by Marc Avery
After I showered and got dressed in a T-shirt and sweats, I went downstairs and cooked breakfast. I made us blueberry pancakes, brown sugar bacon, and cheesy over easy eggs with fresh fruit. I took the food upstairs to the bedroom.
Once I got to her side of the bed, she looked up at me and yawned.
“About time you woke up,” I said and smiled.
“Good morning to you too.” Her face lit up when she saw the food. “Is that for me?”
“Sure is.” I handed her the plate. “You eat up and get dressed. There are more surprises to come.” I kissed her on the forehead and made my way back down to the kitchen.
I put Tupperware containers full of food and snacks and a bottle of wine in a travel tote bag. A picnic seemed like something cool to try.
I put the bag in the car and went back in the house to watch basketball highlights on ESPN.
An hour and a half passed before Essence came down the stairs. The time wasn’t wasted either. She wore a royal blue sundress that showed off her butt and breasts. The flats she wore showed off her pretty feet.
“Okay, so where are we going?” She grabbed her keys and purse off the coffee table.
“It’s a surprise.”
“I think I like the sound of that.”
“I figured you would.” I rubbed my hands together.
After Essence finished up at the salon, we went to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. We saw beautiful artwork by some talented artists. The sculptures and portraits were unbelievable.
We held hands as we walked around talking, laughing, and looking at the exhibits. We didn’t know a lot about art, but some of the pictures held our attention better than others.
“This is a lot better than us fighting.” Essence smiled.
“Yes, it is,” I said and kissed her on the cheek.
An hour after we left the museum, we went to Rittenhouse Square. Sunshine peeked through the clouds, and the breeze was perfect. The day couldn’t have been any better.
I laid a blanket down on the grass under a tree. Inside the bag, I had assorted cheeses, grapes, chocolates, turkey, Asiago sandwiches, and Sangria.
“Today has been perfect, Anthony,” Essence said when she saw the spread.
“It’s all for you.” I kissed the back of her hand.
She leaned over and kissed me on the cheek.
We fed each other food and sipped wine. Then, I French-kissed her. Knowing where this could head, she stopped me. Somehow, she had the same glow as when we first met each other.
“You ever think about us growing old together?” Essence asked.
I stroked her hair and touched her cheek. “Yes. I’ve been thinking of us a lot. Where we are and where we’re headed.”
She put her hands on top of mine. “Me too.”
We kissed, again, this one longer than the last.
Pulling Essence close to me, I inhaled her perfume and nuzzled her neck. These were the moments that were priceless to me.
“I think we should meet each other’s parents,” I said.
“I was going to suggest the same thing to you. For our relationship to go to the next level, I think it’s something we need to do.”
“I agree.”
“If we do this, you know what’s next, right?”
“What’s that?”
“Marriage and babies,” she said and smiled.
She did pique my curiosity. Visions of her flowing ivory-colored wedding dress and us on our honeymoon on a tropical island flashed in my mind. Then I saw kids that looked like Essence and me combined.
Then I saw debt and added responsibility. Reality hit me hard in that instant.
“That’s a lot of responsibility. I just don’t think we’re quite there yet.”
All the color drained from her face, and she tilted her head when she looked at me. “Really? Are we going to play house forever, or are we going to make our relationship real?”
“So you’re implying it isn’t real now?” I asked. I was curious now. She opened a can of worms.
“I’m saying I’m not trying to play house with you forever.”
“When it’s the right time for marriage and kids, trust me, we’ll know. Have some patience.”
She rolled her eyes and sucked her teeth. “I hope it doesn’t take as long as you did to find another job.”
“You just couldn’t go one day without starting some shit with me? You really like drama, and it’s sickening,” I said, my arms flailing.
“You’re entitled to your opinion. I’m just telling you how I feel.” She folded her arms across her chest.
“Why do you like pissing me off?”
She ignored my question and stood. “Patience to you obviously means forever.”
I stood too. “I don’t jump into things blindly.”
“Only when it’s important to you.”
I blew out a frustrated breath and then smiled. “Thank you for fucking the day up.”
“I’m ready to go,” Essence said and started walking back to the Benz.
“Good, because so am I.” I packed up everything and followed behind her.
As soon as I got in the car, Essence got on her cell phone. She was on one of her childish fits. Just when things were going in the right direction, here she comes with some more bullshit.
She went from zero to sixty so quick it was scary. Despite her pissing me off, she still looked so beautiful. It made me think of the lyrics to a song by Jimmy Cozier called “She’s All I Got.”
“Sometimes I love her. Sometimes I love her not. I ain’t letting her go ’cause she’s all I got. Although she nags me and complains a lot, I ain’t letting her go. No, no, no.”
April
I was excited to meet Essence’s parents. I wasn’t sure her meeting my mother would go over too well. Although my mother was supportive of me, I’m certain her support had its limits.
From what Essence told me, her parents seemed okay. Then again, she wouldn’t paint them to be anything but upstanding and good people. I knew what fathers thought of their daughters, and I was a little shook about what her stepfather thought of me. If I got his approval, I had an advantage. If I didn’t get his approval, I was in deep trouble.
