All the ladies and Greg looked at him with confused looks.
"Look, I'm sorry for the misunderstanding, but I think I need to go. I don’t do drama," he said.
"Wait a minute. What's going on, Jerry?" asked Julie, all confused.
"All I know is that this is the guy I've been going out with from the internet and he told me his name is Mario," said Elaine.
"Mario? You told me your name is Jerry? Why are you lying? What is your name?"
"I didn't lie. My birth name is Jerry and my internet name is Mario. Who uses their real name online?" he said.
"So why didn't you tell me you were dating someone? You told me you weren't seeing anybody else," said Julie.
"Me too," said Elaine. "Why couldn't you just be truthful, give us the option whether or not to keep dating you? You too old to be playing games?"
Jerry/Mario said, "First of all, I never said I wasn't seeing anyone. I said there was not a special lady in my life. And if ladies weren't so desperate and insecure, guys wouldn't have to lie. I'm just a squirrel trying to get a nut. I'm not trying to get married, I'm just having some fun. I told both of you that, but you weren't trying to hear that. Neither one of you was putting out, so what's the problem? Damn. You women are a trip. My real name isn't even the issue here."
"You think?" said Julie. The ladies looked at him with disgust, shaking their heads.
"You not a squirrel, you are a lying no good dog. Ain't nothing good going to happen for you," said Elaine.
"Bye, boy. You too old to be playing games like this," said Sabra walking up to him. The ladies held her back.
"Let him go, Sabra. He’s not even worth it," said Elaine.
"Damn. I need a drink," said Julie. Elaine handed hers to her.
She took a long sip, and then walked over to Jerry.
"I guess I won't be seeing you anymore…squirrel," and threw the rest of the drink in his face. "Let's go buy you another drink, Elaine."
The ladies walked away and left Jerry/Mario standing there, looking dumb and wet.
"He will be hitting on somebody else in a minute," said Sabra. "That's how guys like him operate ... as soon as he dries off," she said, and they laughed, although Julie and Elaine’s laughs were not very happy ones.
"I'm so glad you all were here. It really is a small world and things happen for a reason. God is trying to tell me that my man is not on the internet. I'm so done with that mess," said Elaine with her eyes starting to well up.
"You should be," said Sabra." Let's go to the Chrome Bar and see if a band is playing there and have a drink." The Chrome bar is located on the opposite side of the casino and usually has live acts performing there.
Vanessa looked over at Greg. "I will introduce you to Julie a little later. Let’s give her some time to calm down."
"No problem," he said.
The ladies and Greg headed to the bar to get some drinks. Elaine and Julie walked slowly, holding each other around the waist, grateful that they hadn’t had sex with Jerry/Mario.
Elaine
After the Motor City fiasco, Elaine decided she would close out her account with the dating site. She logged on and saw that she had 69 new messages. She looked through them out of curiosity and didn't see anyone that caught her attention. They were either senior citizens or babies and she wasn't feeling any of them.
Jerry/Mario's profile popped up and she almost threw something at the screen. "Asshole," she muttered. She was about to just give up when she saw three messages from the guy with the Autistic child. The first one was a flirt saying that he was interested in her. The second was a happy face for one of her pictures. The third was a personal message to her. "Hello. My name is Michael, Mike for short. I just wanted to tell you again that I really like your profile and your pictures. I didn't say it last time, but I was very impressed that you put God, then family first, because that's very important to me. I'm new to this site and I'm not lying when I say that you are the only person that I've ever written to. It was just something about your eyes. Anyway, as my profile says, I am a single father with a 13-year-old Autistic daughter that lives with me. Anything else you would like to know, feel free to ask. I hope you will reply and if not, have a blessed day. My number is 872-656-6969."
Something about him felt right. She took a chance and called him.
"Hello," he answered.
"Hi. My name is Elaine, well, Mzlady on LuverConnec. You left me your number?"
"Hey! I'm so glad you called. How are you doing today?" he asked.
"Not bad," she lied, and then said, "it could've been better."
"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. Want to talk about it? I'm all ears if you need to vent.
She went on to tell him about the incident at Motor City Casino. "That's why I was about to take myself off the site, but I decided to take a chance on you, and you are the last chance that I'm taking."
"Well I'm glad you did. Not everybody on here are dogs like that guy or some of the other knuckleheads. Some of us are just normal guys looking for a normal woman who is not trying to play any games. You should see all the crazy women who send me requests, but you can trust me, I'm normal and harmless."
"I don't know … that's what they all say ... who is going to admit that they are crazy?" she said, "But what really interested me about you, was that we had so much in common."
"How so?"
"We are both Gemini’s, and we both have an Autistic child," answered Elaine.
"No way. What do you have, a son or a daughter?"
"A son. He's eleven and such a character."
"My daughter is thirteen. This looks like a really good sign. We have to meet up ... and soon. Detroit is only a car, plane, or train ride away from Chicago."
"You're right. Sounds like a plan."
