First Dates Part 7

As I walked out of the cafeteria that night after the meeting, I felt like I had a new beginning. I was the last line item on the agenda so I didn’t even wait for a dismissal. I just walked straight out of the cafeteria behind Mr. Sussman. As we stepped into the hallway he turned to me and said, “I hope this puts any of the doubts to rest.” I smiled at him and gushed, “I think you handled any doubts just fine! I truly appreciate you taking time out of your busy schedule to come down here for me.” I knew he would be my champion after a long rift between his wife and Mary Beth had erupted years ago. This was information I found out after the fact, but all the more reason for him to come down and share the information in person. As I ushered Mr. Sussman out the door, Brendan came up behind me and whispered in my ear, “So now is it my turn to have to stay after school Madam Principal?” I smiled slyly and told him that as bad as he was he would be in eternal detention. We decided to meet back at my place for a quick night cap. I had to wait until the school emptied so that I could lock everything up. I formed a makeshift reception line when most of the parents that came out of the meeting wanted to give me words of support and to shake my hand. This made me feel good that they knew I was only after the best interests of the school.

After everyone left I was on the way home to Brendan. I had given him the key to let himself in since I was going to be coming along some time after. I couldn’t help but notice that there was one car left in the parking lot that I didn’t recognize. My mother always taught me to be aware of my surroundings. It was an older model mustang, blue, no license plate. I think this is what caught my eye most. I got in my car and started home and the mustang started up too. I followed my normal route home and realized that the first three turns I made that car made them also. It didn’t follow too closely but close enough for me to keep an eye on the rear view window. As I noticed it kept getting closer I had my hand on the cell phone to call for help but suddenly he turned off on a side street. I was still a bit shaken up and called Brendan at my home. “Baby, are you sure he isn’t still following you?” he asked in a concerned tone. “No, I have been riding around for a while and I don’t have any cars behind me. I am almost to the house though, can you meet me outside?” I said in shaky voice. “No problem at all V, I’m going now.”

I drove up to the house and got out of the car and he was standing there just as he said he would. I did calm down just at the sight of him. He ushered me into the house and just held me.“I am so glad you are here right now Brendan. I don’t know why I am so shaky, but I just got an eerie feeling. I’m not sure why.” Brendan just held me and listened to me for the next few hours. We had a glass of wine and talked over some soft music. I glanced at the clock and saw it was almost one in the morning. “Oh Brendan I am so sorry I didn’t mean to keep you out this late!” I said. He laughed and told me not to even worry about it. He offered to spend the night but I still didn’t trust myself to be with him. I brought out my Strong Black Woman attitude. “I’ll be fine baby, and if I do get uneasy I promise to give you a call so you can come and rescue me, “ I said as I leaned in to kiss him good night. I watched him back out of the driveway and go down the street. I made sure all the doors were locked and the alarm was set. That night my sleep did not come easy. Perhaps it was a sign of things to come. That next morning as I walked to my car I saw a note on the windshield. On the paper, written in what I hoped was not blood were the words, “I know where you are Veronica. No hiding now!”

I went back in the house and called Brendan.

©Lainey Starr 2008

First Dates Part 6

I stood in front of the closet staring at the ocean of clothes in front of me. What goes well when you are about to tear down people who are trying to tear you down. Hmm, I think a red power suit is in order for this occasion. I pick out a bright red suit that I had bought for the next interview I thought I would have. It was tailored to my shape so it was curvy in all the right places. I wasn’t a size two but I always made sure my clothes fit nicely.

