A NEW NORMAL: Chapter 2

PAMPER PARADISE

My biological aunt and uncle took me away from my mother when I was four years old. They felt sorry for me because my mother was always at a crack house getting a fix and my dad was locked up. One day, I overheard my aunt say that Satan possessed my parents’ souls, but he wasn’t going to possess mine. So, every Sunday morning, my aunt and uncle would take me to church. I don’t remember what religion they practiced, but they were strong believers of their faith. Their congregation was small. People would holler loud, cry and scream as the Holy Ghost filled their spirits. My cousins and I would sit in the back of the church watching big corn-fed women catch the spirit. We would cover our ears when the shouts of praises began. My aunt would catch us laughing and ducking in the pews as Holy Ghost-filled women jerked their bodies. Ushers would form a human hula-hoop around these sanctified women during their Holy Ghost dance so they wouldn’t fall. I remember there was this one lady who would have a shout party every Sunday. She was our entertainment. One of my cousins would whisper, “There she goes. Look at her. Watch her go!”

This lady would stand, go to the back of the church and take off running down the aisle to the pulpit. The preacher would stop preaching and the organist would break into a fast-paced melody. The woman would reach the pulpit, lay across the altar twisting and shouting. Her dress would fly up and the deacons would look underneath her dress saying, “Amen, sister. Amen.” The ushers would race to her side, covering her so her panties wouldn’t show. After church, that same woman would be calm, never really saying much to anyone. She would put on a pair of dark sunglasses, nod good-bye and leave. That was the beginning of my spiritual foundation.

On my tenth birthday, my aunt simply said she didn’t want to take care of me anymore because I started my period. She said I didn’t need to be around my uncle, who had molested a teenager in the church years ago. So they placed me in foster care, where I was molested, beaten and humiliated. After surviving those horrific years, I was adopted by the Degmans when I was fourteen years old. My adopted parents were Catholic. We attended Mass and the monotone pitch of the priest’s sermon would send me straight to sleep. Kira’s mom invited me to go to church with them one Sunday and that’s when I welcomed Christ into my life. I remember the choir singing praises to God. Everyone stood up singing. Although I didn’t know the words to the songs, I joined in, lending a hand clap and rocking to the beat. I recall a young minister stepping to the pulpit ready to deliver his message. God delivered His word through the minister. It was the first time I could relate to what was being said. That’s when I opened my heart and allowed God to take control of me. It was definitely a life-altering experience, but I didn’t totally allow God to take control of my life. I was still sleeping with Julius Fairchild, my high school sweetheart. I knew it wasn’t right for us to be sleeping with each other but I didn’t feel that it was wrong. I had convinced myself that we would someday be married and having sex with him was okay. Wrong! I was young with a warped sense of thinking. I justified my fornication by saying God knew I was in search of a husband, not just a good time. I wanted to make sure the man I married would know how to put it down in the bedroom. I know it’s wrong, but God knows my heart.

For now, cable ministries are the extent of my religious experience. I don’t care to worship with church congregations because members get in your business. At least that’s what I used to hear adults talk about. That’s why I don’t fellowship in a church setting. I feel like cable ministries are speaking directly to me, and I want to change my ways every Sunday. But by the time I hang out with my girls, I find myself in the same situation I was in before the minister’s message pricked my heart. I wouldn’t mind going to church on a regular basis, but until I can find a church where I can fellowship, I’ll have it in the comfort of my home. No pumps. No dresses, just God and me having a praise party.

*****

Kira called me last night and told me to be ready by noon. She and Mia have a surprise for me. I was trying to find something to wear while I was getting my weekly Jesus fix. I don’t know where we’re going, but I’m sure it includes men. We like to have a good time with the fellas. We have a reputation for getting what we want from men and then leaving them when they can’t keep the flame burning. We want to sample every type of man like appetizers until we find our main course.

I try to keep my affairs on the down low. Once I was in lust with three different guys at the same time. I was reaching deep with these three different guys at the same time, trying to find that spark of love. I never found that in any one of them, so they became late-night booty calls.

