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T
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Our eyes were fixed on each other and the internal warmth that seemed to be more frequent when I was around Jasmine made its return. Her eyes drew me into a comfortable place although at times it felt like she was trying to look through me. I wanted to pull her to me and kiss her supple, inviting lips right then and there. I knew she sensed the same thing because of the slight smile she tried to hide as she slowly shook her head, made an “umh, umh, umh” sound and looked away. Clearing his throat to interrupt our intrigue-induced trance, Kevin saved me. “Well you two, tonight was a resounding success. T, perhaps you should let our guests know you appreciate them before you get too distracted.”
“You’re right,” I responded to Kevin with a little snark. I looked at Jasmine and gently touched her elbow, “Excuse me for a moment.”
I stood near the exit, shaking hands and thanking the remaining patrons as they trickled out of the gallery with as much enthusiasm and sincerity I could muster. This was the part of business that I didn’t care that much for. But Kevin was right, folks neither had to be here nor did they have to dispense with their hard-earned money.
After the last guest left, I walked up to Kevin and Jasmine who were already engaged in conversation. “Kev, I couldn’t have done it without you really,” I said referring more to him escorting Nia out than the exhibit opening itself. But he and his staff were, without question, responsible for this great affair. “It was my pleasure,” he said.
“I was going to introduce you two, but I see you’ve met?” I inquired.
“Kind of, but why not do the honors any way T?” My cousin was being facetious.
I poked him in the side. “Well then smarty pants, I want you to meet a friend of mine. Jasmine, this is my cousin Kevin Johnson, Kevin, Jasmine.” Jasmine extended her hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Kevin. So, you coordinate events, and you have to referee?” Ugh, now Jasmine was in on the ruse too.
“I guess you could say that. We do what we can to help talented artists like T,” he responded with a smirk. “And I have been refereeing T’s events for a long time.”
“I’m sure you have. And you’re also right. I had no idea Teresa was so talented since she chose not to tell me she was a local celebrity,” Jasmine said rolling her eyes at me.
“Alright people, enough talking about me like I’m not standing here,” I complained. Just then John walked up and placed his arm around me. “T honey, I understand your night has only begun. Kevin and I will take care of closing the gallery.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about Mr. Man, but are you sure? I’m in no hurry,” I tried not to sound too eager to leave and get into a more intimate atmosphere to have Jasmine all to myself. Kevin said, “It’s no trouble T, your work made us some money tonight, go have fun.” I hugged them both, they both hugged Jasmine and after exchanging salutations, Jasmine and I stepped into the humid summer night air. Even though it was nine at night, it was still hot as hell.
“Well Ms. Charles, if it’s okay with you, we’re going to T.K.’s Jazz Club.”
“How did you know my last name? Where’s that? Should I follow you?” Jasmine asked.
“Geesh, that’s a lot of questions. You gave me your card remember? It’s in Fell’s Point. And why don’t I drive, your car will be fine. I’ll make sure you get back safely,” I said with a wink.
“How do I know you’re not just trying to have the upper hand by separating me from my car?” she inquired.
“Don’t be so skeptical, I was just trying to be considerate, parking can be limited down there. Trust me, I’m no psycho ax murderer, at least not yet,” I joked.
“What?!” she asked, lips pursed, head cocked to the side.
“I’m joking, I’m joking, you need to lighten up a bit,” I said.
“Ooookay...” Jasmine said hesitantly.
We walked to my car in relative silence though the energy between us was palpable. So many thoughts were running through my mind, I hoped I was making a favorable impression and that she wasn’t completely bored out of her mind. As we approached what I call my chick magnet, a 1993 black limited-edition Mazda Miata with red leather interior, I unlocked the door with the keyless remote, opened the passenger side door for her, and closed it once she was comfortable. Going around to the driver’s side, I did a little jig, happy that I survived the first part of the date.
“This is a surprise and you’re in a good mood,” Jasmine commented when I got in the car.
“Why do you say that?” I asked, unable to hide my smile.
“I would have thought you drove a larger vehicle to transport your art. Plus, this car has mirrors you know.”
“So what, you’re watching my every move?” I raised my eyebrows a few times. “I also have a cargo van that I use to carry my work. But that thing is not an appropriate carriage for a queen,” I said.
“Why do you always manage to turn things around? I asked you a question,” she said nudging my arm.
Turning to make eye contact I chided her, “You’re just trying to touch me, aren’t you?”
“See, another question in response to my question.”
