Georgia On My Mind

by Stokes Lee, Brenda

  Charles immediately got on his cell to make a date for tonight as he headed for his office. He had waited a long time for this moment. Nervous, he placed his call. Just as the phone began to ring he was approached by his boss, Will Stokes.

  “Congratulations, Charles. The Senior Partners are looking forward to meeting with you this afternoon. I think you’ll be very impressed with the offer we’ve prepared for you. You’re a valuable asset to this firm and we want to make sure our competitors don’t steal you away from us.” Mr. Stokes, one of the Senior Partners stated as he shook Charles’ hand.

  “Thank you, sir. I’m sure it’s most generous. I’m looking forward to the meeting as well.”

  “Great! Well I’ll let you finish your phone call.”

  “Thanks sir! I’ll see you at five sharp.” Charles responded.

  Now Charles had completely forgot that he was in the middle of placing a phone call. He returned to his call only to discover that it was going to voice mail. Pressed for time and not sure he’d catch her before it was too late, he decided to leave a message. Tonight was simply too important to leave anything to fate.

  “Flowers! How could I forget flowers?” He thought out loud as he immediately paged Michael on the intercom. “Michael, were you able to make a reservation for La Chateau de Amour?”

  “Yes, they're expecting you at eight.”

  “Great. Can you have a box of roses delivered to my office for tonight?”

  “Red or white?”

  “Two dozen red, long stem and very expensive.”

  “Will do, sir.”

  “Thanks for your help.”

  “No problem Mr. Preston. It's my pleasure.”

  Charles hung up and quickly dialed another number. He had a lot to do in a short time. He still had to swing by the barber shop and the jeweler before his date, not to mention his meeting with the Senior Partners. A broad sexy smile transformed his face as he contemplated just how special this day had become.

  Chapter 4

  Now, back at the mansion, Miracle handed Peaches the signed contract, a set of keys and a big fat check. “Here you are, Georgia. Feel free to come and go as you please. And please, spare absolutely no expense to get this place ready for occupancy. In fact, do whatever needs to be done, just get it done as quickly as possible.”

  “Thank you so much Miracle for this wonderful opportunity. I promise I won't let you down.”

  “How soon can you get together a complete design plan?”

  “This is an enormous place. Give me a couple of weeks to put together a fabulous proposal for you.”

  “A couple of weeks? Oh no, that's not going to work. I'm living in a freaking hotel suite. I can't… I just can't do it! I feel like a gerbil trapped in a tiny cage.” Miracle whined as she started to emotionally unravel.

  “What I meant to say is I can get you in here in about a week. Providing the furniture and fixtures you select are in stock and can be ordered locally.” Peaches quickly back peddled as she discreetly stuffed the check into her bra for safe keeping. There was absolutely no way Miracle was getting that check back.

  “Look I trust your design sense. Just order whatever you like, from wherever you like and get it done more sooner than later.”

  “No problem, I'll have the design plans ready for you to look at tomorrow.” Peaches' phone rang while they were talking, but she ignored it and allowed it to go to voice mail. ”Trust me, you‘ll be in here in a week and the place will look fabulous.”

  “Okay, that’s much better. I guess one more week in that God forsaken hotel suite won’t kill me. Look, I have to go. Chase I need to speak to you before I leave.”

  “Certainly… Peaches, I’ll be right back.”

  Miracle and Chase pulled away for a power chat as Peaches continued to sketch the downstairs area. Moments later Chase escorted Miracle to her limo. While they were gone, Peaches took the opportunity to check her phone for messages. Discovering Charles had called, she retrieved his message from her voice mail.

  “Hey baby. I realize that you are in an important meeting, but this is urgent. I need you to meet me at La Chateau de Amour at eight o'clock for dinner. I love you girl and I have something that I want to ask you. So meet me tonight and wear something real sexy for me.” The message said.

  Peaches stared at the phone blankly as Chase returned. “Oh my God! I don’t believe it! Chase, I think my boyfriend Charles is finally going to propose to me. He wants me to meet him at La Chateau de Amour tonight.”

