“Excuse me.”
“Something doesn’t add up with your girl, Erika. Don’t believe her lies.”
“Excuse me. Who is this?”
“Don’t concern yourself with who this is. If I were you, I’d worry about your boss lady. The Black Widow. They kill their male partners after mating.”
“Don’t call back here playing on this line. This is a place of business,” I shouted into the receiver.
“Three husbands, three dead husband. What are the odds?”
“Did you hear me?”
“No, the question is: Did you hear me, Loretta? You’ve been warned.”
Click and the line went dead. I was left standing holding the receiver, visibly shaken by the ominous message.
This is Love
Chapter 27
I’m not exactly sure what Lance had done to me because I couldn’t get him off my mind. For the next couple of days, I thought of him often. Day and night. In my opinion, it didn’t take all that posturing and boisterous words from a man to attract a woman. All it took, for me anyway, was a sense of confidence and manliness coupled with a sense of sincerity and kindness. From our brief encounter, I immediately gauged that Lance possessed those qualities and much more. He fascinated me and piqued my curiosity. I definitely wanted to get to know him better.
I was smitten and that was saying a lot. After Edward died, no man had captured my attention. It was like my spirit and the sense that I could love again died and were buried with him.
Okay, I admit, I had had a few indiscretions since Edward passed on; I’m only human. I had needs and desires every now and then just like anyone else. I intentionally gave Nobia and everyone the impression that I was celibate, and in my mind I was. Sex meant nothing to me, absolutely nothing, unless I made a love and intimate connection. Love was my high.
It was true and Nobia was correct. I was a die-hard romantic; I loved the entire concept of two souls coming together, through thick and thin, and living out the rest of their lives collectively. I needed and wanted a man in my life to share experiences with. Marriage and a spouse and family were when I felt most alive and complete. With love, I thought I could conquer the world and I was unstoppable. Without it, I felt incomplete, like I was missing a piece of myself.
The sex with Jacob had been hot, dirty, and some of the best I ever had. As soon as it was over, Jacob was forgotten, and now, he couldn’t get past the fact that he meant absolutely nothing to me. He simply had something I needed at that time; it wasn’t personal. My rendezvous with the reverend was wrong, but I needed someone and he was always there for me, praying and guiding my footsteps with the Lord. When I was feeling my lowest and loneliest, the good reverend always made me feel good and that’s how I justified sleeping with a married man.
Did that make me a bad person?
As a child, I sensed I was different because I never had much remorse for bad things I did. As long as it benefited me, all was fine in my world. I was happy. I came to the conclusion long ago that I was selfish and thought only of myself. That wasn’t a big secret anymore. What was the saying? “When you realized a truth, you were almost there, on the path to true enlightenment.”
I grew up with a mother people talked, gossiped, and whispered about behind her back and smiled in her face, and that hurt her. She came across as in your face, take no prisoners, but she was really quite sensitive. My mother could curse like a sailor, smoked Ashton cigars with the best of them, and could drink any man under the table. She also loved men and living a life of luxury. Sure, she made some bad choices, exposed me to too much at such a young age, but I loved her with everything in me. She was a good example of not acting like a lady but thinking like a man.
I may be my mother’s child, but I’ll die having no regrets. That’s what she always told me: “No regrets, Erika. Take responsibility for your actions, good or bad, and move on. Don’t look back. Never look back.”
I didn’t want to be talked about behind my back either; I wanted to fit in and be liked. Maybe that was why I was always trying to help the less fortunate; the feeling and admiration afterward was exhilarating. During those moments, I was content.
Malik, Brian, and Edward all made me happy in the beginning. The initial stage of a relationship was always the best. I savored those moments—the courting, the dates, the wining and dining—more than I coveted the dick. Physical urges were great when they were satisfied, especially by a man who knew what he was doing in the bedroom, but the emotional and spiritual connection was powerful.
When the relationship turned sour, that was always the part I despised the most. I hated witnessing that special gleam in my man’s eyes dim and realizing he didn’t want me anymore. I’d do almost anything not to see that love dim. But again, I was my mother’s child. Just as easily as I could stroke my man’s ego and dick, I could cut him down and castrate him with my spewed words. I could be as sweet as honey and as deadly and furious as a lioness defending her cubs. Truth be told, I guess that’s why I had been married three times. I was addicted to that first high. Now, Lance had caught my eye and I longed for him to hold me in his strong arms. Only problem was that he didn’t appear interested in the least.
The Grand Tour
Chapter 28
Unseasonably mild weather for a November had invaded Georgia. Residents were still wearing sweaters and jackets but no coats, yet. That suited me perfectly. My favorite seasons were fall and the spring; the in-between seasons. Today, I was dressed in black True Religion designer jeans with a form-fitting pink sweater, paired with one of my favorite pair of black boots. I was hanging out in the receptionist area after placing an order with a national jewelry distributor. I was going to test out selling a few pieces of costume jewelry in the salon.