Kira is straight up about what she wants and expects from a man. She wants an emotionless physical date. No relationship. Kira is the type who doesn’t care who knows about her kiss-and-tell endeavors. Men are like trophies to her. Mia, on the other hand, will go with the flow. She will stick around if a man keeps her happy. The moment there’s an issue like baby mama drama, she’s out the door leaving the guy wondering where he went wrong.

When the sermon was over, I started getting ready. The phone rang a couple of times while I was in the shower. I toweled off, picked up the phone and hit *69. “Are you ready to go?” Mia asked, recognizing my number on her Caller ID.

“It’s a quarter to one and Kira isn’t here yet,” I said.

“She’s here with me. We’ll be there in ten minutes.”

“That’s thirty minutes for Kira.”

“I’m rushing her, so get ready.”

“What do I need to bring?” What should I wear?” I asked.

“Kira didn’t tell you?”

“She did, but I’m not taking my robe anywhere. She’s out of her mind.”

“That’s pretty much all you need.”

“Mia, I can’t keep participating in Kira’s rowdy sex games. I’m getting too old for this. If I have to play a game, I want to play one-on-one with someone. I’m not into orgies.”

“Simone, now is not the time to deal with that scenario. We have reservations and I think you’ll enjoy this outing. Just calm down and go with the flow. The place is legal and sophisticated.”

“For some reason, I trust you, Mia. I’ll be ready when you get here.”

I hung up and searched for a robe that wasn’t too inviting. I wanted to find the one I throw on when the UPS man is at the door. I couldn’t find it. I had two provocative Victoria’s Secret robes. I didn’t know which one to take, so I folded them both up and tucked them away in my oversized straw bag. I put on my matching straw hat. I looked like I was headed to the beach. I grabbed my shades and sat on my steps outside to wait for the girls.

My neighborhood was quiet as usual. Torrance is a quaint area full of children, dogs and nosy neighbors. It’s a lot different from South Central where I grew up. Police activity was routine every night in South Central. My sleep is no longer broken with the ghetto bird hovering over my neighborhood day and night.

I watched two little girls race corner to corner on their scooters. They looked so naïve and cute. I longed for those days of innocence. Too many men had traveled on my freeway of love for me to feel pure. I’m not proud of it. When I do settle down, my man will know about the skeletons in my closet. I’ll be upfront and open about my checkered past. We live in a society that frowns on a woman who lives a life of promiscuity, and encourage men to sleep with as many women as they can before settling down with one woman. Women who sleep around are considered loose. A slut. A whore. Not men. Let Kira tell it, we’re just sexual creatures doing what comes natural.

I heard loud music coming close to my house. I turned to see who was thumping their radio so tough on my block. Of course it was Kira and Mia. I picked up my things and met them curbside. Kira plays music with provocative lyrics. Her music could make an old man want to suck on Viagra like Tic-Tacs. She pulled up in front of me.

“Can you turn that down?” I ordered. “Don’t you see those innocent little girls across the street?”

“Innocent? Girl, I can’t even spell the word, let alone remember when I last fit the description,” Kira said. Mia laughed as she unlocked the door. I climbed into the backseat and Kira sped off before I could put my seat belt on, making my neck jerk.

“Damn!”

“Hold on. We got a long ride.” Kira bounced to the music.

“Where are we going?”

“Kira didn’t tell you?” Mia asked. “Kira, can I tell her?”

“Hell no! It’s Halloween and a treat is what she’s going to get. If you tell her where we’re going and what we’ll be doing, she may try to envision it and rehearse what she’s going to do,” Kira explained.

“You’re going to love it, Simone. That’s all I’ve got to say.”

We drove for about forty-five minutes east of downtown headed toward San Bernardino County. I slept most of the ride so I didn’t know where I was exactly. The car started to slow down and I woke up. We were off the freeway. I didn’t see any signs that could give me a clue as to where we were going. I stretched and sat up in my seat.

“Are we there?” I asked.

Kira parked in a circular driveway with a mini-mansion for a back-drop. The house was striking. There were statues of Greek gods at each end of a small waterfall. The landscaped bushes were shaped like deer, elephants and giraffes.

