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Episode 1 - I'm Comin' Out

It all began in 1996. Yea, that was the year!!! R&B and Hip Hop artists were blowing up!!! Puff Daddy, otherwise known as Sean "Puffy" Combs released a CD that had everybody rockin' and even though Puff Daddy released a remake of Diana Ross's "I'm Coming Out", well, I had news for Puff Daddy and Diana.....
"I was comin' out too."

It was the Spring of '96, and for the past two years, I'd been working as a volunteer with the production of the Essence Awards. The awards were to be held in approximately two weeks from today, so, in preparation for this big event, I had to become my very own "instant" personal stylist because all the big dogs, that is, Hollywood celebrities that I was "living"--not dying--to meet would be attending. This time I had a "reason" to be in the malls besides tending to the quick fix of a hungry shopaholic. After grazing through the mall scoping shops for some phat gear although lavishly elegant, and leaving, consequently, I'd finally found a quaint little boutique in the center of town that seemed to have hired the perfect buyer. Just to inform you, the type of "sister" you're dealing with here: whenever I showed up for any function that involved "being seen," my attitude was--I've gotta be the flyest chic that stepped out on the face of this earth since Marilyn Monroe took this nation by storm with her captivating seductiveness. Pretty, bogewa, right? I know, that's me--you'll learn to love me for it. Now, back to shopping...Girl, this suit is "off-the-hook". It was black satin, the pants were an A-line cut with a one-inch slit at the bottom of each leg on the exterior of the pant. The jacket was cute, but yet short and sassy. It has four satin buttons coming down in the middle sort of like a shirt. And, honey, the price is right. Did I just hear "Bob Barker?? Ding ding ding ding. While voguing in the mirror, I thought to myself, it would be really fly if I found the perfect satin and lace bra to wear under my jacket, with the first 2, well maybe 3 buttons loosened. This would "set-it-off" just right....sexy, seductive, feminine. I knew just where to find it....Ann Cushman's fine European lingerie. And I did. It was a "push up" bra with black lace and the hue of soft pink cups seeping through the lace--the straps were satin...And, honey, the price is right....did I just hear "Bob Barker again?? SOLD. SOLD. SOLD. Off I go, back home, preparing to complete the outfit that I just purchased. As soon as I arrived, I threw my purse on the bed, shaked the clothing out of the bags, took off my clothes, and tried on the complete outfit. I think to myself "Hum, what shoes should I wear." Grazing through my closet, I remember that I owned a pair of black lace pumps. I reach towards the back of the closet to grab the box, then, I gently try on the pumps with the outfit. I excitingly stroll towards my mirrored wardrobe unit, and give myself as the movie critics would say "a whopping 5 thumbs up." I looked fabulous. Well, now that my outfit was taken care of, I began to drum up ideas for a fly hairdo. At the time, my shoulder-length hair was a hot cinnamon brown with highlights of blonde. Pretty wild right??? I know. Well, the hair was my territory. I'd been a hairstylist for approximately 2 years and I knew just what would work. A fly weave. Who was going to do it? I was. Why? Because when the compliments start coming in, I'd receive all the rave reviews, and I love admiration--I blame this on my birth sign Capricorn. You ladies all know what's next, I get on the phone to call my "girls" to tell them how good I looked, exactly what I'm going to wear for the event--from head-to-toe--all the way down to the type of shoes. With the event fast approaching, I make childcare arrangements with my sister Ann--you see I have two beautiful daughters, at the time, Chantelle was ten, and Aneatha was eight years old. So, on Saturday morning I call Ann, and as usual, Ann was on her way to the nail salon. Ann is one of my older sisters, about 38 years young, seriously devoted to going to "girl's night out" parties on weekends with chums, and married to a wonderful, cool Caucasian man named Gary. "Hello, Ann?" "Yea, this is Ann." "Girl, this is Monique. What ya' doin'?" "Well, it's Saturday morning and I'm on the way to the nail salon." "Oh, yea, that's right you usually go to get your nails "did" on Saturday's." Just like Ann, always consistent with her schedule. "Well, I thought, I'd call you to ask if you would keep the girls for me this Friday?" "Why, what's happening Friday?" "Child, you know what's happening this Friday. I'll be attending the Essence Awards." "Oh yea, that's right, I forgot." I'm thinking to myself, I'd only been mentioning this for the