Full Figured 10 (7 page)

Unfamiliar with having a hangover, as it was something I'd never experienced, the next morning I Googled “morning hangover remedies” just to be safe. I kept it simple. I mixed up my personal pancake batter and made my strawberry-banana smoothies.

Sluggishly, Onyx walked into the kitchen, with his hand on his forehead, the moment I turned off the blender. “That thing is loud.” His raspy voice filled the room. “What time is it?”

“Ten,” I said as I used my perfect pancake batter dispenser to pour batter onto my griddle. I pour some of the smoothie in a glass. “Here.” I handed him the smoothie.

Onyx drank half of it in one gulp. “Man, this is just what I needed. I have no idea what I was thinking last night, drinking so much. I don't remember what happened. I woke up and didn't know where I was for a moment. Then I remembered I knew only one person with such a heavenly bed.” He smiled.

“You don't remember, huh?”

“Not really. I know it was my brother's birthday, so we turned up at the club last night. You should have been there.”

“I was,” I said, shaking my head. “Well, I came to help Miguel. I saw you for a moment. I figured that's why you came over here afterward.”

“Babe, I was so out of it. . . .” Onyx drank more of the smoothie while staring at me. “Thank you for last night. I'm pretty sure I didn't take my own clothes off.”

“I just gave you a little help. No big deal.”

“No.” Onyx reached his hand out and touched my arm. His eyes were locked on me. “It's a big deal, a very big deal. After the way we ended things, you could have left my black ass outside. But you took care of me. I need you to understand how much I appreciate you for that.”

I felt an overwhelming feeling coming over me. I felt like I was going to cry, but tears were not forming. I didn't know the feeling that I felt for him, but I had never felt anything like it before. I was scared, ecstatic, anxious, and nervous all at one time. I knew this wasn't some crush or a feeling of lust that I had. It had to be more. I started to question whether there was really love at first sight, because if there was, I was now a victim.

“Onyx, I'm sorry about what happened. I didn't want to come off as clingy or anything like that. I just wanted to hear from you,” I said softly.

“I get it, and I overreacted. I apologize for that as well. I just . . . I still feel like you need something that I'm not going to be able to give you. You don't deserve to get fucked, Coral. You need someone to truly make love to you, and as much as I wish that could be me, I'm just not in that place right now.”

Now the tears were starting to form. I walked over to my refrigerator, just so he didn't have to see me. I stuck my head in, hoping the cool air would dry up the water forming in the ducts of my eyes. A few tears fell, but I was able to dry them and regain my composure.

“Coral, are you all right?” Onyx asked in his beautiful, sincere voice.

“I will be fine. I understand what you are saying, and maybe you are right. I do want something more. I want someone who knows that I am there for them and who is there in return for me. I thought I wanted sex, but the truth is, I want intimacy. Real intimacy.”

“I really hope we can be friends. I don't want to lose you out of my life, Coral.” Onyx looked directly at me.

The truth was, I didn't want to lose him, either.

We ate pancakes, laughed, and drank smoothies. Although I was hurting inside, a big piece of me was just happy to spend the time with him. I cleaned up while Onyx got dressed. When he walked back out, he looked as gorgeous as ever, even though he was still a little hung over.

We hugged for an unusually long time. I knew the reason for it. Even though he wanted to be friends, I had this overwhelming feeling that I wasn't going to hear from him again, except in passing at my club or if I saw him on the streets. I held on to him, hoping that my feelings would transfer to him. I wanted him to realize what he was walking out on, but it didn't work. He planted a sweet kiss on my forehead and walked out the door.

Once again he was gone, and I was alone.

Brokenhearted or not, I had businesses to take care of that day. I wasn't going to lie in bed, mourning a relationship that had ended before it had even begun. I checked on my facilities and made sure all the wedding details were in order with my planners and managers.

Driving to my club, I passed a building for sale in Downtown Memphis that caught my eye. It needed a lot of work, but it had an amazing rooftop that overlooked the Mississippi River and the Memphis Bridge and would be perfect for contemporary city weddings. I talked to the owners, who were more than happy with the amount that I was willing to offer as long as the building passed inspection. It was perfect; and a new rental facility was just the distraction that I needed. After speaking to my attorneys and contractors, I made appointments for the building to be inspected.