I gave in. “Okay fine. Yes, I’m in a good mood. The crowd in the gallery was thick, I can pay the mortgage for a few more months, and I’m spending the evening with a gorgeous woman.”
“Stop. There you go again, turning the focus away from you,” Jasmine said blushing.
“What? I was answering your question. That’s what you wanted right?”
“I know,” she said sucking her teeth, “Anyhoo...”
I just laughed and started the car. We drove south on St. Paul Street and turned east onto Pratt towards the thriving Inner Harbor. Jasmine mentioned how different downtown was now than it was twenty years ago when you dared not come down here after dark. I agreed without going into a long diatribe, which I’m subject to do about the city’s urban planning and revitalization efforts. I pulled up to the T.K. valet.
“Good evening, ma’am,” he said to Jasmine while smiling and opening her door. “Good evening,” she responded.
“T! What up? What do we owe dis pleasure?”
“Jimmy, you know me, gotta make that paper. I had an opening tonight.”
“Right right, I know da shit was slammin’!”
I smiled, “I did okay, take care of her okay?” I said tossing him the remote.
“You know how I do,” he said with outstretched arms and flashing his latest platinum tooth.
“Yeah, I know how you do so... take care of her,” I said laughing and opening the club’s door for Jasmine.
The hostess greeted us warmly and escorted us up to my usual table in the corner with the flowers. Handing us our menus, she smiled, made longer than necessary eye contact and said, “Your server will be right with you T, enjoy your meal.”
“Thanks Mariah,” I said returning the smile.
“Is there anywhere you go that people don’t know you?” my dinner companion asked while simultaneously kicking me under the table.
“Ouch! Of course,” I said without looking up from the menu.
“It doesn’t seem like it, the valet, the hostess...”
“T, I heard your show was absolutely fabulous.” Terrance, the T half of T.K. and Kevin’s partner, which I failed to tell Jasmine, helped himself and pulled a seat over to our table.
“Hey sweetie, how are you?” I asked leaning over to hug him and kiss him on the cheek. “It went well, I was pleased. Terrance this is my friend Jasmine, Jasmine, Terrance,” I said introducing them.
“Nice to meet you,” he said taking her hand and planting a soft kiss on it. “Any friend of T’s is a friend of mine and is welcome at T.K.’s anytime. Is this your first time here?”
“Yes,” she replied. “It’s very nice, I’ll definitely be back. The flowers are beautiful, who’s your florist?” Jasmine asked pointing to the table centerpiece.
“Thank you, I have my man Kevin to thank. He’s the creative one in our family. You may have met him?” Terrance asked Jasmine.
“I did. Wow! I didn’t know I would meet so many movers and shakers tonight,” Jasmine said giving me the side eye after making the connection between my cousin and Terrance.
“I don’t know about moving and shaking, those days are probably over for us,” Terrance said with a smile. “What can I get you to drink Jasmine?”
“Um, I’ll have a glass of white zinfandel. Who’s your florist?”
“White zinfandel coming up. Oh yes, our flowers, we use Pearson’s Florist at North and Charles, his arrangements are gorgeous!” Turning to me, Terrance asked, “And honey do you want the usual?”
“That would be great, thank you,” I said with a wink.
After he left to give our drink order to a server, Jasmine started again. “See what I mean?”
“This is just one of my favorite places that’s all, they know me up in here.”
“Yeah well, it seems like they know you quite well, especially Ms. Mariah?” she questioned with a neck roll, her lips pursed, and a chuckle.
“What? The woman was just doing her job.” I tried to get Jasmine refocused, but took a second to reminisce about the brief moment Mariah and I dated. Anytime a sistah starts rolling her eyes and neck, there’s going to be trouble in River City. “Uh huh...,” she said. “By the way, what’s your usual?” Jasmine asked smiling.
“A Tequila Sunrise without the tequila,” I answered.
“Without the tequila?”
“Yep, without the tequila.”
“Why?” Jasmine seemed determined to get to the bottom of this travesty. I was used to the line of questioning and couldn’t help but laugh.
“I don’t drink.”
“At all?”
“Nope,” I said matter-of-factly.
“Wow! Okay.” She seemed very surprised. “I don’t know that I’ve ever met such a creature.” This made me smile and laugh even harder.
The server brought our drinks and a bowl of strawberries. “Excuse me,” Jasmine quickly said to the server, “we didn’t order these.” She pointed at the bowl. Smiling at me and then turning his attention to her, he said, “They’re courtesy of the owner ma’am. I’ll return in just a moment to take your order.”