past few months....how'd she forget? Anyway, Ann happens to be one of the most loving persons in the whole world, with a twist of a snoodish type of a personality--Ann cared, but, so what? "So, could ya fit this into your schedule, Ann?" "Sure, 'Gar'"--short for Gary--"and I'll be happy to have the girls over. What time you coming back?" I'm thinking like she has somewhere to go??? Homegirl will be chilling tomorrow, probably making quilts for each family member's Christmas gifts. Ann shops all-year round for Christmas. When Ann and Gary arrive to the family gathering on Christmas day everyone's eyes light up--including adults--you'd think that Santa just stopped by and dropped all his stuff with them, and they are Santa's personal little elves delivering loads of gifts to everyone. By the time December arrives, they've purchased about 7 Christmas gifts for everyone, and we've got a BIG family. "I'll probably be sometime in the morning." "Alright, 'Money'"--short for Monique...it seems like Ann gives everyone in the family their own signature nick-name--"I'll make sure I have dinner ready for the girls on Friday night."

"Thanks, Ann."

Episode 2 - It's Friday

As usual, the week just flew by, it's Friday already. I think the older you get, the more you realize how time flies. Of course, I took the day off from work today. At the time, I worked for a well-known pharmaceutical firm and my primary responsibility was managing the budget for a department of approximately 50 employees. My boss, Senior Director of the department was a middle-aged Asian woman named Lee. Lee was real cool. Lee's administrator Mary, one of my co-workers, was no short of an absolute doll. Mary was a petite Italian woman, in her mid-50s, with a boyfriend that she loved dearly, and he returned the favor. Mary and I would leave on Friday's and come back on Monday's thirsting to hear about each other's weekends. Mary also knew that I was a stylist, vocalist, and overall glamour girl. She'd always ask me fashion tips, and we'd always share makeup and wardrobe stories...ya know, the whole nine. My boss Lee was also one of the most darling human beings that ever lived. Lee was quite serious, yet she had this inward humor that exploded when she ran her department. She was also quite dedicated, and if you reviewed her calendar to try to squeeze in a meeting, you'd think that she was the President of the United States. Mary had to work miracles to fit all of Lee's meetings in one year. Lee knew how to motivate her staff, and make everyone feel like family. And so did Mary. As a matter of fact, I started calling Mary "M", sometimes, "Aunt M". Each time Lee went on an international or domestic trip, she'd bring back gifts for M and me. Holidays, well, they were my favorite. We all racked up on holidays. Anyway, Mary and Lee knew that I was involved with the world of entertainment, fashion & beauty, and just about everything else that I could get my hands into. As a matter of fact, I was one of the soloists for our departmental Christmas Party last December. So, anytime I had to attend an industry event they were real cool. Well, here it is mid-day, and ya know a sista's been preparing for this event--nails, hair, makeup, wardrobe--it's all in check. I've gotta pick up the children from the bus stop and take them over to Ann & Gar's place so I'd arrive on time to work the awards. Dinner was covered by Ann. She told me last week that she was going to order pizza for the girls. As usual, the school bus is late, and I'm pissed. While waiting, I search my briefcase to make sure I have all my credentials in place--ya see, I don't want to arrive in NY without them, and some hotsh$t person tell me that I'm not on the list. That's the thing about some industry folk, they think they are hotsh$ts, yet, the majority of them are very flaky when it comes down to being professional. I'm not used to that. I grew up in corporate America. A place where you've got to be on your "p's" and "q's". Oh...there's the bus. "Hey girls, how was school today?" "Fine, mommy." Every day I ask them the same question, and it seems like I get the same answer...in unison. "Are we going over to Aunt Ann's today, mom?" asks Aneatha. "Yes, sweetheart, and Ann said she's gonna order pizza for you girls" I reply. "Oh, goodie, yeah!!!" Aneatha and Chantelle flutter my car with pizza praises. Enough to make you reck your car. "Girls, I have all your things in the trunk, so we don't have to stop home not unless one of you have to use the ladies room." They both look at each other, and Chantelle replys, "We're cool, mom." "Well, alright let's go." We arrive at Aunt Ann & Uncle Gar's place, grab their overnight bag, climb about four flights of stairs, we kiss and hug each other bye-bye, and off I go to the Essence Awards.