I finished dressing and was about to be out of the door when the phone rang. My first mind told me to ignore it but I couldn’t resist peeking at the caller ID, it was Brendan. “Hey baby, I really can’t talk right now I am on my way to the meeting,” I started out as I answered. “I know V, I just called to let you know that I will be there to support you. I know you need that right now and I have always wanted to give you what you need.” Brendan said in the most supportive voice he could summon. It was so genuine I was taken aback for a moment. “Brendan I do so appreciate that, I can’t even tell you how much, but you don’t have to do that. I know you have been working hard and late.” I should have known that this would not keep him away from the meeting. Ever since I got the letter and had my visit with Valerie Brendan had been right there to support me and help me as the meeting came closer. I took his silence for stubbornness and just gave in and finally just said ‘see you at the school’. “That’s my V Baby”, came his reply.Yeah… I still loved it.

At the school the parking lot was full. I can’t remember another time when I had seen it this full.I guess drama always draws a crowd. Things at work had settled down for the most part but I could still hear some of the whispers as I walked into a room. It used to bother me that the entire room went quiet when I walked into the faculty lounge but then I just ignored it. My momma always said, ‘its not what they call you, it’s what you answer to’. I smoothed down my skirt and looked down at the red shoes I decided to wear. Right about now I wished they were Dorothy’s magic slippers because I wanted to be away from here. I was going to have to prove myself and I didn’t like that…but I was ready.

I walked in the building and into the cafeteria that I had walked into so many times. It was so packed that some people were even lining the walls just standing. I signaled to Mr. Harris our janitorial director to put out more seats to help seat the parents. He whispered to me as he made a few more rows, “ I don’t know why you want to make room for people that are just trying to embarrass you!” I smiled slowly, “You gotta get em with kindness Mr. Harris.” I walked up to the podium and announced the beginning of the meeting as I always did and then I turned it over to Mary Beth, the PTA president. Even though she and I had always been friendly, she wouldn’t even make eye contact with me tonight. That makes me think that Valerie had already delivered my message about them falling on their faces. She began with the normal agenda and we moved through old business fairly quickly with not interruptions or issues. Then came the line item that most had been waiting for…Job accreditation. Mary Beth read the letter that had been mailed to me and then called me to the podium. I was to give a reply and present anything to back up my claim to refute their accusations. As I walked to the microphone I searched the audience from Brendan. I spotted him in a chair by the door and he gave me a quick thumbs up sign that gave me the little boost of confidence that I needed at this moment.

“I know you are all gathered here to hear me give answer to information that was provided, incorrectly, to the PTA by a fellow teacher at this school by the name of Valerie Gooden.” I paused and looked for her in the room. I found her sitting slouched in her chair with her head down, she probably didn’t expect me to use her name but at this point I had to do it. I continued after a long pause, “ I contemplated on how to answer the letter that was sent to me and I came to the conclusion that the best way to answer that was just to show you. I would like Mr. Andrew Sussman the superintendent of the school district to come forward at this time.” Mr. Sussman rose from the back of the room and slowly walked forward, greeting people as he came. The silence was deafening and I think I actually saw Mary Beth’s chin hit the table. Mr. Sussman came to the podium and began to recount how we first met and he had interviewed me for my first position with the district. He went over how he had reviewed my resume and my credentials, he also revealed how he knew that these particular classes that Valerie were speaking of, were classes that I had tested out of without having to take the actual course. He told about how he joked then that the other ‘kids’ would be jealous to find out I had skipped ahead. Little did he know that one of the ‘kids’ would think I had been left behind. He ended his revelation by saying that I was one of the best principals that this school had ever had and that we would be remiss in questioning that I would do anything to harm or damage this school. He reprimanded Mary Beth for coming to me with information without checking out the source and then he advised Valerie that he would need to speak with her the next day at his office. When he finally left the stage the crowd began to clap and I couldn’t remove the smile that spread across my face. I had been vindicated but now it was time to go back to work.