I was secretly hoping to get a glimpse of Lance as he passed by; I had discovered that he generally took a coffee break around this time of the day, as I had seen him several times walking back with a grande cup of mocha from Starbucks. During the last couple of weeks that his barber shop had been open, we had witnessed a steady male clientele coming and going. Lance had dropped by one or two times during that time frame, but basically didn’t pay me any mind or special attention. He simply asked Nobia if he could place some flyers on our front counter and he would display ours in turn, or he asked about the best restaurants on the block.
“Nobia, do you want to take a walk with me?” I asked out of the blue.
She was finishing up the details on the specifications for holiday cards that we planned to mail to our clients with attached coupons for discounted services. That was my Christmas gift and token of appreciation to those who brought business my way.
“Sure, I could stretch my legs,” she said, coming from around the counter to retrieve her jacket, which hung on the black coat rack near the front door.
“Where do you want to walk to? The convenience store?”
“Let’s walk next door and visit. We can check out Regency and see how it all came together and say hello to Lance.”
Nobia smiled mischievously. “Sure. We can do that.”
I started walking toward the door.
“Aren’t you going to grab your jacket?”
“I’m fine. It’s not cold out, and besides we are only going one door down.”
“Oh, you want to look cute for Lance?” Nobia kidded.
I couldn’t help myself. I giggled, of all reactions. “I have no idea what you are talking about.”
“Sure you don’t.”
A few minutes later, as we opened the door to Regency and stepped in, all eyes turned to observe us. The spot was nice, very sophisticated with an old-school flavor. I checked out eight barber chairs, four on each side of the room, and there were mirrors everywhere, from floor to ceiling.
One of the barbers, a short, stocky man, greeted us. “Are you looking for Lance?”
“We are. Is he here?” I asked.
At that moment, as if on cue, Lance stepped out of
the back and my words were caught in my throat. Dressed in black slacks and a shirt, he looked much handsomer than I remembered. He made me breathless.
“Hi, ladies.” He waved, strutting our way in that confident manner I admired. His walk was almost as sexy as Denzie’s.
“Hello,” Nobia said.
“Hi, Lance,” I responded, trying to make eye contact.
“Good to see you again. Nobia, right?” he asked, looking directly at her.
“That’s correct. Great memory.”
“And Ellen.”
“Erika,” I said. “That’s a first. No one has ever forgotten my name. I usually leave an impression,” I joked.
Nobia glanced at me as Lance chuckled at my comment. I simply adored his laughter. It appeared to come straight from the gut.
“Well, there is a first for everything, but I promise you, it won’t happen again, Erika.”
“I hope not,” I responded.
“What brings you ladies by? It’s my pleasure of course.”
“Nobia and I wanted to extend an official welcome and after enduring weeks of drilling, we wanted to check out your finished shop. So, here we are, the welcome wagon,” I said.
“Thank you. That’s sweet of you. Walk this way and I’ll give you the grand tour.”
I smiled sweetly and walked beside him, making sure our shoulders touched.
“You guys have seen the front,” Lance said, pointing in that direction. “We have a full-service barber shop here at Regency, complete with eight barber chairs that are all currently full. I lucked out with some very talented and skilled barbers.”
“I have to give you props on what you have done with the space. Before the walls were drab and boring and there was a lot of structural damage from the previous occupant.”
“I have to give all thanks to my nephew, Jacob, for the final product. I’m very proud of him because he did an excellent job. Did you guys get to know him well? He’s an interesting young man and has been through a lot over the years.”
Nobia perked up. “I met him and he’s a great guy.”
“He is and I think of him as a son.”
I remained silent until Lance turned to me for a response.
“And you, Erika? Did you have the opportunity to meet him?”
“Yes, I did.”
“Good,” he said, with his eyes not leaving my face. I smiled and for a second all I could picture was an image of Jacob as he moved inside my womanhood.
“If you step through the red double doors, you will see personal lockers, the bathroom to the right, and a small break room on the left.”
“No office?” I asked, looking around.
“No. I prefer to work up front. Be a visible part of the ambience and customers. It’s amazing how people will patronize your place of business when they get to know you. They’ll remain loyal when they know you and what you stand for in the community.”
Nobia responded, “Very true.”
Lance smiled and I saw him look toward me from the corner of my eye. I didn’t comment because I knew I would never give up my office and privacy.
“That’s about it. My home away from home. Nothing grand, but it’s mine.”
“What does your wife or girlfriend feel about your new business endeavor?” I asked. I hadn’t seen a wedding band on his finger, but nowadays you never knew. I had met many married men who simply didn’t wear a band, or slipped it off when it was convenient.
I ignored the beginnings of a grin as it appeared on Nobia’s face and focused my attention on Lance, which wasn’t difficult.
“Nothing.”
“Oh really?”
“I have neither. No wife or girlfriend. My business takes up much of my time and most women aren’t that accommodating.”
“The real women are.”
“How so?” Lance asked.
“They appreciate what they have. What’s that saying that behind every successful man is a strong woman?”
Lance opened his mouth to reply. At that moment, his cell phone rang and he looked down to view the caller ID.