Episode 3 - The Big Apple, a.k.a., New York City

Driving in the "big Apple", a.k.a., New York City is absolutely the pits. It's a miniature freeway. You either drive or die". In all this havoc, I have absolutely no idea where I'm going, but I figure I'll ask a couple of folk for direction and I'll get there. You see, I'm a Jersey girl, I grew up in South Jersey in a quaint residential community, Willingboro, which is only 30 minutes from "the city of brotherly love" Philadelphia, PA, a.k.a. Philly. I moved to North Jersey immediately after graduating from business school, and I've been here ever since. I work, live, sleep, eat and breathe Jersey. Even though in driving time, I'm only 45 minutes away from the big apple, I have no use for traveling or driving through NY for anything, and, if I happened to be in NY--which was rarely, I would always travel with someone else who knew the city. At the time, I was separated from my now "ex-husband" who I'd been married to for about 11 years, and all I have to say about that is "you know when it's over", although now he and I are good friends. Consequently, after ending a long marriage, I was ready to meet "Mr. Right", therefore, I had my mind made up, and, convinced myself that "I was gonna meet someone" tonight. Finally, after all that "drive or die" havoc, I arrive at Madison Square Garden. Even finding a parking deck is painstaking. After parking my car and validating my presence at the credentials desk, I enthusiastically take my place for the night, which at the time was escorting honorees into the pre-reception. The line-up for honorees and talent performances were pretty hot for the evening...Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, Whoopi Goldberg, Boyz II Men, Oseola McCarty, and the list goes on...and, as usual, my heart was set on meeting celebs and networking with industry folk. Around 12:30 am, the awards show concluded, and, most folk were on their way to the official after party which was held at the Marriott Marquis. I, on the other hand, had no idea where this Marriott Marquis was located, and, thought I'd network with a few others who'd worked with the production of the show to find out if they were planning to attend the after party. Last year, I was able to attend the official after party and I met one of jazz music's greatest assets, Nancy Wilson, and consequently gave a shout out to Actor extraordinarre Samuel L. Jackson. Meeting Nancy Wilson was enough to make me come back for more. This year, although the awards program was fabulous, working the production was pretty strenuous on my feet, and I'd imagine on other's folks feet as well, because it seemed that everyone was heading home. I, on the other hand, had made up in my mind that I was going to stay out in New York City for a New York minute, especially since I looked good, the night air felt good, and, I was in the mood for mingling. One thought that came to mind is having the opportunity to meet Boyz II Men. With that thought in mind, I headed straight for the celebrity exit to make my way through the crowd on a pursuit to meet Boyz II Men. Because I admired their style of singing, I was hoping that through meeting them, it would open doors for exposing my singing talents as well. It was jammed packed outside. It seemed like everyone was out there to see someone or just to enjoy the night air and the beautiful crowd. Well, my pursuit turned into a mission, and, after a couple of minutes in the overwhelming crowd, I began asking a couple of folk if they'd seen Boyz II Men exit the Garden. I soon found a stable place in the crowd, then noticed a guy standing next to me, so I asked him if he'd seen the Boyz. This fellow shook his head no, although I heard a voice behind me replying to my question "No, Boyz II Men didn't come out yet." So I turned around, and noticed this tall, dark, and handsome man. Just like I like them, TDH (T-Tall, D-Dark, and H-Handsome). In other words, he was about 6'2", special-dark-chocolate completion, jet-black soft-curly hair with beautiful strong eyes, thick eyebrows, a mustache, a nice physique...you know, the "whole 9" or maybe I should say the "whole 10". It doesn't take much for a sister to notice a fine a$$ brother. As I stood there, I peeped that while Mr. TDH was