  “Peaches, are you serious? You're getting engaged?”

  “I don’t know, but I think so. Oh my God! This day just keeps getting better and better. I can’t believe he’s finally going to ask me to marry him! He told me as soon as he passed the bar, we’d get engaged and he just got his results today. Is this real? Oh my God I’m getting married."

  “How long have you two been together?”

  “Since we were fifteen!” Peaches snickered. “Charles was my first, my last, hell he’s been my everything. We’ve been living together since we were in college. He went on to law school and I started a Design Company to support us. He finished law school a few years ago, but he just passed the bar. He has a good job as an associate at a great firm, but he’s struggled with the bar exam. There were times when I was convinced we weren’t going to make it and now here we are. It’s been a long road, but so worth it. Oh my God I have to hurry so I can get ready for tonight. I have to get my hair done and go shopping before our date!”

  “Then why are you still here talking to me?”

  “Miracle wants to move in within a week and I have a ton of stuff to do to make that happen. I have to get some photos of this place and finish my sketches before I can even consider leaving.”

  “After looking at some of your preliminary ideas I'm confident that you could design this place in your sleep. Get out of here! Go get ready for your big date!”

  “Are you sure? I can finish the design later tonight. You're right if I'm going to look fabulous I'd better... Tell Miracle...”

  Chase quickly interrupted her mid- sentence. “Yeah.... let's not and pretend we did. Look, I'll take a ton of photos for you and email them to you tonight. Now get out of here, you’re wasting valuable time.”

  “Thank you so much Chase! I owe you one.”

  “No problem. Just don't forget my wedding invitation. Now, go!”

  Peaches quickly began to gather her things. In her haste to leave she inadvertently left her cell phone behind.

  Chapter 5

  Peaches had spent the better part of four hours at the day spa and shopping. She had to get a mani/ pedi and the dreaded bikini wax. Her forest was overgrown and she wanted to make sure that Charles didn’t get lost in the trees. She had one more stop to make and her transformation would be complete. Shanta, her stylist was waiting all but patiently with scissors and comb in hand. She was almost as excited about this date as Peaches was.

  “So Peaches, Charles is finally going to ask you to marry him? Well it's about damn time!” She laughed as she draped Peaches with the cape.

  “Shanta, you know I thought that this day would never, ever come. Charles has been stringing me along and promising to marry me since college. I guess he's a man of his word after all.”

  “Yeah, it's a damn shame it took him ten years to keep it.”

  “It hasn’t been ten years! Has it? Doesn’t matter, better late than never.”

  “Yeah, I guess... But Peaches, I thought you said that y’all were having problems connecting, if you know what I mean.” She asked puzzled.

  “Yeah, well things have been a little lacking in the bedroom, but Charles has been under a lot of pressure at work. He’s always tired and he’s been working late almost every night. Hey, I'm just excited about reconnecting. I got a Brazilian wax and ready. Hopefully the drought will finally be over. God knows, there's only so much a girl can do alone.”

  “Girl, you are preaching to the choir. I’m
a single woman and I know exactly what you’re talking about! Nonetheless, I do alright!” Shanta laughed. “So, I guess I'm going to have to pull a few magic tricks, so that you can taste of the magic stick.”

  “Hey do whatever you got to do Merlin, to get the job done.” Peaches laughed.

  “Don't worry girl. Trust me, when I get finished with you you'll look good enough to eat.”

  “Girl, I hope his ass is hungry. Cause your girl is starving for some sausage.”

  They all laughed as Shanta pulled out her comb and began to work on Peaches’ hair. “Peaches… So exactly how much time do we have to perform this magic act? Cause girl it's going to take God size faith, prayer, divine intervention and black magic to fix this mop that you claim is hair. Peaches, have you even combed your damn hair since the last time I saw you?”

  “Shanta you know what I've been going through lately, so don’t even start with me.”

  “You're right, my bad. I'll harass your ass the next time you come. Right now I got to untangle this damn bird nest on your head, so I can put some perm on it. And Peaches, just so you know... I swear if I find any eggs, baby birds, or bird shit in here, I’m gonna shave you bald and slap a wig on your ass!”

