Unforgettable, My Love Has Come Along

by Ann Marie Bryan

  “Alrighty!”

  Melissa went into hushed tones. “Another lady told me that he is very particular about his reputation. She also said that he takes care of his physical appearance.”

  “Mel, you are a gem. I cannot thank you enough.”

  “No problem! Glad to be of service. Remember to look your very best when you pick him up at the airport. You know first impression really does last.”

  “Absolutely!”

  “If you are still in love when you meet him, then I see no reason why you shouldn’t get married shortly.”

  I gasped even though I was delirious with excitement. “Sure Mel!” I responded sarcastically.

  “How’s December?” Melissa asked enthusiastically.

  “Girl stop!”

  “Ok, January then.”

  I broke out in a hollow nervous laughter. “Your lunch time is passing and you are having way too much fun at my expense.”

  Melissa paused. “Annalisa, I know that you will make the right decision. The Lord knows everything about Orane. I will continue to pray for you both.”

  “Thanks Mel, I appreciate you. Say hello to Simon and the kids for me.”

  “I will! Enjoy the rest of your day as I know you will. By the way, should I put Reverend Fuller on standby?”

  “Yes, do that.” I threatened. “Bye!”

  A few days later, I emailed Melissa:

  “I am not sure why I feel so calm about this. I am so looking forward to seeing this man. I really like his spirit and he makes me laugh so hard. We have a very unpretentious relationship. Seriously, we talk foolishness sometimes too. He has a real relationship with God and I know it. Harriett and Maydine just love him to life. They speak very well of him.

  He said that I should not worry about our friendship but all I have been doing is praying. He said that God has fulfilled the desires of his heart. He has never had this kind of naked and unashamed relationship with anyone. Actually, neither have I. He said that it does not matter what I look like, he has found his wife. Okay, let me stop here. Blessings!”

  CHAPTER 7: FACE TO FACE

  My shock and awe campaign…

  Definitely NOT my recommendation to anyone, for any occasion, time or season.

  For his short weekend visit, Orane requested the room rate of the hotel nearest to my home. I checked the rates at RBC Hotel, which was a ten-minute drive from my home. Much later, after careful consideration, I told him that he could be my guest.

  “Are you sure?” he asked, surprised by my offer.

  “Don’t worry,” I told him. “I plan to put you in chains upstairs.”

  Orane was not the only one astonished by my offer. I believed that Maydine, Harriett, Melissa and Kay thought that I had lost my mind.

  “Annalisa, this is so unlike you!”

  “Are you sure you want to do that?”

  “That is not a wise decision!”

  “Have you thought this thing through?”

  Simon was extremely distraught and spoke to Melissa about the situation. “Babes, ask Annalisa if she is sure about this. This is unlike her.”

  Actually, very uncharacteristic of me!

  Quite frankly, I would never recommend such an action.

  I acted on emotions rather than principles and that is NEVER EVER a great idea. While I was not totally comfortable with my decision, Orane and I needed to spend quality time together. I must confess that I had asked Arianna to spend the weekend with us. But, as Orane’s visit drew closer, I released her from the commitment because Orane and I had built up an element of trust.

  Finally, the day arrived. Happy Thursday!

  I slept in a little, only to be awakened by the blaring sound of my cell phone alarm. I half-opened my eyes and smiled widely as excitement filled my body. But, that was short-lived.

  A big sigh escaped my lips, like a deflating tire.

  Sometimes, the highly anticipated pleasures of a special day automatically create joy and great contentment; perhaps, even a deep all-pervading excitement. Today is not, one of those days.

  Joy. Yes.

  Contentment. No.

  Shivers of trepidation attacked me and a tiny war raged within.

  Will Orane and I still have our special connection when we are face to face?

  Will I like him physically?

  Will he like me physically?

  Halfway through the morning, my cheerleaders - Melissa, Kay, Arianna, Maydine and Harriett called to boost my seemingly faltering courage.