“Whose house is this?” I asked.

“Welcome to Pamper Paradise,” Kira said.

“Pamper Paradise. What are you up to?” I asked.

Grab your bag and let’s go.” She opened her trunk and grabbed her bag. I trailed behind her and Mia. Kira took me by the arm as we approached the front door and said, “Trust me. You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do.”

“Let’s go have some fun,” Mia said.

I knew I was going to be fine with the two of them, so I loosened up and prepared myself for a day of sheer pleasure.

Kira rang the doorbell as we stood shoulder to shoulder waiting. We looked like Girl Scouts selling cookies. Knowing Kira, we probably were selling cookies, our cookies. Well, my cookie wasn’t for sale.

When the door opened, a bald black man stood before us. He was fine. He flashed us a smile and gazed at the three of us.

“Welcome,” he said in a voice almost as deep as Barry White’s.

“Come on in. Welcome to Pamper Paradise. I will have someone take your bags to your rooms.”

His dimples sank deep in his cheeks. They complemented his straight pearly whites. He had on white linen drawstring pants, and I could see right through them. He didn’t have on a shirt, so I glimpsed at his six-pack and wavy chest hairs. He showed off his pretty masculine feet, no corns. I didn’t know what to say. Mia’s blushing was obvious. Her bright complexion turned tomato red.

“Girls, we’ll be in separate rooms for different treatments,” Kira whispered. I can’t wait to see you later. I want details on everything.”

Three men appeared from another room, and we each had one take us away to separate quarters. These men had sculpted bodies and favored models out of a men’s fashion magazine.

A brotha with a dark complexion took me by the hand and escorted me to a brick-red room trimmed in gold.

“My name is Seven. What’s yours?” He gazed deep into my eyes as I passed him entering the room.

“I’m Simone. Seven. Is that your birth name or nickname?”

“My birth name. Seven is supposed to be a complete number, which makes me complete. I’m the whole package.”

“I see.”

“At least that’s how my parents explained it to me.”

Seven had beautiful locs tied neatly in a ponytail that hung halfway down his back. He was hairy and muscular. His green eyes sent me into a trance every time our eyes met.

I loved the room’s décor. There was a beanbag chair propped in the corner and a massage table in the middle. Speakers were mounted in each corner. The stereo system was nice, candles were burning, and the room was illuminated by red track lights.

“Simone, I’m here to give you everything your body desires. We’ll start with a mineral bath then a full-body massage. You will have access to a private Jacuzzi, followed by dinner with moi.” He pointed to himself. “After dinner, you will have a chance to watch a concert of your choice from our selection while you receive paraffin treatment on your hands and your beautiful feet.”

I was speechless. I nodded. Seven smiled revealing his perfect teeth. A small gap added sex appeal to his beautiful smile.

“I studied the three of you when you came in so I wouldn’t mix up your bags. Did I choose the right one?” He questioned.

“Yes. That’s my bag.”

“What I would like for you to do now is remove your clothes and put on your robe.”

“Everything?”

“Yes. Everything. I’ll leave the room and let you change. I’ll be right outside the door. When you’re ready for me, knock on the door.”

Seven walked out of the room and I quickly got undressed. If I was dreaming this whole situation, I didn’t want to wake up, and I didn’t want him to vanish from this fantasy. I did as I was instructed and knocked on the door. He re-entered, checking me out. “Nice robe. Follow me.”

We walked through another door off the bedroom to a small tub that was filled with green water. At first I didn’t know what it was, and I didn’t want to get in and catch a yeast infection or something even worse. Seven saw the expression on my face and explained exactly what was in the water, convincing me that Pamper Paradise was a professional establishment and they wouldn’t do anything to harm their clients. He regained my confidence by showing me the herbal product that was in the tub. As I removed my robe, he extended his hand and I entered the warm bath. I was nervous about him probing my body. I didn’t want him to get aroused by my bare essence, strip down and get in the tub with me…well, maybe I did.

The lights were faint and candles warmed the room. The aroma reminded me of a floral shop.

