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All Rights Reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission from the publisher. For more information, contact:

Crystal Spirit Publishing, Inc., P. O. Box 12506, Durham, NC 27709
www.crystalspiritinc.com

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead is entirely coincidental.

Publisher’s Cataloging-in-Publication

Robinson, J., 1979 Sept. 16-

Dark deception : the beginning of the end / J. Robinson ; edited by: Elise L. Lattier.—1st Crystal Spirit ed.—United States of America : Crystal Spirit Publishing, c2012.

p. ; cm.

ISBN: 978-0-9711938-4-0

Summary: A novel of dating, betrayal and violence. A man is dating two women that are best friends, but neither woman knows they are dating the same man—and he doesn’t know they’re best friends.—Publisher.

1. Dating (Social customs)—Fiction. 2. Dating violence—Fiction. 3. Victims of dating violence—Fiction. 4. Women—Violence against—Fiction. 5. Sex crimes—Fiction. 6. Betrayal—Fiction. 7. Man-woman relationships—Fiction. I. Lattier, Elise L. II. Title.

PS3618.O3265 D37 2012 2012949031

813/.6—dc23 1211

Editor: Elise L. Lattier

Cover design: Designs by Rachelle

Interior Layout: To The Point Solutions

First Crystal Spirit Publishing, Inc. Edition: November 2012 For Worldwide Distribution

Printed in the United States of America
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

ISBN: 9780971193864

Acknowledgments

I’d like to give thanks to the following:

My Savior for the wonderful gift of writing, and to my parents for the gift of life!

My number one fan, supporter and major source of strength, my love, my husband; Shannon Robinson.

Diane Brown for all the positive energy and Devon Brown-Hayling for the many laughs.

My Family: Sherman Williams, Sherine Anderson, Sherry Wilson and Chasity Adams for the love and support. Keep it coming!!!

My Friends: Denise Dartez, Tanisha Thompson, Stephanie Garcia-Trevino and Faatymah Kitt for the continued support and encouragement.

Clint Middleton Sr. for the connection to my publisher Vanessa and the team of Crystal Spirit Publishing, Inc. for making my dream a reality. To authors Nina Foxx and Francis Ray for the advice to keep writing and never give up, you both have no idea how much that means to me.

To the rest of my family, we may not talk everyday but you all hold a special place in my heart always.

Shaniyah, this is for you baby girl, I love you more than life itself!!!

Blessings

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Chapter 1

Amara

I awakened with my mom and dad on my mind. I began to tear up, then quickly tried to dismiss it and think of something else. I couldn’t, so just let the tears flow. After about twenty minutes of crying, I decided it was time for me to get up and get my day started. Here I am, 26 years old, living my life—one of hard work and long hours to keep me busy. Sometimes I feel like if I keep busy, I won’t think about my parents and how much I miss them so much.

It’s been almost three years since my parents died from carbon monoxide poisoning in their home. I remember the day I got the news; I was hysterical. I mean who wouldn’t be? That was not a way for them to die, in their own home; the place I grew up in; the place that I loved. That was supposed to be their safe haven. Carbon Monoxide? Really? Who would have thought?

I can’t help but to think of their birthdays, their anniversary, my birthday, and the holidays; these are the things that make me think of them and make me miss them even more. Then of course there are the times when I just think of them out of the blue and get a little sad, like today. There is no one left in my family but me. That’s it—no siblings, cousins, no one. There’s just me.

I really don’t know how I would have made it if it weren’t for Winter. She is my best friend, but she is really and truly the only family that I have. It’s funny to me just to think of how I met her, as we both stood in the registration line of Armstrong Atlantic in Savannah, GA. I remember it like it was yesterday—being a freshman, away from home for the first time in my life. This was my first true outing as an adult, and I was so nervous. I mean really, a kid like me that was fairly shy, just out of my parents’ house, and in a completely different state. I was ready to live freely, and just like most kids, I wanted to do what I wanted, when I wanted, and although that time had come, nervous was what I was. Then came Winter, who was the exact opposite of me, very loud, outgoing and a true extrovert. It was as if she could sense my nerves, or was I just that obvious? She immediately put me at ease—and as I soon learned, that was just her way.

