by Marc Avery
“When she gets here, I’ll introduce you guys.”
“In the future, please be careful with these women out here. Some of them are full of shit.”
“I got my eyes wide open now.”
“I just hope this one isn’t crazy like the last one.”
“Not even close.”
“Amen, bro.”
Looking like a plus-size model, Mia walked into the bar minutes later. The denim jacket she wore barely held her breasts in place.
When she got to the bar, I got off the stool and hugged her. I brushed against her ass, and she kissed me on the cheek.
“Paul, this is Mia. Mia, this is Paul.”
“Nice to meet you, Paul.”
“Nice to meet you too, Mia.”
They shook hands.
“What are you drinking?” I leaned against the bar.
“I’ll take a Malibu Bay Breeze.” She reached into her purse.
Grinning, I told her, “Don’t embarrass me in front of my boy.”
She smiled and closed her bag. Her cell phone rang.
“Can you two excuse me? I gotta take this call.” I watched her ass bounce as she walked away.
I waited until she was gone to say something to Paul. “So, what do you think?”
“I can’t lie. She is bad,” Paul said.
“Didn’t I tell you?”
“You did, but do me one favor.”
“What’s up?”
“If you get into a relationship with Mia, make sure you and Essence are 100 percent done.” He patted me on the shoulder.
“Trust me. We’re more than done,” I said with finality.
“Good shit, bro. You have my blessing.” He gave me dap and a hug. “I just want you to be happy. That’s all.”
“I appreciate you, man.”
“No doubt, bro. Let me get up out of here so y’all can chill together. I’m not trying to be the third wheel.” He smiled before he left the bar.
Mia came back to the bar and sat next to me just as Paul walked out the door.
“Hey, mister, how have you been?”
“I’ve been good. You?”
“I’ve been swamped at work, but other than that, I can’t complain.” She sipped her drink.
“It’s good to see you again.”
“The feeling is mutual.”
“Let’s toast to new opportunities.”
We touched glasses, and I swallowed the rest of my drink.
After two more shots of vodka, I almost went into a nod. Mia helped me to her truck.
Half an hour later, we were parked in front of my mother’s house.
“I enjoyed hanging out with you tonight,” she said.
“I liked hanging out with you too.”
I looked into Mia’s eyes and licked my lips. Her perfume got me excited. I leaned in, closed my eyes, and kissed her on the lips.
“I’m sorry. I don’t know what got into me,” I blurted out.
“Don’t be sorry.” She touched my hand.
I touched her thigh and kissed her neck.
She moaned and grabbed my crotch. Things were spiraling out of control, and I liked living on the edge.
“Can we go to your place?” I nuzzled her neck.
“Yessss,” she whispered.
Once we got inside of her condo and had some wine, we were all over each other again. The glasses of wine on top what we drank earlier only pushed things further along.
Her perfume clogged my nostrils, and her lips were so soft. We ended up rolling around on the couch. Our hands were everywhere, and I wanted her so bad I could taste it.
“Wait,” I said and sighed. “I can’t. Not like this.”
“What’s wrong?”
“I like you a lot.”
She smiled. “I like you too . . . So what’s the problem?”
“I want to take my time with you.”
“Wow, Anthony. That’s very sweet of you.”
“I’m sure you’re worth the wait.” I looked her up and down.
She bit her lip. “Oh, I will be.”
I couldn’t help but smile back. “You want to watch a movie?” I asked.
“Sure. What did you have in mind?”
“Anything without a sex scene.”
We watched movies until we couldn’t keep our eyes open. Mia fell asleep lying on my chest. I couldn’t sleep at all.
On one hand, I was falling for Mia. On the other hand, I didn’t want to get played again. I had a tough decision to make.
January
I spent two days at Mia’s condo. We went to the movies and dinner, but we didn’t have sex. I wanted to, but I also didn’t want to rush anything either.
I went back home after work on the second day. A topless Pam Grier was about to serve me brunch before my cell phone’s alarm woke me up out of my dream the following morning.
I put on a pair of flip-flops and sat at the computer upstairs. With two tabs open on the computer, I Googled affordable apartments in West Philly, and when I finished searching, I checked my PayPal account. In the last month, I made $700 from my Vimeo sales. I wasn’t rich, but it would damn sure help my pockets.
Mia’s ringtone went off, and I smiled. Being around her gave me an adrenaline rush. The more I saw her, the happier I felt.
“Hey,” I said.
“Hey, mister.” She paused. “You weren’t busy, were you?”
“Not anymore. I was looking for an apartment I can actually afford.”
“Maybe I can help you.”
“How so.”
“I have a girlfriend who can show you some apartments if I ask her. She owes me a favor.”
“I appreciate that. Anything to speed up the process.” I wanted to jump up and down I was so excited.
“Let me make a phone call, and I’ll come get you in an hour,” she said before we hung up with each other.