“This is nice.” I eased into the tub. Seven sponged my body and asked me to lean back on the pillow. We talked about careers, traveling and our favorite restaurants. Our conversation took our attention away from my bath. I forgot I was naked in front of a stranger. When he was done bathing me, he toweled every inch of me dry like my aunt used to do when I was about four years old.

“Simone, did you enjoy that?”

“Yes, I did. I needed that. I don’t need any lotion.” I rubbed my arms. “The minerals made my skin smooth soft,” I said, sounding like a commercial.

Seven laughed and said, “Let’s go.”

He took me by the hand and we walked back to the room.

“Who’s your favorite artist? He asked, standing next to a twin tower CD holder.

“I have so many.”

“Who are you in the mood for? I want you to listen to your favorite tunes while I give you a massage.”

“Oh! How about a jazz blend? I’ll let you choose the artists.”

He made a selection of Wynton Marsalis. He’s one of my favorite artists.

“I’m going to leave the room once again. What I need you to do is lie on the massage table flat on your stomach. I’ll return in about five minutes. Place this towel over your butt.”

“Okay.”

He left and I followed his instructions. I wondered how Mia and Kira were making out. I didn’t really care. I was unwinding with Seven and loving every minute of it.

The massage table was cold when I climbed on it. I put the towel over my butt and lay flat on my stomach. The music was sounding good, so I closed my eyes and got into the moment. I must have dozed off because when Seven began to rub my neck and shoulders, I jumped.

“Oh! You startled me.”

“I’m sorry,” he said, laughing. “Go back to sleep and let me pamper your body.”

I couldn’t go back to sleep. My attention was on Seven’s hands. He was gentle and kneaded out every kink in my body. It was feeling good. When he got to my butt, he asked, “Would you like for me to massage this area?”

“I’m okay with that.”

“This area is my specialty. Tell me what you think when I’m done.”

Seven massaged my butt and the back of my thighs for what seemed like half an hour. He touched me as if he knew my body was crying out for attention. I turned toward him making eye contact and said, “Seven.”

“Yes?”

“This is nice.”

He smiled moving his hands all the way down to my feet. When he was done, he asked me to stand. My towel fell to the floor and I scrambled to get it.

“Just leave it there. I’ll get it when I’m done. This will only take a second. I want you to reach for the ceiling with both of your arms and stand straight.”

I followed his instructions. Seven picked me up with his arms wrapped around my waist. I was embarrassed when I grazed his penis. He proceeded to crack my back. I moaned. In that instant his manly shaft grew hard and thick while I was close to his body. I was excited by this touch as he eased me back to the floor. He didn’t try to hide his arousal. We stared at each other as he handed me the towel.

“How was that?” he whispered in my ear.

“I think you know,” I said, placing the towel in front of me.

“Lie down on your back and cover your sacred spots.”

I got on the table, opened the towel and covered my breasts and vagina. Seven began to massage me from my neck down to my shoulders. When he got to my breasts, he asked permission to massage them. I granted him a yes and he touched them tenderly moving in a circular motion. My nipples were erect and my eyes were closed. He moved to my stomach and sides. Then to my thighs, legs, feet and finished. The CD stopped. I couldn’t believe he rubbed me for the entire duration of the CD.

“It’s time for the Jacuzzi. Oscar will take over for now and get you whatever you need. See you in half an hour.”

Seven left the room and a Latino-looking black guy took me by the hand and accompanied me to the Jacuzzi. He was handsome. Like all the other men parading around, he had on white linen pants, no shoes and no shirt. To my surprise, Kira and Mia were already in the Jacuzzi dipping strawberries in chocolate and sipping champagne.

“Simone, can I get you some strawberries and champagne?” Oscar asked.

“Please.”

Kira spoke first. “Hey, girl!”

“Having fun yet?” Mia asked.

“Having sex yet?” Kira blurted out in front of the two guys who were standing next to the door at our disposal.

“To answer your questions, I feel wonderful and no sex yet,” I said.

We sat in the Jacuzzi exchanging experiences, bonding like sisters. I couldn’t believe I was sitting there naked with my girls.

