Present
Lynette and I were having a celebratory spa day in honor of my completing therapy with Dr. King. I’d had my final session at the beginning of the week, and for the most part I felt healed and delivered. Of course, the healing and delivering had come from Jesus; Dr. King was just my guide along the way.
The spa day was Lynette’s idea. She’d had to twist my arm to make me spend hundreds of dollars on pampering. No matter how much money I had in the bank, I would forever be frugal. She’d finally convinced me by reminding me how much money I’d spent buying clothes for Travis. She was right, too. If I could go on a shopping spree for a man who was robbing me blind, then I could surely afford a pedicure and a massage.
We sat in the lounge area in big fluffy robes, waiting to be called back for our massage. I sat back on a comfortable chaise and closed my eyes. For the first time ever, I’d opted for the full-body massage. I’d never gotten one before, because I was embarrassed about my body. I didn’t want anyone seeing all my rolls up close. But since I’d shed the pounds, I found myself doing a lot of things I wouldn’t normally do.
“Girl, he is checking you out,” commented Lynette.
I opened my eyes. “Who?”
“That fine dark chocolate brotha who just walked in.”
The man Lynette was referring to was indeed fine, and he did appear to be looking in our direction.
“I think he’s checking you out. Are you wearing your wedding band, you little fast-tailed heifer?” I was trying to keep from laughing out loud.
“Believe me, Charmayne, I know when a man is looking at me. Why don’t you make eye contact with the man?”
I waved my hand in dismissal of Lynette and closed my eyes again. I was in no way ready to enter the romance and dating arena. I certainly wasn’t about to try my hand at flirting. I’d heard that it was an art—an art that I had not mastered.
A few moments later I felt Lynette nudge me in the ribs. Ready to fuss at her for ruining my relaxation, I opened my eyes. Standing in front of me was the fine brotha who was formerly standing across the room.
“How are you beautiful ladies enjoying your spa day?”
I was speechless, so Lynette replied, “We are having a blast. What about yourself?”
“I’m just getting a manicure today. I’ve got a business meeting this afternoon, so I don’t have time for my usual facial.”
Lynette frowned. “Oh, that’s too bad. My friend Charmayne was just going to invite you to join us for lunch.”
My eyes widened in horror. Lynette would never change. It was her continuing mission to make sure I was happy. In her eyes, happiness meant having a man. I seriously could’ve wrung her neck.
I said, “Yes. It’s too bad. Maybe next time.”
Mr. Fine Chocolate-Brotha smiled widely, exposing his beautiful veneers. “Here’s my business card. Call me later, maybe we can have dinner.”
I reached for the card. “Perhaps.”
He looked down at his watch and was suddenly in a hurry. “I’ve really got to run.”
After the man was a safe distance away, I rolled my eyes at Lynette. She put on her innocent face.
“What?” she asked, knowing full well what she’d done.
“Don’t do that mess, especially if you’re going to hook me up with a loser.”
“What makes you think he was a loser?” she asked, her voice full of curiosity at my newfound wisdom.
I shared my observations. “First of all, the brother’s shoes were jacked up and ran over. Any man of substance wouldn’t be wearing those raggedy shoes to a business meeting. And his so-called gold watch was fake. It had already started to tarnish.”
“You saw all that in a two-minute conversation?”
I nodded and leaned back again, closing my eyes. Travis had caused me to be extra cautious when evaluating men. I was constantly on the lookout for any hucksters or con artists.
Lynette continued, “Maybe he was just trying to impress you.”
“A brotha can impress me by being real.”
“Don’t be getting all jaded on me now. Every man is not Travis.”
I knew that sincere, honest men were still present in the world, but I felt they were as scarce as a blooming flower in winter. I even thought that there was still hope for me, and that I might find love one day.
I replied, “I know, but I am not about to repeat my mistakes. The Lord only has to show me once.”
“If you ask me, you’re taking all the fun out of love.”
I shook my head and marveled at Lynette’s naïveté. She had been fortunate to find a good man who loved her and the Lord. But who could blame me if I treated love like serious business and not fun and games?
I answered, “I think you should leave my love life up to me and Jesus.”