  “Whatever, Shanta! I am not going to battle with you today! This is my day! So, go ahead and have your fun. I've waited for this day since the day I met Charles. Tonight has to be absolutely perfect. So, do whatever you have to do! Hell, you can braid the hair on my back and shave my hairy ass if that’s going to make me look beautiful for my man tonight!” Peaches laughed.

  Chapter 6

  Running out of time, Peaches decided to get dressed at the hair salon. She arrived to the restaurant right on time. As luck would have it she spotted a park right outside the restaurant door as she pulled up, but a woman cut her off and stole the park from her. To add insult to injury the women laughed and gave her the finger. Too ashamed to take advantage of the valet parking service, because of Boss Hog, Peaches had to circle around the block in search of another parking space. She eventually found one about two blocks away.

  Needless to say she was pissed. Pulling out a cheap burner phone which she purchased earlier, she called Charles. “Hey baby it's me, Peaches. I lost my phone somewhere so I had to buy another one. Look, I'm running a little late. Some skinny ass little heifer cut me off and stole my park! I had to park a few blocks away but I'm on my way. Anorexic bitch got me out here walking in these damn heels! Order me an Apple Martini, some buffalo wings and some potato skins with extra cheddar cheese and sour cream. You know how I like them. I'll be there in a few minutes. Oh yeah, and don’t forget my diet Coke. I'm as thirsty as hell! I should have pulled over and beat that skinny bitches' ass! I’ll tell you about it when I get there." Charles did not answer and her call went straight to voice mail. “Damn, damn, damn!” She screamed as she stopped to rub her feet.

  ~*~*~

  The handsome Charles waited all but patiently at a romantic candle lit table for two. He appeared nervous as he looked at his watch and kept a watchful eye on the door for his date. “It’s fifteen minutes past eight. Where the hell could she be?” He thought out loud.

  Just as he began to worry that something had happened, he spots her. A brilliant smile graced his face as he quickly stood to greet her with a hug, a kiss and two dozen long stem red roses.

  Seductively dressed, the stunning Mercedes, a law clerk at his law firm sits down. Unimpressed by the roses which Charles presents to her or the expensive restaurant she took a sip of Charles drink.

  “You're late. I was afraid that you weren't going to come."

  “Baby it takes a whole lot of time and money to look this damn good. An unfortunately, you didn't give me much of either. Where’s the waiter? I need a drink." She responded as she took another sip of Charles’ drink.

  “Well, I must admit that it sure was worth the wait, cause girl you look like a million dollars in that dress.” Charles admired her with lust.

  “I should, this outfit cost you a small fortune. Thank God there was an open space right out front. I practically had to bitch slap some fat ass, old bitch to get it. God knows that I can't walk far in these damn heels.” Mercedes laughed as Charles summoned the waiter.

  The waiter arrived a few seconds later. “Yes sir, I see your guest has arrived. May I get Madame something from the bar?”

  “Yes, whatever my lady would like and a bottle of your finest champagne. We’re celebrating tonight."

  “I'll take a Purple Nipple and make it a double."

  “An excellent choice. Will there be anything else, Madame?”

  “Yes and a glass of water with lots of ice.” Mercedes added.

  “I’ll be back in a moment, sir." The waiter announced as he prepared to leave.

  “So what's the big news, Charles?" Mercedes asked as she picked petals from the expensive roses and callously tossed them on the table.

  “Well you know that I passed the Bar." Charles proudly announced.

  “Yes, you told me earlier. Congratulations, again." She sarcastically answered.

  “Thanks. Anyway, I had a meeting with the Senior Partners and let's just say that from now on your man is going to be able to buy you almost any and everything you want, within reason of course."

  “Oh yeah, what does your wife think about that?" She asked as she crossed her arms over her chest and eyed the handsome attorney.

  “Who Peaches? I told you Peaches and I are not married." Charles quickly responded.

  “Really? Because you sure act like you're married." Mercedes countered as she rolled her eyes.