©Lainey Starr 2008

First Dates Part 5

I just stared at the envelope on my desk. It had the label of the Arnold Ellison PTA on it. The most ominous part of the envelope was the big red ‘URGENT’ across the front. This did not look good. I was deep in thought about what the possible worst case scenarios could be when Shannon, my secretary burst in the door. “So, you still haven’t opened it yet?” she asked. I sat at the desk with my hand over my face, just picturing my world crumbling. “Come on V”, I said to myself. “Get it together girl and just open it. I mean, how bad could it be?” “It could be real bad, Miss Veronica.” Shannon offered. “The last time the PTA sent one of those packages they included pictured of the past principal and his secretary. She was taking um, how do you say, dictation. If you know what I mean.” I rolled my eyes at Shannon. I knew it wouldn’t be THAT kind of package. I took a deep breath and opened the letter and began to read.

‘Dear Miss Thomas,

It has come to the attention of the PTA that your recent appointment to Interim Principal has brought about many changes to the school. Most of the changes have been positive and they are very much appreciated however, an important matter has been brought to our attention. It appears that all of the credentials needed to hold your position are not possessed by you. A copy of your college record was delivered to our offices and it shows that you are two classes short of a degree that was included on your resume. While we, the PTA, do appreciate the work you have done, we cannot and will not have an individual in the highest position at our school when the experience and credentials do not support your appointment. We would like to meet with you to discuss this issue. Please bring proof to the contrary, if you have it, to the meeting on this Thursday at 7pm

Sincerely,

Mary Beth Adams

President

Arnold Ellison PTA’

Even though I hadn’t spoken a word in five minutes I still considered this to be a speechless moment. Never in my six years at this school had I or any of my abilities or credentials ever been in question. This was coming out of nowhere. I sat back and did a mental accounting of how this could be happening. What mistake did I make?

I was still in thought when there was a knock at the door. It was Valerie and then the light bulb went off in my head. “Heyyyy V! How are you doing girl?” She burst in the room looking happier than some folks are on the 1 st and the 15 th . She surveyed the room as if she were looking for something. “How you been girl? We haven’t had time to even eat lunch together since you have been in the big office. What’s going on? You look down.” She was prying and I knew it. I’ve known her since the third grade and there wasn’t many emotions of hers I did not recognize.

“Oh, I’m doing well, Val, really well. I mean what more could I ask for? I’ve got a dream job, the best man I’ve had in a long time and I’ve even lost some weight. Life is good!” I said with the biggest smile I could muster. Valerie had a puzzled look on her face but she tried to cover it.“Oh well that is good girl. Real good. I am so proud of you” she forced out.

“Proud of me? Is that what they call is these days?” I spit out. She was still making the rounds of my office with her eyes. No doubt searching for the letter that I had put up immediately after I read it. “What do you mean by that?” she asked, although it didn’t come across as innocently as she would have wanted it to be. “Oh come on Valerie, I’ve known you too long not to know that this crap is your work!” I spat at her. Her eyes grew big but she still wanted to try to hide her part in this, after a few moments I could see she just gave in to being found out. “Well it serves you right!” She started, “I don’t know why you thought these folks would ever let our kind get anywhere!” I felt my stomach turning. Of all the people that I thought would stab me in the back, she was the last one. “All these years, Val, I stood by you. All the times you were late, I had your back, and now this is what you try to do to me? Notice I said try. You and your PTA are in for quite a surprise. So I hope you know this is the end of you having it good. Make sure you come to the meeting on Thursday I want to see the look on your face when you fall flat on it.” I held the door open and ushered her out. I guess this is what the kids call hating.. smh