Another thing Essence told me was that her stepfather was judgmental and that it would be a good idea if I wore dress clothes.
That’s why I sat on the edge of our bed tying my dress shoes. I even shaved my face clean.
You only get one first impression, and I didn’t want to blow it. Keeping things simple, I wore black slacks and a white dress shirt.
As I stood in the mirror, Essence came up behind me and smiled.
“You look perfect.”
“Thank you,” I said and kissed her on the cheek.
She adjusted my collar. “Now let’s get out of here. We don’t want to be late.”
I admired her hip-hugging dress and smiled. “No, we don’t.”
* * *
As we navigated our way through Center City traffic, I thought about how things became tense at Quick Care. For a few days, Cassie gave me the silent treatment. Not being able to stand it any longer, I sent her a message through our work e-mail.
She agreed to meet me for lunch. I told her I had a girl, and that while I thought she was attractive, I wouldn’t step out on Essence. She said she respected my honesty, and we agreed to be cordial to each other. It gave me one less thing to stress over. So far, so good.
I became so stuck in my thoughts that I didn’t notice Essence parallel parking.
“You ready?” she asked.
“Of course. I can’t wait to meet your folks,” I said genuinely happy to meet them.
Letting the thoughts of Cassie dissolve, I stepped out of the car and zipped my jacket up. The downtown sidewalks were littered with people going every which way.
Essence hit a button to lock the door, and we were on our way. I had no idea where the heck we were going, and Essence wasn’t trying to give me any hints eith
er.
Two blocks later, we rounded the corner and entered the lobby of a steakhouse called Del Frisco’s. Just by the people that populated the place, I could tell this spot was a big deal. I was sure I saw a few professional athletes and business types in there with us. Essence nudged me when a couple approached us in the lobby.
Here was the moment of truth.
“Hey, Daddy!” Essence squealed and jumped into her stepfather’s muscular arms.
“Hey, baby girl.”
Then she hugged her mother.
Her stepfather scared the shit out of me. He sported a curly ’fro, a neat beard, and had a football player’s build. His square jaw seemed to be made of steel, and his stare was cold.
Essence’s mother had golden skin, warm eyes, and a genuine smile. I hoped Essence aged that well. Neither of her parents looked a day over thirty-five.
“You must be Anthony.” Essence’s stepfather and I shook hands. “I’m Robert, and this is my wife, Tina.”
“Nice to meet you both, sir.”
“How come we are just meeting Anthony?” Essence’s stepfather asked her.
“I told you, Daddy. I wasn’t sure how serious we were going to be. That’s all in the past. Let’s focus on the here and now.”
“Okay. Whatever you say, baby girl,” he said and dropped the issue as we all walked in the dimly lit restaurant.
The high ceilings, polished floors, and wood finishing screamed luxury.
We were seated within ten minutes despite the people in front of us. I didn’t miss the fact that Essence’s stepfather whispered in the maître d’s ear either.
They sat us at a table in the center of the restaurant.
It seemed like the staff went to extra lengths to please Essence’s stepfather.
“What kind of pull does your stepfather have in here?” I whispered in her ear.
“He’s golfing buddies with the manager.”
I shook my head and smiled. “That’s explains a lot.”
After the waiter took our drink orders, Essence’s stepfather went right in on me. “How old are you, Anthony?”
“I’m nineteen, sir.”
His eyebrows shot up in surprise, and he leaned back in his chair.
“Wow, Essence. You didn’t tell me Anthony was a teenager.” He looked over at her.
“I didn’t think it was a big deal,” she said nonchalantly.
“Now you know your mother was a cougar too.” He gave his wife a knowing smile. Then he looked back at me. “I like my woman older too, Anthony. Nothing wrong with that, son.”
After we shared a laugh, Mr. Dwyer became serious again.
“Are you employed?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Good . . . good.” He put his napkin in his lap. “Where do you see yourself in five years?”
Clearing my throat, I said, “I hope to enjoy a successful career and be married with children.” I left out everything about screenwriting on purpose. I wouldn’t let him judge me on my dreams.
“I’m surprised you don’t want to be a rapper, basketball player, or stand on the street corner and peddle drugs.” His glare was ice cold, but I wouldn’t be broken no matter what he tried.
“No disrespect, sir, but you shouldn’t be surprised. I got a good head on my shoulders.” I didn’t break eye contact with him.
“So you’re telling me you don’t have any illegitimate kids, drinking habits, or drug problems I should know about?”
“No, sir. I’m not a hoodlum, and I don’t appreciate being questioned like one.”
“I don’t mean to be rude, but the wool has been pulled over my eyes before,” he said and shot daggers at Essence.
“I understand, sir. Just know I’m nothing like them.”
“Daddy, please, let the past be in the past,” Essence pleaded.
“Give the boy a chance, Robert,” Mrs. Dwyer said and slapped her husband on the shoulder.
Essence put her hand on mine to let me know she supported me, and I appreciated the gesture.
