Q&A (and brownies) with J.J. Murray discussion
Story Time
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Let's (Trip) and Write a Story
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Mod
Okay this is my attempt 1:Willie "Wilomena" Washington was about to have the worst day of her life. She was late for work, her boss made her take the heat for some nonsense he did, now it was raining and she didn't have an umbrella.
Mod
When it rains, it pours, she thought, and it's not even a Monday.
Willie "Wilomena" Washington was about to have the worst day of her life. She was late for work, her boss made her take the heat for some nonsense he did, and now it was raining and she didn't have an umbrella.When it rains, it pours, she thought, and it's not even a Monday.
It was Wednesday and she was single, her mind wasn't going in the gutter.
Willie"Wilomena" Washington was about to have the worst day of her life. She was late for work, her boss made her take the heat for some nonsense he did, and now it was raining and she didn't have an umbrella.When it rains, it pours, she thought, and it's not even a Monday. It was Wednesday and she was single, her mind wasn't going in the gutter.
She thought maybe, if she go out tonight, her luck might change, she needed a change in scenery.
Willie"Wilomena" Washington was about to have the worst day of her life. She was late for work, her boss made her take the heat for some nonsense he did, and now it was raining and she didn't have an umbrella.When it rains, it pours, she thought, and it's not even a Monday. It was Wednesday and she was single, her mind wasn't going in the gutter.
She thought maybe, if she go out tonight, her luck might change, she needed a change in scenery.
And for the past eighty-three days, nine hours, and twelve minutes, Willie's scenery had been nothing more than empty drawers, unclaimed mail, and an extra space in the two-car garage.
How could he just take off without a word?
Willie"Wilomena" Washington was about to have the worst day of her life. She was late for work, her boss made her take the heat for some nonsense he did, and now it was raining and she didn't have an umbrella. When it rains, it pours, she thought, and it's not even a Monday. It was Wednesday and she was single, her mind wasn't going in the gutter.
She thought maybe, if she go out tonight, her luck might change, she needed a change in scenery.
And for the past eighty-three days, nine hours, and twelve minutes, Willie's scenery had been nothing more than empty drawers, unclaimed mail, and an extra space in the two-car garage.
How could he just take off without a word?
Now, after opening the blank envelope, the answer to that question lay in the form of a wedding invitation from her cousin Lena who'd visited her a single weekend three months ago; Lena, the witch who was now on the verge of marrying her ex.
Ripping the ornate card in half didn't stop the bile rising in her throat; she should have let Lena get beat up when they were kids.
Willie"Wilomena" Washington was about to have the worst day of her life. She was late for work, her boss made her take the heat for some nonsense he did, and now it was raining and she didn't have an umbrella. When it rains, it pours, she thought, and it's not even a Monday. It was Wednesday and she was single, her mind wasn't going in the gutter.
She thought maybe, if she go out tonight, her luck might change, she needed a change in scenery.
And for the past eighty-three days, nine hours, and twelve minutes, Willie's scenery had been nothing more than empty drawers, unclaimed mail, and an extra space in the two-car garage.
How could he just take off without a word?
Now, after opening the blank envelope, the answer to that question lay in the form of a wedding invitation from her cousin Lena who'd visited her a single weekend three months ago; Lena, the witch who was now on the verge of marrying her ex.
Ripping the ornate card in half didn't stop the bile rising in her throat; she should have let Lena get beat up when they were kids.
-For Willie, Lena had always been a problem. She was responsible for Big Mama's hands knocking her upside her head on more than one occasion. She was responsible for Willie having to fight all through high school, whenever Lena felt the need to spread lies about the girls she was jealous of. Now she was responsible for Willie's fiance leaving her only two days before their wedding.
Naw, that heifer is gonna have to pay!
Willie"Wilomena" Washington was about to have the worst day of her life. She was late for work, her boss made her take the heat for some nonsense he did, and now it was raining and she didn't have an umbrella.When it rains, it pours, she thought, and it's not even a Monday. It was Wednesday and she was single, her mind wasn't going in the gutter.
She thought maybe, if she go out tonight, her luck might change, she needed a change in scenery.
And for the past eighty-three days, nine hours, and twelve minutes, Willie's scenery had been nothing more than empty drawers, unclaimed mail, and an extra space in the two-car garage.
How could he just take off without a word?
Now, after opening the blank envelope, the answer to that question lay in the form of a wedding invitation from her cousin Lena who'd visited her a single weekend three months ago; Lena, the witch who was now on the verge of marrying her ex.
Ripping the ornate card in half didn't stop the bile rising in her throat; she should have let Lena get beat up when they were kids.
-For Willie, Lena had always been a problem. She was responsible for Big Mama's hands knocking her upside her head on more than one occasion. She was responsible for Willie having to fight all through high school, whenever Lena felt the need to spread lies about the girls she was jealous of. Now she was responsible for Willie's fiance leaving her only two days before their wedding.
Naw, that heifer is gonna have to pay!
Not only that heifer, that jerk who thinks he's a man needed payback as well.
Mod
It seems as if a season-ending episode of Dallas has just broken out. The only question: "Who will shoot whom?" Please don't name Willie's ex J. R.!
R. J. might work ... worked for me.
Suggestion: Let's get Willie a man to take with her to this shindig. Will she be choosy, or will she be desperate? I like how this is building both suspense and conflict. Keep it going.
EDITORIAL INTERLUDE ENDS
Willie"Wilomena" Washington was about to have the worst day of her life. She was late for work, her boss made her take the heat for some nonsense he did, and now it was raining and she didn't have an umbrella.When it rains, it pours, she thought, and it's not even a Monday. It was Wednesday and she was single, her mind wasn't going in the gutter.
She thought maybe, if she go out tonight, her luck might change, she needed a change in scenery.
And for the past eighty-three days, nine hours, and twelve minutes, Willie's scenery had been nothing more than empty drawers, unclaimed mail, and an extra space in the two-car garage.
How could he just take off without a word?
Now, after opening the blank envelope, the answer to that question lay in the form of a wedding invitation from her cousin Lena who'd visited her a single weekend three months ago; Lena, the witch who was now on the verge of marrying her ex.
Ripping the ornate card in half didn't stop the bile rising in her throat; she should have let Lena get beat up when they were kids.
-For Willie, Lena had always been a problem. She was responsible for Big Mama's hands knocking her upside her head on more than one occasion. She was responsible for Willie having to fight all through high school, whenever Lena felt the need to spread lies about the girls she was jealous of. Now she was responsible for Willie's fiance leaving her only two days before their wedding.
Naw, that heifer is gonna have to pay!
Not only that heifer, that jerk who thinks he's a man needed payback as well.
Just then, an old saying of Big Mama's came to mind, "Baby, don't get mad. Get betta."
Yeah...that's exactly what she was going to--
DING DONG
Now who could that be?
Willie opened the door a crack. "May I--" Her eyes locked with the ocean blue irises of the tall stranger and words failed her altogether.
Willie"Wilomena" Washington was about to have the worst day of her life. She was late for work, her boss made her take the heat for some nonsense he did, and now it was raining and she didn't have an umbrella. When it rains, it pours, she thought, and it's not even a Monday. It was Wednesday and she was single, her mind wasn't going in the gutter.
She thought maybe, if she go out tonight, her luck might change, she needed a change in scenery.
And for the past eighty-three days, nine hours, and twelve minutes, Willie's scenery had been nothing more than empty drawers, unclaimed mail, and an extra space in the two-car garage.
How could he just take off without a word?
Now, after opening the blank envelope, the answer to that question lay in the form of a wedding invitation from her cousin Lena who'd visited her a single weekend three months ago; Lena, the witch who was now on the verge of marrying her ex.
Ripping the ornate card in half didn't stop the bile rising in her throat; she should have let Lena get beat up when they were kids.
-For Willie, Lena had always been a problem. She was responsible for Big Mama's hands knocking her upside her head on more than one occasion. She was responsible for Willie having to fight all through high school, whenever Lena felt the need to spread lies about the girls she was jealous of. Now she was responsible for Willie's fiance leaving her only two days before their wedding.
Naw, that heifer is gonna have to pay!
Not only that heifer, that jerk who thinks he's a man needed payback as well.
Just then, an old saying of Big Mama's came to mind, "Baby, don't get mad. Get betta."
Yeah...that's exactly what she was going to--
DING DONG
Now who could that be?
Willie opened the door a crack. "May I--" Her eyes locked with the ocean blue irises of the tall stranger and words failed her altogether.
Willie's hands clutched at the neckline of her old housedress. Snatching the oily headrag off her head, she stared.
As Willie's cheeks burned, the man's eyes swept over her hair, that was still wrapped in pins, down the dingy old muumuu, to her worn Tasmanian Devil slippers.
"May I help you?" she croaked. She glanced at the floor, hoping that a magic door would appear and allow her to escape.
Yeah, only I ain't Alice and this sure ain't no wonderland.
Willie"Wilomena" Washington was about to have the worst day of her life. She was late for work, her boss made her take the heat for some nonsense he did, and now it was raining and she didn't have an umbrella. When it rains, it pours, she thought, and it's not even a Monday. It was Wednesday and she was single, her mind wasn't going in the gutter.