Kira and Mia were the only family I claimed. I remember back in high school when I met Kira. She used to come to class with a frown almost every day. Her mother was a single parent who worked as a principal at a local elementary school. She was a strict disciplinarian with rigid rules that kept Kira on lockdown. I remember the first time Kira spoke to me. I was leaving our last class and she walked up and asked if she could come home with me so we could study for an upcoming test. I was shocked that she said anything to me. We went to my house, studied, ate dinner and talked about some of the girls in our class. Before we knew it, time wasn’t our friend reflecting way past eight o’clock. My mom told Kira to call her mother and that’s when she broke down and told us she was never going back to that prison her mom called home. It was that day I embraced Kira. WE made a life long deal, no matter how hard the challenges in life were, we would always be there for each other. My dad had a way of understanding the woes of teenager/parent conflicts, so he agreed to take Kira home and talk to her mother. Weeks later, my home became Kira’s home and her home became mine.

We met Mia when we were at a club about three years ago. Kira and I were working the dance floor with beads of sweat across our foreheads and our tops stuck to our backs. After the long version of Flashlight ended, we went to the bathroom to freshen up and saw Mia sitting on a sofa along crying hard. Kira and I looked at each other and back at Mia. Being the concerned cop Kira is, she sat next to Mia and asked what was wrong. She told us that her parents were moving back to Japan and told her she had to go with them. Her parents didn’t like the kind o f men she had running in and out of her life. Mia put her foot down and told her parents that she only wanted to date black men. Her parents were looking forward to giving her a traditional Japanese wedding with a Japanese man. But what did they expect from Mia? She attended a local predominantly black private school across the street from the strip mall her parents owned and operated for years. Their location was destroyed after the Rodney King verdict that set off the L.A. riot. After that incident, Mia’s parents didn’t trust black people and thought we were all the same. Mia had a strong passion for African American brothas. She said she knew the power they possessed and society just dealt them a hand of heartache. She felt no human should ever have to endure what they have. Mia said black men are sensitive, full of compassion and strong. I could relate to what she was saying. Black men have been forced to be submissive individuals who constantly have to prove themselves to the world, their women and children. Never have they had a fair chance to grasp a piece of the American pie without having to take some obstacle course in life that would make them equal to all men. Mia is black to me. Her skin is yellow, but her spirit is black. She’s a sista.

So after Mia gave us the lowdown about the choices she was forced to make, the three of us exchanged phone numbers and went back to the dance floor and partied all night. Mia hasn’t let a holiday or birthday go by without sending her parents well wishes. Before they left, her parents gave her the money they were going to give her whenever she got married. It was enough for her not to work for a long time, but she loves her job.

The room cast a chill over my body. The three guys serving us were not moved by our detailed conversations about our massages and baths.

When Seven came back, I knew our pow-wow was over. He walked over to me and looked beyond my eyes deep into my soul, trying to discover my mood, my desires and my fantasies.

“Simone, are you hungry?” he asked, ignoring everyone in the room.

“I can go for more than just strawberries.”

He handed me my robe and extended his hand for me to join him. I whispered good-bye to everyone and went back to my private room. I put on my clothes and met Seven outside the door where he sat patiently waiting. He wore a matching linen shirt with the three top buttons open.

We walked to another intimate setting with moss green and gold décor. Candles were everywhere. We sat in front of a vast picture window that had a swimming pool in the background. The table was set for two.

“This is nice. I feel like a princess,” I said, looking around.

“I don’t know much about your private life, but I have a feeling that you deserve this.”

“Thank you. You’re absolutely right. My body is in shock and after today, it’ll be crying out for attention like this on a regular basis.”

“I know you’re not telling me that an attractive woman like yourself is single.”

Before I could give him an answer, another brotha emerged from out of nowhere with a bottle of wine. He smiled at me and proceeded to fill my glass.

“Thank you,” I said.

“You’re welcome. I’m John, your waiter. Tonight we’re serving three entrees. We have a seafood feast, which consists of lobster, shrimp and grilled shark. The other entrée is Porterhouse steak with all of the trimmings. And last, but not least is Cornish game hen covered in dressing.

