Georgia On My Mind (3 page)

“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. 

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 engagement.” 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. 

Now, as you know Karma is a straight up Bitch who loves to stick her foot straight up your ass when you are happy. Well, Karma was about to nut punch Charles! Peaches approached Charles' table just as Charles got down on one knee and presented the sparkling engagement ring to Mercedes. Just as he popped the big question the waiter popped the cork on an expensive bottle of champagne and quickly poured two glasses. 

Faster than a hungry wild cheetah chasing a gazelle, Peaches rushed over to the table.  Snatching the diamond ring from Charles' hand, she slapped him in the back of his head.

Sir Knight Rashawn witnessed the whole thing as he drew near. “Ah shit! This is not good! Peaches is going to fuck Charles up!” He groaned out loud. 

Embarrassed for her, he decided to hang back. In order not to look too suspicious he pretended to admire the foliage on a large floral arrangement in a corner nearby. Anticipating that the situation was about to deteriorate rapidly he decided to stick around just in case Peaches needed an exit strategy or worse, bail money.

“Nigga, one of us has just completely lost their fuckin mind!  Charles what the hell are you doing and who the hell is this skank ass tramp?"

“Who the hell are you calling a skank ass tramp?" Mercedes snorted.

“Oh, did I call you a skank ass tramp?  I'm sorry, that was so uncalled for.  I meant to say trick ass bitch!”

Stunned to see Peaches, Charles is still on his knees shocked and confused and struggling to get up. Without warning, Mercedes took a flying leap at Peaches.  Charles reacted just in time to snatch her crazy ass back, mid- flight. “No baby! You don't want to go there. Let me handle this.”

“No! Let her ass go! Little Itty Bitty Titty One, trust me you don't want any of this. This is not the ride for you, white girl! They call me the Big Hurt!  I already owe you an ass whipping for cutting me off and stealing my parking space. So I suggest you go back over there and stay in your fuckin lane… But by all means do keep coming if you're ready to collect."

Mercedes struggled to get to Peaches as Charles quickly stood up to keep the two women apart. “Peaches, what the hell are you doing here?"