She thought maybe, if she go out tonight, her luck might change, she needed a change in scenery.
And for the past eighty-three days, nine hours, and twelve minutes, Willie's scenery had been nothing more than empty drawers, unclaimed mail, and an extra space in the two-car garage.
How could he just take off without a word?
Now, after opening the blank envelope, the answer to that question lay in the form of a wedding invitation from her cousin Lena who'd visited her a single weekend three months ago; Lena, the witch who was now on the verge of marrying her ex.
Ripping the ornate card in half didn't stop the bile rising in her throat; she should have let Lena get beat up when they were kids.
-For Willie, Lena had always been a problem. She was responsible for Big Mama's hands knocking her upside her head on more than one occasion. She was responsible for Willie having to fight all through high school, whenever Lena felt the need to spread lies about the girls she was jealous of. Now she was responsible for Willie's fiance leaving her only two days before their wedding.
Naw, that heifer is gonna have to pay!
Not only that heifer, that jerk who thinks he's a man needed payback as well.
Just then, an old saying of Big Mama's came to mind, "Baby, don't get mad. Get betta."
Yeah...that's exactly what she was going to--
DING DONG
Now who could that be?
Willie opened the door a crack. "May I--" Her eyes locked with the ocean blue irises of the tall stranger and words failed her altogether.
Willie's hands clutched at the neckline of her old housedress. Snatching the oily headrag off her head, she stared.
As Willie's cheeks burned, the man's eyes swept over her hair, that was still wrapped in pins, down the dingy old muumuu, to her worn Tasmanian Devil slippers.
"May I help you?" she croaked. She glanced at the floor, hoping that a magic door would appear and allow her to escape.
Yeah, only I ain't Alice and this sure ain't no wonderland.
"Wilomena Washington?" he asked with a smile.
Nice, smooth voice, slight accent.
"Yes...Willie, actually."
He handed her an envelope. "This is for you, Willie."
Her brows drew together as she took it. She turned it over and gasped at the word, SUBPOENA emblazoned across the back.
"Oh you've got to be kidding!"
"Please look inside, ma'am." He said, all business.
Willie took several steps back as she read the enclosed letter:
GOTCHA!
Now that I have your attention, I know you have zero plans to celebrate your birthday tonight. Well never fear. I've got it handled. So take off that ratty old muumuu and those stank slippers, get dressed and meet me and Dawn at Francisco's Portuguese Cuisine. By the way, Inacio (the sexy guy waiting patiently for you to pick your jaw up off the floor) will be your escort. You can thank me later.
Kai
Willie"Wilomena" Washington was about to have the worst day of her life. She was late for work, her boss made her take the heat for some nonsense he did, and now it was raining and she didn't have an umbrella. When it rains, it pours, she thought, and it's not even a Monday. It was Wednesday and she was single, her mind wasn't going in the gutter.
She thought maybe, if she go out tonight, her luck might change, she needed a change in scenery.
And for the past eighty-three days, nine hours, and twelve minutes, Willie's scenery had been nothing more than empty drawers, unclaimed mail, and an extra space in the two-car garage.
How could he just take off without a word?
Now, after opening the blank envelope, the answer to that question lay in the form of a wedding invitation from her cousin Lena who'd visited her a single weekend three months ago; Lena, the witch who was now on the verge of marrying her ex.
Ripping the ornate card in half didn't stop the bile rising in her throat; she should have let Lena get beat up when they were kids.
-For Willie, Lena had always been a problem. She was responsible for Big Mama's hands knocking her upside her head on more than one occasion. She was responsible for Willie having to fight all through high school, whenever Lena felt the need to spread lies about the girls she was jealous of. Now she was responsible for Willie's fiance leaving her only two days before their wedding.
Naw, that heifer is gonna have to pay!
Not only that heifer, that jerk who thinks he's a man needed payback as well.
Just then, an old saying of Big Mama's came to mind, "Baby, don't get mad. Get betta."
Yeah...that's exactly what she was going to--
DING DONG
Now who could that be?
Willie opened the door a crack. "May I--" Her eyes locked with the ocean blue irises of the tall stranger and words failed her altogether.
Willie's hands clutched at the neckline of her old housedress. Snatching the oily headrag off her head, she stared.
As Willie's cheeks burned, the man's eyes swept over her hair, that was still wrapped in pins, down the dingy old muumuu, to her worn Tasmanian Devil slippers.
"May I help you?" she croaked. She glanced at the floor, hoping that a magic door would appear and allow her to escape.
Yeah, only I ain't Alice and this sure ain't no wonderland.
"Wilomena Washington?" he asked with a smile.
Nice, smooth voice, slight accent.
"Yes...Willie, actually."
He handed her an envelope. "This is for you, Willie."
Her brows drew together as she took it. She turned it over and gasped at the word, SUBPOENA emblazoned across the back.
"Oh you've got to be kidding!"
"Please look inside, ma'am." He said, all business.
Willie took several steps back as she read the enclosed letter:
GOTCHA!
Now that I have your attention, I know you have zero plans to celebrate your birthday tonight. Well never fear. I've got it handled. So take off that ratty old muumuu and those stank slippers, get dressed and meet me and Dawn at Francisco's Portuguese Cuisine. By the way, Inacio (the sexy guy waiting patiently for you to pick your jaw up off the floor) will be your escort. You can thank me later.
Kai
"What?" Willie blinked several times as she stared at the note sent to her from her best friend. She stared at the note, not sure if she should be relieved or annoyed. "What is she--?" Looking up to see the amusement in the man's blue-eyed gaze, she frowned. "What is this?"
Blue Eyes grinned and edged his chin out toward the note that lay trembling in her palm. "It is just what it says, Miss. What you have there is an invitation to join your friends this evening. It is your birthday, is it not?"
"Yes," Willie snapped, "but you know that already."
Blue Eyes laughed. "You are right. And since it your birthday, that is an invitation to your celebration." Leaning forward to execute an exaggerated bow, he flourished, "And I will be your escort. You may call me Ignacio." Leaning forward a second time, he grabbed her hand and placed a gentle kiss on her knuckles. Willie gasped and took a step back, almost tripping over her huge slippers.
Chuckling, Ignacio held up a finger. "Oh I almost forgot. Don't move, please. I will be right back." He dashed towards the sleek pearl gray sedan parked adjacent to her front lawn.
Willie"Wilomena" Washington was about to have the worst day of her life. She was late for work, her boss made her take the heat for some nonsense he did, and now it was raining and she didn't have an umbrella. When it rains, it pours, she thought, and it's not even a Monday. It was Wednesday and she was single, her mind wasn't going in the gutter.
She thought maybe, if she go out tonight, her luck might change, she needed a change in scenery.
And for the past eighty-three days, nine hours, and twelve minutes, Willie's scenery had been nothing more than empty drawers, unclaimed mail, and an extra space in the two-car garage.
How could he just take off without a word?
Now, after opening the blank envelope, the answer to that question lay in the form of a wedding invitation from her cousin Lena who'd visited her a single weekend three months ago; Lena, the witch who was now on the verge of marrying her ex.
Ripping the ornate card in half didn't stop the bile rising in her throat; she should have let Lena get beat up when they were kids.
-For Willie, Lena had always been a problem. She was responsible for Big Mama's hands knocking her upside her head on more than one occasion. She was responsible for Willie having to fight all through high school, whenever Lena felt the need to spread lies about the girls she was jealous of. Now she was responsible for Willie's fiance leaving her only two days before their wedding.
Naw, that heifer is gonna have to pay!
Not only that heifer, that jerk who thinks he's a man needed payback as well.
Just then, an old saying of Big Mama's came to mind, "Baby, don't get mad. Get betta."
Yeah...that's exactly what she was going to--
DING DONG
Now who could that be?
Willie opened the door a crack. "May I--" Her eyes locked with the ocean blue irises of the tall stranger and words failed her altogether.
Willie's hands clutched at the neckline of her old housedress. Snatching the oily headrag off her head, she stared.
As Willie's cheeks burned, the man's eyes swept over her hair, that was still wrapped in pins, down the dingy old muumuu, to her worn Tasmanian Devil slippers.
"May I help you?" she croaked. She glanced at the floor, hoping that a magic door would appear and allow her to escape.
Yeah, only I ain't Alice and this sure ain't no wonderland.
"Wilomena Washington?" he asked with a smile.
Nice, smooth voice, slight accent.
"Yes...Willie, actually."
He handed her an envelope. "This is for you, Willie."
Her brows drew together as she took it. She turned it over and gasped at the word, SUBPOENA emblazoned across the back.
"Oh you've got to be kidding!"
"Please look inside, ma'am." He said, all business.
Willie took several steps back as she read the enclosed letter:
GOTCHA!
Now that I have your attention, I know you have zero plans to celebrate your birthday tonight. Well never fear. I've got it handled. So take off that ratty old muumuu and those stank slippers, get dressed and meet me and Dawn at Francisco's Portuguese Cuisine. By the way, Inacio (the sexy guy waiting patiently for you to pick your jaw up off the floor) will be your escort. You can thank me later.