“I guess this is where it all gets started, huh? She asked.

At first I looked around to see if maybe she was talking to someone standing behind me. But realizing she was talking to me, I just started to smile as I shrugged my shoulders.

“Yeah, our grown-up life starts right here, with Armstrong Atlantic,” she continued with a smile. “Away from all that is familiar, we must learn to sink or swim.”

I had to laugh, because I knew she was right. Our conversation continued as we moved along in that line, and by the time we’d finished registering, we were already friends—for life. When my parents died, I don’t think I would have made it through some of my roughest days without her holding my hand.

One thing that I am glad about is that Mom and Dad got to see me walk across the stage to receive my Bachelor’s degree. I am eternally grateful to them for their guidance. My dad constantly asked me what I was going to do with a degree in Criminal Justice. They were very proud of me choosing to complete my education over anything else. One thing is for sure, they were and always had been supportive, so to see the looks on their faces when I graduated was priceless. They were proud, very, very proud.

Now my choice to be a Private Investigator didn’t go over as well. I really enjoyed what I was doing, and they were really happy with the fact that I enjoyed it. In fact, I have solace in knowing that, to the day they died, although they didn’t agree with my career choice, they were not disappointed in me.

Wow, I just realized that, even though I started out my day in tears, I’m sitting here smiling from ear to ear. Thoughts of my parents do that to me. They can stir up memories both happy and sad, but in the end, I usually find myself smiling. Add to that the fact that it’s Saturday, and I love Saturdays. And this Saturday is no different.

There are a couple of reasons why I love Saturdays. For one thing, this was our family day—the day that my mom, dad, and I would spend together. We would have a day out that included a little shopping and lunch, where we would enjoy conversation and play catch up. I couldn’t keep anything from them. They were my best friends, and I loved them so much. My dad could just look at me and tell if something were bothering me; whether it was as simple as a headache or as major as heartbreak. He was always there to calm me.

I also love Saturday because it’s the weekend, and I can sleep as late as I want. There’s no reason to get up extra early anymore. I now spend my Saturdays shopping in the early part of the day and cleaning while blasting 90’s jams into the evening. There’s nothing better than relaxing days.

I figured I’d kick off this Saturday with a short run, but then I remembered that I’m in need of a new pair of running shoes. I don’t know which I love more: running, or keeping my ass tight and my legs looking good. I obviously love them equally, because I ran my other shoes into the ground; they are literally falling apart.

So what’s on the agenda for this fine Saturday? A trip to the mall, naturally. As the DSW commercial says, it’s shoe therapy, and it can do the mind a whole lot of good.

Shopping has always been relaxing to me. I am surprised that it only took me a little over an hour to shower, eat and get dressed. I decided on the white sequined denim Dollhouse capris and a one-shoulder turquoise top to show off the butterfly tattoo on my left shoulder, and the Ed Hardy wedges to add a little sexiness and height to my 5’5 frame. I decided to put my shoulder length hair in a messy ponytail, something quick and sexy. Just like that, I was ready for my outing. I guess the beauty of the day was calling me, and I really just wanted to be outside. Driving with the top down—yes, I love convertibles—and in Savannah, with its big gnats and humidity, I don’t get to enjoy the wind in my hair that often, but today, it’s on. I put on my sunglasses, and I was ready to ride.

Lucky for me I found an excellent parking space right in front of the door to the food court. I have to hit up Chick-Fil-A on my way out. That Lemonade is to die for! I am glad I am here early too, because Shay Shay and her cuzins will be here soon. My mom used to chastise me when I made statements like that, calling me an elitist.