chillin' and smoking a cigarette, he was also scoping me up and down. You know, the thing that you brothers do...check a sista out. So, since the chemistry was flowing, I decided to break the silence, because quite frankly, he looked like he had a few things on his mind. "So, are you with Essence?" I asked. "No, I'm with Boyz II Men." I thought to myself, "bingo." I'm out here in this massive crowd, and decide to stop for a minute to ask someone if they'd seen the Boyz, and it just so happens that I run into a fine brother that's with the Boyz. At that time, we just started vibing. "Who are you here with?" he asked. "I'm out here from Jersey, and I worked with the production of the awards." "Oh, he replied, Are you going to the after party?" "I'd like to, however, I haven't any tickets to the after party, and I was just hanging around to see who'd be heading that way." I replied. He looks at me as if opportunity just called his name and says "By the way, I'm Rick, and, I'm going. Actually, we're waiting for the limo to drive us to the hotel so we could drop our things off, change, and then head over to the after party. If you'd like to come, just meet me at the hotel, we're staying at the Palasaides Hotel, and my room number is 653. You can come hang out with me." I immediately think "What does this guy think I am? A hoochie-mama?" I certainly don't look like one. I replied, "Oh, thanks, I'll probably see you there." At that point, Rick noticed that the limo had arrived. He started looking for a piece of paper and pen. "I'm looking for something to write on and a pen, so I could keep in contact with you because you touched my heart." Although he was quite charming, and a TDH (Tall, Dark & Handsome) brother, I think, what in the world did I do to touch this man's heart so soon? Although, it was a nice gesture on his part to express to me that I impacted him in that way. So, I pulled out a business card to give to Rick. "Oh, Monica" said Rick "Nice to meet you." "Nice to meet you too, Rick." I replied. Usually, when I give anyone a business card, I request theirs in return, it's just the art of networking. However, there was so much going on that evening, I just figured that since he has my number, he'll call me. After Rick looked at the business card, he said, "No, I want 'your' number, I want to be able to get in contact with you directly." Rick implied. "Rick, that is my number directly." I assured him. He said "Alright, baby, I'll give you a call." After Rick left, I thought this is the man that I said I was going to meet earlier, and not only did I touch his heart, he also left an impression on mine. After Rick left, I continued to hang out at Madison Square Garden getting my "network on" and, looking to hookup with a group of folk who were going to the after party. Even though I had met Rick, and he was definitely intriguing, at that time, I really wasn't all that convinced to go to the hotel to meet him, and by the way, I forget the room number he told me that he was staying in anyway. So I continued to talk with folk at the Paramount, and, to no avail everyone was on their way home. It was around 2:00 am, and I still wanted to get my "party on." So I headed back to my car thinking about finding the hotel so that I would at least have an escort to the after party, that is, Rick--or, either I'd head over to the Marriott Marquis without an escort and without an invitation. I made a quick decision to go to the hotel where Rick was staying. Now, again, I have absolutely no idea where I am in NY, so as I began my pursuit, I ask a few cab drivers how to get to the Palasaides Hotel, and they direct me comfortably. Upon arrival at the hotel, I realize that I had forgotten Rick's room number, and I didn't even know the brother's last name. So I couldn't even pickup the house phone to be connected to his room. Nevertheless, I decide to park my car in front of the hotel. This way if he comes out or goes in, there's a possibility that I'd see him. Although, my patience isn't to keen, and I had decided that if I don't see him in about a half-hour, then I'll go without him. As I was waiting, I went over to talk with a limo driver, thinking that he possibly could be their driver. I introduced myself, then I explained my dilemma to him. Although, he