Page 37 of Champagne Kisses
I spent my first night back home judging potential anniversary party outfits; Mom ultimately went with a dove gray, full length gown with a bead and lace bodice. Like me, her locs reach past her waist, though her crown has been almost fully gray for decades. She looks stunning, like Angela Basset in "Black Panther".
My father, on the other hand, looks a little like Arnold Schwarzenegger if he were 6'3" and as dark-skinned as Wesley Snipes. His Caesar cut has started showing salt and pepper on the temples and he has an impressive beard. He looks particularly dashing next to my mother in a henley collar shirt and a bronze metallic suit.
Leaning against the open bar watching them slow dance, I look at my romantic role models in awe, trying not to sulk that I haven't found a love like theirs. Then another text comes in.
Adam
Adam:You can't tell me you're wearing thigh highs when you're 200 miles away. :(
Oops. Was that me being a tease again? ;)
Adam:Naughty, naughty. Maya.
Adam:I'm starting to think you WANT me to spank you. ;)
My cheeks immediately redden and I can't stop the smile forming on my face. As the band takes a break and I formulate a steamy response, Mom joins me at the bar. I quickly shove my phone in my clutch.
"Two champagnes, please."
She's out of breath from dancing and a light sheen of sweat covers her forehead. How does she evenlook regal sweaty?! She leans back, facing the dance floor, and nudges me with her elbow.
"So when are you going to tell me about the boy who's had you worked up all weekend?" She's looking pointedly at my purse with the "mom" twinkle in her eye that says there's no point in denying it. Still, I've always been hesitant to discuss men with my parents. As soon as they hear the word "boyfriend", they start browsing wedding venues and dropping hints about grandchildren.
"I don't know what you're talking about, Mom," I say, with what I hope sounds like indifference. Time to change the subject. "The ceremony really is beautiful. You did a fantastic job."
She looks like she might not take the flattery bait, but her eyes soften as she surveys the party.
"Thanks, honey. It's a shame you won't get to join us in church tomorrow. The pastor is making a special anniversary announcement during service." I do my best not to roll my eyes. I might be able to avoid telling my mom about Adam, but a trip home isn't complete without a serving of guilt.
"I know. I'm sorry, Mom. Something came up at work and I have to get back early." Mom raises an eyebrow and looks at Dad mingling with friends and family.
"Hmmm. I thought you left Sharp, Smith & Haley so you could set your own hours, not miss your parents' 40th anniversary."Nice, Mom.I down my lemon drop and signal the bartenderfor another.
"I didn't miss it, Mom. As you may have noticed, I'm standing right here, right now, at your party." Mom's look of warning lets me know I've gotten too sassy for her liking.
"Sorry, Mom. It's just a new client with a big order. I thought you'd be happy my business is growing." From the look on her face, my mild passive aggressiveness has paid off. Mom was furious I left a stable job in finance, even if it was just as an executive assistant for the Investor Relations department. Never mind that I only took the job at SSH for the paycheck when I didn't land an art internship after graduation. Even when I worked there, I was always creating.
Luckily my 9 to 5 earned me enough seed money to give notice three years ago. After some prickly years between us, even Mom had to admit It's Personal was more than just a hobby. Hell, I payed off my college loans and my rent a year in advance! Dad remained the conscientious objector as he always did when the women in his life were fighting.
"I am happy about your work, Maya. And I'm overjoyed you're here. I just wish we had you for more than one night." I smile and give her a big hug.
"I know, Mom. And I promise I'll make it up to you by coming out next month for mani-pedis or something." She smiles and gives me a peck on the cheek before grabbing the flutes.
"It's a date. Have a safe trip back, baby girl. I have to save your father from another one of Sam's get rich quick pitches." The "Sam" in question works at the neighborhood market. Ten years ago, Dad made the mistake of making small talk. Sam'sbeen talking Dad's ear off ever since, though they've become real friends in the process. Dad even joined Sam's fantasy football league.
I gulp down the last of my cocktail and head for the side gate. I can't risk going through the house where I might run into someone; I've got a train to catch.
The hot water washes over me and I feel the tension from the train ride swirl down the drain. I amsoglad I decided to catch the Amtrak home tonight. Mom and Dad looked amazing and forty years is definitely worth celebrating, but one night on the pullout couch in the living room is more than enough. That and I've been so anxious to see Adam all day, I'm practically sweating.
Last night, we had phone sex so erotic, my climax would have woken up my parents if I hadn’t grabbed a throw pillow to cover my mouth in time. Then all day today he sent me sweet and sexy texts that made me want to climb the walls. I had no choice but to tell my mom I had to leave right after the party. I felt bad for lying, but her sly smiles every time I left to answer a text made it seem like she may have guessed the real reason I was leaving early.
I dry off and use my favorite vanilla sandalwood body butter. I rub the cream all over my thighs, breasts, stomach; anywhere Ithink Adam might touch. I dab pink pepper perfume on all my pulse points and the top of my mound. He’s commented on my smell before and I want to be irresistible tonight.
I choose a black lace thong and a strapless black and purple lace bra before shimmying into an off-the-shoulder, black, bodycon dress with plenty of ruching to accentuate my assets. Finally, I slip on a pair of black stilettos. I can’t wear them for more than an hour, but I don’t plan to. I look in the mirror and see a pinup vixen staring back at me. If my flirty texts back didn’t get him worked up, this outfit definitely will.
On the way to Adam's apartment, I listen to Floetry, Sade, Jill Scott, and Maxwell. The music sets a sensual mood and strengthens my resolve. Though I'm still a bit nervous, I'm positive tonight willnotend on the phone.
I find a spot right in front of his place and receive a few whistles from passersby that confirm I look as hot as I feel. Adam answers the intercom moments after I buzz him, sounding a bit drowsy. This ought to wake him up.