Vanessa
The night of the Kappa party, Vanessa was to meet Greg beforehand at the Snookers Bar and Poolroom on Woodward Avenue. She wore a pair of red heels, red stretch pants, red and white accessories, with a white bustier, and a short, white sheer jacket so that she would be dressed for the party. She felt overdressed for the bar, but knew she wouldn't have time to go back home and change.
When she arrived in the parking lot, she pulled out her phone and called him.
"Hey, I'm here. Where are you?"
"I'm already inside. I'm sitting at the bar."
"Ok. I will be there in a second," she said. He is always so prompt! I’ve got to step up my game!
Vanessa began to have a funny feeling stirring in her belly. It was a mixture of nerves and excitement ... butterflies!! She couldn't believe she was having butterflies for this guy! She was really looking forward to seeing him, but was feeling quite awkward. This was her first time seeing him after the motorcycle adventure, but they talked every day. She walked in and this fine young man got off his stool at the bar and motioned for her to come over. He gave her a warm, strong hug. My goodness ... she did not want to let go of him. He looked, felt, and smelled so good!!! but she reluctantly let go and sat down.
"So what are you drinking?" she asked.
"I'm just having cranberry juice. I'm not much of a drinker, but I will drink some champagne, beer, or wine on occasion, but don't let that stop you. What are you having?"
"Now I will feel like a lush if I order alcohol."
"No, don't feel like that. Just order what you want. No judgment here."
"Ok, I will have a glass of wine," she said to the bartender, "do you have any White Merlot?"
"No, we don't," he replied.
"Okay, then I will just have regular Merlot."
"Make that two," says Greg. "Can't have this pretty lady drinking alone."
"Now don't drink on my behalf. If you get tipsy and I beat you down in pool, I don't want you to blame it on the alcohol," she laughed.
"I'm not even worried about that. You said you don't play, right? Or are you trying to sucker me?"
"Nope. I really suck," she answered.
"Wel
l, then, before I put this whipping on you, I have to
tell you how beautiful you look tonight. I thought I had died and gone to heaven when you walked in. I almost didn't recognize you ... you’re a little dressier than when you were at the gas station and the movies," he smiled.
"Well, you know I have a party to go to when I leave here, so I'm dressed for it."
"Well, I might not let you go. Looking like this, somebody might snatch you up."
"Maybe," she replied with a smirky smile, "but I remember this fine guy who tried to snatch me with a pony tail, no makeup, and sweats, now quit holding up this whooping.'"
They went to the pool table. He racked up the balls and helped her find a pool stick. She let him break. He is soooo beautiful, she thought, and so nice. Something has got to be wrong with him.
When it was her time to shoot, she sent balls all across the floor.
"Oops," she said, "must be the alcohol." They both laughed.
He gathered the balls and then approached her. "You are not holding the pool stick right at all. Here, let me help you." He came behind her and guided her hands.
“This doesn't make you uncomfortable, does it?" he said into the back of her hair, and she felt his manhood against her backside.
"No, you okay," but her cookie was very uncomfortable and she had flashbacks from that other night.
He was so patient and she was lost in his embrace as he tried to instruct her. All she could think of was his scent and those strong arms around her.
"Got it?" he said and she snapped back to the pool lesson.
"I think so." She took a shot and miraculously got a ball in.
"See? I knew you were a pool shark. Great shot!"
She was amazed because she hadn't listened to a word he said.
They played a couple of games that he won, and one that she won because he hit the eight ball in the pocket and scratched. He asked her if she wanted to get something to eat. She looked at the time and saw that it was nearly time to go meet the ladies.
"I'm going to take a rain check. It's time for me to go meet my girls, but I had a wonderful time. Next time we are playing darts or bowling, and I will get you back," she said as they walked to her car.
"Next time? Rain check? That means you will be seeing me again," he approached her and embraced her, "soon?"
She felt like a little girl and just nodded. He gave her the biggest hug and a kiss that made her think about skipping the party and just hang out with him. He opened the door for her and she climbed in behind the wheel.
“Thanks again," she said.
"I will call you tomorrow, if that’s ok?" he asked.
"I will be very disappointed if you don't."
"Better yet, why don't I come pick you up from the hotel on Sunday and we can hang out downtown, that is, if that's not too soon?" he suggested.
"I'd like that. Bye Greg. See you tomorrow."
She backed the car out, gave him a wave, and smiled all the way to the hotel. He really likes me!
Picking Up the Ladies
Julie pulled up to Yvette's house in her cherry red Buick Enclave, right at 6 o'clock. Yvette was surprisingly ready, (she was usually late), and was wearing a hot, red dress that didn't show a lot of cleavage…just enough, was a respectable length, but it accentuated all her curves. She had her long braids twisted up in a bun. She looked great.
"Hey boo ... girl, you are smokin!!" said Julie.
"Thank you. But I can hardly wait to get out of this spanx. Get out and let me see what you have on," demanded Yvette.
Julie opened the door and stepped out. She was also wearing red, but hers was a see-through red top with a red and white bodice underneath, and some red stretch jeans with silver stitching. She had on a sexy pair of six-inch silver stilettos that Yvette wished she could wear.