Normally I would head straight towards the Endzone, because they have the best running shoes, but today I am doing a double-take and walking to the left, because I have just spotted the most amazing man I have ever seen. He’s about 6’2, 210 pounds of what looks to be pure muscle; and that skin, ooh its mocha. He had on a black fitting short sleeve t-shirt and a pair of gray fleece cargo pants, with a pair of gray and black Nikes. His hair cut was on point and I could tell he took care of it because of all the waves I saw. He smelled of Obsession by Calvin Klein. Those dark brown eyes were intensifying yet mysterious. His beauty is mesmerizing, and his presence is definitely stated. I was staring at him so hard that I didn’t realize he was looking at me, and then he did it. He spoke to me:

“Hi there, are you okay miss?” he asked.

“I do apologize it’s quite rude to stare isn’t it? I couldn’t help but notice the tattoo on your arm. The Ankh is beautiful.” Yep, I had to say something I told myself, what else was there for me to say, oh, you’re the finest man I have ever seen?

“Oh thank you, it’s an old tattoo, had it since my teens. By the way I’m Dominic,” he said, with a smile that could melt butter. My mouth was already tasting those smooth full lips.

“Nice to meet you Dominic, I’m Amara.” Yes, I was getting my flirt on.

“Nice to meet you too. I’m not going to hold you up, but there is no way for me not to recognize your beauty. Maybe we can get together for a drink sometime; that is, if your man wouldn’t mind.”

Oh, he’s a smooth talker “if my man wouldn’t mind”, what man, I don’t have one of those. “Actually I’m very single Dominic, and I don’t think a cup of coffee would hurt, do you?” He’s got swag for days I thought as I wrote down his number.

“Well, there you have it,” Dominic said as he smiled at me, “and call whenever you want to meet up for that cup of coffee, Ms. Amara. Until then enjoy your day.”

Just like that I had the man’s phone number. I still couldn’t believe how damn fine he was, and him sporting a close cut with a good bit of waves did not help much. It’s obvious that he takes time on his appearance. However; don’t be fooled because underneath those clothes is where I wanted to be. In time I suppose that could happen. The thought made me chuckle, but almost being run over by some chick and her tribe of damn kids brought me back to reality and the reason why I was in the mall. Running shoes.

As I bounced my little happy behind toward my store it dawned on me that I didn’t give Dominic my number . Although this is a typical Amara move, because I don’t want men calling me first, I could have made an exception on this one. But no need, he didn’t ask for it anyway. I am determined to wait a while before I call him. I usually just look at men crazily for trying to pick me up in the mall, but this time something was a little different. I wanted to get to know this man for some reason, and the way it looks right now, I will.

For the rest of the day I thought of Dominic. I kept telling myself that I needed to get my thoughts out the damn gutter, but I couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like to be wrapped in those strong arms of his, to feel his touch on my skin, to feel his lips on my body and to be at his free will. I couldn’t believe I was thinking of having sex with this guy, and I don’t even know him. What was wrong with me?

I continued walking through the mall, stopping in a few stores and picking up a few things, especially some new undergarments. I mean, a girl can never have too much of that. I decided to get something sexy to wear to bed, because something could pop off between Dominic and me—you never know, so I wanted to be prepared. The sheer kitten baby doll with G-String panties is definitely sexy, and it’s yellow, which looks fabulous against my caramel brown skin. I couldn’t wait to try it out. I had to laugh at myself as I exited the lingerie shop because it’s obvious that if I’m wearing this get-up, I’ll be wearing him for sure.

After a long day of shopping, I returned home and relaxed. All I could think about was the man I had met. He was just too damn fine, and he clearly clouded my mind. I definitely don’t want to appear desperate, so calling him before a few days had passed was not an option. Until then, I would stick with making dinner for myself, sitting at the dinner table alone and having myself a glass of Reisling. Yay to me.

As I began taking out the ingredients to make my salad, my telephone rang; I looked at the caller ID and saw that it was Winter. As usual, right on time to be a guest at my pity party:

“What’s up girl, what’s going on with you?” I said when I put the receiver to my ear.