After my busy morning, I headed over to church to catch up on business there that I was a little bit behind on. Choir rehearsal was in full swing when I got there, and I sat in my office, nodding my head to the music coming from the chapel. It sounded so good, I wanted to take a close look.

I made my way to the chapel, sat in a pew, and listened to the young adult choir rehearse a song for the family day event. There were more young adults in the choir than I remembered. I noticed a guy named Vernon smiling at me from the choir stand. I almost wanted to turn around, just to make sure no one had come in behind me, but I remembered the main doors were locked. I was the only one sitting on that side; there was no way he was looking at anyone else.

Soon the choir was dismissed for a break. I stood up to meet Heather, who was heading toward me. I couldn't help but notice that Vernon was still looking at me. I felt strangely uncomfortable.

“Hey, girl. How did we sound?” Heather asked as she approached me.

“Amazing, as usual. You guys always sound amazing.”

“You really should join the choir. We have a ball, girl.” She patted my shoulder.

Out of my peripheral vision I noticed Vernon was headed our way. Before I could get away, he joined us.

“Hey, Coral. How are you doing?” Vernon asked with the same smile on his face.

He wasn't an unattractive guy by any means. He was very tall and toned, but not very muscular. The one thing I had always admired about him was his silky smooth dark brown skin and his sparkling white teeth. His hair was cut well, with just a few waves, and he obviously kept it manicured. He had played basketball all through high school and some in college, before he'd injured himself his sophomore year. I admired the fact that he had still finished college and now was a coach and a teacher at a local high school.

“I'm good. How are you, Vernon?” I responded politely. I noticed a very big grin on Heather's face.

“Well, I'm going to go get some water and leave you two alone,” Heather said. She continued to grin as she walked off.

I wanted to kill her.

“So, Coral, how have you been lately? I heard you were sick for a minute.”

“Yes, I had a cold, but I'm all right. Been doing just fine,” I said as we started walking toward the door.

“There is just something about you lately. It's like there's a light around you or something. You have been looking really good. I mean, really good.” Vernon nodded his head in appreciation.

“Um, thanks. I don't know what the ‘light' may be. Just been the same ole me.”

“Na,” Vernon said. “There is a difference. Whatever it is, it suits you well.”

I knew there could only be one thing he was speaking about. Onyx obviously had had a bigger impact on me than I had ever imagined.

“So I am going to go ahead and try something I have wanted to do for a long time but haven't had the courage to do. Coral, if you aren't busy one day soon, I would love to take you out for a bite to eat or something. I mean, it doesn't have to be a date. It can be two church friends having some food together,” he said with a smile.

My eyes widened. I had known Vernon for years, and he had never once shown any interest in me, at least that I could remember. I couldn't fathom why he was asking me out now.

“Vernon, why now?”

“I mean, truthfully, I told you there is something different about you lately. Not to mention that normally, you have a look on your face that essentially says ‘Screw off.'” He laughed.

I couldn't deny the fact that I wasn't the easiest person to approach. But lately, I had let my guard down. And it was because of Onyx.

“I just—”

“Coral, before you say no, just think about it. No pressure. But I really would like the opportunity to spend a little time with you. Just think about it.” Vernon smiled as the rest of the choir started to make their way back to the choir stand. He walked off before I could object.

I sat back down in the pew and listened as they started working on harmonies for another song. I glanced up at Vernon, who quickly winked at me. I couldn't help but blush. I thought about his invitation. Maybe that was what I needed, after all. Vernon was very different from Onyx. He was deeply rooted in our church, which was a great thing. And the fact that he was a teacher, and not a musician, meant no late nights, no nighttime gigs, and no groupies to worry about. Onyx had said I deserved someone who could give me more; maybe Vernon was that type of guy.

While the choir was still practicing, I headed back to the office to finish up my work. By the time I finished cataloging all the receipts and balancing my books, the choir rehearsal was ending. I packed up my things so that I could leave with everyone else. As I was locking my drawers, I heard a knock on my door. I looked up to see Vernon standing in the doorway.