seemed quite interested, he told me that he was here to pickup a prime minister, however, he saw a couple of celebs go into the hotel. Talking to him helped the time go faster. As he listened to my soga, he left me with a few consoling words "If it's meant to be, it will be." I replied, "Yea, thanks." At that point, I knew that was my ticket to move on, and it had been exactly a half-hour. It was around 3:00 am, at that point so I got back into my car to drive to the Marriott Marquis. As I was sight-seeing and driving--there's so much to see in New York, that's why I love this city--I noticed the Motown Café on the opposite side of the street. I'd heard a lot about the Motown Café through the host of BET's Video Soul Donnie Simpson, so, this place was definitely one of the hotspots that I wanted to visit. Being that I was on the opposite side of the street, I wheeled a big illegal U-turn and ended up a couple of doors down from of Motown Café. Focusing on the time--it was around 3:15am, I began to park my car. I know I should have an escort or at least be heading back to Jersey, but I thought maybe I'd run into a few industry folks since everyone is out tonight because of the awards. As I proceeded to get out of the car, I looked up, and, I was in complete shock. The same man I'd met hours ago at the awards, and had absolutely no idea of his whereabouts, nor did I know where Motown Café was located, happened to be standing in front of the Motown Café alone, smoking a cigarette. It was Rick. How ironic. I got back into my car (just enough to honk my horn), and waved at Rick. Rick ran over to the car, and, as he approached me, he recognized it was me. "Oh, hey baby, it's you," Rick said surprisingly. Now, I didn't tell you that at the time, I had also forgotten the man's name, however, we soon straightened that out. "Hey, how are you. I'm just as surprised to see you again as you are to see me. By the way, what's your name again?" I asked. "Rick, baby, my name's Rick. Wait right here for a minute, I'm going to run back into Motown Café to let my manager know that I'm going to kick it with you." As Rick headed back towards the restaurant, I was in "it was meant to be Heaven". I got back into my car and pulled up in front of Motown Café and Rick came right out to get into the car. "So where you headed, baby? You going to the after party?" Rick asked. As I began to answer that question, I noticed a sexy glow in Rick's eyes, and the chemistry that we had between each other was burning a whole through the car roof. "Actually, Rick, it's about 3:30am, and I'm just down for hanging out. If you want, we could ride pass the Marriott Marquis to see what's going on. Why, do you feel like going to the after party?" I answered. Well, baby, whatever you wanna do. I mean, we could just hang out together. I'll take care of gas, and if you're hungry, we can go get something to eat, alright? Because actually I really don't feel like going to the after party now--unless you'd like to go." Rick replied. As I gazed into Rick's eyes, while he rationed with me, I was feelin' the same way. "Alright, Rick, let's just hang out together." So I pulled out, and we drove around New York, enjoying the city's views while conversating, laughing, and having mad fun. We'd been riding for about an hour, and Rick asked me to stop at the store so he could get a pack of cigarettes. "Do you want anything, baby?" Rick asked. "No, sweetheart, I'm cool...oh, just bring me a pack of chewing gum." I replied. "Is that all, are you hungry?" "Well, yea, it is about 4:30am, and I could definitely get down with some grub right about now." I replied. "Well, just let me run into the store, and when I come out we'll find a place to eat." suggested Rick. Before Rick got out of the car, he looked at me in my eyes and said, "You know, Monique," I answered him, "Yes, Rick?" He continued to say, "This is the best time I've had since I've been coming out to New York, and I've been coming out here for the past 10 years." "Is that right, Rick?" I asked. "Yes, baby, it's right. It feels like I've known you all my life." At that moment, Rick leaned over to kiss me. His lips felt so smooth, soft, thick, and tasted so sweet. We smiled at each other, and Rick got out of the car to get his cigarettes.