“What’s up chica? I was just calling to check up on you since you never called me back the other day like you said you would,” Winter responded, with a feigned irritation.

“Oh, my bad, please forgive me.” I laughed.

“All is forgiven since you are my ace. So what’s up with this weekend? We hanging out or what? Going out or staying in?”

“Slow your roll girl, dang, you act like you haven’t been out in years, what’s wrong with you?” I asked.

“Girl, I’ve been working so hard, it seems like I haven’t been out in years, hell, I think I need a damn vacation.”

“Vacation … vacation … that sounds great, I think I’ll jump on that bandwagon and join you,” I said.

“We haven’t been out in a while,” she reminded me. “We can go out for a bite to eat and have drinks next Friday or Saturday, how does that sound?”

“Anything sounds good to me; it would be good just to get out of the house.”

“Okay cool, we can decide where we’re going later in the week. So what are you doing over there anyway?” she asked.

I thought about saying something smart but just said, “Making myself a chef salad, but since I am tired, I guess I’ll just eat lettuce.” We both laughed at that statement.

“Oh okay. Well look, you eat your lettuce and I’ll talk to you soon,” she said.

“Okay Winter, see you soon.”

Turning back to fixing my salad, I started to smile, thinking about some of the crazy times Winter and I have shared. I love my bestie. Yes, we have been nearly inseparable since that first day at college. I’m blessed to have her by my side. I wouldn’t trade her for the world. It’s great having a friend that’s more like family, and you just know that nothing and no one can come between the two of you. I finished my salad, straightened up my kitchen and headed upstairs to call it a night.

I entered my bathroom, walked over to the bathtub and reached down to turn on the water to run myself a nice hot bath, filled with lavender bath salts and bubble bath. I love the smell of lavender. It’s so relaxing. I also turned on the sound system to play some mellow music. Tonight it will be Sade, whose music is so soft and classy. As the water was filling up the tub and the system blowing out Sade, I was in such a great mood.

I’m crying everyone’s tears…and there inside our private war … I died the night before … and all of these remnants of joy and disaster… what am I to do … I want to cook you a soup that warms your soul but nothing would change… nothing would change at all…

Sing it Sade … I sank into the water and I thought of him …

My mind is consumed. I have never thought of a man the way I’m thinking of Dominic, and I just met him. What exactly about him is intriguing me so much, I don’t know. I have asked myself several times, what is it? What could it possibly be? As much as I loved Lance, I didn’t think of him as much or the way that I’m thinking of Dominic.

“Ohhh Lance …” I thought aloud. Now that is a different story altogether. Lance Taylor. My ex-boyfriend was the sweetest man in the world. I loved being with him, but we just grew apart. I guess because he traveled all the time and was barely home, I got lonely. I kind of feel like the video girl for Bobby Womack’s song “If you think you’re lonely now.”

Truth be told, if I was lonely then, I’m really lonely now. Dating sucks, and I haven’t met a lot of quality guys, and the ones that I have, well … no one really calls me, and I have no one to share a bed with or make love to. When Lance used to touch me, chills would run down my spine. When he entered the room, my heart would skip a beat. Lance has a caramel complexion, he’s approximately 6’3, nicely built, has light brown eyes and a low haircut. He has the deepest dimples I have ever seen and the firmest ass I have ever felt. Oh, and the medium between his legs, Yep, I miss it. You never miss a good thing until it’s gone. I used to think that was something old people liked to say but boy do I miss him! It’s almost a year since we parted. Definitely time to move on to something new …

Chapter 2

Dominic

M s. Amara was as fine as wine; but the question is… when will she hit a brotha up? I haven’t received a text, call, nothing. Hell, I know I could rock her world and definitely make her say my name. I need to find out where she works and hit her up, to catch her by surprise, since she wants to play the waiting game. She would fit perfectly underneath me with her 5’5 frame and her smooth caramel skin. I know she had to be about a C-cup and that ass, oh that ass is nice. I’m thinking she’s about a 28 in the waist … could be wrong but more than likely not. I know women like the back of my hand. I have made enough trips to Victoria Secret to know that a woman’s body type is no longer a secret to me. A brotha has to stay on top of his game. Amara … Amara … I like the way that just rolls off the tip of my tongue. I guess I’ll just have to wait around for her to call me and we get together. We will see how this plays out. I would have a winner if I get up with her. That’s how bad she is. Damn, I don’t even know her, but she got me open. All I can do is laugh at myself. I’m sitting here on my couch watching football, and thinking about a woman. Who does that? Apparently me.

