I admitted.
She touched my cheek gently looking over her shoulder.
“It’s okay. Why don’t you show me what’s in the bag?” I forgot the bag was still sitting behind us.
“You really wanna know what’s in there don’t you?” I teased.
“Yes I do!” She stated reaching for my bag.
I stood snatching the bag off the bed.
“Okay here you go,” I handed her a medium sized pink box, with a red bow.
She eagerly opened the box, and pulled out a short white, silk chiffon jacket. It also included a lace baby doll nightie. I found it online at Lace & Silk.Co.Uk. She held the short nightie up to her body.
“You want me to wear this?” She giggled.
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“Yes. I will even run your bath water for you,”
She rolled her eyes.
“You’re a mess!”
I strutted to bathroom to get her water ready. I shouted over my shoulder.
“I know,”
I called her when her bath water was ready. She entered the bathroom and rushed me out the door. I pulled out the rest of the items in my bag. I prepared her final surprise for the night.
Sandy stepped out the bathroom and I was speechless. She looked like an angel in her all white nightie. I was truly blessed. Despite all my sins my Father still loved me. I was going to make her my wife. There was no doubt in my mind.
I walked over to her, kissing her sexy lips.
“Are you ready for your final surprise?”
She followed me over to the bed. I moved to the side so she could see.
“Wow really?” She smiled.
“Yes really, are you ready?” I asked.
She sat on the bed giving me a devilish look.
“You ain’t ready,” she stated.
“Okay whatever you say,” I said sitting across from her.
Spread across the bed was all of our favorite childhood games. I smiled to myself thinking of endless fights we had playing these games as kids. To say we were competitive would be an understatement. We decided Trouble, would be the first game of the evening.
“Thank you for all of this,”
“Anything for you, I hope this proves to you, that it’s not just about sex with me. We’ve known each other way too long for me ever to disrespect you that way,”
She leaned over and kissed my cheek.
“I’m glad you said that. Now let’s get this game on, so I can show you whose boss,”
“Girl you can show me whateva you want!” I grinned.
Sandy
I rolled over to find Dontae still sound asleep. I couldn’t believe he’d planned such a wonderful evening for me. My life was perfect. I was graduating today, and I was back with the man I loved. I didn’t think we’d ever get back to this place. Thank you, Jesus. There was nothing better than the power of prayer. I thought.
I eased out of bed so I wouldn’t disturb him. I checked the time it was still early. My graduation wasn’t until one o’clock. I was too excited to go back to sleep. I picked up my cell phone. I had one miss call from my father. I pressed the code on my phone to retrieve his message. He said he wanted to see me before my graduation. I made a mental note to stop by his house before I went home.
Dontae rolled over patting the side of the bed where I had slept. He looked up to find me smiling at him.
“Good morning, handsome,”
“Good morning. Why are you up so early? Come back to bed,” He turned down the covers inviting me to join him.
I didn’t want our time to end. But I had a lot of things that I needed do.
“Baby you know I have to get ready for this afternoon,”
“I know but a few more minutes won’t kill you,” he pouted.
“Dontae I really don’t have time for this. You know how important today is,”
He sat up and put on his t-shirt.
“Of course I know how important today is. I just thought after last night, you would have a little more time for me,”
I couldn’t believe my ears. How could he be so selfish? This was my day. I worked really hard turning my dream into a reality. I thought he understood better than anyone. I felt his negativity from across the room. Maybe he woke up on the wrong side of the bed. I had no idea what his problem was, and I didn’t have time to find out.
“I’m going to jump in the shower and get dressed. I hope by the time I return your attitude will be adjusted,”
“My attitude is fine. All I wanted was a little more time with you. I didn’t know that was a crime,”
I watched him get dressed and walk out the door. I had no idea what his problem was and I didn’t have time to figure it out. This was my day and I refused to let anyone ruin it.
Once I got dressed. I made my way downstairs to the lobby. Dontae was sitting at a table eating and reading the newspaper. I made me a cup of coffee and grabbed an apple from the fruit bowl sitting on the counter. There was a nice buffet set up. But I was too excited to eat.
I sat at the table across from him. I wanted to say something. But my pride got in the way. I sipped on my coffee, waiting for him to speak. I couldn’t tolerate the silence one more second. I smacked the top of his newspaper startling him.
“Are you going to say something?” I hissed.
“What do you want me to say?”
I sat staring at him. It was obvious to me, what he should say. He should be giving me an apology. I thought. This was one of the most important days of my life, and he was trying to ruin it. If he didn’t know what to say I wasn’t going to waste anymore of my time. I stood glaring at him.