Episode 4 - Still in New York

Driving around looking for a café to sit down to relax and eat at 4:30am seemed like mission impossible. Rick and I were not only exhausted from a long evening, but we were also ready to get a couple of z's. So he suggested that we'd head to his hotel, order room service to just relax for a few--of course, if it was alright with me. It was like Rick read my mind. The timing was right, I felt comfortable with Rick at this point, and I was definitely ready to chill, so we headed to the Palasaides Hotel. Upon arrival, the valet attendant parked my vehicle, and we headed to Rick's room. The hotel was definitely a 5 star outfit--marble floors, Jacuzzi, a beautiful suede box of delicious Belgium chocolates on the night stand and fresh cut flowers in the dining area of the suite. It was definitely the whole "9"...well, I should say the whole "10". While Rick hung his jacket in the closet, I slipped off my shoes, jumped on the bed and grabbed the remote. "The Brady Bunch!" Rick laughed, "I used to watch that show when I was a child." "So did I. It was one of my favorite shows as a child." I replied. "As a matter of fact, I still enjoy it because it brings back memories of my childhood," I continued. "I hear you, baby. So what do you want to eat? The menu for ordering room service should be right on the night stand. Do you see it?" Rick asked. "Yes, sweetheart, I found it." As I reviewed the menu, Rick took his shoes off, and jumped in the bed next to me to look at the menu with me. "So, baby, what would you like to order? Do you want breakfast, something light, or do you want a complete entrée?" Rick asked. Actually Rick, whatever attracts my taste buds, baby what about you?" I replied. "Baby I'm cool. I had a bite to eat at Motown Café before you arrived, I'll just have something to drink." Rick replied. "I think I'll have a salad, Rick." "Baby, you can have anything you want." Rick replied as if he was referring to more than just food. Rick moved closer to me gazed into my eyes and gave me a tantalizing kiss. The kiss was so intense that I felt the menu slipping out of my hands, eventually falling to the floor. Rick and I both laughed, and Rick said, "Come on baby, let me get the menu so I could order you something to eat, because you're hungry." Rick began reading selections to me from the menu, "How about Roasted Duck Breast Glazed with Spices, Dates, Apricots and Rutabaga; or Crab and Mesclun Salad with Endive and Apple; or Lobster Tartine, Lemongrass, Fenugreek Broth, Pea Shoots; or Strawberry Salad with Strawberry-Red Wine Sorbet?" Rick asked. "That sounds good, Rick." I replied. "Which one?" Rick asked. The Crab and Mesclun Salad with Endive and Apple," I answered. "Is that what you want?" Rick asked. "Yes, sweetheart, that's it." I replied. "Alright baby, let me call room service." Rick responded. As Rick ordered my selection from room service, I began to drift off into "twila twoula land" thinking to myself--now, this is the kind of man I could marry. He's so attentive and gentle. So caring and so strong. His whole persona exemplifies tender loving care, and not only do I need this, but also deserve a whole lot of TLC. What woman doesn't? While waiting for room service to arrive, Rick and I shared a few childhood memories, experiences that were good and bad, however Rick and I both agreed that we enjoyed our childhood and teenage years. A moment of silence engulfed the atmosphere, the type of silence that awakes the sensual being within, and, at that moment Rick leaned over, grabbed me by the waist, and began to passionately kiss my lips and neck while he gently began to unbutton my black satin jacket. Breathing more intensely, while my insides began to flutter, I run my hands slowly up Rick's strong arms, up the back of his neck and into his jet-black soft-curly hair as I felt the warmth from our bodies as we continued to caress. We were in total ecstasy until the doorbell rung. "Rick..." "Yes, baby" Rick answered. Rick continued to slowly kiss me. "Rick...Rick, sweetheart, the doorbell."

