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A few days later, Sheryl texted Mike:
[Sheryl] Are you free Sat @ 6pm?
[Mike] Jazz Cafe?
[Sheryl] Ok.
[Mike] See you then.
Jazz Café was a nice spot for the thirty-something crowd with live bands on Friday and Saturday nights. Sheryl walked in wearing a black, form fitting cocktail dress paired with silver dangling earrings and silver bracelets, and black heels. Mike, dressed in a dark grey suit, white shirt with a black pocket square, greeted her at the entrance and directed her to the reservation table.
“I hope you like this place,” Mike said, awaiting approval.
Sheryl approved. “It’s perfect.”
Inside the Jazz Café, the air was filled with the smooth melodies of live jazz music, drifting from the stage where a talented band was playing soulful tunes.
The seating area was arranged with tables draped in tablecloths, each illuminated by a flickering candle centerpiece. The bar bustled with activity, as bartenders expertly crafted cocktails and poured glasses of regional, domestic, and imported wine. The tantalizing aroma of gourmet appetizers wafted through the air, tempting diners with the promise of delicious bites to accompany the music. The Jazz Café, a sanctuary for both music lovers and romantics, offered a haven from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Sheryl and Mike maneuvered through the crowded tables to the reserved seating area close to the VIP section.
“May I take your order? Drinks? Appetizers?” the waiter asked, dressed in a black crisp button up shirt, with a crimson-colored tie.
“Yes, I’ll have Midnight in Paris,” Sheryl ordered.
“Black Russian for me and for appetizers,” Mike looked at Sheryl and added, “how about stuffed mushrooms with lamb meatballs?” Sheryl nodded approvingly with a smile.
“Perfect——,” the waiter responded.
A few minutes later, Mike reached for Sheryl’s hand.
“They’re playing our song. Dance with me.”
“Our song? I didn’t know we had a song.”
“I was hoping this would be,” Mike gazed into Sheryl’s eyes and held her hand gently. He could sense Sheryl wanted to pull away, but she yielded to temptation and allowed Mike to take her to the dance floor. Lauryn Hill’s rendition of “You’re Too Good to be True” played as Mike spun Sheryl around. She remembered this feeling and it felt so good. It reminded her of when she was little and dressed in a princess outfit, with a plastic tiara on top of her afro puffs, and a candy necklace for her makeshift pearls. Twirling around and around in the middle of her bedroom to her favorite tunes. Smiling. Free. Safe. Beautiful.
Although Sheryl was wearing heels, Mike towered over her. She looked up at him, captured by his eyes. She was swaying but didn’t hear any music. His muscular arms wrapped around Sheryl like a warm blanket and his cologne lingered subtly on her neck.
She felt safe and beautiful. She felt his heartbeat. Another man’s heartbeat next to hers. It felt weird, but natural. It was strange, yet familiar. After the music ended, Mike and Sheryl stood there gazing at each other until the next selection, Roberta Flack’s rendition of “It Might be You,” broke the trance. Mike guided her back to the table where the two shared appetizers, drinks, and exchanged flirty smiles between bites.
Mike reached over and held her hand softly. She liked the feel of his strong hand, cradling hers. She looked at his hand and could feel him looking at her. Their eyes locked into each other as if they were searching for something. They smiled at each other knowing right then and there, they had found it. Sheryl missed that closeness, a warm touch, a soft look, she missed it all. Mike leaned in and she was ready to receive him. And as soon as she was ready to release herself to this new experience, something wouldn't allow her to do so. She was struggling with something but didn’t know what it was. And she did the only thing she knew - pull away.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to offend,” Mike said.
“I’m sorry too. This is new to me.”
“Do you want me to stop?” Enjoying the feeling, Mike was hoping she would say no.
“I’m not asking you to stop, I’m just asking you to be patient.”
“I can be patient. I can be whatever you need me to be.” Mike’s eyes didn’t wander from Sheryl’s face. This time their eyes were fixated on each other. Sheryl’s heartbeat raced so hard and beat so loud she thought it was going to jump out of her chest, and flop on the plate to gift itself to her lover.
“Mike, will you excuse me, I need to freshen up,” Sheryl said her voice shaking as she started rising from her chair.
Mike rose in unison, his eyes still on course with hers. “Of course. Don’t be too long, I’d like to have another dance with you.”
Blushing, Sheryl glanced away to break the spell. As she walked across the room, she felt Mike’s eyes follow her, protecting her, and longing for her. And for the first time, in a very long time, her soul smiled.
A subtle aroma of roses welcomed her, growing stronger as she entered further into the ladies’ room. After she dried her hands, she reached for the paper towels, but they were out. She saw a full basket at the next sink.
“Excuse me, I need to borrow your basket. Seems I ran out of towels,” Sheryl said to the young, attractive woman next to her, with bouncy curls with and honey highlights.
“Oh, here you go. Are you enjoying yourself?” the young woman asked.
