She slowly lifted up the sheets and saw the blood. "I'm not on my period you asshole, I am … WAS a virgin!" She got up, jerked the sheet from the bed, wrapped the cover around her, and ran to the bathroom. His roommate was on the couch watching TV and looked over at her as she sped by. She had never felt so humiliated and abused in her life. She put on her clothes and before she left, she asked Allen if it was his practice to take advantage of drunk women, and that she thought they were friends. He just stood there looking stupid and muttering that she had said yes. She was shaking like a leaf the whole time. Allen kept trying to talk to her, but she made it clear by her look, and if looks could kill, he would’ve spontaneously combusted, and she let it be known that she never wanted to see him again ... ever.
She never had a real relationship after that. Over the years she went on dates, and occasionally had sex again, but could never find it in her heart to forgive Allen or truly trust another man again.
She has a male friend, Don, who is older than her, sixty-six to be exact, that loved to wine and dine her, buy her nice gifts, and asked for nothing in return. This worked for her, since she was not looking for a relationship. She met him at LA Fitness, a gym where she and the girls regularly worked out. She was on the treadmill one day when he got on the one next to her.
"Sure is hot in here," he said. She was doing a slow jog on the treadmill and sweating profusely. She thought she heard someone talking to her, so she lowered the volume on her head phones and said, "Beg your pardon?”
"Oh, I didn't mean to bother you. Just was saying how hot it was in here ... think they forgot to turn on the air."
"I was thinking the same thing. It is extra muggy in here today."
"Hi. My name is Don," he said extending his hand.
"I'm Lillian," she replied, and wiped her hand on her towel before shaking his hand.
"Nice meeting you. I'm about to go get some water. Can I bring you one?" he asked.
She was wringing with sweat. "I'd really appreciate that. Thanks."
He went to get them some water. Lillian was always attracted to older guys and she didn't think this one was bad looking. She figured him to be in his late fifties, later found out he was in his sixties, and had really kept his body in shape. She approved of his strong legs and the salt and pepper hair. His butt wasn't bad either.
She stepped off the treadmill when he got back and scarfed down the water he brought her in a few swallows.
"Wow. You were thirsty!" She wiped her mouth off with towel and laughed. "I really was."
"Have you been a member here long?" he asked.
"I just joined four months ago,” she answered.
"Can I ask you your age?" he asked.
"Now you know you're not supposed to ask a lady that!" she said in mock shock.
"I'm only asking because I'm usually pretty good at guessing, but for the life of me, I can't figure you out."
"Let's just say that I'm forty something," she said with a smile.
"Well, whatever your age, you look better than most of these young girls in here."
"Thanks, that was nice, but look at some of them. They can run on those treadmills for hours! I'm tired after a good ten minutes."
"Well, whatever you are doing, and whatever you are eating, keep it up, ‘cause it's working fine." Then he asked, "Are you single?"
"Man, I am soooo single," she said with a smile, "and you?"
"Yes. I am a widow. Been one for years. Say, would you like to go get something to eat after your work out, a good salad, perhaps?"
He looked harmless enough. "I am so tired of rabbit food. If you change it to a hamburger, I'm in."
He laughed, "Deal! See you in an hour?"
"Sounds good."
They went to Five Brothers burger place that was close by, and ate. During their conversation, she found out that he owned three jewelry stores, a fur store in Bloomfield hills, lots of real estate, a condo in Florida, a house in Bloomfield Hills, and one near the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. She could practically smell the money on him, although he never flaunted it.
They exchanged numbers and talked over the next few days and started "dating" soon after. He took her to very swanky affairs at museums and political events. When she mentioned that she didn't think she had anything to wear to a black-tie event for the mayor, he offered to pay for her entire outfit, including getting her hair done, manicure and pedicure. She never asked him or needed him to do this, he just insisted on doing it. She uncomfortable accepting things, so he would just have them delivered to her home, and would not allow her to return them. He never asked for anything from her in return, he just enjoyed her company and having someone to accompany him to different functions, and she genuinely enjoyed being around him.
Book Club
Vanessa smiled as she hung up the phone. Greg had just called to say good night and to "hear her voice before he went to sleep." She let out a deep sigh. She had no sooner hung up the phone before it rang again.
It was Sabra calling her. Sabra met the girls through Julie, when Julie was Sabra's son’s teacher many years ago, before she became a principal.
"So, what's going on, chicky?" asked Sabra.
Vanessa told her about her phone call and her dates with Greg. Last night he took her to a Kem concert, the fabulous R & B singer from Detroit. He wanted to show her that he was a lover of all genres of music.
"So, are you going out with him again?" she asked. "And how old did you say he was?"
Vanessa kind of whispered, "He's thirty-seven."
"Did you say thirty-seven? Girl, he is really young enough to be your son!" Sabra shouted.
"Don't you think I know that? And yes he is, but he is so sweet and mature for his age, and so cute! So you saying I'm too old for him, or he's not old enough for me?"