Kai
"What?" Willie blinked several times as she stared at the note sent to her from her best friend. She stared at the note, not sure if she should be relieved or annoyed. "What is she--?" Looking up to see the amusement in the man's blue-eyed gaze, she frowned. "What is this?"
Blue Eyes grinned and edged his chin out toward the note that lay trembling in her palm. "It is just what it says, Miss. What you have there is an invitation to join your friends this evening. It is your birthday, is it not?"
"Yes," Willie snapped, "but you know that already."
Blue Eyes laughed. "You are right. And since it your birthday, that is an invitation to your celebration." Leaning forward to execute an exaggerated bow, he flourished, "And I will be your escort. You may call me Ignacio." Leaning forward a second time, he grabbed her hand and placed a gentle kiss on her knuckles. Willie gasped and took a step back, almost tripping over her huge slippers.
Chuckling, Ignacio held up a finger. "Oh I almost forgot. Don't move, please. I will be right back." He dashed towards the sleek pearl gray sedan parked adjacent to her front lawn.
Willie and Ignacio entered the restaurant, bypassed the man checking reservations and headed to the back toward the four people clapping at the round six person table.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!"
Grinning ear to ear, Willie stopped before the table and enthusiastically hugged her two closest friends and greeted their dates.
"You both really made my day. Thank you so much!" She splayed her hands to indicate her body hugging burgundy gown with the knee high slit. She turned slightly so that it shimmered in the restaurant's soft light. "This is...wow...too much. All of it."
Ignacio held her chair then waited for her to sit before claiming the one at her side.
"Whateva girl. You look great!" Dawn gushed, turning to Kai. "Didn't I say she would?"
"No, that would be me who said that." Kai corrected.
Willie looked from Kai to Dawn. "I've been eyeballing this gown for weeks. I can't believe you got it for me."
"Uh...we didn't get you that." Kai said, sipping from her water glass with a secret grin.
"Though it may have come up in casual conversation," Dawn added, taking a sudden interest in the pattern of her dinner plate.
Willie's eyebrows came together. "Then who?"
"He insisted. We only pointed him in the right direction."
Willie turned her shocked gaze to Ignacio. "You? But...you don't even know me."
He shrugged. "A lovely gown for a lovely woman. Now, what would you like to eat?"
Blue Eyes laughed. "You are right. And since it your birthday, that is an invitation to your celebration." Leaning forward to execute an exaggerated bow, he flourished, "And I will be your escort. You may call me Ignacio." Leaning forward a second time, he grabbed her hand and placed a gentle kiss on her knuckles. Willie gasped and took a step back, almost tripping over her huge slippers. Chuckling, Ignacio held up a finger. "Oh I almost forgot. Don't move, please. I will be right back." He dashed towards the sleek pearl gray sedan parked adjacent to her front lawn.
Willie and Ignacio entered the restaurant, bypassed the man checking reservations and headed to the back toward the four people clapping at the round six person table.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!"
Grinning ear to ear, Willie stopped before the table and enthusiastically hugged her two closest friends and greeted their dates.
"You both really made my day. Thank you so much!" She splayed her hands to indicate her body hugging burgundy gown with the knee high slit. She turned slightly so that it shimmered in the restaurant's soft light. "This is...wow...too much. All of it."
Ignacio held her chair then waited for her to sit before claiming the one at her side.
"Whateva girl. You look great!" Dawn gushed, turning to Kai. "Didn't I say she would?"
"No, that would be me who said that." Kai corrected.
Willie looked from Kai to Dawn. "I've been eyeballing this gown for weeks. I can't believe you got it for me."
"Uh...we didn't get you that." Kai said, sipping from her water glass with a secret grin.
"Though it may have come up in casual conversation," Dawn added, taking a sudden interest in the pattern of her dinner plate.
Willie's eyebrows came together. "Then who?"
"He insisted. We only pointed him in the right direction."
Willie turned her shocked gaze to Ignacio. "You? But...you don't even know me."
He shrugged. "A lovely gown for a lovely woman. Now, what would you like to eat?"
-Ignacio nodded towards the menu that had miraculously appeared in front of her. A smile tugged at the corner of his lips. But all Willie could do was stare at him.
"Relax!" Dawn snapped, too through with Willie's theatrics. "Just relax and enjoy."
Okay, relax and enjoy, Willie, just relax and enjoy. And she tried like hell, taking slow, even breaths to show her raging heart who was in control. But she wasn't quite ready to relax...or enjoy, as much as she had initially appreciated her friends' effort to keep her from spending her birthday as she had planned-- in a drunken haze, sobbing on her bedroom floor, wearing her wedding dress.
She wanted to relax but couldn't because something about Ignacio's eyes kept her on edge. She suddenly felt exposed, as if everyone at that table, including Ignacio, had been discussing her behind her back. She imagined her two best girlfriends telling Ignacio all her business, appealing to his innate, male desire to save a damsel in distress. Her fists clenched tightly in her lap as she imagined the conversation that forced Ignacio to agree to this pity date.
"Please," Kai must have said. "You have to do this for her, Ignacio. It's her thirty-fifth birthday. Her fiance dumped her two days before her wedding--"
"--for her cousin!" Dawn would have finished the sentence in her five-alarm voice. "And, she's had a miserable year in general, with her not getting that promotion at her job, her realizing she may have to sell the house she and her ex just purchased. Hell, turning thirty-five ain't no picnic in and of itself!" Dawn would have sipped at whatever she was drinking for the moment, and twirled her reddish-blond dreadlocks with her jewel-tipped nail. "Need I say more, Ig?"
And Ignacio, cringing in horror at her misfortune, would have agreed. And for a brief moment, he would have felt a little better, knowing that doing this type of charity work would excuse the amount of times he'd missed church in the past month or neglected to pay his monthly due for the Save-a-child fund he had signed up for ages ago, when he saw a five-year-old girl in Indonesia drinking feces-infested water.
The familiar tingling began to creep up her throat. Willie shot up so quickly the legs of her chair made a scraping sound against the beautiful, wood-paneled flooring. "I need to--"
And she held her breath, refused to blink, and held her fists tightly at her sides, until she could streak out the exit, lean against the restaurant wall, and burst into sobs.
"Willie?" she felt him even before he had placed a strong, massaging hand on her shoulder. "Are you okay?"
Frustrated at how good his hand felt and how soothing his voice sounded, Willie snatched away and spun around. "Look, Ignacio, you don't have to do this. I don't need this party, or this date, or your pity!"
Blue Eyes laughed. "You are right. And since it your birthday, that is an invitation to your celebration." Leaning forward to execute an exaggerated bow, he flourished, "And I will be your escort. You may call me Ignacio." Leaning forward a second time, he grabbed her hand and placed a gentle kiss on her knuckles. Willie gasped and took a step back, almost tripping over her huge slippers. Chuckling, Ignacio held up a finger. "Oh I almost forgot. Don't move, please. I will be right back." He dashed towards the sleek pearl gray sedan parked adjacent to her front lawn.
Willie and Ignacio entered the restaurant, bypassed the man checking reservations and headed to the back toward the four people clapping at the round six person table.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!"
Grinning ear to ear, Willie stopped before the table and enthusiastically hugged her two closest friends and greeted their dates.
"You both really made my day. Thank you so much!" She splayed her hands to indicate her body hugging burgundy gown with the knee high slit. She turned slightly so that it shimmered in the restaurant's soft light. "This is...wow...too much. All of it."
Ignacio held her chair then waited for her to sit before claiming the one at her side.
"Whateva girl. You look great!" Dawn gushed, turning to Kai. "Didn't I say she would?"
"No, that would be me who said that." Kai corrected.
Willie looked from Kai to Dawn. "I've been eyeballing this gown for weeks. I can't believe you got it for me."
"Uh...we didn't get you that." Kai said, sipping from her water glass with a secret grin.
"Though it may have come up in casual conversation," Dawn added, taking a sudden interest in the pattern of her dinner plate.
Willie's eyebrows came together. "Then who?"
"He insisted. We only pointed him in the right direction."
Willie turned her shocked gaze to Ignacio. "You? But...you don't even know me."
He shrugged. "A lovely gown for a lovely woman. Now, what would you like to eat?"
-Ignacio nodded towards the menu that had miraculously appeared in front of her. A smile tugged at the corner of his lips. But all Willie could do was stare at him.
"Relax!" Dawn snapped, too through with Willie's theatrics. "Just relax and enjoy."
Okay, relax and enjoy, Willie, just relax and enjoy. And she tried like hell, taking slow, even breaths to show her raging heart who was in control. But she wasn't quite ready to relax...or enjoy, as much as she had initially appreciated her friends' effort to keep her from spending her birthday as she had planned-- in a drunken haze, sobbing on her bedroom floor, wearing her wedding dress.
She wanted to relax but couldn't because something about Ignacio's eyes kept her on edge. She suddenly felt exposed, as if everyone at that table, including Ignacio, had been discussing her behind her back. She imagined her two best girlfriends telling Ignacio all her business, appealing to his innate, male desire to save a damsel in distress. Her fists clenched tightly in her lap as she imagined the conversation that forced Ignacio to agree to this pity date.