I decided to take a break from thinking about Ms. Amara and go see my boy Garrick. I knocked on his door only to hear him ask who the hell I was, as if he couldn’t see me through that big damn glass storm door.

“Garrick! Fool, what’s up with you?” Looking at him sideways and laughing at the same time.

“Not shit man, sitting here watching the game, doing a little thinking.” he replied.

“Thinking about what?”

“A little of this, a little of that, mind is always going man, you know how I do.”

“Yeah yeah, anyway just stopped by to let you know that we passed our inspection for Club Z, and the orders for the liquors finally came in tonight too.” I said as I sat down.

“Word, that’s what’s up man, good thing we passed and everything’s good cuz now we can be in business. A new club in a new place that’s more upscale will be great for us. Our dreams are finally a reality my brother.” Here comes the serious look. I thought to myself. Whenever Garrick was talking serious talk he would get a serious look on his face and he would sway his head back and forth.

“Yeah I hear you man, and I couldn’t be happier. I know that things will be just fine here, a new beginning right?” I was looking for him to co-sign, but after giving me a slightly skeptical look he nodded his head in agreement.

“Yeah you right, Thanks for stopping by and sharing the news.” He said.

“Alright, thanks man, see ya tomorrow.” I got up from the couch and headed out the door. He and I both knew my time in his home was borrowed.

After visiting with Garrick, I decided to stop by the store, pick me up some bubbly so that I could go home, sit on the couch, and let my thoughts continue to take charge. I thought about my family, as I often do when I’m not thinking about business. I should call my brother Prentice and tell him the good news—that his big brother finally has the club he always wanted. I know he would be happy for me. I thought about my parents and how they stayed together as long as they had.

I know that my mom had to know about the many women my pops had, but she still stayed with him. Guess she didn’t want to separate the family. That’s the only thing I could really see that was wrong in our house. Pops had women galore, and he would treat them some kind of bad when they didn’t do what he wanted. He would straight beat their asses and do whatever else he wanted. They wouldn’t leave his ass either.

My pops was the man I guess. When he got tired of one of his side pieces, he’d just get another. He would never bring them home to mom dukes, and he would dare them to contact her by calling her to upset her in any way. I remember when I was about 14, I went with my pops to another chick’s apartment and they were in the back room. My pops was yelling at the lady and I heard a bunch of rumbling and furniture crashing. I wanted to run back there, but I knew better than that. Hell I wasn’t about to get my ass beat for trying to help out some side piece.

A few minutes after the sound of furniture falling, I heard sounds of love-making. I thought that was crazy. I turned on the television to drown the sounds out. Right then I knew that my pops was the man, beat ass then get ass.

I hadn’t been back to my hometown of Portsmouth since I graduated college. I moved to Georgia where I’ve been for a few years. I call home every now and again to check on my mom and make sure that she’s okay. I also call just to catch up with Prentice. My intentions are to invite Prentice here to check out the club when we get it going good and the money starts flowing consistently. I’m going to try hard to talk him into moving here, although I know that the probability of him leaving our mom is very low. I just know he won’t, but that won’t stop me from trying.