  The day went by quickly and before I knew, it was time to make my airport run. Dinner was already prepared and I made sure that my home was looking superb. I added red accents to the kitchen and living and dining rooms which were mainly decorated in off-white and forest green. So glad that I did! The vibrant red created a warm and engaging atmosphere.

  In my attempt to achieve the right look, I changed outfits several times then ended up wearing what I had initially planned, my navy jeans pants and jacket, gold tank top and navy sandals. My black hair was brushed sleek beyond my shoulder.

  Before leaving home, I powered up my laptop and checked Orane’s flight status. His flight was arriving ten minutes earlier than scheduled. I would be late.

  So much for first impression!

  It was a beautiful evening. The evening sun shone brightly as I headed to Tallahassee Regional Airport. I voiced my faith instead of nursing and rehearsing my fears. I could feel my temperate slowly rising as I drove into the arrival area.

  Orane saw me first. He moved confidently towards the car, with an easy smile. I drew in a shaky breath, opened the trunk and got out of the car.

  “Annalisa!” he exclaimed smiling, with wide open arms.

  Hesitantly, I wrapped my hands around his waist. “Orane, great to…” My greeting was muffled by our embrace.

  “Let me look at you.” Orane held me at arm’s length. He looked calm and at ease.

  “Sorry, I’m late,” I said, blushing under his intense scrutiny. “Welcome to Tallahassee!”

  “Thank you. I feel at home already,” he said gallantly. He placed his carry-on in the trunk and closed it. “Ready when you are.”

  His smile was lethal! He was handsome, with amazing dark brown eyes and gorgeous kissable lips. Resist! Resist girl! Now is not the time to be led by your raging hormones.

  I returned the smiled. “Let’s go!”

  “Would you like me to drive?” Orane asked as we pulled away.

  Pure mischief was in his eyes, eyes that just pulled me in and played on my heartstrings. “Hmm! Let me see, tomorrow perhaps! I am giving you a break since you had a long flight. How was your flight?”

  “It was good. Thank God, I arrived safely. It’s really good to see you.”

  “You too.” My senses were a mess. I felt nervous and excited in the same breath. Breathe, I cautioned myself. “We’ll be home…in twenty minutes,” I mumbled.

  “Are you okay?” Orane asked.

  “Yes, just processing.” I sighed then held on to his left hand. “I am having an out of body experience.”

  “It’s me,” he said reassuringly. “The same one you talk to every day and night.”

  “I know.” I smiled at him. “It will be a bit cold while you are here.”

  “I realized so I came equipped.”

  “You don’t look like your photo at all. You should fire your photographer,” I joked.

  Orane laughed. “Are we still talking about the physical, Anna?

  I giggled. Caught again!

  “Hope you are not disappointed,” he said.

  “Of course not, look at you.”

  Orane had one eyebrow raised and amusement was in his eyes. “That’s your favorite expression.”

  “Ouch!”

  He nudged me playfully. “Yes. You always say that.”

  We burst into laughter at my poor attempt at shock and disbelief.

  “Yes,” I concurred. “I do use that phrase a lot.”


  “If I may borrow your phrase, look at you! You’re almost back.”

  Orane squeezed my hand and part of my defense melted away under his gaze. A few minutes later, I drove into my garage.

  “Welcome home,” I exclaimed as we exited the car.

  He smiled charmingly. “Thank you. I was feeling a tad bit unwanted.”

  “Never!” I murmured ushering him through the door. “This is my humble abode.”

  Orane dropped his carry-on near the door. “Come here!” He held my hands. The gentleness in his eyes stilled me. “If you are not comfortable, I can stay at a hotel.”

  “No. I am good. I promise!” I placed my head on his shoulder and he held me and prayed.

  “Thank you.” I smiled at him. “I just felt overwhelmed. I am good now.”

  “That’s alright, as long as you’re okay.”

  “I’m good.”

  He winced. “Now, where is the bathroom?”

  My eyes widened and a loud gasp escaped my lips. “Right there!” I pointed to the half bathroom nearby.

  “Thanks,” he said, moving with lightning speed towards the bathroom.