Mia pulled up outside my mother’s house exactly an hour later. When I hopped in her truck, she kissed me on the cheek. I wanted to rip her clothes off and do her right there in the truck. The sexual tension between us hung in the air. It was only a matter of time before one of us made a move.
The first four apartments we visited didn’t move me at all. Finally, we drove to a red brick apartment building in West Philly near the college campuses in University City. The block was clean and quiet. Mia’s girlfriend reeled me in.
“This unit boasts wall-to-wall carpeting, two bedrooms, one and a half bathrooms, and a washer/dryer combo.”
“How much is this going to cost me?” I asked, anxious to get this process over and done with.
“The rent will normally be $900, but with the security deposit included, the payment will be $1,800, Mr. Porter,” she said.
This was a big moment for me. The place was close to my job and wouldn’t set me back too much. I didn’t want to dip into my savings, but I had to make that sacrifice.
“I’ll take it,” I said and smiled.
“You won’t be disappointed.” The woman shook my hand and handed me paperwork to sign.
I handed her the signed paperwork and a check, and she handed me the apartment keys. Then Mia and I left the apartment.
“I appreciate your help, Mia.” I hugged her.
“You’re welcome, mister.”
“Let me take you to dinner tomorrow night as a thank you.”
“That would be nice.”
“Can you come and get me around eight?”
“I’ll be there.”
“Cool. You mind dropping me at home?”
“Sure thing.”
Before Mia dropped me off, I thought about her meeting my mother. Then I thought about when my mother met Essence, and I dropped the idea. I couldn’t play myself twice.
My mother was sitting on the couch watching TV and sipping tea when I came in.
“Hey, baby.”
“Hey, Mom.”
“What’s got you smiling so hard?”
“I found an ap
artment today.”
My mother’s face lit up, and she jumped off the couch. “Congratulations, baby. I’m so happy for you. When are you moving in?” She hugged me.
“Next month.”
“Where is it located?”
“Near University City.”
“Okay. That’s a pretty good neighborhood.”
“Yeah, it is. And I appreciate you letting me stay here for the time being.”
“Not a problem at all, baby.”
I kissed her on the cheek. “I’m going to bed. I’ll see you tomorrow morning.”
“Good night, and I love you.”
“I love you too.”
I went to my bedroom and lay down on the bed. I took my phone out and noticed I had a missed call and a voice mail. I called the voice mail.
You have one new message:
“I don’t know how to tell you this, but—” Essence paused. “I’m two months pregnant, and you’re the father.”
“What the fuck?” I hung up and called Essence on her cell phone.
“What a pleasant surprise,” she said sarcastically.
“I’m just calling to see if you good.”
“Why are you acting like you care about me and my baby?”
“I care about our baby,” I said sincerely.
“We’ll see how much you care when the real responsibility rolls around.”
“I’m going to handle my business.”
“You talk a good game, so we’ll see.”
“You need any money?”
“I’m straight, but if I need something you will be the first person I call,” she said and ended the call.
The reality of my situation hit me like a freight train. A lot of things scared me about being a daddy. Would I became a shitty father? Would Essence try to make my life a living hell? Would I be able to take on added responsibilities?
Only time would tell.
January
I tossed and turned all night thinking about being a father. In the middle of a nightmare, I woke up in a cold sweat with a dry mouth. I rushed into the kitchen for something to drink.
My mother stood at the stove cooking breakfast. I poured myself a glass of orange juice.
“You okay, baby?”
“No.” I sat at the kitchen table and drank my orange juice.
She put a plate in front of me and sat down.
“What happened?”
I bit my lip in frustration. “Essence is pregnant.”
My mother sighed. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah,” I said flatly.
“How far along is she?”
“Two months.”
“And she’s just now telling you this?”
I nodded again.
“Is she retarded or something?”
“I’m starting to think so.”
We laughed, and then I stopped abruptly.
“I’m not ready to be a father.”
“I was scared of being a mother when I had you. You’ll be fine. I’ll help you get through this. Don’t worry about a thing.”
“You aren’t mad at me?”
“No, baby, I’m not mad at you. I know this is a difficult time. I just want to be there for you.” She touched my hand supportively.
“Thank you, Mom.”
“No problem at all, baby.” She hugged me. “Can you do me a favor?”
“Of course. Anything.”
“Please strap up next time.”
“I definitely will.”
Later on that night, I felt a mix of emotions. I was scared of being a father and fighting against the feelings I had for Mia. It was a lot to deal with.
When Mia came to pick me up, she looked amazing. The skirt she wore showed off her thick legs, and the loose-fitting top showed off her huge breasts.
I wore a black button-up shirt, jeans, and a pair of black sneakers. We went to the Copabanana in University City. Happy hour was ten minutes old when we walked in. While holding hands, we made our way through the crowd.
After two drunk people left the bar, we took their seats. I flagged down the bartender.
“A mimosa for her and vodka with no ice for me.”
“Be up in a moment, brother,” the husky bartender said and was off.
“I definitely need me a drink,” I said.
“Who are you telling? I always need one.”
