Page 4 of Embrace

“Eating and reading.” I answered with a laugh. “I think the way to my heart is through my stomach. I love going out to eat, cooking, and trying new food. It brings me so much joy, which is probably why I’m two hundred plus pounds now.”

“Girl, you look amazing no matter what the scale says,” Lamya replied.

“Thank you, love. It took a while for me to be confident in my weight. My best friend played a role in building my confidence. He’d beat up any and everybody who had something negative to say.”

“Your personal bodyguard, huh?”

“Basically,” I confirmed. Back in the day, Blaze’s hands were rated E for everybody. As we got older and he bulked up, folks didn’t test him, and his presence alone had everyone acting right.

The atmosphere created a relaxing environment. It was like we were two homegirls talking to each other. I loved how comfortable she made me feel while I opened up to her and answered the plethora of questions she asked.

“I know we touched on this in an earlier question, but I have to ask officially. Do you want children some day? If so, how many?”

“God willing, I’d like to have one or two kids. I don’t want to pop out a starting lineup on a basketball team or anything, but I do want to have at least one to experience motherhood.”

I wouldn’t say it out loud, but I hope whoever they set me up with didn’t already have kids of their own. I wanted my first child to be their first child, but that wasn’t common in society. Men and women came with one or two children from other relationships. I never judged those people because life happens to us all, however I didn’t want those responsibilities.

“I hope you get to experience motherhood. I have two boys, and they are my entire world. Me and my husband didn’t do things the conventional way either. We met through mutual friends and within two months I was pregnant and moved in with him. A lot of folks didn’t think we’d work, but I love that man.”

I cooed. “Aww! See, this is cute. Every man I’ve met through mutual friends or out on the town has done nothing but cause me trouble and give me headaches. I know I’m young, but I don’t want to be out in these streets. I want to find my person and get the happily ever after I deserve.”

“I’m here to help. Are you religious? If so, how important is it that your partner believes the same as you?” Lamya inquired.

“God is my best friend. I’m never truly alone because I can talk to Him whenever I need to. I couldn’t be with someone who didn’t at the least have faith in the Lord or wasn’t willing to learn more about Him.” I kept my answer short because I could talk for hours about the blessings and miracles of God. He’s done so much good in my life, it was hard to restrain myself from excitement.

Lamya smiled. “Amen. I know that’s right, girl.”

I tittered. “Girl, one thing I don’t play about is God.”

“We’re almost done. I’d like you to give me your most important physical attributes you want in a partner.” Lamya queried.

My head tilted to the side as I hummed softly. “This is hard. I don’t want to sound shallow or anything, but I guess I want a muscular man. I’m not skinny in the least, but I want a man who can toss me around regardless.”

Lamya giggled. “Period.”

“It might sound crazy, but I know my soul mate is a fine, bearded black man. I do not think God made my soulmate any other race. It might be frowned upon, but I wholeheartedly believe no one can love a black woman better than a black man.”

“I understand completely. There’s just a few more questions. How would your closest friends describe you?”

I chewed my bottom lip. “I only have one best friend. He’d describe me as sensitive, free spirited, and hardheaded. He'd say I’m a touch the stove to learn it’s hot type of person.”

Lamya laughed. “Good to know. What three adjectives would you use to describe your ideal partner?”

“Loyal, honest, and fun. I want a man who puts our relationship first. I want a man who I can trust with my life. Without loyalty and honesty, there isn't much of a relationship. I want a man who knows how to have fun. I want to be able to trust he can come up with ways to keep the spark alive in our relationship.”

Lamya smiled as she reached for the tape recorder and stopped the device. She placed it back on the table and clasped her hands together. “You did a fantastic job.”

“Thank you. You made this experience stress free.”

“Now, I’ll send you updates on the process. You will receive a phone call when we’ve found your match. In the meantime, you should get an email with a registry sign up, venue selection, and a choice of colors you’re interested in. You paid a hefty price for this, so a lot of things are included in the fee. However, your dress is not.”

“I’ll make sure to add it to my agenda soon,” I replied.

“Perfect. We’re done for now. Enjoy the rest of your day.”

“Thank you! You too.”

We stood at the same time. I shook her hand and exited her office.

---