“Can I have all three?” I asked.

They laughed.

“What do you recommend?” I asked Seven.

“Well, I haven’t had Cornish hen in such a long time, I guess I’ll go with that.”

“Fine. I’ll start you off with a fresh garden salad and warm bread,” John said.

He left the room after he took Seven’s order.

“To answer your question,” I said, returning to our conversation, “I date, but I don’t have a steady man.”

“You’re attractive, appear to be intelligent and have a beautiful body. You’re telling me no one has snatched you up?”

“Yes, sir.” I sipped my wine. “What about you? Who’s the lucky woman at home waiting for you?”

“I’m single.”

“I guess you would want to be single working for an establishment like this.” I looked around. “Women are probably all over you when they come here. And I’m sure some of your clients throw sex at you all of the time.”

The waiter returned with our salads and a rotating dish with four salad dressings and steamy hot bread.

“Thank you,” I said as he left the room.

“Don’t assume I have sex with my clients because I see their bodies. I don’t take advantage of vulnerable situations.”

“The flesh is weak.”

“That it is.”

“So what was that incident we experienced earlier when you held me up and cracked my back?”

He held his head down, blushing before he confessed, “I’m attracted to you, but I can’t let you that interfere with your treatment. I’m at work. All I need is for some female to file a rape charge after consenting to sex. I’m a physical therapist when I’m not here. This is my weekend gig so I can make a little extra cash.”

“And to look for dates?” I said, laughing.

“I have never slept with any of my clients, nor have I dated them. Other brothas here can’t say that. I hear them bragging and boasting about what they’ve done to some of these women. I’ve even caught a couple of them in the act. Do I get aroused sometimes with clients? Of course, but the person I’m working on would never know.”

“Then why didn’t you hide your obvious attraction with me?”

“I wanted you to know what you did to me. I found myself attracted to you when I was giving you a mineral bath. I was stimulated by our conversation, your positive attitude and openness. Those are some of the qualities I’m looking for in a woman. Your body was nice and added an extra bonus.” He shook his head laughing and said, “Apparently you don’t know the type of women who frequent this place.”

I stared at him, virtually in a trance as he continued.

“You have the overweight lovers, your horny housewives and your corporate professional women who are used to being in control and dominating. Pamper Paradise is fantasy for most. Not for me. Some of the guys have women coming here week after week, bringing them gifts. Me? I’m not having it. No thanks.”

I was smiling as Seven took me by the hand.

“Can I give you my business card before you leave?” he asked. “If you feel compelled to contact me, then call me. There’s another side of Seven I want you to see. I have to keep my at-work attitude while I’m here and make sure I’m fulfilling my client’s needs.”

I didn’t know what to say. I was engrossed in him and even more curious about him since he was so open and honest. I wondered what it would be like having Seven outside of Pamper Paradise.

Our dinner arrived and we ate in silence. I wanted Seven to hold me. The wine had me feeling good. I wanted to have Seven right then, but I didn’t initiate or lead him on. I wanted to cautiously take him to another level. I loved the way he worked his hands on my body. That could get me in a world of trouble.

I wiped my mouth with a napkin and finished my wine.

“Ready for your grand finale?” he asked.

“There’s more?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“I don’t know if I can take anymore of you.”

“Unfortunately, your grand finale won’t be with me.”

“What!”

“I’ll take you to your final treatment. I won’t forget to leave my card in your bag.”

We got up from the table and walked down a long hall. Seven gave me a long hug outside the double doors. His hug was magnetic. I was in lust.

Two brothas popped out of nowhere on cue to pick up where Seven left off.

“Hello, Simone. I’m Samuel, and this is Donny. We’re going to give you a paraffin treatment while you recline in our oversized lounge chair and watch a live video performance from our selection.”

We walked in the room arm-in-arm, and Mia was removing her shoes. She also had two guys read to work her hands and feet. The room was a plush home theater with two rows of recliner chairs.

“Hey, Simone,” Mia whispered.

“Where’s Kira?”