Episode 5 - Crab and Mesclun Salad with Endive and Apple

For the moment, the passion between Rick had completely tuned out the sound of the doorbell. We both finally came to ourselves when we heard a voice at the door saying "Room Service". I began to button up my satin jacket, fix my hair-you know, do girly thing-something that most women do when you know it's time to look presentable. I continued to pat my lipstick-as if any was left, jumped out of bed to proceed to walk towards the door only to be greeted by a friendly smile-the smile behind the "room service" voice. "Hello", I said. "Hello, Madame, how are you this morning?" he replied. "Oh just fine, thank you." I answered. Rick's expression to my response was a sensual smile that bling-blinged "yes, baby-that you are." As if I just read Rick's mind, I smiled right back at him. As the room service guy rolled the dining table into the room and began to prepare the setting, I was admiring the presentation of the dining table in that it was elegantly covered in a pure white table cloth and on top there was a silver-tone vase with a delicately fresh-cut freesia flower in pure white with fuchsia-colored etching that succumbed the atmosphere with a hint of softness and romance. You know, ladies…sometimes it's the little things. As a grand finale to the presentation, the room service guy uncovered the entree and announced "Crab and Mesclun Salad with Endive and Apple" finishing it with arranging the seat so that I may be seated at the table. "Will there be anything else, sir?" asked the room service guy. Rick immediately responded by looking at me asking, "Baby, do you have everything you need?" "Yes, baby, everything's fine." I responded smiling. And as a hidden thought-yes, I do have everything I need-and it all starts the fine a$$, special dark, tall, handsome, considerate and loving man that's standing right in front of me. Rick tipped the guy and signed the bill as I proceeded to eat. "What do you want to drink, baby…there's apple juice, cranberry juice, grapefruit juice, champagne…?" asked Rick as he walked over to the kitchen area to open the refrigerator. "I'll have cranberry juice, sweetheart-thank you," I responded. "Baby, you can have anything you want," Rick replied. "Do you want some salad, Rick?" I asked as I picked up the fork to feed Rick. "No, baby, I'm allergic to seafood." Rick replied as he bent over to give me a kiss on the lips and then took a seat at the table. I'm thinking-where has this man been all my life? You know life is funny, before I met Rick, I was in a rocky marriage, and boy do I mean a rocky disaster type of a marriage. At the time that I met Rick, I had been separated for about six months and I knew the marriage was done and over cause I'd been singing Mary J Blige's "I'm Not Gone Cry" from Terry McMillian's "Waiting to Exhale" soundtrack produced by Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds. Child, that was my national anthem because ironically at the time, our relationship was 11 years, we had two kids, I was his "secretaire" and I named the business-but the only difference is that "he" wasn't leaving me for a vanilla girl. Rick was a breath of fresh air-to say the least. As I finished my salad, the telephone rang. As Rick answered the phone, I continued day dreaming and thinking about this phat a$$ hotel, room service, and a fine a$$ dark chocolate, tall and handsome successful man-almost too good to be true, right? Nah. Not if you expect the best out of life. Sometimes you get it, sometimes you don't but the key is to keep looking for it to come your way. "Baby", Rick said, "that was my manager on the phone, he just wanted to let me know that the limo will be here to take me to the airport in an hour." Airport? Leave? Even worst, One hour? I thought. Reality kicking in was enough to snap me right out of dreamland. "Oh, well let me help you get ready baby. Do you need me to do anything?" I replied. "Yes, baby, while I take my shower would you press my slacks?" Rick asked. "Sure, sweetheart, I'll do anything for you", I replied. Rick took one look at me as if he was undressing me with his eyes, and said, "I'm gonna miss you baby, but I'll give you a call as soon as I get to LA." As he walked towards the bathroom, Rick came over, kissed me on my neck and then made his way back up to my lips to capture the moment, and then he headed towards the bathroom to take a shower. While Rick was in the shower, I keep myself busy by pressing his slacks, and flicking the channel to finally stop on the Flintstones-another childhood and now an adult favorite. "

To be continued...