“Now, I’ve compiled a list of therapists you could choose from to help him, and I’m also recommending that you pay Era Hopes a visit. She ownsPottery Love, a pottery store. She’s great at teaching adults and children with touch sensory disorders how to manage it. I know MJ will enjoy it because most people rave about her work. Here’s her information. She has an upcoming class, and you should register MJ as soon as possible. Sign yourself up as well because you will truly enjoy it, Mr. Boxers.”
I took the information from her, then shook her hand. “Thank you, Mrs. Clark for the help and recommendation. I’ll let you know how it goes.”
“You’re welcome and please do.”
I exited out of her class and slid into my SUV. My parents had MJ, so I relaxed in my seat and took my time and read through the list of therapists she’d compiled for me. After thoroughly going through the list, I narrowed it down to two black therapists. It was between a man and a woman. The lady, Dr. Smith, had more positive reviews and her office wasn’t far from my house, so it was a go for her. I called her office and scheduled an appointment for next week.
Since it was going to be their first time together, an assessment test was needed. I exhaled after the call ended, and I was glad the first step was out of the way. Next, I called the pottery owner, and she told me to stop by since she was finishing up with her last class for the day. She was probably some eccentric and peppy ass white woman where art was her life. Kids responded well to folks who matched their energy, so it was best I didn’t judge her too harshly.
I pulled away from MJ’s school on this beautiful evening night and drove through the downtown area to the address of the pottery store owner. Tobe Nwigwe latest single blasted louder than usual in my SUV as a cool breeze from the ocean sailedin from my lowered front windows. My stomach rumbled like a bitch because I was so hungry, but I had to make sure MJ was squared away first.
As soon as this was over, I was racing to get me some food. Four years had passed, and we hadn’t heard a peep from Starry. I really wasn’t playing about chopping her ass up and feeding her to the sharks.
MJ didn’t ask to be here, but she didn’t give a shit. No matter what was going on in a person’s life, nothing should prevent a man or woman from taking care of their kid or kids. I hated that shit with a passion.
From the jump, I wanted Starry and I to be the best co-parents we could be for MJ’s sake, so he could receive nurturing and love from both of us while apart, but it never happened. Oh well, her loss, not mine or MJ’s. As I pulled up to the storefront, I lowered my music and parked.
I remember passing this place a couple years back when it was being renovated. I’d passed it since then, but I hadn’t paid much attention to it at all. The front room was dim but bright enough to see the patrons in front of their station, getting dirty from the rotating pottery.
The drapes were pulled partially, so it was hard to see the owner, but I didn’t miss the afro art that decorated the front area. There were different shades of brown tones and gold tones that matched the color scheme. The splashes of cream color added a pop to the darker tones, and it blended well. There was gold lettering outside on the moniker that matched the decor, and right then and there, I knew somebody white didn’t own this establishment.
I killed my engine, exited my SUV, and walked onto the sidewalk. When I opened the door and entered the store, I was immediately hit with the aromatherapy fragrances of frankincense and peppermint. Music played softly, and Irecognized the tuneby Leonie Barbot. The vibe was so relaxing and chill that I damn near wanted to pull up a chair and dip my hands into the muddy brown liquid with the rest of her clients. I peered over the shoulder of an older woman and watched as she molded the swirling brown liquid into a really nice dinner plate. Damn, she was really talented.
“May I help you, sir?”
My head snapped up front, and my eyes clashed with her smooth peanut butter complexion first, then her C-cups that were hidden by a white sports bra. I took notice of the pottery mix covering her hands and forearms as I trailed up her taut stomach that was partially concealed by denim overall straps that hung loosely at her sides. Her long, straightened dark brown hair was pulled into a messy ponytail, but despite everything, my dream girl stood right here in my face. I’d dreamt of her and that damn white bikini for the past four years because I still had yet to meet a woman more striking than her. Before I could stop myself, the words rolled off my tongue like butter gliding over a freshly baked biscuit.
“Mizz Lady.”
She raised her eyebrow in question as a curious expression covered her gorgeous face. “I’m sorry, sir. Do I know you?”
As if my feet had a mind of their own, I swaggered right in her direction and stopped right in front of her. She took a small step back because I stepped over the invisible line of her personal space, but I quickly grabbed onto her wrist.
“It was a little over four years ago, when your husband popped my brother in the eye for flirting with you. We were all visiting the Coral Hive Resort. We even played a game of volleyball. Does any of these events ring a bell?”
Curiosity still rested on her face until minutes passed and her kind, honey brown eyes widened with recognition. A familiar grin scaled across her round face that prompted her pennysized dimples to showcase their much-needed glory. “Oh, wow! You have an impressive memory, but yes, I remember you, surprisingly. We haven’t been formally introduced. I’m Era Hopes,” she voiced and excitedly shook my hand.
“Nice to meet you again, Mizz Lady. I’m Muse Boxers. We’re back in the Era of Muse.”
She chuckled and removed her hand from mine and stuffed it into the soiled, oversized pockets of her overalls. Era licked her lips as she looked down at her platform clogs then back at me. At that moment, it was like I had been struck by lightning while her long lashes fluttered solely at me. She smiled bashfully with her head tilted to the side as her honey brown orbs pierced mine.
“Mizz Lady? The Era of Muse? What’s that all about?”
“You’re Era and Muse. We’re back together. But the name Mizz Lady was the first thought that entered my mind the moment I laid eyes on you. I’ve never forgotten the day we met because you reminded me of a mermaid. You looked so free and majestic as you emerged from the water and collected your clams. It was quite the visual,” I affirmed and matched her stare down.
“You got all that from one observation?”
“What can I say, I’m a very observant person.”
“Indeed, you are. But how can I help you? Are you interested in taking my class?”
“Maybe, but I spoke with you earlier about signing up my son, MJ, for your sensory class.”
“Ohh, right. Okay, make yourself comfortable at one of the empty stations while I wrap up my last class.”
“Will do. Thanks.”
She flashed me a warm smile and walked away and addressed her students. Damn, this woman was affecting me heavily already and this time, hello was exchanged compared to our first run in.
