by Forever Redd
“Umm, did you forget to call me back, Jody?” the squeaky voice on the other end responded.
“My bad, ma. I was talkin’ a lil’ bidness, but you got the floor now, what up?”
“Ain’t shit up. You still coming over here tonight?”
“Oh, damn, babe. I got some shit I gotta take care of. Lemme get that rain check.”
“Are you being serious right now? You always do this shit, Jody. Every time it’s my time, you always got some shit to do and I can only see you when it’s on your time. I could have gone to work instead of calling off. Damn, you make me sick.”
“Are you done with yo’ issues? ‘Cause for real, Nikki, it ain’t that serious at all. You chose to ride for me when you knew I wasn’t looking for a relationship. It was you that said you didn’t want shit but the D. Do you remember saying any of that? ‘Cause ya did. Now, don’t call me on that bullshit ‘bout time. ‘Cause at the end of the day, I spend my time like I spend my money, how the fuck ever I see fit.”
“You are really a selfish asshole, you know that? But say no more, Jody. Don’t come calling me when you want that head shot, or when you feel like yo’ dick need more on it than yo’ hands. Fuck you.”
“Not a problem at all, you be blessed,” I said and disconnected her ass. The fuck she look like calling me ‘bout some time? I couldn’t even lie though, that girl got a hellafied head game. But she don’t run shit this way.
I met Nikki in the Shell gas station on Broad River Rd. She was cool as hell, and a freak. She always made small talk but never anything too serious. But on one particular night, she struck up a conversation.
“That sure is a nice car,” Nikki said while looking out of the window at my Charger parked by the pump. “Is it a stick or automatic?”
“Automatic, but it has the slap stick where you can change gears by slapping the gear shaft from side to side. You ever seen that before?” I asked.
“No, can’t say that I have, but I would love to see how it—rides,” Nikki said with a sexy lick of her full lips.
“You ain’t got no customers, come outside and take a look,” I said, matching the same flirty tone she was giving off. She came from behind the counter and looked me up and down. I guess when she thought it was safe, she followed me out the door.
Nikki peered inside my car while I pumped my gas. I could see her admiring all the different gadgets and customized additions I had added when I purchased it. “I sure would like to see what this baby can do,” she said while taking a seat on the driver’s side.
“And I sho would like to see what that mouth can do,” I added with a lick of my lips.
“Hhhmm, maybe we can exchange numbers and you might get a chance to find out.”
“Sounds like a plan.” We exchanged numbers and the rest was history.
My old man once told me every man needs a sidepiece.
“Son, a side piece will tame the dog that lurks inside every man. She is going to be everything you want all rolled into one. She will cook, clean, and handle business between the sheets. She gon’ keep her knees together when it comes to other men because you gon’ take care of her, inside and outside the bedroom. She will keep your secrets and she might even keep yo’ stash, but the selection process is difficult. The side piece ain’t a jump off, son. She is the chosen one.”
“Pops, how you sound? The chosen one is supposed to be your wife.”
“It is, but the sidepiece is yo’ wife, only without the papers. You think you can depend on a woman that you ain’t doin’ nuttin’ but screwing? Boy, if you only layin’ with her, she don’t owe you shit. Her commitment and loyalty is gon’ be to the nigga that’s doin’ all the other shit. In other words, a woman will be loyal to the one that’s loyal to her. If you ain’t doin’ nuttin’ but hittin’ it, hell, you the jump off, my nigga.”
My dad gave the business and I heard it practically every single year on my birthday from the time I was thirteen. That spoke volumes to me, not the message, but the messenger. There I was with my father on a daily basis and so many of my friends didn’t even know who their dad was, so to have him tell me things meant so much. It was like after the repetition of “the talk”, I started to believe it. And after I believed it, I lived it. I lived it for so long, I thought it was impossible to change my thought process, until I met Victoria.