“Just wondering if I could walk you to your car.”

I hesitated, but then I realized there could be no harm in walking me to my car.

“Sure. Why not?”

It was darker outside than I had expected. Vernon wasted no time and started pleading his case on why we should go out. He made some good points. We were both single and childless, and there weren't many single, independent younger women in our church. Most of the women my age had children or were married, something that wasn't appealing to him.

“Come on, Coral. You gotta know how bad you are. I'm not the only one who thinks so. A few of the fellas have talked about attempting to take you out, but they are intimidated by you.”

“Intimidated?” I questioned.

“Coral, you aren't like the other sisters. You have major shit going on for yourself. You are very well off, and that in itself can be very intimidating to a man, especially one who knows there is no way he is going to ever make more than you.”

“Okay. So I make a little more than most, but that still shouldn't be a reason to be intimidated by me.”

“You're right, which is why I decided to step to you. You gotta give me some brownie points for not being a punk.” A goofy grin covered his face. I couldn't help but laugh.

“All right. You get some brownie points for that.”

“Thank you. So can I cash those points in for a meal? We can go out, or I will even cook if you want me to.”

“You cook?” I asked.

Vernon looked guilty for a moment. “No, but I can order some amazing food.”

We both laughed. I had to admit that making me laugh was a good start. As I looked at the adorable smile on Vernon's face, I couldn't help but think about Onyx. I knew there was only one thing I could do.

“Fine. One meal.”

This felt completely different from my first dating experience. I was unusually calm. I decided to wear one of the pairs of jeans and a shirt I had bought from Torrid. I didn't feel the need to get too dressed up; it was just dinner, after all.

I arrived at Vernon's home and climbed out of my car. He had a decent-size town house in the Hickory Hill area of Memphis. Like most areas, Hickory Hill used to be amazing, but due to migrations, it had gone downhill a lot. Still, it had plenty of well-kept streets and nice houses.

Vernon greeted me at the door. He looked nice in a simple pair of dark denim jeans and a blue and white cotton tee that was a bit oversize. His bright smile was welcoming as I walked up to the door.

“You look amazing,” he said while looking me up and down.

“Thank you,” I replied, even though he was making me feel a bit objectified due to the lustful expression on his face.

As we walked into his house, I was instantly hit by a musty smell. It was obvious he had tried to mask the smell with a sweet fragrance, but it hadn't worked. He had a true bachelor pad. It was neat, but not clean. I could see dust, which had obviously been forming for months, on top of the fan blades and on the entertainment center. I noticed the pairs of gym shoes sitting against the wall next to his old sectional, which had obviously seen better days. I knew I was being judgmental. He was a man and a basketball coach. I wondered if I was supposed to expect anything better.

He led me into his kitchen. Sitting on his kitchen table was a bag full of Chinese take-out boxes. He had also purchased a cheap bottle of passion fruit Moscato. I didn't really care for the fruity wine but decided to grin and bear it.

“So I ordered your sesame chicken and veggie fried rice. This place is amazing. Probably the best ghetto Chinese food in Memphis.” He smiled and handed me two cartons and chopsticks. I smiled back as I took the two cartons and the chopsticks and followed him into the living room.

I set the cartons of food on the small table and attempted to sit down, only to sink into the oversize sectional, which was very low to the floor. He sat next to me and turned on his massive entertainment center. That was the one thing he obviously hadn't skimped on. He had a sixty-inch 4K television. Vernon also owned both PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, along with the earlier versions of the gaming systems. Along the wall were two large DVD racks, one filled with over one hundred DVDs and the other with almost the same number of video games. Each gaming system had a row of games that were perfectly organized.

Vernon picked up a remote and pressed a button that turned on the television and sound system. He had the latest installment of
The Fast and the Furious
films queued up and ready to play. I opened my fried rice box and began to eat with my chopsticks. The rice was greasy. I opened the sesame chicken box, took a bite, and discovered that the chicken was even worse. I forced myself to eat a few more bites, but then I couldn't have any more.