“I’m ready to go. Unlock the doors please,” I stomped off and headed to the car.
He strolled up to the car about five minutes later. We were silent the entire ride to my apartment. Before I could jump out he grabbed my hand.
“I’m sorry. Today is your day and I don’t want to spoil it over something so petty. Go ahead upstairs and get ready. I’ll meet you there. Do you forgive me?”
I sat quietly, looking straight ahead. He leaned over his car console, and gently touched my cheek.
“Come on baby. Don’t be like this. You know I’m not a morning person. I’m sorry,” he pleaded.
I turned to face him.
“Fine Dontae, I forgive you. But the way you behaved was uncalled for,”
“I promise I’ll make it up to you,” he said, kissing me on the cheek.
I closed my eyes and sighed. I was still upset. I searched through my purse for my keys. I opened the car door and smiled. Anger was a choice, and I chose to be happy. If I was going to say I forgave I had to mean it.
“I love you. Whatever you were going through earlier, it’s over. I’m going to enjoy this day with the people I love, especially you,”
I waved as he pulled off, then checked my phone if I was going to see Jason and my father before my graduation. I needed to hurry.
Melissa
I stepped into the Crown Plaza Hotel elevator with Tyrone. He’d been staying there, whenever he was on business. He thought it would be best to get his things and check out to save money. He said he had some loose ends to tie up back in New York before he could officially move to Pennsylvania. I didn’t have a problem with it because I still had to break the news to my family. And honestly I wasn’t sure how they would react.
After putting all his things in the back of his truck, we drove to my father’s house. I needed to bring him, David’s suit. I ran up the sidewalk to my father’s door. I opened the screen door and walked in.
“Hey Daddy!” I yelled up the steps.
He said he would be right down. I heard my father walking down the stairs. He still had on his slippers and robe. I was waiting to see my son come flying down the steps behind my dad. He was my father’s shadow, whenever he stayed with him.
“Where’s David?”
“He’s still in the tub. You know how that boy likes to play in the water,”
I nodded, my head because I knew all too well. I handed him the suit. He examined the items I gave him.
“Where’s the boy’s shoes?”
I smacked my forehead, racing to the door.
“I’m sorry daddy. I forgot them in the truck. Just as I was about to step off the porch I saw Tyrone walking up.
“Hey baby can you unlock the doors? I left David’s shoes in the truck,”
“Do you want me to go get them?” He asked.
“No that’s okay. Go and say hello to my dad. I’ll be right back,” I slid to the side so Tyrone could go in.
I snatched the shoes from the backseat of the truck. As I was heading back to the house I heard someone calling my name. I turned to see who was calling me. It was
Darius’s older brother Scooter.
“Hey Scooter!” I waved.
He held out his arms waiting for an embrace. I walked over and gave him a big hug. I hadn’t seen him almost four years. The last I heard he had moved to Texas with his fiancé.
“What are you doing here?” I asked.
“I’m on vacation from work. I thought it was time I came home to see my family and friends,”
“That’s good. Have you seen your parents yet?”
“Yeah I actually just left my mom’s house. I also talked to your boy today,”
I knew he was referring to Darius. But I chose not to entertain his statement. Instead I gave him a quick peck on the cheek.
“It was nice seeing you. Tell your mom I said hello,”
He gripped my wrist before I could take another step.
“You know he loves you right?”
“He has a funny way of showing it. Besides I have a man,”
Without another word, I turned and raced back to my father’s house. I knew it was getting late and I needed to get home to get ready. I approached the screen door to find Tyrone standing on the opposite side staring at me.
“Are you ready he asked?”
“Yes just let me say goodbye to my dad and David,”
He opened the door and I ran upstairs. I walked inside my father’s room. He was getting David dressed.
“Daddy I’m going home to get dressed. I’ll meet you there. If you get there before me please save me two seats,”
“Okay I will!”
I kissed my two favorite men and made my way back downstairs. Once we settled in the truck I immediately felt tension. I would’ve addressed it but he turned the car stereo up so loud, I could hardly think. I was glad when he pulled into my apartment complex. He was driving like a bat out of hell.
I unhooked my seatbelt and quickly jumped out of his truck. I had no idea what had pissed him off. I was just thankful we made it home in one piece. He followed me upstairs. And neither of us had uttered a word.
I unlocked my door and threw my keys on my kitchen table. He was going to tell me what his problem was, whether he wanted to or not. I turned to face him.
“What the hell is wrong with you? You could’ve killed us!” I snapped.
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