"Please," Kai must have said. "You have to do this for her, Ignacio. It's her thirty-fifth birthday. Her fiance dumped her two days before her wedding--"
"--for her cousin!" Dawn would have finished the sentence in her five-alarm voice. "And, she's had a miserable year in general, with her not getting that promotion at her job, her realizing she may have to sell the house she and her ex just purchased. Hell, turning thirty-five ain't no picnic in and of itself!" Dawn would have sipped at whatever she was drinking for the moment, and twirled her reddish-blond dreadlocks with her jewel-tipped nail. "Need I say more, Ig?"
And Ignacio, cringing in horror at her misfortune, would have agreed. And for a brief moment, he would have felt a little better, knowing that doing this type of charity work would excuse the amount of times he'd missed church in the past month or neglected to pay his monthly due for the Save-a-child fund he had signed up for ages ago, when he saw a five-year-old girl in Indonesia drinking feces-infested water.
The familiar tingling began to creep up her throat. Willie shot up so quickly the legs of her chair made a scraping sound against the beautiful, wood-paneled flooring. "I need to--"
And she held her breath, refused to blink, and held her fists tightly at her sides, until she could streak out the exit, lean against the restaurant wall, and burst into sobs.
"Willie?" she felt him even before he had placed a strong, massaging hand on her shoulder. "Are you okay?"
Frustrated at how good his hand felt and how soothing his voice sounded, Willie snatched away and spun around. "Look, Ignacio, you don't have to do this. I don't need this party, or this date, or your pity!"
"What?!" Kai and Dawn exclaimed in unison as they exchanged glances.
Mortified by her outburst and more than ready to flee, Willie turned to the shocked faces at the table. "I'm sorry you guys. I--I have to go." She spun and hurried back the way she'd come, digging through her clutch purse for her phone to call a cab.
"Willie!"
Ignoring Ignacio, she pushed through the front door and all but ran to the cab pulling away from the corner.
A strong hand on her shoulder halted her progress, spinning her around. "Listen Igna--"
"Please give me a chance to clear up this misunderstanding. After that, if you still want to leave, I won't try to stop you."
Willie hesitated, searching his face, wanting to ask why. Why couldn't he let her escape with what was left of her dignity? Why was he trying so hard?
Instead of asking, she remained silent. She'd already made enough of her fool of herself for one night.
This really was the worst day of her life.
"Please Wilomena."
His pleading gaze held hers and she could feel her resolve weakening. Loosing a heavy sigh, she pushed several loose curls behind her ear. "Alright, five minutes. That's it. And then I'm going home."
With a broad relieved smile, he offered his arm.
(Note: Is it me, or does Willie storm out of the restaurant twice in the two recent posts? *ROTF* This is hilarious.) The familiar tingling began to creep up her throat. Willie shot up so quickly the legs of her chair made a scraping sound against the beautiful, wood-paneled flooring. "I need to--"
And she held her breath, refused to blink, and held her fists tightly at her sides, until she could streak out the exit, lean against the restaurant wall, and burst into sobs.
"Willie?" she felt him even before he had placed a strong, massaging hand on her shoulder. "Are you okay?"
Frustrated at how good his hand felt and how soothing his voice sounded, Willie snatched away and spun around. "Look, Ignacio, you don't have to do this. I don't need this party, or this date, or your pity!"
"What?!" Kai and Dawn exclaimed in unison as they exchanged glances.
Mortified by her outburst and more than ready to flee, Willie turned to the shocked faces at the table. "I'm sorry you guys. I--I have to go." She spun and hurried back the way she'd come, digging through her clutch purse for her phone to call a cab.
"Willie!"
Ignoring Ignacio, she pushed through the front door and all but ran to the cab pulling away from the corner.
A strong hand on her shoulder halted her progress, spinning her around. "Listen Igna--"
"Please give me a chance to clear up this misunderstanding. After that, if you still want to leave, I won't try to stop you."
Willie hesitated, searching his face, wanting to ask why. Why couldn't he let her escape with what was left of her dignity? Why was he trying so hard?
Instead of asking, she remained silent. She'd already made enough of her fool of herself for one night.
This really was the worst day of her life.
"Please Wilomena."
His pleading gaze held hers and she could feel her resolve weakening. Loosing a heavy sigh, she pushed several loose curls behind her ear. "Alright, five minutes. That's it. And then I'm going home."
With a broad relieved smile, he offered his arm.
-- Willie rolled her eyes and stormed past him, ignoring Ignacio's arm. She stopped near the entrance of the restaurant.
Chuckling, Ignacio shrugged. "Oookaay," he said when he reached her. He cleared his throat and ran his hands through his wavy, dark hair. Touching her arm gently, he stood very close. "Willie, you've got it all wrong."
Willie pulled her arm away. "No, Ignacio, I think it's you all that have it all wrong. I may not have had the best time in my life lately, but I sure don't need anyone's pity." She gestured at the restaurant. "I mean, it was nice of my friends to plan this little shindig and all. I even took the day off to get ready for it. It was a nice thought, but I don't like them telling you my personal business and I certainly don't need them begging any man to be my date."
"Is that what you think?" Ignacio's eyes were wide and unblinking. "That your friends had to beg me to take you out tonight?"
Willie bit her bottom lip hard for a second, to stop its trembling. "Yes. I know that's what happened. So please, don't even try to--"
Willie's words were suddenly engulfed in Ignacio's booming, belly-shaking laugh. "Are you serious?" he gasped.
"Yes I am! And I would appreciate it if you would stop laughing at me. You know what? I know I should have kept it moving. I'm out of here." Willie walked towards the curb to hail another cab.
But she didn't get far. Because for the third time, Ignacio grabbed her arm to keep her from leaving. "Wait. Okay, I'm sorry I laughed but, boy do you have an active imagination."
"What?" Willie snapped. "So I guess I'm just crazy, huh? Like I don't know my friends."
"I didn't say you don't know your friends, but yes, you are a little crazy."
Willie's eyes narrowed. "Let me tell you something, Ignacio! I don't--
"Wait, Willie. You didn't let me finish. You're right, they did get together to plan this birthday dinner for you as a way to cheer you up. But the part of them begging me to take you out--it's absurd. I can assure you that what you're thinking is not what happened at all."
"Well what did?" Willie crossed her arms and began tapping her foot. "And you better get on with it 'cause your five minutes are about to be up."
"I'm sorry, I'm just blown away. Here you are thinking that they begged me to take you out tonight when all along it was me who begged your friend to help me take you out tonight."
Willie's face grew hot as her arms fell to her sides. "What are you talking about, Ignacio?"
"It's clear you don't remember me at all, but I work with Kai at the Community Outreach Center. We met at their annual fundraiser about eight months ago. Well, I met you and your fiance. You were absolutely stunning but since you were unavailable, I tried to put the thought of ever getting next to you out of my mind. Kai knew I was interested and would often tease me about it. I always begged her to think of me if things didn't work out with your marriage." Ignacio chuckled. "A couple of months ago, I asked her how your wedding went. Without getting into too much detail, she mentioned that it never happened. I made her promise me that I would be first in line for a hook-up when you were ready. Lucky for me, she kept her word."
"Are you for real?" Willie asked, her skeptism sharpening her tone.
"Yes. Ask her. A couple of days ago, when we were in our office, I heard her on the phone with Dawn trying to figure out how to get you to the restaurant tonight. I didn't exactly hide the fact that I had overheard the conversation. I approached her and asked that she fix us up somehow and allow me to escort you for this surprise dinner. At first it was supposed to be just you and the girls but since I begged her to let me be involved, they decided to invite their men as well."
Willie stood taut at the curb, unsure if she should be touched at Ignacio's efforts or annoyed that her two best friend's had kept this information from her.
Ignacio's eyes darkened with intensity. Stepping even closer, he lowered his head to whisper, "I've been waiting a long time to get to know you. I didn't even think I would ever get the chance. And I am sorry you got hurt, but one man's loss is another man's gain. If you would allow me to, I would be honored to be your date this evening." Ignacio held out his hand this time. "So, Willie, can we please go back in?"
Willie stood there, looking at his hand, the war evident on her face. "I don't know if--"
so keep the flow going, Eugenia. What's up? LOL.
Everyone disappeared except Naomi and I... but it is turning out to be kinda wacky.
then maybe I need to join in, for some real wackiness LOL.
My fault. I totally misread this-----> And she held her breath, refused to blink, and held her fists tightly at her sides, until she could streak out the exit, lean against the restaurant wall, and burst into sobs. In my mind I was seeing Willie surge to her feet, inhale and hold a breath except that she hadn't run out to cry yet, it was what she was about to do when Ignacio put his hand on her shoulder.
NOW I see that you had her outside crying. My trip Vacirca.
Okay well, let's keep it moving from Vacirca's last post. Eugenia, you're up.
People, let's not stop the flow, like Naomi said. Let's make this our last bunch of side comments on this matter, if y'all don't mind my saying so. (not trying to run something that is not mine or anything. It's just that it was flowing). I've done this type of pass-along story before (one was via email) and that type of thing happens which can be really hilarious, but it can be fun and keep the writing juices going. It doesn't have to be a masterpiece but it should make a little durn sense. ROTF. I am glad JJ started it (even though you became "THE EDITOR" Kidding LOL). So I am waiting on y'all. Whose move?