©Lainey Starr 2008

First Dates Part 4

The next morning I woke up even before my alarm went off. This was surprising because I love to get that last little bit of beauty sleep. I was having a good dream anyway. A dream I decided to make a reality when I called and asked Brendan if he wanted to go on a picnic. He accepted so I got to work. I was in a large field with a perfectly spread gingham picnic blanket. The weather was just right and I had on a copper colored sundress. I had even taken the time to put on one of those summer hats. The kind all self respecting Southern women had at least three of. It blended well with my dress and the strappy sandals added the right touch. Brendan was across from me on the blanket. He was laid out on the blanket with his eyes closed. Even though I had never seen him with his eyes closed I had dreamed he would look just like this. I guess that is what dreams do, help you see what you haven’t seen and maybe even what you hope to see one day. The wind blew gently and didn’t even knock over the cups I had that contained the best sweet tea ever. I didn’t even have to hold my hat down. I sat and watched Brendan lay there, studying every inch of him. I started at his head and admired how the gleam from the sun bounced off his head and when he smiled, off of his teeth. He had his hands behind his head as he layed on his back with his feet crossed at the ankles. He had on a simple outfit made of a tan shirt and khaki pants. He had one sandals and I can remember once upon a time, I felt sandals were only for older men but I must say Brendan made this outfit look wonderful. I quietly opened the picnic basket and got some of the iced fruit I had frozen that morning before leaving the house. He had mentioned that he liked pineapples so I had frozen some chunks just for him. I picked up the juiciest piece I could find and leaned over towards him. I placed the chunk on his bottom lip and he puckered up at the first taste of juice. To see a piece of fruit receive this affection almost made me jealous for a moment. I wasn’t jealous for long, he licked his tongue out and picked the fruit out of my fingers and then grabbed my face and kissed me tenderly. He never opened his eyes as he guided me to his mouth. The kiss with the taste of pineapple was just as sweet as the first time our lips had touched. I inhaled his very essence and felt the warmth of his sun kissed cheeks. I could have stayed in this position forever. “So um V Baby, what is that about fried chicken you were telling me?” Brendan asked after several soul draining kisses. I had to laugh because during our session I had heard a grumbling sound that in a more naïve state may have been mistaken for the earth moving. After a moment I realized it was actually his stomach growling. I decided to unpack the rest of the food so we could get to the food part of the picnic. The day was just perfect. And uhh so was the chicken.

After we ate, we decided to lay out in the sun for a while. It felt so good to be in his arms with just nature around. Some people may want more to this scene but just being here, listening to his heartbeat felt like the perfect moment. “V, don’t you just wanna lay here forever?” Brendan asked almost on cue. “Yes, if only bills and real life wouldn’t intrude on this, I would love to be here, like this, till the Lord called us home” It was now about six months into our relationship and I had been trying so hard to keep it going. We both had our careers to handle and sometimes his was a bit more demanding than mine. Summer was fast approaching and my day to day schedule would be changing soon. I would have a week or two after the end of school to tie up loose ends but then I would have about a month to relax. This time was needed to come down from this last school term. I’d handled the temporary principle position quite well. I didn’t have any big problems and that made me wonder if I would be given the chance to move into the position permanently. Mr. Hardin has been dabbling with the idea of retirement after his recovery began to take more time than originally anticipated. I didn’t want to push it but I know I would love a chance to change our school for the better. I don’t want to get a big head but the students and even most of the staff seemed to have a better outlook on things since I had been principal. I thought everything was going just fine…until I got the letter from the PTA.

©Lainey Starr 2008

First Dates Part 3

As I settled into my bed to hear Jazz tell me the story of her evening with Cordell, I prepared my mind to hear the rejection that always comes when she encounters a nice guy. “Guess where he took me? He took me to my favorite Italian place! At first I thought Shaynelle had told him that I adored Luciana’s but once we got there I found out it was his favorite place too! Isn’t that great?” If I didn’t know any better I would have said she was gushing but naw, not Jazz. Not Miss cold as ice, shoot you before you shoot me Jazz. She didn’t even give me a chance to answer before she continued with her flashback to the hours before.