  As soon as the bathroom door was closed behind him, I muffled a scream of delight. I could not believe that he was here. I could barely contain my excitement as I entered the dining room.

  The dining table was already set for two with gold placemats, burgundy and gold napkins, gold chargers, white dinner plates, silverware, wine glasses and serving utensils. A transparent vase containing fresh yellow and white roses stood in the center of the table evoking a feeling of warmth and happiness.

  Across from the dining room, I entered the kitchen, washed my hands and started warming dinner in the microwave. I had prepared brown stewed chicken, steamed rice and peas, corn casserole, steamed cabbage and tossed salad.

  “Look at you,” Orane teased. I turned and saw him sitting on one of the bar stools around the counter that separated the kitchen from the dining room.

  “No, look at you Mr. Conway.”

  “Are you good?” I could hear the concern in his voice.

  “Yes, I’m good, really good.”

  “Great! What can I help you with?”

  “Are you sure you want to?” His eyebrow lift sent me into fits of giggles. “Okay, please pour the drinks. The glasses are in the top cupboard to my right and drinks are in the refrigerator.”

  “What will you have to drink?” he asked.

  “Orange juice, please. I’ll take a small glass. I intend to have tea. Would you like tea too?”

  “Yes. Great idea! Should I put the vegetable platter on the table? Nice arrangement!”

  “Thank you! You are too kind.” I smiled at him. “Please take out the Italian Vinaigrette dressing for me. You can select the dressing you like.”

  “Sure will.”

  As I moved around the kitchen and dining room, I observed Orane scrutinizing and making mental notes of my physique.

  “Like what you see.” I posed briefly for sudden impact.

  “Yeah, very much so,” he responded with exuberance. “Now, I am convinced that you are back.”

  “Ahhh let’s eat, that’s if you are not too full.”

  He reached for me and I grinned and slipped out of his reach.

  “Allow me.” Orane pulled my chair out.

  “Thank you, kind sir.”

  “My pleasure!”

  Orane took his seat and blessed the meal. “What is this?” he asked.

  “It’s corn casserole. It’s great, not too sweet. A friend taught me how to make it.”

  “I like it,” Orane said, chewing on the corn casserole. “You’re right. It’s not too sweet. I don’t like a lot of sweet stuff.”

  “Me either, give me fruits all day,” I said, sipping my cup of green tea.

  “I love fruits too. This food is delicious.” He eyed me. “As I suspected, you are a great cook.”

  “Thanks. Just one of my, ah let’s say, many skills.” I snickered at my own melodrama.

  Orane laughed. “Annalisa Jones, you are something.”

  “Yes, I am!” I smiled mischievously. “Ah pictures. How could I forget?”

  I had recently purchased a digital camera and simply loved being a photographer. I retrieved my camera from the end table nearby.

  Orane grimaced. “I don’t like taking pictures. I always look like I’m from the wilds.”

  “It’s not your fault. It’s the photographer,” I teased as I clicked away.

  “I’m going to hold you to that,” he winced.

  “Don’t look self-conscious; relax, just be yourself.”

  “That might not be a good idea.”

  I giggled. “It’s not a good idea, it’s a great idea.”

  “Right! Aren’t you finished?” he begged after several shots.

  “Just one more! I’ll take more tomorrow,” I said smiling. “Did you just roll your eyes?”

  “No. I was just lifting my eyes to the sky.”

  I shook my head. “Naughty man!”

  He chuckled. “Would you like me to take pictures of you?”

  “No. Thanks,” I said, taking my seat at the table. “You can do so tomorrow.”

  “Okay! You are…what are you staring at?”

  I blushed. “Nothing!” I did not realize I was staring.

  Orane looked cross-eyed. “Thanks! You are really helping my self-esteem.”

  I grinned and touch his shoulder playfully. “You know what I mean.”

  “You are not eating.”

  “I am not hungry, late lunch. Plus, there are other interesting things to look at.”

  “Go right ahead. Don’t let me stop you. There is nothing much to see.”