Let me repost to get the story back on flow:(Picking up from NAOMI's last post to edit out the "first dramatic fleeing of Willie's", then mine):
Frustrated at how good his hand felt and how soothing his voice sounded, Willie snatched away and spun around. "Look, Ignacio, you don't have to do this. I don't need this party, or this date, or your pity!"
"What?!" Kai and Dawn exclaimed in unison as they exchanged glances.
Mortified by her outburst and more than ready to flee, Willie turned to the shocked faces at the table. "I'm sorry you guys. I--I have to go." She spun and hurried back the way she'd come, digging through her clutch purse for her phone to call a cab.
"Willie!"
Ignoring Ignacio, she pushed through the front door and all but ran to the cab pulling away from the corner.
A strong hand on her shoulder halted her progress, spinning her around. "Listen Igna--"
"Please give me a chance to clear up this misunderstanding. After that, if you still want to leave, I won't try to stop you."
Willie hesitated, searching his face, wanting to ask why. Why couldn't he let her escape with what was left of her dignity? Why was he trying so hard?
Instead of asking, she remained silent. She'd already made enough of her fool of herself for one night.
This really was the worst day of her life.
"Please Wilomena."
His pleading gaze held hers and she could feel her resolve weakening. Loosing a heavy sigh, she pushed several loose curls behind her ear. "Alright, five minutes. That's it. And then I'm going home."
With a broad relieved smile, he offered his arm.
-- Willie rolled her eyes and stormed past him, ignoring Ignacio's arm. She stopped near the entrance of the restaurant.
Chuckling, Ignacio shrugged. "Oookaay," he said when he reached her. He cleared his throat and ran his hands through his wavy, dark hair. Touching her arm gently, he stood very close. "Willie, you've got it all wrong."
Willie pulled her arm away. "No, Ignacio, I think it's you all that have it all wrong. I may not have had the best time in my life lately, but I sure don't need anyone's pity." She gestured at the restaurant. "I mean, it was nice of my friends to plan this little shindig and all. I even took the day off to get ready for it. It was a nice thought, but I don't like them telling you my personal business and I certainly don't need them begging any man to be my date."
"Is that what you think?" Ignacio's eyes were wide and unblinking. "That your friends had to beg me to take you out tonight?"
Willie bit her bottom lip hard for a second, to stop its trembling. "Yes. I know that's what happened. So please, don't even try to--"
Willie's words were suddenly engulfed in Ignacio's booming, belly-shaking laugh. "Are you serious?" he gasped.
"Yes I am! And I would appreciate it if you would stop laughing at me. You know what? I know I should have kept it moving. I'm out of here." Willie walked towards the curb to hail another cab.
But she didn't get far. Because for the third time, Ignacio grabbed her arm to keep her from leaving. "Wait. Okay, I'm sorry I laughed but, boy do you have an active imagination."
"What?" Willie snapped. "So I guess I'm just crazy, huh? Like I don't know my friends."
"I didn't say you don't know your friends, but yes, you are a little crazy."
Willie's eyes narrowed. "Let me tell you something, Ignacio! I don't--
"Wait, Willie. You didn't let me finish. You're right, they did get together to plan this birthday dinner for you as a way to cheer you up. But the part of them begging me to take you out--it's absurd. I can assure you that what you're thinking is not what happened at all."
"Well what did?" Willie crossed her arms and began tapping her foot. "And you better get on with it 'cause your five minutes are about to be up."
"I'm sorry, I'm just blown away. Here you are thinking that they begged me to take you out tonight when all along it was me who begged your friend to help me take you out tonight."
Willie's face grew hot as her arms fell to her sides. "What are you talking about, Ignacio?"
"It's clear you don't remember me at all, but I work with Kai at the Community Outreach Center. We met at their annual fundraiser about eight months ago. Well, I met you and your fiance. You were absolutely stunning but since you were unavailable, I tried to put the thought of ever getting next to you out of my mind. Kai knew I was interested and would often tease me about it. I always begged her to think of me if things didn't work out with your marriage." Ignacio chuckled. "A couple of months ago, I asked her how your wedding went. Without getting into too much detail, she mentioned that it never happened. I made her promise me that I would be first in line for a hook-up when you were ready. Lucky for me, she kept her word."
"Are you for real?" Willie asked, her skeptism sharpening her tone.
"Yes. Ask her. A couple of days ago, when we were in our office, I heard her on the phone with Dawn trying to figure out how to get you to the restaurant tonight. I didn't exactly hide the fact that I had overheard the conversation. I approached her and asked that she fix us up somehow and allow me to escort you for this surprise dinner. At first it was supposed to be just you and the girls but since I begged her to let me be involved, they decided to invite their men as well."
Willie stood taut at the curb, unsure if she should be touched at Ignacio's efforts or annoyed that her two best friend's had kept this information from her.
Ignacio's eyes darkened with intensity. Stepping even closer, he lowered his head to whisper, "I've been waiting a long time to get to know you. I didn't even think I would ever get the chance. And I am sorry you got hurt, but one man's loss is another man's gain. If you would allow me to, I would be honored to be your date this evening." Ignacio held out his hand this time. "So, Willie, can we please go back in?"
Willie stood there, looking at his hand, the war evident on her face. "I don't know if--"
Frustrated at how good his hand felt and how soothing his voice sounded, Willie snatched away and spun around. "Look, Ignacio, you don't have to do this. I don't need this party, or this date, or your pity!" "What?!" Kai and Dawn exclaimed in unison as they exchanged glances.
Mortified by her outburst and more than ready to flee, Willie turned to the shocked faces at the table. "I'm sorry you guys. I--I have to go." She spun and hurried back the way she'd come, digging through her clutch purse for her phone to call a cab.
"Willie!"
Ignoring Ignacio, she pushed through the front door and all but ran to the cab pulling away from the corner.
A strong hand on her shoulder halted her progress, spinning her around. "Listen Igna--"
"Please give me a chance to clear up this misunderstanding. After that, if you still want to leave, I won't try to stop you."
Willie hesitated, searching his face, wanting to ask why. Why couldn't he let her escape with what was left of her dignity? Why was he trying so hard?
Instead of asking, she remained silent. She'd already made enough of her fool of herself for one night.
This really was the worst day of her life.
"Please Wilomena."
His pleading gaze held hers and she could feel her resolve weakening. Loosing a heavy sigh, she pushed several loose curls behind her ear. "Alright, five minutes. That's it. And then I'm going home."
With a broad relieved smile, he offered his arm.
-- Willie rolled her eyes and stormed past him, ignoring Ignacio's arm. She stopped near the entrance of the restaurant.
Chuckling, Ignacio shrugged. "Oookaay," he said when he reached her. He cleared his throat and ran his hands through his wavy, dark hair. Touching her arm gently, he stood very close. "Willie, you've got it all wrong."
Willie pulled her arm away. "No, Ignacio, I think it's you all that have it all wrong. I may not have had the best time in my life lately, but I sure don't need anyone's pity." She gestured at the restaurant. "I mean, it was nice of my friends to plan this little shindig and all. I even took the day off to get ready for it. It was a nice thought, but I don't like them telling you my personal business and I certainly don't need them begging any man to be my date."
"Is that what you think?" Ignacio's eyes were wide and unblinking. "That your friends had to beg me to take you out tonight?"
Willie bit her bottom lip hard for a second, to stop its trembling. "Yes. I know that's what happened. So please, don't even try to--"
Willie's words were suddenly engulfed in Ignacio's booming, belly-shaking laugh. "Are you serious?" he gasped.
"Yes I am! And I would appreciate it if you would stop laughing at me. You know what? I know I should have kept it moving. I'm out of here." Willie walked towards the curb to hail another cab.
But she didn't get far. Because for the third time, Ignacio grabbed her arm to keep her from leaving. "Wait. Okay, I'm sorry I laughed but, boy do you have an active imagination."
"What?" Willie snapped. "So I guess I'm just crazy, huh? Like I don't know my friends."
"I didn't say you don't know your friends, but yes, you are a little crazy."
Willie's eyes narrowed. "Let me tell you something, Ignacio! I don't--
"Wait, Willie. You didn't let me finish. You're right, they did get together to plan this birthday dinner for you as a way to cheer you up. But the part of them begging me to take you out--it's absurd. I can assure you that what you're thinking is not what happened at all."
"Well what did?" Willie crossed her arms and began tapping her foot. "And you better get on with it 'cause your five minutes are about to be up."
"I'm sorry, I'm just blown away. Here you are thinking that they begged me to take you out tonight when all along it was me who begged your friend to help me take you out tonight."
Willie's face grew hot as her arms fell to her sides. "What are you talking about, Ignacio?"