“I haven’t seen her since we left the Jacuzzi. How was dinner?”

“The bomb. I had the Cornish hen.”

“I had the seafood feast. It was delicious.”

Kira burst through the doors laughing loud with two buff gentlemen.

“Hey, girls!” she shouted.

I knew then she must have had too much to drink.

“What’s up?” she asked.

“Nothing. Wish the night didn’t have to end. I wish these men could come home with me and tuck me in,” Mia said.

“Simone, are you feeling rejuvenated?” Kira asked.

“I can’t thank you enough for this day.”

The three of us sat down. We had a manicure and pedicure followed by paraffin treatment. We selected Luther Vandross live in concert and rocked to his melodic voice. The men didn’t talk to us.

“My massage man was a dream come true,” Kira confessed, sitting back rolling her eyes with each tender touch on her toes.

“My guy was great. He had a smooth voice that made me want to melt and do whatever he wanted me to do,” Mia said.

“Well, my guy was charming and gave stimulating conversation. He’s smart, cute and very accommodating. Seems to have his priorities in order too,” I replied.

“My guy was accommodating as well. He asked me if he satisfied me and if there was anything else he could do to make my visit better. I told him what to do and he did it,” Kira said, smirking.

“Did you have sex, Kira?” Mia asked.

She sucked her teeth and replied, “You know me.”

“I should have known. Can’t take your anywhere,” I responded.

“I know you’re not sitting there telling us that you didn’t have sex after the bath and the massage,” Mia said.

“Yes, I am saying that!”

“Damn, girl. I guess he was professional,” Kira said, laughing.

“But I have to confess, I will be contacting him at a later date,” I admitted.

“G’ on, girl!” Kira yelled.

The ride home was quiet. Our bodies were feeling good. Thoughts of Seven danced in my mind. I couldn’t wait to see him again.

LUCKY SEVEN

Endless hours in ER had my life locked down. Days were passing quickly and Seven and I have engaged in a relentless game of telephone tag. Spending time with him seemed virtually impossible. I would call him whenever I had a moment to myself. I called so much that I memorized the cordial greeting on his voicemail. I loved hearing his voice. The last message I received from him was a week before he told me he would be out of town. My shift was over and I was on my way to an empty house. I stopped at the market to get a couple of things. Friday morning, and I had no one to talk to and no one waiting for me to hold. Mia was out of town and Kira was at work. I wasn’t in the mood for anything but a warm body next to mine. No time to entertain that thought. I had clothes to wash. I poured myself a glass of juice and loaded a basket with dirty clothes and packed up my soap and fabric softener. When I got to the front door loaded down with my laundry basket, my phone rang. I let the machine pick it up. After the beep, a seductive male voice I’d grown to recognize began to speak.

“Simone, I guess I missed you again. Hope this game of telephone tag won’t last too long. I’m back in town and hope we can try to see each other. I don’t care if it’s for thirty minutes.”

I dropped my basket and clothes went flying. I raced to the phone and tripped over my area rug near the sofa. When I fell, I heard a snap and my leg bent backward. I made it to the phone, but the pain couldn’t be ignored. He heard me yell.

“Simone, are you okay? What’s going on over there?”

With tears forming, I managed to say, “Hi, Seven. I think I just broke my leg trying to get to the phone before you hung up.”

“Oh, no! Do you need me to come over and take you to the doctor?”

“How far are you from Torrance?”

“Not far. I’m leaving LAX. I’m on my cell. Give me directions from the 405 freeway. I can find you if you give me your address and a cross street. I’ll be there in ten minutes or less.”

The pain was intense. Before I realized what I was doing, a man I had only encountered once was on his way to my house. Guys were never invited to my house. I entertained boot calls at their place or Kira’s. Seven was on his way to see me and I wasn’t cute. I was in sweats and crying like a baby. I tried to hop to the bathroom to put a cold towel on my face to stop my eyes from swelling, but the pain rushed to my head and I fell back onto the sofa. My front door was open and clothes were scattered at the door. I called Kira to see if she could meet me at the hospital, but all I got was her voicemail. I left a message, hung up and cried some more. Mia was out of town her man for a couple of days, so I couldn’t call her. When Seven arrived, I tried to hide my tears.