I wasn’t sure if I would be able to stop foolin’ around, but for her, I wanted to try. Her voice was as sweet as sugar and her personality was great. She actually blushed, and I could hear it in her voice. I liked that shit. There were so many emotions she brought out of me in the last two weeks and it was refreshing to feel them all. God, I hope she’s pretty, I thought. I meant what I said and she had definitely piqued my interest, but damn, if she was pretty too? That would definitely be the icing on the cake. Time was ticking and I had to finish getting myself together.
I stopped by the Shell station to fill my tank and because I had noticed Nikki’s car. She and I went through that bullshit at least twice a month. It had now become something to do. I stepped inside just to fuck with her
“I thought you said you took the night off?” I asked while coming through the door.
“I did, but then I called Juanita and told her she ain’t hafta work for me. What you want anyway, Jody?”
I stepped into the gas station looking like a million bucks and smelling like a pound of reefer. I approached the counter and asked Nikki’s unattractive but sexy ass for a pack of cigars.
“Aye, Nikki, lemme get a pack of White Owl Silvers.”
“What’s up, Big Jody? That’s how you do? Come up to my job questioning me and only ask for some cigars? You got a lot of damn nerve,” Nikki huffed.
Nikki slammed the cigars on the counter and I interlocked my fingers with hers. “Don’t be like that, boo. You know how it is. I be busy and when I’m in town, I am pulled in every direction. You know I always come to you as soon as I get a chance. You really gon’ act like that?” I asked as I kissed each one of her fingers.
Nikki closed her eyes and allowed my kisses to soften her heart. “I know Jody, but damn, I be missing you and I just wanna spend some time with you. I’m sorry I overreacted. Will you forgive me, Daddy?”
“Yes, I will forgive you. It’s just a damn shame we didn’t get to spend today together. Now, I gotta go all the way to Mama’s house with a hard dick,” I said, placing my hand to my crotch.
I thought of my date with Victoria and I was really excited about it, but she didn’t strike me as the type of girl that would put out on the first date, so I needed to relieve some tension. Who better than Nikki?
“Aww, poor baby. You need a little stress reliever?” she asked, licking and sucking both of our fingers.
I shook my head yes, but the chime of the bell broke me from my trance, letting us know customers were entering the building. I turned toward the magazine rack to hide the bulge growing in the front of my slacks until the customer made her purchase and left.
“Where were we?” Nikki asked as she came from around the counter and invaded my personal space.
“Go ‘head on, Nikki. Fuck around and I’ll give you what chu want.”
“I only wanna taste it, Jody. Can I taste it?”
I was actually turned on by her aggression and pretended to resist her demands. “No, we in the store and…” Nikki placed the ‘five minute bathroom break’ sign on the door, and locked up. She grabbed my hand and led me to the back office.
“And what? What were you saying?” Nikki asked when she closed the door. She was in action as soon as she heard the lock click. It was obvious she had done this before and was ‘bout that life. Nikki loosened my belt, opened the fly of my slacks, and nuzzled her face into my crotch. She stuck her tongue inside the slit of my boxers, and guided my meat out. Straight ratchet, I thought. This bitch was sucking dick right out of the boxer hole and in the back of a gas station, at that. Surely, she shouldn’t wonder why the only things changing were her
partners and not her last name. I had no time to dwell on that, I was trying to lubricate her trachea before I go meet Victoria.
When she finished me off, I left Nikki with a little extra pep in my step and feeling light on my feet. My nerves were beginning to get the best of me the closer I got to my destination. I decided to give her a call. “Hello pretty lady,” I said as soon as I heard that sweet voice.
“Hey, you. I am running a few minutes late, nothing major, but there was an accident on I26.”
“No worries at all. I too am a little behind myself.”
“Oh, really? Why, what happened? Don’t tell me you backing out already?” She asked jokingly, but I could tell she was serious.
“I would never back out on you. I had a little trouble at the gas pump.”
“Oh, my Mr. White. Are you traveling today, sir?”