"It's clear you don't remember me at all, but I work with Kai at the Community Outreach Center. We met at their annual fundraiser about eight months ago. Well, I met you and your fiance. You were absolutely stunning but since you were unavailable, I tried to put the thought of ever getting next to you out of my mind. Kai knew I was interested and would often tease me about it. I always begged her to think of me if things didn't work out with your marriage." Ignacio chuckled. "A couple of months ago, I asked her how your wedding went. Without getting into too much detail, she mentioned that it never happened. I made her promise me that I would be first in line for a hook-up when you were ready. Lucky for me, she kept her word."
"Are you for real?" Willie asked, her skeptism sharpening her tone.
"Yes. Ask her. A couple of days ago, when we were in our office, I heard her on the phone with Dawn trying to figure out how to get you to the restaurant tonight. I didn't exactly hide the fact that I had overheard the conversation. I approached her and asked that she fix us up somehow and allow me to escort you for this surprise dinner. At first it was supposed to be just you and the girls but since I begged her to let me be involved, they decided to invite their men as well."
Willie stood taut at the curb, unsure if she should be touched at Ignacio's efforts or annoyed that her two best friend's had kept this information from her.
Ignacio's eyes darkened with intensity. Stepping even closer, he lowered his head to whisper, "I've been waiting a long time to get to know you. I didn't even think I would ever get the chance. And I am sorry you got hurt, but one man's loss is another man's gain. If you would allow me to, I would be honored to be your date this evening." Ignacio held out his hand this time. "So, Willie, can we please go back in?"
Willie stood there, looking at his hand, the war evident on her face. "I don't know if--"
"If what, Willie? Just come in and have some fun."
Willie's slowly nodded. "Alright."
Ignacio grinned as he held the door open for her. "Thank you."
Willie walked slowly back to the table where her friends were eating appetizers. Both Dawn and Kai looked up at the same time.
"Are you about done now?" Dawn asked before biting into a large butterflied prawn.
"With what?" Willie frowned.
"With your sorry little tantrum."
Willie felt her face grow warm but she allowed Ignacio to help her into her seat. "Whatever, Dawn."
"It's all good, sis. Maybe now we can get this thing on and poppin'!"
Frustrated at how good his hand felt and how soothing his voice sounded, Willie snatched away and spun around. "Look, Ignacio, you don't have to do this. I don't need this party, or this date, or your pity!" "What?!" Kai and Dawn exclaimed in unison as they exchanged glances.
Mortified by her outburst and more than ready to flee, Willie turned to the shocked faces at the table. "I'm sorry you guys. I--I have to go." She spun and hurried back the way she'd come, digging through her clutch purse for her phone to call a cab.
"Willie!"
Ignoring Ignacio, she pushed through the front door and all but ran to the cab pulling away from the corner.
A strong hand on her shoulder halted her progress, spinning her around. "Listen Igna--"
"Please give me a chance to clear up this misunderstanding. After that, if you still want to leave, I won't try to stop you."
Willie hesitated, searching his face, wanting to ask why. Why couldn't he let her escape with what was left of her dignity? Why was he trying so hard?
Instead of asking, she remained silent. She'd already made enough of her fool of herself for one night.
This really was the worst day of her life.
"Please Wilomena."
His pleading gaze held hers and she could feel her resolve weakening. Loosing a heavy sigh, she pushed several loose curls behind her ear. "Alright, five minutes. That's it. And then I'm going home."
With a broad relieved smile, he offered his arm.
-- Willie rolled her eyes and stormed past him, ignoring Ignacio's arm. She stopped near the entrance of the restaurant.
Chuckling, Ignacio shrugged. "Oookaay," he said when he reached her. He cleared his throat and ran his hands through his wavy, dark hair. Touching her arm gently, he stood very close. "Willie, you've got it all wrong."
Willie pulled her arm away. "No, Ignacio, I think it's you all that have it all wrong. I may not have had the best time in my life lately, but I sure don't need anyone's pity." She gestured at the restaurant. "I mean, it was nice of my friends to plan this little shindig and all. I even took the day off to get ready for it. It was a nice thought, but I don't like them telling you my personal business and I certainly don't need them begging any man to be my date."
"Is that what you think?" Ignacio's eyes were wide and unblinking. "That your friends had to beg me to take you out tonight?"
Willie bit her bottom lip hard for a second, to stop its trembling. "Yes. I know that's what happened. So please, don't even try to--"
Willie's words were suddenly engulfed in Ignacio's booming, belly-shaking laugh. "Are you serious?" he gasped.
"Yes I am! And I would appreciate it if you would stop laughing at me. You know what? I know I should have kept it moving. I'm out of here." Willie walked towards the curb to hail another cab.
But she didn't get far. Because for the third time, Ignacio grabbed her arm to keep her from leaving. "Wait. Okay, I'm sorry I laughed but, boy do you have an active imagination."
"What?" Willie snapped. "So I guess I'm just crazy, huh? Like I don't know my friends."
"I didn't say you don't know your friends, but yes, you are a little crazy."
Willie's eyes narrowed. "Let me tell you something, Ignacio! I don't--
"Wait, Willie. You didn't let me finish. You're right, they did get together to plan this birthday dinner for you as a way to cheer you up. But the part of them begging me to take you out--it's absurd. I can assure you that what you're thinking is not what happened at all."
"Well what did?" Willie crossed her arms and began tapping her foot. "And you better get on with it 'cause your five minutes are about to be up."
"I'm sorry, I'm just blown away. Here you are thinking that they begged me to take you out tonight when all along it was me who begged your friend to help me take you out tonight."
Willie's face grew hot as her arms fell to her sides. "What are you talking about, Ignacio?"
"It's clear you don't remember me at all, but I work with Kai at the Community Outreach Center. We met at their annual fundraiser about eight months ago. Well, I met you and your fiance. You were absolutely stunning but since you were unavailable, I tried to put the thought of ever getting next to you out of my mind. Kai knew I was interested and would often tease me about it. I always begged her to think of me if things didn't work out with your marriage." Ignacio chuckled. "A couple of months ago, I asked her how your wedding went. Without getting into too much detail, she mentioned that it never happened. I made her promise me that I would be first in line for a hook-up when you were ready. Lucky for me, she kept her word."
"Are you for real?" Willie asked, her skeptism sharpening her tone.
"Yes. Ask her. A couple of days ago, when we were in our office, I heard her on the phone with Dawn trying to figure out how to get you to the restaurant tonight. I didn't exactly hide the fact that I had overheard the conversation. I approached her and asked that she fix us up somehow and allow me to escort you for this surprise dinner. At first it was supposed to be just you and the girls but since I begged her to let me be involved, they decided to invite their men as well."
Willie stood taut at the curb, unsure if she should be touched at Ignacio's efforts or annoyed that her two best friend's had kept this information from her.
Ignacio's eyes darkened with intensity. Stepping even closer, he lowered his head to whisper, "I've been waiting a long time to get to know you. I didn't even think I would ever get the chance. And I am sorry you got hurt, but one man's loss is another man's gain. If you would allow me to, I would be honored to be your date this evening." Ignacio held out his hand this time. "So, Willie, can we please go back in?"
Willie stood there, looking at his hand, the war evident on her face. "I don't know if--"
"If what, Willie? Just come in and have some fun."
Willie's slowly nodded. "Alright."
Ignacio grinned as he held the door open for her. "Thank you."
Willie walked slowly back to the table where her friends were eating appetizers. Both Dawn and Kai looked up at the same time.
"Are you about done now?" Dawn asked before biting into a large butterflied prawn.
"With what?" Willie frowned.
"With your sorry little tantrum."
Willie felt her face grow warm but she allowed Ignacio to help her into her seat. "Whatever, Dawn."
"It's all good, sis. Maybe now we can get this thing on and poppin'!"
"Amen!" Kai chimed in. She stood, albeit a bit unsteadily and tapped a french manicured fingernail on her near empty wineglass to gain everyone's attention.
"It's been a rough few months for my girl Willie...and upon fear of pain and death, I won't go into any detail about how rough it's been."
Willie nodded, grinning. "Good decision."
Kai inclined her head in acknowlegement. "With that being said..." She cleared her throat, lifted her glass high, and turned to Willie. "On this, your somethin' somethinith birthday and every day hereafter, it is my greatest wish that nothing but good things find you in the most unexpected and satisfying ways. Wilomena Washington, may today be the first day of the rest of your long and wonderful life! Happy Birthday girl!"
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" the group echoed.
"Wow. Thanks Kai. Thanks everyone." Grinning from ear to ear, Willie raised her glass and clinked it against everyone elses. She saved Ignacio's glass for last, lightly tapping hers against it.
He slid his other arm around her, leaned close, and murmured, "Happy Birthday, Willie."
The light brush of his lips against her cheek sent Willie's pulse surging to her throat.
Ignacio eased back slowly and their gazes locked as they sipped their wine.
"Hello? We're still here you know," Dawn teased.
"Really? I hadn't noticed." Willie teased in return. She glanced down and blinked in surprise at the plate of fried beef in wine-sauce, fried potatoes, and salad splayed out before her.
"We ordered for you, now eat so we can take this party to 'Viva' and dance some of these calories off."
Willie walked slowly back to the table where her friends were eating appetizers. Both Dawn and Kai looked up at the same time. "Are you about done now?" Dawn asked before biting into a large butterflied prawn.
"With what?" Willie frowned.