"Damn, girl, you trying to hurt ‘em, ain't cha?" said Yvette.
"That's what I do, boo," and they slapped hands as she got in the car.
"You know my old flame from school is supposed to be there," said Julie.
"Who?" asked Yvette.
"Kevin."
"Girl, stop! How do you know?" asked Yvette.
"I saw it on the Facebook accept or decline invite. You know he married that stuck up Lambda Tutti. I wonder if he really is as fine as he used to be? He did look pretty good in his pictures though," she babbled.
"Quit talking about my Lambda sister. We are not all stuck up," defended Yvette.
"Yeah, I know. I have many Lambda relatives and friends. She was just stuck up and happened to be one, that’s all."
"Ok. Just call her stuck up, then," said Yvette.
"Ok. Geez."
The next stop was Elaine. Julie blew the horn and Jayden ran out the house. "Mama said she will be right out, Aunt Julie. Hey, Aunt Yvette! "
"Hey, baby. Get your butt back in that house with no shoes on!" she said playfully but sternly. He sped back inside the house.
Elaine came out and was giving her daughter the usual instructions as she was walking.
"Hey, divas," she said as she approached the car. She blew them air kisses.
"Ooo, you are looking hot! Julie said." Look at you!"
Elaine was wearing a red mini dress with a white belt and some red, short boot shoes. She had her short hair spiked and her makeup was flawless.
"Girl, you have really lost some weight. I am so jealous. What are you now, a size 1?" asked Yvette.
"I sure have lost weight. I've been working that Insanity workout program by Shaun T., and I'm loving the results! I'm going to be so fit ... if it doesn't kill me first!" said Elaine.
The last stop was at Lillian's and Sabra was there. As soon as she pulled into the driveway, they came right out. Sabra was wearing a red cat suit with a belt around her small waist, but accentuating her ample behind, that she probably shouldn't be wearing but didn't care. One thing about her, she wore, said, and did whatever she wanted. She didn't care what anybody thought.
"Girl, what the hell your old ass got on?” said Julie. "And you know I'm hating. I really wish I could wear something like that, but I got to give it to you girl, you wearing the hell out of that cat suit."
"Meow," purred Sabra. "I have to wear it while I can still get away with it. And you know you have the body for it."
“Maybe,” said Julie, “but not the nerve.”
"Well, you are definitely wearing the hell out of it!" said Elaine.
They all started purring and laughing.
"Y'all just need to quit hating. I’m not as old as you all, but I will be an old lady like y'all in a minute and be smelling like Ben Gay and wearing support hose."
"Screw you, girl. You better hope you look this good when you get to be our age, and you are only a couple of years younger than us anyway, so what are you talking about?" said Yvette.
"And why did I get an AARP application in the mail this week?" said Sabra.
"Cause you ass is old! You about to be 50 soon," laughed Lillian.
They kept making remarks about each other as they got in the car.
Lillian had on a form fitting white maxi dress that draped in back but was right above the knee in front, with red accessories. She had her jet-black hair pulled up in a bun with curls cascading around her face.
"And look at the Greek goddess here. Girl, you look beautiful,” Julie directed at Lillian.
"Thanks, my love. You all look great. Where is Vanessa?" asked Lillian.
"She's on a date with her boy toy. She’s going to meet us there," said Sabra.
"I can hardly wait until we get to the hotel so we can check out this party," said Julie.
"Girl, you know you just want to see if Kevin is going to be there," said Yvette.
"You right!" she said with a laugh. "Let's go!
They headed to the hotel.
Kappa Party
As the ladies pulled up to the hotel, their eyes took in all the people that were unloading their cars and checking in. The Athen
eum hotel is a 4-star hotel located in the heart of downtown Detroit. It was built in 1978 and is an all-suite hotel. The lobby is very ornate and impressive, with its’ white pillars, beautiful foliage, shimmering marble floors, and statutes of Greek gods adorning it.
"Hope some of these guys are going to the party, " said Elaine, viewing all the eye candy.
"Um hum," the ladies all said in unison. They were assuming most were, because they were seeing a lot of red and white outfits.
Julie eventually found a place in line for valet car attendants because the line meandered all the way out to the street. She got out of the car to check them in and save time, while Elaine took over the wheel.
The check in line inside wasn't too bad, and she was at the counter after about ten minutes.
"Good evening," said the front desk clerk," welcome to the Atheneum. Checking in?"
"Yes. My name is Julie Ledsinger. I have two rooms reserved." The clerk looked her name up and checked her in. "You will be in room 4021 and 4023," he said as he handed her the key cards, "and they are adjoining rooms as you requested. Enjoy your stay."
"Thanks.” She turned to leave and bumped into the chest of a very tall, athletic-looking guy.
"Oops, I'm so sorry." She looked up at him and realized it was Andre Drummond of the Detroit Pistons.
"My problem, beautiful. You can bump into me anytime," Andre said with a wink. She came back with, “Deeeeetroit basketball," and gave him a fist pump. He gave her a big smile and left.
Why CAN T I Be A Cougar?? Page 10
