“One of these days,God is going to slap you with a love so unforgettable that you’ll have no choice but to surrender to it. I’m living for that day.”
I shake my head and continue to brush my teeth as Ma rambles about something else I’m not interested in hearing for the umpteenth time. Ma and I aren’t on the same page with that forever shit. While I love the fact that she and Pops have been married all my life, their marriage isn’t a blueprint for me being with someone for the rest of my life. Till death do us part with the right person sounds like God’s best. But till death do us part with the wrong person sounds like a prison. I ain’t beat for that type of energy or misery, so I’ll pass on marriage altogether.
“Are you listening to me, Chance?” Ma yells, which forces me to return to this pointless conversation.
Trina Mitchell is a great woman and mother. She’s also Pops’ backbone and the person who ensures he can move about our fair city with ease. Ma is a stay-at-home wife who takes care of her family’s needs, sometimes to a fault. She often neglects herself to ensure nothing about her husband is overlooked. It’s another reason I don’t want to get married. I don’t want a woman who neglects herself while making sure I have whatever I want, need, or desire. I love Ma, but the things she does for Pops are unattractive.
“Chance!”
“My bad, Ma.”
“Lord, have mercy. I know you’re getting ready for work, so I’m going to let you go. Give me a call when you can. I love you.”
“For sure. Love you more, Ma.”
Once the call disconnects, I realize my window of time to leave is getting smaller, so I quickly finish my routine and walk out of the bathroom. Time isn’t my friend, and I need to make my usual pit stop before I head to my office. Thankfully, I already ironed my clothes before I hit the shower, so I hurried to get dressed before leaving my bedroom altogether. Within thirty minutes, I leave my apartment and take the elevator.
“You’re looking mighty delicious this morning, Chance.” My neighbor Sabrina smiles.
I fight the frown the lust in her eyes induces because no matter how many times I try to tell this woman I’m not interested, she still tries to throw her panties at me.
Of all the cities in Ohio, why did this woman have to land in Kaigood with me? Then living in the same apartment building makes me want to break my lease and find a new place to lay my head.
“When are you going to let me take you for a ride?” Sabrina licks her lips, and my stomach flips from the thirst in her inquiry.
“On this side of never. Be easy.” When the elevator reaches the lobby, I step off without a backward glance.
At thirty-five, I have had my share of thirsty women, and never have I been a man to react to the advances of a woman who removes my ability to chase. Sabrina is a beautiful woman, but she uses her outward beauty as a weapon. It’s a major turnoff for me. My thoughts become a beacon for my journey to my favorite place. It takes me no time to reach my destination, find a parking spot, and enter the doors of Sips of D’Essence.
“Good morning. Welcome to D’Essence.” That voice is what makes this coffee shop special.
Starbucks ain’t got nothing on the woman who makes my favorite coffee with a side of essence that I can’t obtain within the sips of my caramel Frappuccino. With the slow gait of a panther, I make my way to the front counter, and my breaths increase as I take in the barista. Sadia is what dreams and blue balls are built on. From her voluptuous figure to her warm, caramel skin, almond-shaped eyes that sit behind wide-framed glasses, to her full, thick lips, this woman is my reason for this coffee shop being part of my daily routine. My dick stands and gives a salute when my eyes rake over the red and white dress hugging every curve on Sadia’s body.
“That’ll be five dollars and eighty-five cents,” Sadia tells the woman at the counter.
Time stands still, and my chest tightens to painful degrees when Sadia’s smile radiates as the room becomes brighter. It takes me a minute to come out of the momentary trance until I hear giggles. The woman at the counter that Sadia had been assisting grins as she walks away, and my gaze returns to a patiently waiting Sadia.
“Good morning, Chance.”
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Ha-lle-lu-jah!
A song of praise echoes in my mind as Sadia greets me with a smile, and I return it.
It is now!
I ignore my conscience and return the pleasantry. “Good morning, Sadia. How are you today?”
“Tired. But I won’t complain. Your usual?”
My brows furrow, and my forehead wrinkles as I attempt to read the unspoken words from Sadia.
“Yes, please.”
“Coming right up.” Sadia grabs a cup and proceeds to make the sweet treat I have to use as a replacement for what I’ve visualized her lips would be.
My eyes follow Sadia everywhere as she makes my drink and hums to whatever song plays around the room. In far too short of time, Sadia returns to the counter and extends the cup of joe to me. My pulse races the instant our fingers graze as our eyes connect for seconds.
“Um, . . . that’ll be . . .” Sadia breaks our eye contact to ring up my order, and I pull out my wallet and pass over a twenty before she can give me my total.