"Duh! What I'm saying is you old enough to be his mama and you do have kids his age, and by the way, 'cute' is for puppies and babies."
"I know I need to leave him alone because I keep thinking, what kind of future can I have with him? But every time I try to talk to him about it in person, I look into those eyes, at those lips, those muscles, um, um, um … "
"I get it. He's fine, I mean cute. Maybe it would be easier if you do it over the phone?"
"Can't do it. I just wish I was twenty years younger or he was twenty years older, then this would make sense and I wouldn't have all these ... insecurities? Hang-ups?"
“… feelings? It's your life, all I have to say is, be careful. Anyway, I'm going to bed. See you at book club tomorrow night."
"Okay," said Vanessa.
"Bye, cougar," said Sabra, and hung up the phone.
Vanessa just looked at her phone for a second before she hung up and thought, oh, no! She didn't call me that! But it did make her start to think about it.
That particular Friday night was their monthly book club meeting. Whoever hosts the meeting also picks the book, and that month Yvette was hosting and chose Steve Harvey's book, “Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man." They usually take notes as they read, and prepare questions to make for a good discussion when they get together at the meetings.
Sabra was the first to arrive. After she was greeted and let in the door by Yvette, she smelled the food and went straight to the kitchen.
"Glad you could make it," said Yvette.
"Girl, I knew if I didn't come, my ass would've been grass," said Sabra.
"Yep," replied Yvette.
"Girl, this looks wonderful, and I know you've been in the kitchen all day," said Sabra.
"I’m just glad you got your butt here, and girl, you know I have been cooking my butt off." They both laughed.
There was an ongoing joke about Yvette. She never cooked anything but will jokingly say how she had been in the kitchen all day cooking, whether she had it catered or if someone else prepared it.
Yvette had set up a Mexican spread, with all the fixings for tacos and nachos: shredded grilled chicken, ground beef, lettuce, tom
atoes, refried beans, sour cream, guacamole, shredded cheese, tortillas, salsa, and chips. She had prepared two big pitchers of margaritas, one frozen strawberry, and the other, lime on the rocks. For dessert she had bought and prepared churros, a Spanish, fried pastry coated with cinnamon and sugar, and ice cream.
Sabra inhaled all the wonderful scents and looked over at the desserts and said, "Girl, now you know some of us are on a diet, but mine is on hold tonight."
"Just because it's here don't mean you have to eat it," teased Yvette.
"Yeah, whatever," said Sabra. "Is James here?"
"No, he didn't want to be here with all us women, so he went to play poker with some of his colleagues," Yvette assumed. He actually left without saying a word to her about where he was going.
Just then the doorbell rang. "I'll get it," said Sabra.
Julie and Elaine came in together. They all exchanged hugs. Vanessa followed shortly behind them.
"Anybody talked to Lil?" asked Elaine.
"She will be here shortly. She had an engagement with her sugar daddy," joked Sabra.
"I ain't mad at her. Bet she's having a ball wherever she is. He sure knows how to wine and dine her," said Elaine.
"Well, hello divas," said Yvette as she came to the foyer. "Come on in." She led them to the den.
The ladies situated themselves, and Yvette went back into the kitchen and brought out hors d’oeuvres which consisted of a fruit tray with pineapples, strawberries, grapes, raspberries, kiwi, fruit dip, and a cheese tray with American and Colby cheese, summer beef sausage, and crackers.
"Well, ladies, is anyone ready for a drink?"
They all yelled out, "Hell, yeah," almost simultaneously.
"Man, that food is smelling good," said Julie ... "I am starving, and I know you’ve been cooking all day."
"And you know it," replied Yvette. They laughed.
"Well, your greedy asses will have to wait," said Sabra." Let's discuss the book first, take a break, and then eat ... you know how we do it. "
"Yeah, yeah, yeah," said Julie.
"Well, can we at least get our drinks first, Ms. Sabra?" asked Elaine sarcastically.
"Don't ask me, it's not my house," answered Sabra.
"Ladies, come get your drinks so we can get this meeting started," interrupted Yvette.
The ladies got their drinks, and went to the den. Once they got settled, Elaine started off the discussion. "So how did everybody like the book?"
Everyone thought it was interesting. Vanessa was the only one who hadn't read the whole book and didn't comment.
"So why didn't you finish the book, Vanessa?" asked Elaine.
"Because I've been so busy," she replied.
"Oh, she's been busy alright, and I know why you didn't have time to read it, and what has been keeping you busy," said Sabra, "but we will discuss that later."
"Anyway," she said and rolled her eyes," what I did read was kind of interesting," said Vanessa," although I found a few things that I didn't agree with."
"Like what?" asked Elaine.
"Hold up. I hear the doorbell," said Yvette.
Yvette went to the door. It was Lillian.
"Hello, divas," Lillian said as she entered the room. "Sorry I'm late."
"Hey Lil!" everyone said, and she went around and gave each lady a hug.
"So catch me up. What were you talking about?" asked Lillian.
"You didn’t miss anything. Vanessa was about to tell us what she didn't agree with in the book," said Elaine.