  Are you kidding me? I smiled and gently looked at him. “There is a lot to see.” His photos did not do justice to his classic good looks. His strong, well-kept body and winning smile made him look as if he ought to be on the cover of a magazine. He was wearing navy jeans, white shirt and black shoes. His navy vest rested on the bar stool.

  Twenty minutes later, Orane wiped his mouth with the napkin then asked, “Should I pour the wine?”

  “Yes, please.”

  The phone rang as Orane headed towards the refrigerator and he reached for it on the counter and handed it to me.

  “Thank you.” I smiled at him before answering. “Hello my sister.” It was Harriett and I knew Maydine was nearby.

  “Hi dear, just checking if you’re okay. Did Orane arrive?”

  “I’m great. Yes, he arrived.”

  Immediately, Harriett went into hushed tones. “Just say yes or no to these questions—Are you comfortable? Is he what you expected? Is he nearby?”

  I clenched my teeth to stop myself from laughing out. “Yes, yes and yes to all of the above. I will definitely talk with you tomorrow. Please let Sister Maydine know that all is well.”

  “Okay dear! Talk with you soon!”

  “Bye.” I just knew my circle of love would not be falling asleep any time soon.

  “That was Sister Harri, aka Dr. Selby, calling to find out if you arrived safely.”

  “That’s very thoughtful of her. Is she doing alright?”

  “Yes!”

  “Great!” Orane said, opening the refrigerator. “Which wine is it?”

  “It’s the Diviera.”

  “Found it!”

  “I hope we’ll like it. Two friends recommended it.”

  Orane peered at the label. “I thought you didn’t drink alcohol.”

  “I prefer non-alcoholic wines. Alcoholic beverages taste so bitter, not to mention bad for my body.”

  He chuckled softly. “Babes, this wine has more alcohol than beer.”

  “Really?” I moved closer to inspect the wine bottle.

  “Yes. I will let your sisters know that you gave me alcohol so you can take advantage of me. Unbelievable.”

  “Right, to all of that.” I smiled at him as I accepted my glass of wine.

 
“I have very high expectations of you,” he cautioned playfully as we moved back to the table.

  “In that case, I am going to restrain myself.”

  “Please don’t!” Orane chuckled. “Let’s toast—to long life, great health, Godly wisdom to make decisions and an even closer walk with God.”

  “Amen to all of the above!”

  “Annalisa, this has a lot of alcohol.”

  “Eeeeh yes! It’s fruity though.”

  “Babes, I don’t think we should drink this.”

  “I agree,” I said, putting my wine glass on the table.

  Orane placed the wine in the refrigerator. “Let’s move to the living room, if you don’t mind.”

  “Not at all,” I replied, leading the way.

  Orane exhaled, reclining in the center of the largest sofa and I curled up at one end. We observed each other perceptively then burst into laughter. We both knew what was going on.

  “Look at you! I thought you were a little short lady.”

  “Uh-huh!” I poked him. “Who is talking about the physical now?”

  He smiled lazily at me. “Birds of a feather flock together.”

  I wagged my head. “Right. Poor excuse!”

  “You planted that seed in my head,” he teased, poking my side.

  I giggled and moved out of his reach. “I can be a little short lady, if that tickles your fancy.”

  He chuckled, totally amused. “You know, I’m no fun when I am hungry. Now that I am full, I…”

  I eyeballed him grinning. “You will be fasting from now on.”

  He gasped playfully. “You are a mean lady; a beautiful mean lady.”

  “Beautiful is good.” I smiled at him. “I may give you a little food.”

  “Thank you. You are gorgeous.”

  I shrunk back, my voice teasing. “Flattery will get you nowhere.”

  “Seriously,” he said quietly, “you are beautiful. When I decided to visit you, I wondered…”

  Here began our story time. There was much laugher as we openly shared our thoughts about meeting face to face.

  A few hours later…

  I woke up feeling slightly disoriented. I lifted my head from Orane’s shoulder. He was still asleep.

  “Orane wake up!” I shook his shoulder gently.