  “Actually, that's what I want to talk to you about. I'm tired of sneaking around and making excuses to be with you. I've out grown Peaches. I need a sassy, vibrant, sexy, young woman like you by my side."

  “I don't know how you even bare to be seen in public with her big Ghetto Fabulous ass." Mercedes remarked as she continued to play with the flowers petals.

  “Mercedes, what I'm trying to say is that I love you and I want to take our relationship to the next level."

  “Charles I've already told you that you can't live with me. I'm looking for a husband, not a roommate."

  “Mercedes I know! That's why I was wondering..." Charles hesitated briefly before getting down on one knee. He sucked in a big breath and pulled a ring box from his lapel pocket. Opening it he asked, “Mercedes, will you marry me?”

  ~*~*~

  Now as fate would have it Peaches arrived to the restaurant out of breath with her shoes in her hand a few minutes earlier. Struggling to put her shoes back on as she approached the restaurant’s entrance she dropped her clutch purse. The clasp popped open and everything in it spilled out onto the sidewalk. She was officially pissed.

  “Seriously? Oh come on!" She vented in frustration. “What the hell?”

  An extremely handsome, well dressed young man who happened to be walking by gallantly stopped to help her retrieve it contents. “Here, let me help you." His sultry, sexy voice offered as he helped her recover the contents of her purse from the sidewalk.

  “Thanks. I'm usually not this clumsy… It’s just that I’m so nervous. I'm on my way to meet my boyfriend. I think he's going to propose. Everything has gone wrong since I got his call to meet him here. I must look a hot ass mess!" She babbled.

  Their eyes met for the very first time and a sexy smile kissed his face as they stood. He admired her beauty before reaching over and gently removing a loose curl which had fallen out of place into her face. “You look beautiful. He's a very lucky man to have a woman as stunning and elegant as you."

  Peaches smiled brightly as the young gentleman hustled over to hold the restaurant door open for her. “Here let me get the door for you.”

  Anxious, Peaches quickly smoothed her clothing. “How do I look?” She asked her handsome knight in shining armor.

  Carefully eyeing the seductive beauty a sexy grin transformed his face. “You look amazing. Congratulations on your en
gagement.” Taking a second look at the vivacious Peaches as she passed him to enter the restaurant he couldn’t shake the feeling that they’d met somewhere before.

  Now, there was no line waiting to be seated, but the Hostess was busy on the phone when Peaches arrived at the expensive, upscale restaurant. Peaches apprehensively scanned the large room for Charles but didn’t see him. So, she impatiently waited for the hostess to get off of the phone.

  Rashawn waited patiently in line behind her. There was something about her that captivated him. He just couldn’t put his finger on it. Yes, she was a gorgeous big, bold and beautiful woman, but there was something else that drew his attention to her. He couldn’t keep his eyes off of her.

  Finally losing her patience Peaches attempted to take a look at the reservation sheet. Catching her in the act, the hostess quickly put the caller on hold. “I'm sorry to keep you waiting. May I help you?"

  “Yes, as a matter fact you may. My name is Georgia Porter and I'm meeting my date here. The reservations are probably in his name, Charles Preston." Peaches responded in her professional voice.

  Something about those names immediately sparked the interest of Peaches’ admirer. He quickly searched his memory bank for the two names that Peaches mentioned. They instantly struck a chord and rang a big Liberty Bell.

  “Certainly, right this way, Ms. Porter.” The Hostess smiled.

  As the Hostess escorted Peaches to Charles' table it immediately dawned on the handsome gentleman why the names Georgia Porter and Charles Preston seemed so very familiar. While waiting for the Hostess to return to seat him, he thought out loud as his mind processed the names. “Georgia Porter... Georgia Peach... Peaches... That's Peaches! No! It can’t be!"

  Excited, he quickly searched the crowded restaurant for the Hostess and Peaches. He spotted them on the other side of the room. As luck would have it as he made his way towards Peaches he spotted his date impatiently awaiting his arrival. As her eyes glanced towards the door he somehow managed to duck behind a waiter with a large tray of food just before she spotted him.