"With your sorry little tantrum."
Willie felt her face grow warm but she allowed Ignacio to help her into her seat. "Whatever, Dawn."
"It's all good, sis. Maybe now we can get this thing on and poppin'!"
"Amen!" Kai chimed in. She stood, albeit a bit unsteadily and tapped a french manicured fingernail on her near empty wineglass to gain everyone's attention.
"It's been a rough few months for my girl Willie...and upon fear of pain and death, I won't go into any detail about how rough it's been."
Willie nodded, grinning. "Good decision."
Kai inclined her head in acknowlegement. "With that being said..." She cleared her throat, lifted her glass high, and turned to Willie. "On this, your somethin' somethinith birthday and every day hereafter, it is my greatest wish that nothing but good things find you in the most unexpected and satisfying ways. Wilomena Washington, may today be the first day of the rest of your long and wonderful life! Happy Birthday girl!"
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" the group echoed.
"Wow. Thanks Kai. Thanks everyone." Grinning from ear to ear, Willie raised her glass and clinked it against everyone elses. She saved Ignacio's glass for last, lightly tapping hers against it.
He slid his other arm around her, leaned close, and murmured, "Happy Birthday, Willie."
The light brush of his lips against her cheek sent Willie's pulse surging to her throat.
Ignacio eased back slowly and their gazes locked as they sipped their wine.
"Hello? We're still here you know," Dawn teased.
"Really? I hadn't noticed." Willie teased in return. She glanced down and blinked in surprise at the plate of fried beef in wine-sauce, fried potatoes, and salad splayed out before her.
"We ordered for you, now eat so we can take this party to 'Viva' and dance some of these calories off."
"Wow!" Willie exclaimed as she fell into a seat next to her girls. "Wow!" She picked up a napkin from the small, square wooden table and fanned her face. "I haven't had this much fun in a long time." Her eyes were on Ignacio, who was at the bar, getting them drinks. She blushed when he turned suddenly and locked eyes with her, giving her the most sexiest smile.
"And to think your little dramatic self almost ruined it!" Kai drawled. "If Ig hadn't gone after you, I would have, to slap some sense into you."
Willie shrugged sheepishly. "I know, don't rub it in. But after all I've been through, I'm entitled to a little meltdown or two. Cut me some slack. But listen, I do want to thank y'all. I am having a great time. I didn't know how much I needed this."
"Yeah, and needed to be hugged up against Ignacio's fine self too," Dawn laughed.
"And like my mama always said, nothing'll help a sistah get over a man faster than a new one. And if anybody'll help you get over that punk, Roger, it'll be that fine drink of water over there. You could tell he got some moves, the way he was twirling you on that dance floor," Kai said.
Willie smiled as the heat crept up her neck, coloring her cheeks. "Yeah, that man sure can salsa. I did hear an accent. Where is he from anyway?"
"Brazil, girl. Need I say more?" Kai and Dawn high-fived.
"Yo, I'm not about to sit here while you go on and on about some other dude, Kai," Douglas, Kai's husband, snapped.
Kai smirked at Willie before turning to her man and kissing his cheek. "Baby, this ain't nothing but a little girl talk. You know you my one and only. Besides, you know how much Ignacio's been feeling my girl here. He's only got eyes for her just like I only got eyes for you, baby."
"Oh, God, spare me, please!" Dawn groaned while Shawn, her boyfriend, and Willie snickered.
Ignacio placed two glasses of red wine on the table. After Willie took a few sips she turned to Ignacio and smiled. "Thanks, I needed to cool down."
"Are you ready for another dance, acucar mascavo?"
Hearing Ignacio's sexy tenor voice speak Portugues, Willie flushed. "Yes, I would love that." Once they secured a spot on the dance floor, Willie looked up into Ignacio's deep blue eyes. "What was that you said to me before in your language?"
Ignacio leaned down to say into her ear, "I'll tell you later, but only after..."
"After what?" Willie shouted over the loud reggaeton.
Ignacio turned Willie around, backing her into him. He placed a hand at her stomach to hold her in place as he began a slow grind against her. "Just after...yes?"
"Ye-yes," Willie stammered, leaning into the hard muscles of Ignacio's chest. "Yes, after we dance."
Willie and Ignacio continued to sip wine and dance long after Dawn, Kai, and their men, had left the crowded Latin club. They were still dancing when they arrived at her door three hours later.
"Hey careful, Querida,"Ignacio exclaimed, catching Willie before she fell backward unto the concrete steps.
"You keep speaking like that, and you're the one that's gonna have to be careful. What does querida mean, anyway?" she asked dreamily, as Ignacio helped her up the steps.
"Keys?" Ignacio waited until Willie searched her small clutch for the keys and handed them over. Unlocking her door, he pulled Willie into the hallway, located and flipped the light switch, and shut the door. "Oh, querida means 'sweatheart' or even 'my love.'"
"Oh." Yeah, keep talking like that! "That's sweet. And that other thing you said, when you asked me to dance? You said you'd tell me after we dance."
"No, I just said after...you said after we dance."
"Well then after what?" Willie giggled.
And Ignacio's lips captured hers in a soul-searing kiss. His tongue caressed hers as he deepened it. Willie's hands crept up to his neck. Running her fingers through his curly hair, she pulled him closer as his hands lazily caressed her lower back.
"After we kissed. I wanted to make sure I was right."
"About what?"
"About whether you would taste as sweet as you look" Ignacio said between kisses.
"And do I?" Willie asked silkily.
"Yes you definitely taste like brown sugar."
Willie pulled back to gaze into Ignacio's eyes.
Ignacio's eyes flashed. "You are so sexy."
"Really?" Willie's wished she could dive into the ocean blue of his eyes.
Ignacio kissed her jawline. "Hmmm mmmm, acuca really...so, I will call you, yes?"
"Okay," Willie breathed, her eyes fluttering closed.
"Goodnight, Willie." Ignacio turned and walked out of the house, shutting the door firmly behind him.
Willie touched her swollen lips and stared at the door.
"Wow!" Willie exclaimed as she fell into a seat next to her girls. "Wow!" She picked up a napkin from the small, square wooden table and fanned her face. "I haven't had this much fun in a long time." Her eyes were on Ignacio, who was at the bar, getting them drinks. She blushed when he turned suddenly and locked eyes with her, giving her the most sexiest smile. "And to think your little dramatic self almost ruined it!" Kai drawled. "If Ig hadn't gone after you, I would have, to slap some sense into you."
Willie shrugged sheepishly. "I know, don't rub it in. But after all I've been through, I'm entitled to a little meltdown or two. Cut me some slack. But listen, I do want to thank y'all. I am having a great time. I didn't know how much I needed this."
"Yeah, and needed to be hugged up against Ignacio's fine self too," Dawn laughed.
"And like my mama always said, nothing'll help a sistah get over a man faster than a new one. And if anybody'll help you get over that punk, Roger, it'll be that fine drink of water over there. You could tell he got some moves, the way he was twirling you on that dance floor," Kai said.
Willie smiled as the heat crept up her neck, coloring her cheeks. "Yeah, that man sure can salsa. I did hear an accent. Where is he from anyway?"
"Brazil, girl. Need I say more?" Kai and Dawn high-fived.
"Yo, I'm not about to sit here while you go on and on about some other dude, Kai," Douglas, Kai's husband, snapped.
Kai smirked at Willie before turning to her man and kissing his cheek. "Baby, this ain't nothing but a little girl talk. You know you my one and only. Besides, you know how much Ignacio's been feeling my girl here. He's only got eyes for her just like I only got eyes for you, baby."
"Oh, God, spare me, please!" Dawn groaned while Shawn, her boyfriend, and Willie snickered.
Ignacio placed two glasses of red wine on the table. After Willie took a few sips she turned to Ignacio and smiled. "Thanks, I needed to cool down."
"Are you ready for another dance, acucar mascavo?"
Hearing Ignacio's sexy tenor voice speak Portugues, Willie flushed. "Yes, I would love that." Once they secured a spot on the dance floor, Willie looked up into Ignacio's deep blue eyes. "What was that you said to me before in your language?"
Ignacio leaned down to say into her ear, "I'll tell you later, but only after..."
"After what?" Willie shouted over the loud reggaeton.
Ignacio turned Willie around, backing her into him. He placed a hand at her stomach to hold her in place as he began a slow grind against her. "Just after...yes?"
"Ye-yes," Willie stammered, leaning into the hard muscles of Ignacio's chest. "Yes, after we dance."
Willie and Ignacio continued to sip wine and dance long after Dawn, Kai, and their men, had left the crowded Latin club. They were still dancing when they arrived at her door three hours later.
"Hey careful, Querida,"Ignacio exclaimed, catching Willie before she fell backward unto the concrete steps.
"You keep speaking like that, and you're the one that's gonna have to be careful. What does querida mean, anyway?" she asked dreamily, as Ignacio helped her up the steps.
"Keys?" Ignacio waited until Willie searched her small clutch for the keys and handed them over. Unlocking her door, he pulled Willie into the hallway, located and flipped the light switch, and shut the door. "Oh, querida means 'sweatheart' or even 'my love.'"
