Page 5 of Passion

When my phone vibrated again, I slightly rolled my eyes. Everyone knew where the hell I was. I didn’t understand why they thought it was cool to keep trying to reach out. I should have powered my phone down before coming in. “I’m sorry. This is so distracting.”

She smiled as I took my phone from my pocket and saw the text from my mama. I powered it down without reading it then gave my attention back to Kerri. She gave me a slight smile and read the next question and response.

“What are your top two interests and hobbies that you enjoy most? You said you loved music, which included going to concerts and live shows, and spending time with family. Do you have siblings and or kids?”

“I have two sisters and a brother, but I don’t have kids. My oldest sister lives in Miami, and my baby sister lives in DC. My brother moved to Texas. So I’m the only one here with my parents. I’m the third one of the bunch. I take spending time with them seriously, especially since I’m the only one here to see about them and make sure they’re good.”

“Understood. How would you describe your ideal first date together?” She smiled then read my response. “Cooking together and just spending time alone, getting to know more about one another. If we’re on a first date, I’m interested in the physical already, so I need to get to know her mind.”

She looked up at me with googly eyes and shit. I chuckled and slid my hand over my beard. She had my face all hot and shit. My last girlfriend said it was so attractive to see a dark-skinned man blush. I could only shake my head. Kerri giggled like she knew something I didn’t then went to the next question.

“What personality traits do you find most appealing in a potential partner? Someone who is somewhat cautious but free enough not to limit herself. If she’s taking this risk, then that fulfills that requirement. Confidence is another thing. I want a woman who is confident in her sex appeal, no matter her size.”

I nodded as she looked up at me. “The next question doesn’t necessarily go into detail, so I will ask a follow-up question afterward.”

“Okay.”

“How important is physical attraction and chemistry to you in a relationship? You answered that it’s extremely important. You refused to set yourself up for failure.” She laughed loudly then slowly shook her head. “You want to be able to stare into her eyes, and you can’t do that if you aren’t physically attracted to her.”

She laughed for a reason. I frowned slightly, then it eased into a smile. I was a smart nigga. She had someone in mind already.

“The follow-up question is do you have a preference or rather specifics about what physical attributes attract you to a woman?”

“Oh yeah. Curvaceous for sure. That’s my weakness. Thick thighs and, excuse my language, ass for days.” I slowly shook my head. “It’s not a requirement, but I would be all in at sight.” I chuckled. “I like thick lips and expressive eyes. Skin tone doesn’t matter as long as she’s black. I love my sistahs. I want her to be attractive in her natural state without all the additives. I don’t mind all that, but again, when we’re at home, I will be seeing the real her.”

She nodded as she made notes and tried to subdue a smile. I couldn’t help but ask, so I did. “You have someone in mind, don’t you?”

“Normally, I would ignore that question, but yes. That’s all I can and will say.”

I couldn’t stop the smile that broke out on my face. After she finished typing, she went to the next question. “What is your preference regarding having children someday? You said you definitely want kids one day. The woman you’re paired with would have to want kids too. So how do you feel about a woman that already has kids?”

“I’m cool with it as long as the father ain’t on no bullshit and she’s teaching her kids to be respectful. They would be living with us primarily, so I would be with them just as much as their biological father, if not more.”

I realized I’d engaged my hood voice when I answered that question. “I’m sorry, Missus Kerri. I didn’t mean to be so unprofessional.”

“It’s okay. It gives me glimpses into your relaxed personality. What is your idea of the perfect way to spend a weekend? You said chilling out around the house. You want a woman that you can be up under all day without getting bored or tired of her presence. That goes back to her being your peace.”

She slowly shook her head as I nodded. I assumed that the woman she had in mind had answered similarly to how I did. She continued with the rest of my answer. “Another perfect moment would be taking her out on the town to a nice dinner, flaunting her beauty, and being the envy of everyone watching. Flowers, intimacy, and music. Any time spent with her should be perfect. I understand we won’t always agree, but when we don’t, I want my heart to ache until we make it right.”

She slowly shook her head again as a slight smile made its way to her lips. “On paper, you’re perfect so far. If what she will need to know isn’t addressed, I’ll ask follow-up questions.”

I chuckled. “Okay.”

“How important is sharing core beliefs or interests with your partner? You responded that it was very important, because it would be one less thing you have to argue about.” She laughed. “I’m glad you’re going into this with a sense of reality. It may not be easy trying to get to know someone after you’re already married and living together. I can attest to that.”

“You came through the services provided as well?”

“I did. I have no regrets. Our marriage had its struggles in the beginning, but we made it through, and now it’s beautiful. You know the owners met this way as well.”

“Yes. I read that.”

She nodded and continued. “How would your closest friends describe your personality? Honestly, I don’t have many close friends. However, they would probably say that I’m arrogant, a control freak, and bossy. I don’t think it’s as bad as they say.”

She stared up at me as she chuckled. “We never think it’s as bad as they say, but most times, they’re right.”

“Yeah, probably so. I can definitely agree with control freak, especially when it comes to my clinic. I’m not arrogant. I’m extremely confident.”

She chuckled, and I did as well. “What is one quirky or unique quality about yourself you embrace? Nothing, really. I’m as normal as they come. I don’t think I have any quirks. I’m extremely organized if that counts. I color code almost everything… even candy when I have it.” She glanced up and asked, “Candy?”