“So, Coral, when was the last time you dated someone? I've never seen you with anyone at the church, and I've asked around. No one seems to know if you date or not.”

“People actually wonder about that?”

“Yeah. The word
lesbian
came up a few times.”

I jerked my head around to look at him.

He shrugged his shoulders as he laughed. “Well, you know how people are.”

I was mortified. “Truth is, I really don't date. I just recently was seeing someone, but it ended. It wasn't anything serious, though. Casual dating.”

Onyx's face flashed in my mind. I could vividly see him sitting across from me at Denny's on our first date. I wondered if I should be completely honest with Vernon and tell him that I was a virgin. Would that scare him away too?

“So you don't date? Why not?”

“Busy. I have my businesses, which take up a lot of my time, and my church obligations.”

“Yeah, but everyone has to have time for a personal life. Even busy Coral.” Vernon's eyes were burning into the side of my face.

“That's true. I'm now starting to make more time for things. I realized I need to put myself out there more.”

Vernon put his hand on my thigh. “Well, I am just happy you decided to take some time with me.”

I smiled. Maybe he wasn't that bad, after all.

We quickly found ourselves involved in the movie. Vernon put his arm around me, and after a while I allowed my body to sink down closer to his. He rubbed my shoulder with his thumb, which was actually soothing.

I didn't know if it was because I was so comfortable, but I soon felt Vernon's breath against my ear. His nose touched my earlobe. Vernon pressed his lips against my neck, right below my ear, causing my body to shiver. I pulled away.

“You okay?” His voice was deeper than usual.

“I'm okay,” I responded as I sat up straight.

“I'm sorry. Did that make you feel uncomfortable? You just smelled really good, and I just really wanted to kiss you. Please forgive me.”

“It's cool,” I replied. “Let's just finish the movie.”

The rest of the night went by without another problem. The energy in the room shifted. Vernon was on alert now, trying to be on his best behavior. He made sure his arm stayed in a safe spot until the movie was over.

Afterward, Vernon walked me to my car. He wrapped his long arms around me and held me tight. I hugged him back and waited for him to let me go. He smiled at me, but I knew he was lingering because he wanted to share a good-bye kiss.

“So is it all right if I kiss you?” Vernon asked in a boyish voice.

I felt so awkward. It felt strange that he had actually asked for my permission to kiss me. I knew it was probably because of the incident in the house, but it still made the moment uncomfortable and strange. I stood on my tiptoes and planted a kiss on his cheek.

“Have a good night, Vernon.” I smiled as I got inside my car. I could tell he was displeased but was attempting to keep on a good face.

“Please call me and let me know you made it home,” he requested.

I nodded as he closed my door behind me.

I drove home with the radio off. I had to digest the night in my mind. There was no reason for me not to like him. He was, for the most part, a perfect gentleman. He had respected my wishes and hadn't tried to do anything more. Outside of his terrible taste in wine and Chinese food, and the smell in his house, the night wasn't bad. I knew I was being overly critical. I wondered if I had the right to be so critical. I was still a newbie to dating, and just because my first attempt had blown my mind, it didn't mean that every date was going to be a home run.

I thought about the good qualities that Vernon had to offer. The main one was his interest in me. He was very much at that stage in his life where he wanted to settle down and get married. And from the looks of his house, he was badly in need of some female assistance.

We could be a good match. He was settled; he had a career and insurance. He could offer stability, even though I didn't need him for that. Looks-wise, he was attractive, and although his house needed work, he kept himself polished. The fact that he was in the church was a major plus. I started to think that I had been way too hard on him. He was a good guy. Why had I looked for negative things so that I could push him away?

Traffic was light, so the drive to my house was a breeze. When I got settled in my house, I picked up my cell phone and dialed Vernon's number. He answered on the first ring, which made me smile. We talked for an hour, just getting to know each other a little better. He was so much more interesting over the phone than in person. I decided to give it a shot, and I allowed myself to accept his offer for a proper date to the movies the next night. I might as well see where this was going, I thought. Maybe it would help me forget about Onyx.