“Yes, I am. My name’s Sheryl. And you?”
“Jessica. Nice to meet you. And yes, I always enjoy coming here. Well, I hope you have a nice evening.
“Thank you for the towels. Enjoy your evening.”
Sheryl walked to the mirror in the foyer. She didn’t envy Jessica’s youth—-Sheryl knew that once this feeling of heaviness was over, she would feel young again. The vibration from the cell phone brought Sheryl back to the present. It was a text from Louise.
[Louise]: Did you bring any brochures?
[Sheryl]: Yes, he liked the presentation.
[Louise]: I’m sure he did. LOL. Enjoy yourself!
[Sheryl]: If it’s not too late, I’ll call you later tonight.
A few seconds later, a group text came in from the twins:
[Jaime]: hey mom
[Mom]: hey
[Jordan]: mom?
[Mom]: yes?
[Jaime]: where are you?
[Mom]: out with a friend
[Jaime]: with Aunt Louise?
[Jordan]: I bet mom’s out on a date.
Sheryl quickly changed the subject.
[Mom]: is there a reason why you called? How’s the lock in?
[Jordan]: can dad get us early from the lock in?
[Mom]: if it’s ok with dad. did u ask?
[Jordan]: he said to ask you?
[Jaime]: can he?
[Mom]: yes, he can get you early. call me when you get home tomorrow. I love you and I miss you.
[Jordan]: love you too.
[Jaime]: love you too.
On her way out, she stopped at the full-length mirror and touched up her makeup. As she walked down the hallway, she caught a brief whiff of a familiar cologne. Something that Edwin would wear. As Sheryl returned to the table, she noticed that Mike’s demeanor changed to an awkward nervousness.
“Are you ready to go?” Mike asked hoping she would not decline the offer.
“Yes, I’m ready to go,” Sheryl spoke hesitantly.
“I’ll walk you to the car and then if it’s okay with you, I would like to follow you home to make sure you are safe. Unless you want me to call you instead,” Mike prodded in hopes that he would be able to spend more time with Sheryl.
“You can follow me home. I have a surprise for you,” Sheryl’s words flowed out without her control, as if a need was urging her.
It wasn’t long before Mike and Sheryl were at her house. Mike parked in the driveway and stepped out. He went towards Sheryl’s driver’s side door and opened it, extending his hand out to hers. “You’re such a gentleman,” Sheryl said as she placed her hand onto his.
“I was taught to always treat a lady like a lady,” Mike grinned as he kissed her hand, Sheryl exited the car with her purse and Mike closed the door behind them. They held hands to the door, and she invited Mike inside the entryway’s foyer.
“Stay here for your surprise,” she instructed.
“Don’t be long,” Mike begged.
Mike’s soft smile grew to a chuckle as Sheryl handed him a gallon of her lemonade.
“Was it worth the wait?” she asked teasingly.
“Yes, it’s been worth the wait,” Mike placed the container on the extra-long, metal console table and drifted closer to Sheryl. He reached for her hands and held them. Their fingers intertwined. He gazed lovingly into her eyes. His hypnotic stare drew Sheryl closer to him. She searched his eyes, and face, looking for a flaw, but there was none. His eyes were captivating, his light brown skinned face was perfect, his broad and substantial nose commanded attention, and his lips were soft and warm. Sheryl hugged his arm feeling his biceps tense and then relax.
She looked up and he gently kissed her forehead, then the tip of her delicate nose. Sheryl stood motionless and willed him to kiss her glossy crimson red full lips. He instead kissed her cheek. They both needed something from each other. She opened herself up allowing him to wrap his strong arms around her. With closed eyes, and smelling her perfumed hair, Mike gently kissed her neck.
Mike held her head and looked deeply into her eyes. “And now I have a surprise for you.” And it happened. What Sheryl had been waiting for. It finally happened. He moved his hand from her waist and held her face. Mike’s lips brushed against hers and lingered there. Waiting for permission to continue. He didn’t have to wait long as Sheryl stood on her tip toes and leaned in.
Sheryl thought about all those lonely nights and now tonight could be the start of having someone to share her bed. To feel intimacy again. Thoughts of tender nights and never-ending passion showered Sheryl from head to her toes, tingling in places she forgot she had. She felt dizzy with anticipation. Tonight, could be the night where loneliness was a distant thought.
“Jessica,” Mike whispered.
“Who is Jessica?” Sheryl demanded, now wide-eyed and alert.
“Please let me explain,” Mike pleaded. “Please.” Holding Sheryl until she surrendered to his pleas. “I am so sorry.”
“Okay, okay,” Sheryl conceded and directed him to the couch. She went to the kitchen and came out with two glasses of red wine. Mike took off his jacket and placed it on the arm of the sofa and loosened his tie. She placed both glasses in front of Mike. Sitting next to him, eyes locked, Sheryl said, “Okay, you have my attention.”