Chapter 3

Winter

I am super excited about my date tonight. On a normal day of jogging in the park; I stop for one second and BAM I get knocked on my ass. The wind got knocked out of me and everything, but when I look up I see the most handsome man I have ever laid eyes on. I knew I had to play it off like I wasn’t hurting, when in my mind I was thinking damn what the hell, that shit hurt! Hope I didn’t scrape my elbow and I’m going to have to take a hot bath to relieve me of this pain, but I played it off, and though the sun was blinding in my eyes, it didn’t stop me from noticing that the man who knocked me down and was now extending his hand to help me up had skin the color of chocolate, and a voice as smooth as Morris Chestnut. Damn he was fine. He told me his name was Dominic, and I ended up with a date. So a normal day in the park, turned out to be better than normal. I couldn’t wait to get home so I could call Amara, but given the track record of my last few dates and thinking that “he” was the one, I decided to keep this date under wraps. I don’t want to jinx it. Being a bestie doesn’t mean that you have to share everything, although usually we do, but this time, this information could wait. After all, do we really know that this may be the guy to sweep me off my feet?

Dominic seems to be a nice man, and I haven’t been on a date in a few months. I went out with a couple of guys that just turned me off through the course of dinner, and needless to say, I never contacted either one of them again. I don’t have time for foolishness; I’m too grown for that. So it does not surprise me at all that when he offered to take me to dinner, I set the date for tonight. In my opinion, why wait?

I ran into my neighborhood, straight through the cul-de-sac to my house and got the key out of my mailbox to unlock the door. I entered my home and the scent of lilies hit my nostrils. I love my home. Many looked at me strange when I said that my decor was Moroccan. I like different things, very non-traditional and unique. Sitting in my living room will take you to another place based on its décor, from the Mediterranean sofa set in deep purple, to the Marrakesh leather bench and the Marrakesh chandelier in purple to give the room a dimly lit feel. In the place of a television, a Constantina armoire houses my Bose radio and cd collection. In the far right corner of the room sits a huge red Kufi calligraphy vase. It’s just beautiful and relaxing in here. Some people find it odd that I don’t have a television in my living room, but I prefer to watch TV in my lounge, and everyone that knows me knows not to mess up my living room. Shit is too expensive in here, and fucking it up will cause you to get an expensive ass whipping. This is where I’m comfortable, it’s my home. No matter what issues I have at work or in my day, when I walk through my front door I’m immediately calm and relaxed.

It took me almost a year to get my home set up the way I wanted it. It took me months to find all the pieces to put the design together the way I formed it in my mind. I searched area furniture stores as well as the internet and had different pieces shipped to my home. When it was finally complete, it was gorgeous. I get many compliments and a few people asked if I had hired someone to decorate for me. I’d smile and gladly say “it’s all my work and I’m proud of the outcome.” I’m glad I took my time because it is lovely, if I must say so myself.

Five O’clock could not get here fast enough. There are a few more task items that I could complete, but I’m not. I have a date tonight. Just saying that sounds foreign to me. I have a date tonight. It’s Friday night, and I have a date. I did well not calling Amara to let her know about the man that I met. I know she’ll be happy for me when I do finally reveal. One thing that I absolutely love about Amara is that she’s always there for me whenever I need her, and she’s never ever judgmental. I get tired of hearing about how I seem to look for love in all the wrong places. Being from South Carolina, the country, where exactly was I supposed to look for love? And having a father that left my mother when I was five or six, who was there to show me what love was supposed to look like? Certainly not my daddy—no lessons learned there, except how to leave a mother and your child when they need you most. As I got older, I often wondered why my father left, but I never had the courage to ask my mother, because I knew she was hurt by his leaving just as much, or more, than me. I never looked for him, but I looked for love in different men, which I never found. My mother went through quite a few herself trying to find the right one. As a matter of fact, the last man, Louis, she dated for eight years.

Louis, although not my father, was in our lives throughout my teenage years of no-good boyfriends. One day he sat me down and tried to talk to me about being a lady and putting myself first before trying to find a boyfriend, and to focus on school. Hell I didn’t want to listen; especially not to him. He wasn’t my father, and he wasn’t married to my mother. I didn’t see that as street cred for dating. I wanted to do my own thing. I wanted to live my life the way I wanted to live it. You know I was being the typical teenager. After graduating high school, I left so mom and Louis could live their life. They did finally get married a couple of years ago. I not only attended the wedding, but I gave my mother away. She was so happy. I love her so much, and I just want her to be happy. Me, however; I’m still searching for love and maybe, just maybe, Dominic is the one.