Ah shit, preemptive strike time. “Okay look Jasmine, is it a crime to get great customer service? Especially since I’m related to one of the owners. Savor it when you can, like these flowers for instance,” I said.
“You’re changing the subject with flower talk? I’m just cautious by nature that’s all. Often, good customer service is the exception rather than the rule. It also seems that people just gravitate to you, and they eat up your shy, ‘I don’t know I’m attractive as hell’ demeanor,” Jasmine said while looking around at the restaurant’s clientele, starting to feel the sassy groove the band was playing. But then she stopped her smooth chair dance and turned back to me, realizing she had said more than she wanted to. Our eyes met again like they did at the gallery. She lowered her head with a slight tilt such that her shoulder-length hair, which I had only seen in a ponytail before tonight, cascaded beautifully over a portion of her face. She closed her eyes, sighed, slowly shook her head, and uttered “umh, umh, umh” again.
I couldn’t help but smile.
“Hmmm, may I ask you a question?” Jasmine asked.
“Uh oh, that sounds serious... what’s up?” I was a bit nervous.
“What color are your eyes?”
“Phew,” I exhaled. “Is that why our eye contact has been so intense?” I asked her.
“I’m not sure what you mean.” She tried to feign innocence.
“I mean, I’ve felt at times like you were looking into my soul or something. Never mind, I’m probably not making sense. I should be used to this question,” I said, knowing full well that I wasn’t articulating the warm, electrifying energy I felt when she looked at me. “I’m not really sure what color they are, I just say they’re brown.”
“Brown? My eyes are brown,” Jasmine said. “Well, your eyes are brown but... they are... they are...” Jasmine couldn’t quite pinpoint a color, nor could I for that matter. “I know!” she blurted out, “they’re copper, like a penny... not a new shiny penny but an old penny... or bronze, yes, bronze.”
“Did you just compare me to an old dusty penny? That’s certainly a first,” I replied, very amused.
“I didn’t compare you to a penny, I said your eyes...,” Jasmine tried to defend herself.
I could only laugh. She was right though. Depending on the lighting and how much my pupils dilated and shrank, the color of my eyes looked different. They definitely were not light brown hazel. Maybe they were dark brown hazel? Bronze was an apt description that I had not heard before.
What I did know however, was that they were an asset that helped attract suitors. And I have been known to rely on them to seduce a woman or two, a skill for which I had become quite adept. But when those same suitors talked about my eyes like they weren’t actually attached to my body, it made me a bit uncomfortable.
Our server rescued me from Jasmine’s gaze—and Jasmine from more embarrassment—and delivered our food with a flourish. “Wow, the portions are huge!” Jasmine said.
“I’m biased but I’ve never had a bad meal here,” I responded.
I picked up my fork. Jasmine didn't. “Is everything okay? Is your order okay?” I asked.
Jasmine responded, “I’m sure it’s fine. Are we going to say grace?”
“Oh,” I bowed my head and waited.
Jasmine asked again, “No, are you going to say grace?”
“Me? What? Okay,” I cleared my throat, “grace.”
“T, are you serious?” Jasmine asked while reaching across the table to take a swipe at me.
“See, you’re still trying to touch me.”
“T, are you five years old?”
“I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I was joking. You caught me off guard. Would you like something a bit more formal?”
“Yes please, before they have to warm our food,” Jasmine insisted.
“Wanna hear it? Here it go.” Jasmine shot me a look. I laughed peeking out of one eye but stopped clowning around since Jasmine wasn’t the least bit amused. I reached for her hand and blessed the food. “You were serious about praying huh?” I asked.
“I think we should give thanks,” Jasmine said.
“Alright, that’s a whole different conversation than I had anticipated. Where's religion on your importance scale?” I asked.
Jasmine responded, “I believe we need a little faith. What about you?”
“Is that like George Michael's ‘Gotta Have Faith?’ Or are you a bit deeper than that? Do you go to church?” I posed.
“I do,” Jasmine responded, still not bowing to my silliness. So I asked, “And what does your church say about two women having dinner?”
“Women in the Bible eat,” she said. It was my turn to shoot Jasmine a look this time. “Alright, alright... I attend church regularly, but I don’t agree with every biblical passage, nor do I always agree with everything my pastor says. The practice, however, provides me with an assurance that there's a higher power working on my behalf. And Lord knows, we could all use a little divine intervention every now and again.”
“Here, here,” I said lifting my glass for a toast. We listened to the band and finished dinner in silence.