“I didn’t want him to pick me up at the house so I met him at the restaurant. I was surprised that we even got a table with it being Friday night on the eve of a holiday weekend. You know how all the college kids come home for labor day and what not. As I walked up the steps to the restaurant, I saw him standing in the foyer. He was dressed in a midnight blue pant suit with a single gold chain. Even though I wasn’t close to him yet I knew he smelled good. Just like that day at the picnic. Just as I reached the door he turned around and rushed to hold it open for me.It kinda surprised me because the brothers I usually go out with don’t even hold the door open if the building is on fire.” That last statement was sad but true about Jazz’s choice of men in the last few years. She was a good woman but wrong man after wrong man after wrong man had hardened her to be something different. I can’t say I blamed her. Its hard to stay positive when you have nothing to be positive about. Keeping the faith is sometimes easier said than done.“Girl, You know I have told you that every man is NOT a bad seed, I have living proof of that.” I said to her in the break. “Yes Veronica, I know, keep rubbing it in why don’t ya!” she teased back. “Now let me finish my cinderella evening. So we went in the restaurant and I had on my copper halter dress. You know the one I have the matching shoes for? Girllll I was looking so so good if I do say so myself!” Jazz always had an eye for fashion and I admired that in her. She actually had picked out the outfit I had on the day I met Brendan and he had commented that he loved how I looked that day in my earth tone pant suit. He feels that my honey cinnamon skin is complimented by the colors of the earth. I think I do agree with him and had added a lot of clothes to my wardrobe just for that reason.

“We had so much in common! He loves music, all kinds of music just like I do. He even said that he wouldn’t hate going to the ballet with me. Can you believe that? A man with a little bit of culture, or at least a man with a lot of patience.” We both had to laugh at this one. I can remember that time Jazz and I tried to double date with some brothers. They had claimed that they would accompany us anywhere we wanted them to go since we had attended a party with them at their law firm. A truly boring affair and it wasn’t because of the affair itself but the people there just seemed like pod people. It was as if they had left all semblance of a personality in another suit. That evening never seemed like it would end. We endured it though.We dressed the part, looked pretty on their arms and spoke with such intelligence even the top partner of the firm was impressed. When the time came for the brothers to return the favor, Jazz and I picked the ballet. We both loved the ballet and it was around the time for “The Nutcracker” to make the touring rounds. We purchased the tickets but didn’t tell the men where we were going. Once we arrived and they saw it was a ballet you may as well have pronounced a death sentence via firing squad. They complained and whined and whined and complained and then even had the nerve to giggle throughout the performance so loudly that an usher came to shush them. Needless to say, we did NOT see them again. Ever. Some people just have no class.

“The best part of the evening was when he serenaded me with the men that played violin for the tables. I’ve always just enjoyed the music from afar but he actually requested a song and then sang it, IN ITALIAN! I was too through and I almost told him that he had me when he held the door open. I kept my cool though. The singing did bring a tear to my eye though and he wiped it with a monogrammed handkerchief that even had his initials on it. He let me keep it too. It smells like him V! I keep smelling it and it reminds me of him so much. Am I going crazy?” I wasn’t sure if this was a rhetorical question or not so I sat quietly. When she didn’t speak I took the chance and started to speak. “It’s just you letting down a little bit of that wall you have built up over the years. You let yourself enjoy a nice evening with a nice man. There is nothing wrong with that. You should have it more often.” I told her. “Yeah I know, I wish I could have that too. I don’t know how long Cordy will be in town but I do know that this was the best night I have had in so long. I truly didn’t want the night to end. He walked me to the car and gave me a soft kiss. Just like one of those in a movie. I almost expected someone to yell ‘Cut!’ after we parted lips. It was so perfect.”

“Well you deserve some perfect some of the time Jazz. We all do”

“I agree with you there sister! Well go to bed, we will talk tomorrow.”

“Okay, Jazz.. oh and Jazz.. don’t overdose on that hankie!” I laughed loudly as I hung up before I could get cussed out.