“I apologize, but I’m going to have to take this. Sorry to cut the tour short, but it was nice seeing you again.”
“Not a problem. Thanks again,” I said.
Lance had already turned his back to us and was walking in the opposite direction, like he had forgotten us just that quickly. I couldn’t believe he still hadn’t asked for my number.
Nobia’s Humble Opinion
Chapter 29
Friday was once again upon us and I was hanging out in Erika’s office before leaving for home. I wasn’t in a rush; there wasn’t anyone or anything waiting for me except four walls since I had been dumped by Billy. I didn’t even have a dog waiting, tail wagging, delighted to see me.
“What’s the word on Lance?” I asked Erika.
“The same as before. He is pleasant enough when he sees me. He waves, he smiles, he says hello, but hasn’t made any attempt to ask me out.”
“It’s coming. He will. He likes you.”
“How do you know? Because I’m not seeing it.”
“I can just tell. Erika, you are used to men flattering you, complimenting you, but that’s not his style. He’s a doer.”
“A doer?” she asked.
“Yeah, he likes doing things for his woman. Lance was in here for over an hour fixing the clogged sink the other day.”
“He was being kind, that’s all.”
“Yeah, right. Give him some time; he’ll bite.”
“I hope so. I really do. Hopefully sooner than later because I’m not exactly the most patient person,” she stated, all giggly. “I can’t believe I’m all dreamy-eyed over a man. I never thought it would happen again. I really thought I would be alone for the rest of my life. Well, alone with Denzel, Idris, and Morris.”
“I for one am very happy for you, girl. It’s good to see you content.”
“It has been awhile, but I feel I am finally ready to move on with my life and put the past behind me. And the past includes Edward.”
“Just be patient, girl. Lance will ask you out and you guys will make a great couple, he’s tall and handsome and you’re gorgeous.”
“Thank you. Thank you. Thank you,” she chanted, patting herself on the shoulder.
“It’s not even too late for you to have babies.”
“Whoa,” she said, holding up her hand. “Slow your roll.”
“I can be the godmother, of course, and maybe you two can have twins. Knock the girl and boy out with one pregnancy.”
“First, I need to go out on an actual date with him. Do you think he has heard the rumors about me?”
“I’m sure he has. People will talk about you until the day you die. That’s life, girl.”
“Maybe that’s why he hasn’t asked me out,” she said, deep in thought. “He thinks I’m a Black Widow.”
I chuckled.
“What?”
“You must really like this guy because I have never seen you act this way, Erika.”
“I do. I really, really like him and I have a feeling that we could be good together. We seem to have a lot in common.”
“I don’t think any rumors have turned him off. He seems like a man who has a mind of his own and makes his own decisions. So, please, girl, you are worrying about the wrong thing.”
“Nobia, you always make me feel better. That’s why I love you so.”
“I love you back.”
We smiled and sat in silence for a few seconds, comfortable with each other. I had come to terms with my doubts about Erika. I was her closest friend and I, of all people, would know if there was anything ratchet about her and I was ashamed of myself for even considering it.
“I can’t believe Lance brought you fresh vegetables from his garden the other day. Now that is old-school courting.”
Erika smiled, I guess at the memory of him sending over a full basket of onions, snap peas, and winter lettuce. “We had a deliciou
s salad that day.”
“So, no worries. It will all work out,” I said. “Now, where are we going for dinner? Because I can’t spend another Friday night all by myself.”
“It doesn’t matter,” she said. “You choose.”
“Okay, cool. Your treat?”
“My treat.” She smiled.
Erika and Lance
Chapter 30
Nobia’s prediction was on point, the relationship between Lance and me took an upward turn, much to my extreme satisfaction and pleasure.
The change occurred on a night when I was in the process of closing and Lance had just locked up and walked out his shop door, headed in my direction. I still say it was no coincidence. Much like Jacob had done, I heard a light knock at the door as I was straightening up magazines near the receptionist desk. When I glanced toward the source, there stood Lance with a smile on his handsome face.
My heart leapt in my chest as I walked the few steps, and unlocked and opened the door.
Just stay calm. Stay calm.
“To what do I owe the pleasure?”
“May I?” he asked, indicating if he could come in. I nodded and stepped back so that he could enter. When he passed, our shoulders accidently touched and a soft moan almost escaped my throat. He smelled wonderful and looked so sexy.
“I was leaving, headed to the parking lot, when I saw your light still on.”
“I’m about ready to get out of here too.”
“Long week?”
“Always, but I love every minute of it. Wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
“Same here. There’s nothing that beats owning your own, even if it means working sixty-hour weeks. At the end of the day, it’s all mine. The fruit of my labor.”
I smiled as I sashayed to the sofa in the waiting area and took a seat. I felt him watching me, as he followed close behind.
“Am I keeping you?”
“No. What’s on your mind?” He would never know I had dreamt of this moment for weeks. I could sit here all night and listen to him speak.
“Can you believe next week is Thanksgiving?” he asked, sitting down across from me.
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