Wow, a reenactment of our first conversation, on our two-week anniversary. She is so sweet I thought. I kind of felt bad for stopping by the gas station, but I wasn’t going to bring it up. Besides, I am not with her, so it should not be of any concern to her. “I am actually. I am currently exiting I26 into downtown Columbia in search of a beautiful lady. Could you help me please?”
“I would most certainly be able to assist you with that. May I have the make and model of your car,” she said in her professional voice.
“Yes, I am driving a Dodge Charger. I am aware this may be against policy, but is it possible to have the make and model of your vehicle as well?”
“You are correct, that is against policy, but if you were to head to a restaurant called Tsunami in downtown Columbia, you just might find me seated at the bar.”
“I will do that, ma’am. Thanks for the assistance,” I hung up the phone.
When I pulled into the parking lot of the Japanese restaurant, I noticed the guy standing out front selling flowers. After getting the price of the carnations, I decide to buy them all before walking into the restaurant. I scanned the crowded bar area and saw the most beautiful specimen of a woman. I didn’t know if that was her or not, but God I hoped it was. Since I had already told her I was going to be a few minutes late, she expected it. If the woman I was staring down was her, I hit the jackpot. She was the most beautiful shade of brown, and her eyes held an innocence about them. I wanted to see her smile. I sent Victoria a text. If that lady looked for her phone, she was my girl.
Me: 5 minutes parking car.
I watched impatiently. Then I saw her fish through her pocketbook to locate her cellular device. Once she had it in her hand, she began nibbling at her bottom lip.
Victoria: Ok.
I waited about five minutes, then made my way over to the lovely Victoria. “Pardon me, Beautiful. Is this seat taken?”
Victoria swiveled around on her bar stool and appeared as though she was prepared to tell me yes. But she called out my name instead, “Major?” she whispered. How did you know it was me?”
“I didn’t. I hoped it was you when I walked up to the most alluring lady in this whole place. I thought your voice was the most beautiful thing in the world, but now I see it doesn’t hold a candle to your radiance. You, my dear, are gorgeous. These are for you,” I said as I held out the flowers for her to take.
“Thank you so much,” Victoria’s gaze was fixated on my eyes originally, but I watched as they traveled down my face and settled on my lips. She kept her eyes there as long as I was talking, but when she spoke, she looked directly into my eyes. “I have already given the hostess my name, so we should have a table here shortly.”
“Do you mind if we stay here at the bar? This is only the appetizer portion of our evening, so we won’t be here very long? Is that okay with you?”
“That’s fine. Oh, my goodness. Where are my manners? Have a seat.”
“I figured that was my seat, but I am not sitting down until you give me a hug.”
Victoria hopped down off of the barstool to give me a hug. She was so tiny and I loved it. My five foot ten inch frame towered over her. She couldn’t have been more than five tall, and she melted against my chest. She felt amazing and smelled even better. We broke the embrace and sat down to order drinks and appetizers. Victoria and I talked the entire time. After two drinks and a shared sushi tray, I informed her it was time to head on to the next phase of the date. I paid the check and we left.
“You ready for part two?”
“Yes,” she blushed.
“Good, you gon’ follow me or do you dare to ride with me?”
“Since you twisted my arm, I guess I’ll ride with you,” she flirted.
“Shall we?” I asked extending my arm.
“Lets.” She looped an arm inside of mine and together we walked to my car.
Our next stop was an open mic event being held at a nearby bar in the Vista. During one of our previous conversations, she told me she was a fan of spoken word, so I knew this would be enjoyable for her. We made it to the bar and took our seats at a table located toward the front of the stage. The first person to take the stage was a lady that appeared as though she stepped out of Woodstock and came right into the new millennium. She went on and on about running though the meadows barefoot. Victoria gave me a little pinch on the arm, leaned over, and whispered to me. “I love open mic. Kudos to you, sir.”
I simply smiled and winked. This wasn’t even the highlight of the evening and she hadn’t stopped smiling yet. I excused myself to the restroom, but really I was preparing to get on the mic.