©Lainey Starr 2008

First Dates Part 2

I moved through my well furnished apartment, still floating from my evening with Brendan. I can’t even remember when I had had a better time with a man. He has been such a gentleman and I’ve been having a hard time trying not to self sabotage this relationship. In the past this had been an issue. Whenever I tried to get close to a man I would freeze up and then do something stupid to mess it up. There were times when it was just a case of firing before I got fired upon. Sometimes it was worth it but I do think I closed the door on a few terrific guys that didn’t do anything except treat me right. I guess that I am a product of what I grew up seeing.After so many failed relationships and even a few marriages, my mother just viewed every man as being, well, not right. I refused to think this way. Just as I was about to collapse into my super comfy queen sized bed with extra pillows, the phone began to rang. I looked at the caller Id and I should have known it was Jasmine. “Hey girl, come on and give me the scoop, I don’t have time to beat around the bush tonite cuz I am whooped.” I said when I answered. “Well excuuuse me, miss im dating the perfect guy, but okay I’ll get straight to it.” She said. I knew if she was hurt it would only last for a few minutes. She always bounced back and I think one reason why she was still single is because she has skin about three times as thick as the toughest person alive or dead. “So you know I had to go out with Shaynelle’s cousin, right?”She asked. “Um, no missy, you didn’t HAVE to go out with him but the way you undressed that man like he was the rib on your plate at Shaynelles family reunion you had to say SOMETHING to him. “ We both laughed as we recalled the day that the two laid eyes on each other for the first time.

It was a few weeks ago, just about the beginning of winter. The weather wasn’t too cold yet but I still couldn’t understand why Shay’s family insisted on having the reunion so late in the year.She told me it was the best time for everyone to be able to get off, and make it down to our area.It worked out well though because almost all of the Jackson clan came down every year. So here we were in the city park. It had more space then Shay’s backyard so we had the outdoor events at the public parks.

We arrived at the park early enough to help with the food preparation. That was our deal with Shay, if we wanted to taste some of Aunt Pearl’s sweet potato pie we had to help lay out the spread. If you had ever had any of this pie you may even want to give your first born so having to help with the food preparation was a small price to pay. As we were putting all the tablecloths on the tables the family started to arrive. Almost everyone came in with a plate or dish or some pot holding something that was sure to make me ruin the diet I claimed to be on this week. That was when Jasmine first saw him. Cordell Jackson, the third cousin of Shay that had been away in the military for the last four reunions we had been to. He looked ruggedly handsome in the tan short set he had on, his milk chocolate skin contrasted just right with that brighter than white smile of his. He walked in carrying a baby belonging to another member of the family and that alone should have turned Jasmine off, she swears she is never having a child but strangely enough, it drew her to him. “Girlll, who is that?!” she asked with her mouth hanging open as she stared him up and down. I turned around and caught a glimpse of the brother and had to catch myself for a moment too. He was quite a tall glass of chocolate. Shay saw her drooling and walked over to dish out the details of this fine specimen of a man. “Jazz don’t stare too hard,you may hurt yaself.” She laughed. “Oh I wanna get hurt right about now, looking at that fine man right there….so who is he?” she begged. Shay said she would give us the short version since he was getting closer to where we were. She explained he was her third cousin and he had joined the army right after high school so he was away for most of our family reunions until now. He had recently gotten stationed stateside so he was going to be able to come around more. “Oh is that right? More of Cordell, sounds good to me! “ We all gave a huge laugh right as he reached our table. Shay turned around first to face him. “Cordy! How you been cuz?!” she screamed. He passed the baby back and grabbed Shay and hugged her while turning in a circle. This just gave Jazz a chance to view him at a 360 degree angle. I glanced over just in time to catch her biting her bottom lip. I nudged her and mouthed ‘stop it’. He caught her in mid stare and I think he was a bit taken from the start too. Jasmine is a beautiful woman, five foot four with, as she puts it, just enough meat to feed you. Her honey colored skin just glowed in the sun and that may be what caught Cordell’s eye at first. “So who are these lovely ladies that we have here, not cousins I hope!” He said as he laughed. I laughed too but Jazz took this as her moment. “No, I’m not your cousin but maybe later we can kiss. “. I think this grown chocolate man actually blushed at that last statement. Shay interrupted the awkward silence that followed. ”Um, yeah, Cordy, these are my girls, Jasmine and Veronica.” Cordell graciously shook our hands and I noticed that he used both hands to shake Jasmines. The body always give clues. “So nice to meet you Cordell, hope I didn’t embarrass you before. “ she said. “No, Miss Jasmine, you didn’t but it did catch me off guard to hear that statement coming from a woman as beautiful as you. As if you read my thoughts.” Now it was Jazz’s turn to blush.

