Total pages in book: 118
Estimated words: 109178 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 546(@200wpm)___ 437(@250wpm)___ 364(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 109178 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 546(@200wpm)___ 437(@250wpm)___ 364(@300wpm)
“Misery ain’t though, Nana, and we should never get used to it. Too many of us Black people have accepted misery as part of our lifestyles. Like, it’s part of a normal day for us. Despair is a death sentence.”
“You’re right, baby, and that’s why I don’t want you to end up like… never mind.” Nana began to fiddle with a loose thread on the side of her dress. This was the most she’d spoken of her mother, and Nadia was so grateful for it, but it was evident she still wouldn’t come clean. She was holding back.
I need all of it. I need to know more about my mother. It’s been part of the reason why she and I butt heads. Why do I feel like I can’t talk to her, or go to her when things get tough. I don’t know who she is deep down. When I get too close, she barricades herself, tells me to stop it, or goes silent. Nana knows the real JoAnn. I want to know the real JoAnn, too…
Lennon moved slowly through the aisle. He paused, slipping a shirt over his arm as he continued to shop in the upscale store. ‘Back On 74’ by Jungle played through the speakers. He glanced down at his watch, went to the cash register, and paid for the nice sage green Polo shirt, as well as a bottle of his favorite cologne. As soon as he walked out the front doors, an attractive older Black woman, shaped like an old-fashioned Coca-Cola bottle was coming into the store. Being the perfect gentleman, he held the door open for her, allowing her to enter.
She thanked him, her long platinum blond hair swinging with each step on silver stilettos. Dark smooth skin wrapped around a physique that was straight out of a dream, defying her age. As he turned to release the door, he felt a gentle tug on his arm. He paused and looked into her eyes.
“Boy, you smell good! What is that?”
“Thank you, I just bought some more, actually.” He waved the bag about. “It’s Tom Ford’s, ‘Fucking Fabulous.’”
“You’re damn right it is.” They both laughed. “I’ve smelled that on other men and it always smells good, but something about the way it blends with your chemistry just takes me there. You’re easy on the eye, too. Tall, dark tan, and handsome.”
“It’s what I always wear. Thanks for the compliments.”
“You’re welcome. You like older women, baby? A little flavor, too? The Blacker the berry, the sweeter the juice.” She placed her hand on her hip and leaned back, sizing him up as if he were some new outfit she was debating on purchasing and taking home.
“I’m flattered, but uh, I’m kinda seein’ someone right now.”
“Well, now you can’t blame a cougar for trying. Yum, yum, yum. Wit’ yo’ sexy self. You take care now.” She made a sort of growling sound as she looked him up and down once more, winked, then headed inside the store. A Chanel bag rocked back and forth over her arm as her ass bounced from side to side in a form-fitting cream dress.
He chuckled and made his way to his truck. He could appreciate another woman’s beauty, but something about the interaction made him even more excited for his upcoming date with Nadia. Once he was seated in his truck, he turned on some music: ‘Frogs,’ by Lucy Chris. Taking out his cellphone, he proceeded to get directions to another store he’d heard just opened. They specialized in baseball caps. Before that though, he re-read the strange text message Nadia had sent earlier in the day. The interaction with the lady at the store solidified that he needed to go on and respond instead of ignoring what he considered a silly question.
This is pointless… I’ll answer though. Obviously she feels it’s important.
He began to type:
No, you’re not the only Black woman I’ve dated, Nadia. Just because you never saw me with one didn’t mean it wasn’t happening. A lot happened before and after you were in my life. Rest assured, I’ve flirted with Black women, dated Black women all of my adult life, had sex with Black women frequently, as well as a few relationships, too. I have dated many races of women. I love ALL women. I wouldn’t say I’ve dated more White or Mexican girls than Black girls. It’s probably been about even. I have a type – but skin color has nothing to do with it. See you tomorrow xoxo
He lit up when KARRAHBOOO’, ‘Running Late’ came on. Placing his dark sunglasses over his eyes, he turned up the music and rolled out.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Don’t Go Chasing Waterfalls
The rattle from the gold chain attached to the side of Lennox’s jeans made a song with the wind each time he took a step forward, his long legs possessing natural born swag. Nadia gripped onto the edge of the big steel door of his beautiful truck as he boosted her inside. One big, strong arm snatched her from behind, holding her close around the waist, and the other rested on her thigh as he guided her onto her seat.