Vanessa said, “That ninety-day rule. I don't think most people could wait ninety days before they have sex with a person that they are really feeling. For me, the only way that would work would be if I lived far away from him. And I mean hundreds of miles!"
Sabra chimed in, "And I don't think many men will wait. We all know men are dogs and they may lie and say they will wait, but you can best believe that they are going to be getting them some, somewhere else while they tell you they waiting."
"Right," interjected Yvette, "and then justify it because he could say he waited on you, without counting the ones he had been doing while he was waiting."
"True, but I thought that the focus of the book is supposed to be about finding the right one ... the one that will wait without making booty calls, according to Steve," said Elaine.
All of the ladies nodded in agreement, but then Elaine said, "Well, I think some might wait. I have a friend from school named Jenney, who made her husband wait six months before they had sex, and they have been married now for seven years and still going strong."
“And you believe that?” asked Sabra.
“She didn't have any reason to lie. I've known her for years and I believe her.”
"But that doesn't mean he didn't lie about waiting," said Sabra.
The ladies all nodded in agreement, and Lillian added, "That's why you have to have that discussion in the beginning on what the terms are."
"Well, when you find that man who is into you and you are into him, and y’all got some mad chemistry going, and y'all can both wait, then you’ve hit the jackpot ... don't let go of that one," said Yvette.
"I know, that's right," said Vanessa. "He will be pretty rare."
"Well, I've been going out with Don for over six months and we haven't done anything," said Lillian.
"You mean with all that wining, dining, and gifting he's been doing, he has never tried anything?" asked Sabra.
"Nope. Not even a kiss," said Lillian.
“Do you want him to try something? Are you even attracted to him?” asked Elaine.
“I actually think he's hot!” said Lillian, “but maybe I'm not his type. Just someone he wants to keep in the friend zone.”
"He just wants some eye candy to make him look good," said Yvette.
"Well, I'm not gay, but if I was a man I would do you, so ... is he gay?" asked Julie.
"Girl, you are stupid, but I think he must be," said Sabra.
"I really don't think he is. He's just old school and a gentleman, that's all," said Lillian, "and besides that, he has kids."
"Nowadays that doesn't mean anything," said Sabra." And if you think he is straight, so be it. If you want some from him, why don't you make the first move, then? Maybe he's shy."
"I don't think I could do that, but it has been a long time since I really liked and trusted a man, and I do like him," said Lillian. “And I also have never dated anyone that was not black,” she said.
“He’s not black?” asked Yvette. “What is he then?”
“He’s white. I thought I told you all that!” said Lillian.
“Hold up! All this time I assumed he was black because I’ve never known you to date anything else. That is very interesting. Maybe he just likes you being in the friend zone and he just doesn’t want to have sex with you. I still think he’s gay though, but that’s just my opinion,” said Sabra.
"I thought he was black too, “said Julie. “And I can understand about you not wanting to make the first move, but I still a little confused about him.”
“I’m just going to wait and see what happens, but in the meantime, let’s get back to the book,” said Lillian.
The ladies discussed the book for about an hour, and then they decided it was time to eat. They all refilled their glasses and fixed their plates. Once they were all seated, Julie started a new conversation.
"Well ladies, I met a guy a few weeks ago downtown, you know the one I sent the 911 about? Well, anyway, we've been going out and I want you guys to meet him this weekend at the casino."
"Oh really?” said Sabra. “You must really like this one if you are ready for us to dissect him."
"What time and which casino? I'm going to see if the guy I met online will come out too," said Elaine. "His name is Mario and I need you guys’ opinion because you all know that I'm a bad judge of character, and I'm starting to like him."
"Those guys don't know what they are getting themselves into," said Julie.
Everybody looked over at Vanessa.
"No, I didn't, I mean, not really, I mean ... okay, I guess I did, dammit!"
Everyone laughed and Elaine said, "Okay, spill it."
Vanessa recalled her story of how she met Greg and about their dates.
"I told her she's going to go to jail for messing with that baby. I thought you said you were looking for a real relationship," said Sabra.
"Yeah. What are you doing? Ain't no future in that. It's not like you are going to marry him or something," said Elaine.
"Look, he is so much fun and so mature for his age," said Vanessa. “I have never dated or even thought about dating a man who was that much younger than me. I always dated older guys. But he makes me feel good and makes me laugh. He is such a gentleman and he always smell so good! And y’all know that’s my weakness, I love a good smelling man!"
"Girl, dick is your weakness," interjected Yvette.
The ladies laughed.
"So, have he hit it yet?" asked Sabra.
She blushed, "Not yet, but I am really thinking about it. My coochie says yes but my mind says no. Man, I sound like R Kelly." She starts singing, "My minds telling me no, but my body, my body is telling me yes." The ladies all join in, "I don't see nothing wrong, with a little bump and grind." They all got up and started gyrating and singing and laughing.
They calmed down after the singing and resumed their conversation.
Why CAN T I Be A Cougar?? Page 6