Dominic

A whole week has passed, and I still haven’t heard from Amara. Maybe she actually has a man, and that’s the reason she hasn’t called me, I thought as I pulled up in front of Straight Skillz BarberShop. I exited my car, and two women walking down past the shop smiled at me.

“Good afternoon ladies.”

“Hi,” they said in unison.

I opened the door to the barbershop and walked in.

“What up peeps?” I said as I closed the door.

“What’s up D.” Bryce said. “You here like clockwork for that trim, I’m ready.”

“Good. Glad I came on time.” I replied as I laughed.

“You always on time, what you talking about, you always gotta stay fresh.”

“Yeah you right about that, you know how I do.”

I sat in the chair to get my fresh cut and a thought of Amara crossed my mind. I still can’t get this lady out of my head.

“Damn.” I said aloud before I realized it.

“Damn what? Man I haven’t even started yet. What you damning for? Bryce asked.

“Oh my bad man, thinking out loud. Thinking about this chick I met at the mall last Saturday. I gave her my number to call me and she hasn’t yet. You know, I can’t stop thinking about her,” I told him.

“Who is she that got your mind gone? Maybe she busy and hasn’t had the time to call you yet, did you ever think about that?” Bryce asked.

“All I know is her name. It’s Amara, and I met her in the mall while she was checking out tennis shoes.”

“Amara? Yo, how she look?” Bryson asked.

“She’s about 5’5, skin like caramel, nice frame on her man.”

“Yo I think I know who you talking about.”

“You serious?” I asked.

“If it’s the same chick I’m thinkin of, she friends with Lyndsey, Edric’s lady.”

“Edric..Edric..don’t think I know him.”

“You know Edric, he comes in here to get his dreadlocks tightened by Ebonie, he cool as a fan bro.”

“I remember him now, I need to find out where she works or at least her number so I can send her some flowers or something, you know, to let her know she’s still on my mind.”

“Cool, I feel you; I’ll get her number for you.”

“Will you? Good looking out man.”

Bryce was cool, a good barber, only one I would allow to cut my hair. So, I didn’t have a problem with telling him my plans for the evening when he asked. It’s the barbershop, and what’s spoken in the barbershop, stays in the barbershop, that’s the code.

“Plans? Yeah I got plans,” I said in my all-joking male persona. “She’s called Plan B.”

Bryce laughed and shook his head. “Plan B, huh?” He said while giving me a rock hard pound.

“Yep, I was running in Daffin Park, down the trail by the pond. I was listening to my iPod, so I wasn’t hearing anything outside of Ludacris. I literally ran into this chick and knocked her down. She probably thought it was on purpose, but it wasn’t. After she fell, I took off my headphones and helped the beautiful lady up. This chick was about 5’6 with a caramel complexion with a short hair style, her hair had spiked curls. ‘Nice..’ I thought to myself, but check this out,” as I began to give him the dialogue. Of course everyone else was listening:

I was like, “Damn, I’m so sorry, I didn’t even see you. Please forgive me. ”

She was like “It’s okay; I shouldn’t have been in the way I suppose. ”

“Are you okay, did you hurt yourself?” I asked with concern.

“No, I’m good. I’m a big girl,” she laughed.

“My name is Dominic, how can I make this up to you?”

“It’s fine really. There’s no need to go out of your way for anything, accidents happen.”

“I won’t be going out of my way. I just feel really bad about this, I made you fall, and I’m not going to be able to live with myself if you don’t let me make it up to you.”

“Okay Dominic what do you have in mind?”

“Maybe dinner or a movie, or dinner and a movie. ”

“Dinner is fine. By the way I’m Winter. It’s nice to meet you, although the circumstances could have been better. ”

“Yeah that’s true because I really feel bad, but I am glad I ran into a beautiful woman.”