"Oh." Yeah, keep talking like that! "That's sweet. And that other thing you said, when you asked me to dance? You said you'd tell me after we dance."
"No, I just said after...you said after we dance."
"Well then after what?" Willie giggled.
And Ignacio's lips captured hers in a soul-searing kiss. His tongue caressed hers as he deepened it. Willie's hands crept up to his neck. Running her fingers through his curly hair, she pulled him closer as his hands lazily caressed her lower back.
"After we kissed. I wanted to make sure I was right."
"About what?"
"About whether you would taste as sweet as you look" Ignacio said between kisses.
"And do I?" Willie asked silkily.
"Yes you definitely taste like brown sugar."
Willie pulled back to gaze into Ignacio's eyes.
Ignacio's eyes flashed. "You are so sexy."
"Really?" Willie's wished she could dive into the ocean blue of his eyes.
Ignacio kissed her jawline. "Hmmm mmmm, acuca really...so, I will call you, yes?"
"Okay," Willie breathed, her eyes fluttering closed.
"Goodnight, Willie." Ignacio turned and walked out of the house, shutting the door firmly behind him.
Willie touched her swollen lips and stared at the door.
Ring...Ring...Ring...
Willie picked up on the fourth ring. "It's Shaturday morning...this better be important."
"Girl, wake yo happy tail up. We need information," the voice on the other end said cheerily.
"Yeah and don't skimp on the details," said another who was apparently sharing a three way connection.
"Wha--?"
Willie peeled open a sleep matted eyelid to look at the bedside clock. She willed the numbers to come into focus but it was no use. She yawned as she put the phone back up to her ear. "Dawn?"
"And Kai. Who else? Now wake up. It's after eight and that's as long as I plan to wait to find out what went down between you and ol boy last night."
Willie yawned again, leaned up onto an elbow and rubbed her eyes. "Will you please lower your voice?"
"Why would I need to---" Kai gasped. "Ohhhhhh he's still there isn't he?"
"He's still there?!" Dawn gasped, sounding equal parts scandalized and giddy.
"Well..." Willie began.
"Yeah he is and still asleep. That's why she's trying to keep us quiet," Kai giggled. "Girl, you better go into the bathroom, the kitchen or somethin and run the water. I need to hear how Mr. Smooth worked his way into the cookie jar."
Dawn hooted.
Willie laughed in spite of herself. "Ya'll are some clowns. Ignacio is NOT here. He was a perfect gentleman all evening."
Kai groaned.
"...but my head's hurting and neither one of you are helping it any."
"Aw dang. I thought you had something juicy to report."
"Actually..."
"Hold up," Kai interjected. "Get yourself together and meet us for breakfast. The usual place. You can tell us all about it then. And you best not leave anything out."
This time it was Willie who groaned.
Ring...Ring...Ring... Willie picked up on the fourth ring. "It's Shaturday morning...this better be important."
"Girl, wake yo happy tail up. We need information," the voice on the other end said cheerily.
"Yeah and don't skimp on the details," said another who was apparently sharing a three way connection.
"Wha--?"
Willie peeled open a sleep matted eyelid to look at the bedside clock. She willed the numbers to come into focus but it was no use. She yawned as she put the phone back up to her ear. "Dawn?"
"And Kai. Who else? Now wake up. It's after eight and that's as long as I plan to wait to find out what went down between you and ol boy last night."
Willie yawned again, leaned up onto an elbow and rubbed her eyes. "Will you please lower your voice?"
"Why would I need to---" Kai gasped. "Ohhhhhh he's still there isn't he?"
"He's still there?!" Dawn gasped, sounding equal parts scandalized and giddy.
"Well..." Willie began.
"Yeah he is and still asleep. That's why she's trying to keep us quiet," Kai giggled. "Girl, you better go into the bathroom, the kitchen or somethin and run the water. I need to hear how Mr. Smooth worked his way into the cookie jar."
Dawn hooted.
Willie laughed in spite of herself. "Ya'll are some clowns. Ignacio is NOT here. He was a perfect gentleman all evening."
Kai groaned.
"...but my head's hurting and neither one of you are helping it any."
"Aw dang. I thought you had something juicy to report."
"Actually..."
"Hold up," Kai interjected. "Get yourself together and meet us for breakfast. The usual place. You can tell us all about it then. And you best not leave anything out."
This time it was Willie who groaned.
__
Two hours later, Willie had parked her car, and was on her way to meet Kai and Dawn at their favorite Mom and Pop Diner, Estelle's. Her headache had long since cleared up and she hummed the melody to her favorite song, "At Last" by Etta James. The warm sunlight massaged her face as she stopped in front of the diner. Tilting her face towards the sky, she paused at the door, as an image of Ignacio kissing her the night before flashed in her mind. Her lips spread into a slow smile as she inhaled the spicy aroma of grilling meat and the warm, yeasty scent of fresh-basked bread.
"Oh, excuse me," the voice said as the door opened.
Willie eyes snapped open. "Lena?"
"Oh my God, Willie!" her cousin said breathlessly. "I almost didn't recognize you standing out here."
"What are you doing here, Lena?" Willie's voice trembled and rumbled from a churning place deep in her stomach. She eyed her tall, toffee-colored cousin, taking in her slender frame and her recently-purchased long auburn hair. Her large hazel eyes were wide and blinking rapidly.
"I just came here to get breakfast, like I do every Saturday morning."
"You mean like you used to do with us, before you went off and stole my fiancee, like the wench that you are. What's with you? You know this is where me and the girls hang out, and have been for years. Why would you dare show your face here, knowing we'd be here? You already took my man, so why can't you at least find someplace else to eat?"
Lena's sucked her teeth, her heavy make up cracking into an ugly smirk. "What are you talking about? This restaurant doesn't belong to you, Willie. You can't order me to stop coming here. And as for Roger, he didn't really belong to you either, or we wouldn't be getting married, now would we?"
Willie's laugh was a razor-sharp blade that could have cut through glass. "Well you can have that low-class, two-timing bastard, Lena. But you can't have my life. You always did try to be me but you can't pull it off no matter how many tricks you pull. Get it through your nappy weave, you will never be me."
"You're right. I'm the new and improved version." Lena tossed her hair and crossed her arms.
"Yeah, of a low-down whore. Just because you're the new and improved, more expensive version, doesn't make you any less of one. Just stay away from me, Lena. Stay away from the places I go and the people I know, alright? For your own good."
"Or what, Cuz?" Lena took a step closer, filling Willie's throat with the cloying sweetness of her patchouli scent.
"Or she'll beat you like you robbed her mama, Skank!" Dawn snapped from the doorway of the restaurant. "I knew that was you, but Kai didn't recognize you on account of those red, synthetic fibers you have flowing down your back. Lena, instead of trying to ruin my girl's day, you ought to have been sitting in somebody's salon chair fixing that mess on your head. Hair look like a faded red towel. Did Roger pay for that weave?"
"Yes," Lena snapped, thrusting out her hand. "And he paid for this ring to match too. Isn't it gorgeous? It's a whole two karats larger that the one he got you, Cuz. Hmmm, I wonder what that means?" Seeing Dawn and Willie step closer to her, she quickly pulled out her hand and stepped away from the women. "Well, I hope one day we can put all this behind us, Willie. After all, we are family. We can't help who we fall in love with. I pray we can get past this. I do hope to see you at the wedding. I trust you got the invitation. It's only fair that I invite you since you did introduce us. Later y'all." Lena walked away, not even bothering to look back as she gave the ladies a slow, five-fingered wave.
"You know what, Slut--" Willie screeched as she reached out to snatch the reddish-brown rug from her cousin's scalp.
"No, girl. Later for her," Kai said, placing her arm across her friend's chest. "You not going to go there now. For one, we're all grown."
"And two," Dawn snapped, "it's too late. If you were planning to kick that behind, you should have already done so. Now, only thing you can do is get even."
"How am I supposed to do that?" Willie asked, her eyes red and moist. "She's already taken everything from me, Dawn."
"Naw, girl, the only thing she took from you was trouble off your hands. Why would you want a man that would even think to cheat on you with someone you know, especially family? I thank God you found out what kind of man he was before the wedding. No, you going to get even." The heavy tone in Kai's voice left no room for argument.
"How?" Willie said again as the trio entered the restaurant and awai ted the hostess to seat them.
"Hun, the first thing you're gonna do is allow yourself to be treated like the queen that you are by your new admirer," Dawn placed a reassuring arm around Willie's shoulders. "And the second thing you're going to do is get your inner sexy back. The third thing is for you to go to that wedding and flaunt it all up in Lena's face."
The hostess led the women to their favorite booth.
"But the next thing you're gonna do is take this phone, hit send, and call Ignacio to thank him for a wonderful evening. How 'bout it?" Kai said, holding out her cell phone.
You will type both my sentence and provide the next sentence.
The writer after that will have to type (or cut and paste) the previous sentences before adding and so on.
I realize there may be duplicates, so it's up to you to pick the "string" you want to add to.
I suppose you'll have to type quickly, too.
So you don't cut and paste this post, I'll give my sentence in the next post.
Ready?
Oh yeah: If it makes sense, I will be amazed.