“We have a virgin heading to the stage, y’all,” the lady emcee announced. Be gentle with this one boys and girls he is a little shy. Give it up for Mr. Jody.”
4
Victoria
Mr. Jody? I looked around for him. When he told me about this place, he never told me he wrote poetry or anything.
This man was really doing it for me. He was full of surprises. Speaking of surprises, his voice didn’t match his looks at all. When he asked for the seat back at the sushi spot, my jaw dropped. He had the sexist locks I had ever seen. They were freshly twisted, and his edges were tapered up to perfection, like Steve Harvey’s. They were hanging freely on his shoulders and when he moved they swayed with each step.
Jody was as dark as a Special Dark Hershey’s candy bar. He was iced out from his mouth to his ears, his ears to his chest, and his chest to his wrist. The iciest part of his body was actually the diamond-studded mouthpiece that lined his perfectly straight teeth. His ears held a one-carat solitaire diamond, and a little bling around the face of his watch. Jody had a nice body, too. His arms were toned and tatted all over both of them. The voice was even sexier in person but when paired with the bad boy look. Wow. His eyes were so intense, it appeared as though he was looking through me, and that caused me to blush just a little bit. And now, the Poetry Place. I could only imagine what was in store with the next place
The Poetry Place was a quaint little bar/club. They often held open mic nights and karaoke. I had never been, but I had heard great things about it. The place had small tables scattered about, a fully stocked bar and an old school juke box in the corner. There was a live jazz band that played softly in the background. Clouds of smoke hovered above as the patrons pulled on their hookahs. It was a very chill spot.
When he took the stage, I swear, my heart skipped a beat. He jerked his head back removing the fallen locks from his face. He squinted out in the crowd and finally his eyes met mine. Jody licked his lips and began.
Alone I sat in my favorite chair.
Interrupted by a knock. Who could be there?
Who is it? I managed, while all alone.
I looked out the window, but the person was gone.
Back in my seat, I stared at the walls.
My phone starts ringing-back to back calls.
There was a sweet voice that cleared my line.
A surge entered my body and tingled my spine.
I felt her presence and her scent lingered above.
She had come for my hea
rt, but I can’t allow it to love.
I tried to walk away, and never turn around.
But she appeared before me and was staring me down.
With tear filled eyes, I tried to look away.
But she wiped my tears and began kissing my face.
Let me love you, she whispered in each ear.
Release all of your demons and let go of your fear.
Everything within her was nostalgic and true.
When I looked into her eyes, she was crying too.
It was her at the door. She brought the call to an end.
But she is knocking on my heart, I gotta let her in.
The crowd clapped and cheered as he exited the stage. “Thank you, Mr. Jody. Do come back and recite any time, and if you don’t wanna do that, just come back so we can look atcha! Ladies, can I get an Amen?” the emcee roused the crowd.
“Amen,” I damn near shouted. “Oh, my God, you!” I screamed as Jody made it back to our table.
“Did you like? It’s called When Love Comes Knockin’.”
“Did I like? I looooved it, Mr. Jody!”
“I’m glad. Now, guess what? We have reservations at the next spot in fifteen minutes. We need to leave now because we are going to go slow and chill. Talk a little bit, you know, things like that.”
“Oh. Okay, let me run to the ladies room really quick.”
“Go right ahead. I’ll be waiting.”
I hurried to the ladies room and ran into the first stall. After I relieved myself, I rushed out to wash my hands and primp a little bit. While washing my hands another stall opened and out walked a lady who posted up next to me to do the same mirror modeling.
I casually spoke since we were sharing the same space and the lady glanced at me through the mirror, “Aren’t you the chick that was at the table with Mr. Jody?”
“Yes, I am. Why do you ask?”
“Oh, no reason. I was just wondering what type of events he had planned for you. I mean he done flopped through practically every female in the club. But hey, don’t you worry, you just might be the one.”