“You are too kind Dominic. So where do you want to go?”

“We can go to Love’s on Hwy 17, that is if you like seafood. I can pick you up say around 8.”

“Actually I love seafood, but how about I meet you there around that time. I’m not just going to give you my address; I don’t know you like that. ” Winter replied.

“Touché … can I at least say it’s a date?”

“Sure, it’s a date. See you tonight at Love’s. Later Dominic. ”

“Just like that she began to jog away. I didn’t get her number. Hope she don’t stand me up. Since I haven’t heard from Amara, I may as well move on to better things. Right?” I asked all who were listening.

Everyone started nodding in agreement, and by the time Bryce finished giving me a fresh cut, I had Amara’s number as promised. I’ll give her a call a little later and see if we can go out to dinner so we can finally talk. That would be good if she agreed.

Winter, my Plan B, maybe she’ll invite me over to her place after dinner for a little dessert.

Winter

All of this reminiscing is making me late. I need to pick out a nice outfit to wear tonight. Its spring so I want to be comfortable, nothing too heavy, but it may get a little chilly tonight. We’re going to Love’s, a nice upscale seafood restaurant, so I need something really nice, something that accentuates my curves in all the right ways.

Walking into my closet, I turn on the light and start walking along the area where my dresses hang. Rummaging through them, I finally decide on the perfect one. I choose the black Maggy London Sarong Dress. I’ll take a light jacket just in case. It’ll be perfect with the right accessories, and my hair spiked will be perfect just as well. I go to my wall of shoes and decide on the red pumps by Michael Antonio. I’m going to look fly tonight. By the time I finished getting ready it was 7:45 and I was looking good.

I pulled up in the parking area of Love’s Restaurant at 8:15. I had made sure to drive slowly on the way there, so that I wouldn’t be too early and seem desperate. Being a few minutes late would be fine, I thought as I stepped out of my car and headed into the restaurant. Just as I was about to give the hostess my name, I spotted Dominic walking my way wearing a crisp button down shirt with navy and iris colored stripes, a nice pair of fitting dark blue jeans and a pair of all white Adidas.

“Hello beautiful.” Dominic said when he reached me.

“Hi, Dominic, how are you tonight? I asked.

“I’m better now that you have arrived. I was beginning to think I was going to eat dinner alone tonight.”

“I ran some errands and fell a little behind, but I’m here now.” Whew, this man looks good, smells delightful, and he’s very well groomed, I thought to myself. I’m in trouble, was all that I could think.

“Yes you are. Have a seat (he pointed to the booth where we would be dining). I went ahead and ordered a bottle of wine. I hope you don’t mind.”

“No, I don’t mind.” (I wanted to say so much more but I didn’t.)

Over the course of dinner, we talked about everything under the sun. He owns a hot new club in town called Club Z with his friend, Garrick. He has no kids, has never been married, and lives alone. I told him that I was a youth counselor, lived alone, have never been married, and I have no children either. I told him that I had a best friend who is more like my sister, but I never said her name. He didn’t really seem too interested in hearing about my friend anyway, so all in all, the date went really well. We didn’t order dessert, but the next thing I knew, I was inviting him to my place. I know what you’re thinking, girl you just met him and you took him back to your place. Hell yeah I did. It has been a very long time since I have gotten any action and tonight will be my night. We are both grown consenting adults and whatever happens, happens.

We entered my home and Dominic seemed pretty amazed by the layout. He asked how much money I made because my house was beautiful. I declined to answer that—a little too personal for a first date in my opinion. I showed him around, and we had more wine as we sat on the couch and continued to talk.

“Your house is lovely.” Dominic stated.

“Thank you.”

“You have pretty good taste in art and design, the layout tells me you took your time in getting your home exactly how you wanted it.”

“You know it took me almost a year to get this place just right.”

All Dominic could do was nod his head in agreement.