“Come in. Excuse the mess.” I waved him in.

“I tried to call but your line was busy,” he explained.

“I was calling my friend, Kira.”

Seven picked up my belongings off the floor as he walked in. He looked at me and then at my leg.

“I know that must hurt. You need to get to the doctor quick.”

“Can you hand me my bag hanging from that closet door?” I pointed it out to him.

“Sure. Is that all?”

“Yes.”

He lifted me with no strain. It felt good being in his arms. I tried to focus on his touch and feel better, but my leg wouldn’t let me. As he carried me down the walkway, our eyes met and my passion began to pulsate. Seven drove a nice SUV. He unlocked the door, lifted me onto the seat and buckled me in.

“Thank you,” I said.

“You’re welcomed,” he whispered.

I instructed him on how to get to the hospital and we were there in no time. When we arrived, most of the staff didn’t look familiar. Faces I didn’t recognize were staring long and hard as Seven carried me into the emergency room. The nurses were gawking at him, sizing him up. I saw a nurse who I had worked with before. She saw me and came to help.

“Hey, Simone. What are you doing on the other side of the fence?” she asked.

“Hello, Sharon. I think I broke my leg.”

“Let me get you a wheelchair and get you to X-ray. I’m not going to carry you to a room like Mr. All-Of-That, but I’ll get you there,” she winked.

Sharon left to get a wheelchair. This was one time I was happy to have inside connections at the hospital. My leg was killing me, but I maintained my composure.

When Sharon returned with a doctor and a wheelchair, I whispered to Seven, “Don’t leave me. I’ll be right back.”

“I’ll be right here waiting.”

Sharon wheeled me away from X-rays. It didn’t take long to determine that my leg was broken. When I returned to the waiting area, I was supported by a set of crutches and a fuchsia cast. My toes were dressed in a cute stocking, which I was told glows in the dark.

“Hey! Look at you. You’re mobile again,” Seven said. “Are you making a fashion statement with the sock?”

“That’s not funny.” I gave him a friendly love tap.

“I think it’s cute.”

It was nice of Seven to take me to the hospital. He understood the extent of my pain and seemed genuinely concerned. On the way home, he made a quick stop at the drugstore. I didn’t ask him what he was getting. When we got back to my place, my clothes reminded me that I had not done my laundry. I hopped to the sofa and placed the crutches on the floor, surveyed my place and was glad it looked decent.

“Seven, I hope this mishap didn’t interfere with your plans for today. I can’t thank you enough.”

“Simone, it’s okay. I’ve been at a convention all week. I’m off today and wasn’t going anywhere but home. Home alone,” he replied.

I smiled. He took a seat next to me and gazed into my eyes, soul searching again.

“What are you looking at me for like that?” I asked, sounding a bit uncomfortable.

“Do I make you nervous?”

“No, you don’t. I’m just trying to figure out why you look at me like you have something heavy on your mind.”

“What do you mean?”

“Like you’re trying to see past my physical shell and into my soul.”

“And what’s wrong with that?”

“Nothing. In time, you’ll get to know who I am and what makes me tick.”

“Why is time so important to women? They chronologically date their lives for when they want to finish college, get married and have their first child. Is defining time part of female genetics? Who and what determines where you should be in your life at a specific period?”

“Seven, slow down!” We laughed.

“I’m sorry. I just want a woman to get to know me, and if the flow between us is real, then she should accept it and not pay attention to time. I was serious when I told you I wanted to get to know you and allow you to know me.”

“I suggest we take our time. It’s all I have with my leg all banged up.” I turned on the television. “Are you hungry?” Can you stay awhile?”

“Yes, I’m hungry, and yes, I can stay as long as you need me to.”

“Make yourself at home. I hope you don’t mind waiting on me.”

“That’s what I was doing when I met you, so I should be well adjusted.”

“If I’m going to get the kind of treatment you gave me at Pamper Paradise, I’m going to want to keep you.”