©Lainey Starr 2007

First Dates Part 1

I checked my hair in the compact. Man, that one chestnut brown piece was falling out of place…again. As I brushed it back behind my ear, I was stopped by perhaps one of the most delicious voices I had heard since Barry White helped me lose my virginity. “I like that piece right there, it shows character, and V baby, you have lots of that.” said Brendan. I smiled even though I tried to hold back the warmth that was rising in my cheeks. “There goes that charm.” I said. It always made me feel good when he called me ‘V baby’. I didn’t let anyone call me out of my name, which is Veronica, but somehow when he says it.. it sounds so good. Growing up my mother wouldn’t dare let anyone shorten it. As Brendan moved to his side of the table I surveyed his look. As usual he smelled heavenly. I could spend hours just lying on his chest, inhaling him. He was dressed in my all time favorite color, chocolate. His slacks were a dark hue and the shirt blended in to his milk chocolate skin just right. He even topped it off with a brim that framed his face to the tee. “How was your day V Baby?” This is how most of his conversations started. What surprised me most is that after he asked, he actually listened to the answer. I had some past relationships that just did not go the full mile when it came to communication. That never seemed to be a problem with Brendan. I don’t know if I am jumping the gun. We have only been seeing each other for two months but they have been two very wonderful months.

“My day went pretty well. I had a long and busy day at the off ice being this close to the Christmas holidays.” Since I was the Vice principal at a middle school, this was a very hectic time. Any time right before a long break had me on pins and needles. Our Principal, Mr. Hardin had been on leave due to having a fall and subsequent surgery on his back. I took this as both a blessing and a curse. For years I had been trying to get into the position of principal but never got the opportunity. I was beginning to doubt that it would ever happen. Since Mr. Hardin’s absence I had been thrust into the position. I knew this was my time to shine. My turn to show that I could do what they always said I couldn’t. Of course I had some opposition at first, and some it came from the place I had least expected, my best friend Valerie Gooden. Valerie and I had known each other since we were girls and always wanted to be teachers. We went to school and grew up together and, eventually pursued our dream together. Valerie had begun teaching a few years before I did, she opted to enter the working force before getting certified.I decided to stay in for the long haul and get it out of the way. I guess I would just have to show her and the other naysayer’s that I was the right woman for the job.

Brendan was an investment banker so anytime of the year could be hectic for him. “I finally closed that big deal, so this holiday is definitely going to be a good one!”. His eyes grew bright at the thought that his three months of hard work to acquire the CoreTech account had finally paid off for him. “I am so proud of you baby! Does this mean you are going to get some time off now?” I guess I pushed my luck with that one because his smile quickly disappeared. “Well, that I am not so sure of.” He said slowly. He went on to explain that even though he had finished one big deal, there was always another one waiting in the wings for him to handle. I know that is a good thing. He loves his work and I am glad it keeps him busy. “V Baby I know we said we were gonna try and do a weekend away, but I just can’t tell you when that may be.” To be honest I am not disappointed. I do like him, I truly do but I don’t know that I was ready to go away for a whole weekend alone. He made me weak to just see him sitting across from me and we were in a crowded restaurant. It was the only way I could keep my wits about me. “it’s okay, I know we will get to have our time together. There is no rush, I am not going anywhere.” I stopped at the last statement. Did I mean that? To my surprise I think I did. Even after the last train wreck that was Eric Bradley I think that I was ready to move on. The smile on Brendan’s face returned at my last statement and I got so lost in his smile that I didn’t even notice the waiter approach our table.

©Lainey Starr 2007