When the drinks came, we touched glasses and swallowed them in one gulp.
“I appreciate you being my friend,” I said.
“I appreciate you being mine too.”
I took a deep breath. “Can I share something with you?”
“Of course.” She leaned forward. “What’s on your mind?”
“Essence is pregnant.”
She shook her head. “Are you all right?”
“No. I’m scared as hell.”
She rubbed my back. “Everything will be okay. I’m here if you need my help.”
Mia flagged down the bartender for another round of drinks.
We spent the next half hour eating and drinking. After a while, all I could focus on was getting Mia out of her clothes and into bed.
When we finished at the bar, Mia helped me and my drunk ass into her truck. The cold air felt good on my face. The next thing I remembered we were parked in front of my mother’s house.
“Anthony?”
“Yes,” I said, half-slurring.
“How long are we going to pretend like we don’t like each other?”
I fidgeted in my seat. “I never said I didn’t like you.”
“You never said you did either,” she countered.
I sighed. “I like you, but I’ve been played before, and I’m not trying to go there again.”
She grabbed my hand and looked me in the eyes. “I would never hurt you, mister. I just want to be everything Essence couldn’t be.” She rubbed my leg. “And so much more.”
She put her tongue in my mouth, and we kissed passionately.
When I pulled away, I became lightheaded and saw stars.
“Good night, Anthony.”
“Good night, Mia.” I kissed her one last time.
I stood there and watched her drive off. She was like a drug, and I couldn’t wait to take another hit.
February
I couldn’t wait to move into my apartment. I didn’t have much to move out of my mother’s house. Everything fit into one small suitcase and one big suitcase. Other than that, I had a few boxes, but nothing major that had to be transported.
“Is this everything?” Paul asked.
“Yup,” I said and smiled.
“Okay.” He closed the back door on his truck.
I went on IKEA’s Web site, and they had some pretty dope-looking TVs and furniture sets. I had my eyes on a few of their items. Paul drove us to IKEA on Columbus Boulevard, and I became more hyped by the second. I imagined where I would put everything and how it would look once everything was in place.
Paul helped me find a bedroom set, furniture set, kitchen appliances, and a TV. I gave the store clerk the new apartment address and everything would be shipped there for an extra fee, of course.
“I can’t wait to move in,” I said excitedly when we got back into the truck.
“I can’t wait either so I can come over and raid your refrigerator.”
“Very funny.”
“I’m dead serious.”
My phone rang. I noticed it was Mia’s girlfriend.
“Hey. Is everything okay?” I asked.
“I’m afraid not. There’s a leaky pipe, and you can’t move in for another two weeks. I’m so sorry.”
The news took some of the wind out of my sails, but I stayed positive.
“No big deal as long as it’s two weeks and nothing more.”
“That I can promise you. It will be two weeks from today.” Her tone went from worried to cheerful.
“You think I can get a discount for my inconvenience?” I asked half-joking/half-seriously.
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“I can probably get you a couple hundred dollars refunded. Does that work?”
“Yes, it does.”
“I’ll be in touch.”
“Looking forward to it.”
“What happened?” Paul asked.
“I can’t move into my apartment for another two weeks.”
“Damn, bro. You going to go back to your moms?”
“Unfortunately.”
“Don’t worry. These two weeks are going to blow by in no time.”
“I hope so.”
* * *
After I moved into my apartment, I bought a black 2002 Ford Explorer from the auction for $1,500. Public transportation was now a thing of the past.
IKEA had no problem changing the delivery date, and I tipped the deliverymen well for how beautifully they set everything up. I actually had my own place with my name on the paperwork. The only thing that could make my situation better was if I found an agent.
I had Mia over to my apartment, and I made us chicken tacos. We never said we were together. We just did stuff couples do. We hung out and went on dates. The only thing we didn’t do was have sex. I wanted our first time to be special.
“That smells good. How long before we can eat?” Mia asked.
“About ten more minutes.”
“Good, because I’m starving.”
“Me too.”
Mia went into the bedroom.
I put the stove burner on simmer when I heard someone knocking at the door.
When I opened the door, my mother walked in with a box under her arm. I kissed her on the cheek and took the box from her.
“What are you doing here?” I asked and set the box on the kitchen counter.
“I wanted to surprise you.”
“Now is not a good ti—”
Mia came out of the bedroom and said, “You didn’t tell me we had company.”
“Anthony, who the hell is she?” My mother gave me the side eye and then focused on Mia.
“This is my girlfriend, Mia. Mia, this is my mother, Brenda.”
When I said “girlfriend,” Mia smiled.
“I’m glad we finally get to meet. Anthony’s told me a lot about you.” She stuck her hand out.
My mother smirked. “I wish I could say the same. Anthony’s told me nothing about you.” She looked at Mia’s hand like she had shit on it.
“We can get to know each other now,” Mia said and stood her ground.
“Listen, Anthony, I wish I could stay, but I have to go, baby. I’ve got more important things to do.”