When I looked at the menu prices I almost flipped out. I assumed that this place was expensive, but they were trying to kill me. Now I wish we would’ve gone to Chili’s or Applebee’s. Basically, something affordable.
The waiter came back with our drinks and took our food orders. When he got to Essence, she ordered the sixty-nine dollar bone-in filet, and I had the filet mignon to keep up appearances.
Although I was steaming on the inside, I played it cool on the outside. I couldn’t look cheap in front of her father.
After we ate dinner, I felt like Essence’s parents and I got to know one another better. In some ways, I felt closer to Essence through her people. Learning that she was a tomboy made me laugh. Her father was a pediatrician, and her mother was a housewife. She was used to being taken care of. At least I knew where Essence got it from.
“I’m glad I finally got to meet you guys today,” I said.
“The feeling’s mutual, son.” Essence’s stepfather gave her the side eye.
I laughed when he did that. My smile faded when the waiter came to the table with the bill. Essence went for her purse, and I grabbed her arm. I felt like her parents were watching me. I had to show and prove.
“Don’t embarrass me,” I whispered to her.
I became salty when I noticed we spent over $200 on dinner. After I paid our portion of the tab and took a deep breath, I reasoned that the experience was worth the trouble. If I would be accepted into the fold, I didn’t care about the money.
We said our good-byes and walked outside. Before Essence and I got around the corner, her stepfather stopped me. Essence gave us some space to talk.
“I’m glad my daughter found you, son. And I’m not one to bad-mouth people, but you’re an improvement over the men she’s been with over the years.” He pulled me into a fatherly hug. “You two make a great couple, and I’m happy to have you in the family.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“Oh, and one more thing.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Dinner was on me. I got the manager to refund you the cost of your meal. That will be our little secret.”
I smiled, and we shook hands before he and Mrs. Dwyer got into a champagne-colored BMW.
Essence looped her arm into mine. “That wasn’t so bad now, was it?”
“Of course not. Your folks are good people. I’m glad I met them.”
“So am I.”
Essence and I got into the car.
“I can tell your stepfather really cares about you and your mother.”
“He’s always been a bright spot in my life,” she said and smiled.
I smiled too. “I’m glad you have him.”
“Me too.” She started the car. “Now it’s time to meet your mother.”
“You sure you ready?”
“Are you sure?”
Only time would tell.
April
I put a pot of coffee on and went through the mail. Four out of the ten envelopes I opened were credit card and payday loan offers. I ripped open the fifth envelope. The screenwriting contest people were cc’d in the letter. I read the letter out loud.
Dear Sir or Ma’am,
Thank you for your screenplay submission. Unfortunately, this work does not fit the needs of the studio at this time. We wish you well in your future endeavors.
I closed my eyes and rubbed my temples after I opened and read the contents of the remaining envelopes. Not only did the screenwriting contest people turn me down, but the film agencies in Los Angeles sent me, “your project doesn’t fit our needs at this time” stock letters.
Pissed off by the news, I burst into the kitchen and got vodka from my hiding place. Unexpectedly, Essence came into the kitchen and scared the hell out of me. I almost dropped the bottle on the floor.
“Everything okay?” I asked, more out of nervousness than anything else.
“I forgot the car charger.” She saw the vodka bottle in my h
and. “Why are you drinking alcohol so early in the morning?” She looked at me like I sprouted another head.
Feeling embarrassed, I didn’t say anything. I had always been supercareful not to drink around her, and now I had let the cat out of the bag.
“It’s 9:30 in the damn morning, Anthony. You have some serious issues if you’re getting loaded this early.”
“I needed something stronger than coffee. Get off my back about it. I’m really not in the mood to be judged by you right now.”
“Real funny, Anthony. How long has this drinking in the morning thing been going on for?”
Her tone became super judgmental and accusatory.
“What does it matter anyway?”
“If you’re drinking this early, there’s something you’re not telling me.”
“There’s nothing to tell.” I poured vodka into a cup of coffee and took a sip.
“I’m legally able to drink. You aren’t. Big difference.” Her voice was stern. “Are you starting to get the picture now?”
“Casual drinking hasn’t been a problem for me, and it never will be.” I pointed the coffee cup at her. “We’ve drunk together plenty of times before. So get off of your soapbox.”
“I won’t support an alcoholic.”
I put the cup down and got in her face. “Where do you get off calling me an alcoholic? You’re jumping to conclusions.”
“I’m just calling it like I see it.”
“Maybe you’re seeing it wrong.”
“You really need some help.”
“Fuck you,” I said, seething.
She went over and grabbed the wall charger and smiled at me before she went toward the door. “I won’t be disrespected by you. You wanna be an asshole, you can find your own place to live.”
Between Emily Waters not getting back to me and the sting of rejection, I was on level ten of being frustrated. Getting loaded seemed like the only sensible thing to do at the time. So I poured the rest of the vodka in my coffee cup and had a pity party.
Since it was my day off, I took a nap, and when I woke up, I had a voice mail from my mother. I called her cell phone.
“Hey, son. How are you?” my mother asked.
“I just woke up. Is everything okay?” I yawned.
“Of course. I miss you. I miss hearing your voice.”
