Page 8 of Aug

SEVEN

My tires came to a screeching halt. I bolted from the SUV with my cell in my hand. A number I knew by heart lit my screen. I pressed the button at the bottom of the screen, initiating the call I’d been holding off on all day.

Dark waters surrounded me. The other side of The Pier was lively with lights strung along the ocean’s shore. This side, the dark side, overlooked the banks without the assistance of solar-powered bulbs.

“August?”

My mother’s voice lulled my rapidly beating heart.

“Yeah, Momma. It’s me.”

“Is everything alright?”

I nodded as if she could see me.

“I met a girl,” I confessed, “ a woman .”

“Maybe this caller ID isn’t working. Now, you say this is August? My son? My only son? My greatest gift? My greatest blessing? My–”

Chuckling, I ran my hand down my mouth.

“Yeah. It’s me, Momma.”

“God has been in the business of miracles but– My word has he shown his true colors tonight.”

“The dramatics over yet?” I questioned, placing a foot on the log in front of me.

“Tell me about her–”

“She’s a ballerina.”

“Poised. Clean. Neat. Attention to detail. Dedicated. Talented. Consistent. Hardworking. Focused. Driven. Ballet is no easy field.”

“This is true.”

“More.”

“She makes me think. She makes me wonder. She makes me worry that I’m not where I need to be to be close to her.”

“Has she given you the impression that your current position is a problem?”

“She’s made it clear that she doesn’t want a job, and I don’t want to give her one. At the same time, I don’t want to pass up the opportunity to be with her. She feels so right but so much more mentally and emotionally equipped.”

“Ahhh– there it is.”

“There is what?”

“She’s challenging you.”

I nodded.

“She’s challenging me.”

“I like her already.”

“What’s her name?”

“Tiana.”

“Tiana– I bet she’s beautiful.”

“Out of this world, Momma. And, she’s strict.”

Cackling, my mother howled in the phone.

“My girl is a keeper!”

“That ain’t funny.”

“It’s hilarious, son, because that’s exactly what you need. That’s exactly what most men need… someone who will not let them fall behind because they know exactly who they are and will not accept anything from a man who plays like they don’t.”

“I’m aware of who she is.”

“Good, then you should have no problem getting with her program.”

“I don’t have a single problem with it,” I admitted, “I actually think I like it.”

“Grandchildren in a year?”

“Don’t start, Lady.”

“Too soon?”

“Too soon,” I agreed.

“There’s hope and that’s all that matters. I’m counting on Tiana to keep you in line.”

“She won’t let you down– I promise she won’t. She’s the sweetest thing, but damn she doesn’t mess around.”

“I like her already, son, and can’t wait to meet her.”

“It won’t be long.”

“Is that all you wanted?”

“And to hear your voice.”

“You sound like you could use a friend right now.”

“Or some words of encouragement.”

“For–”

“I’m dressed in a tux, Momma, about to take Tiana on a date. It wasn’t until I’m headed to her crib that I realize I’ve never done this sh– I’ve never done this before.”

“Nervous?”

Then a motherfucker.

“I figure that’s what’s going on.”

“But, there’s confidence. I hear it in your voice.”

“Because, it doesn’t matter how this night ends, I know Tiana is the woman for me. I’m just hoping I’ve chosen the right spot and that she enjoys herself.”

“Understandable. Where are you headed?”

“To the orchestra. A Hip-Hop and R&B joint.”

“She’ll love it.”

“Yeah?”

“Yes.”

I released the breath I was holding.

“Appreciate that. Get some rest.”

“And you stop worrying. A challenge is good. Take care of her and she will do the same in return. Maybe you’re new to this whole dating thing, but you’re no stranger to treating women well. Keep those things I’ve instilled in you at the forefront, and you won’t lose, August. I love you, son.”

“Love you, too.”

Our call ended, leaving me with more clarity than I’d expected. I peered out into the water, listening to it ruffle as the waves crashed into the shore. The sound calmed my soul.

Tiana is waiting .

Though it wasn’t yet eight and wouldn’t be by the time I reached her, I wanted to be there just in case.

I gathered my bearings and slid back into the driver’s seat.

I left the water in my rearview as I headed toward the woman I was sure would make my mother’s dreams of being a grandmother come true.

I made my way through the lobby of Tiana’s place. The elevator’s door separated the second my finger released the button. I stepped inside and was sure to tap the number six. The reflection of the red roses blurred on the silver doors.

My fingers hadn’t suffered this time. Balle’s assistance kept me from ripping my skin. Together, we dethorned every stem, bundled them, and finished them off with a thick red ribbon.

“She’s a good girl, August. And, I know you’re a good guy. This doesn’t have to be hard. It doesn’t have to be complicated. The only people who can complicate a relationship are those in it. Don’t ever let anyone tell you any differently.

“Protect her heart. Just like you protect me… protect her heart. Make sure she knows how much she means to you every day, and things will work out. Don’t skip a single day.

Not even the ones you don’t feel like it, or you two are at odds.

Those are always temporary feelings. Make sure the permanent ones shine the brightest and are evident in everything you say and do.

“Find time for her. Even with your demanding schedule. Find time! We suffer if you don’t.

Time is important to women. So is energy and effort.

I don’t think either of those will be a problem for you, though.

The energy is there. You’re a nervous wreck.

You’re so far from comfort, but you’re still putting forth the effort.

Picking flowers out of the garden. Learning how to make a proper bouquet.

“You’ve cleaned up well. The final component is your time. Your love will come with it. It’s a two-for-one type of situation.

“I’m just rambling. Partly because I’m excited for you two. Partly because love swells my heart. She hasn’t really mentioned it to me. I figure she will soon. I won’t pry. I’ll wait until she’s ready.”

“She didn’t hit you up earlier about me staying longer?”

“No. She and I had plans. She texted to push them back. I was sure it had everything to do with you going missing in the middle of the night.”

“Yeah. She was pissed. Had to get back right with her.”

“I’m happy you did. Now, here,” she said, handing me the final product, “Do my girl right. And, if this job ever becomes too much for you to maintain the connection you’re trying to build with Tiana, just say the word. We’ll find a replacement.”

“Don’t insult me. You’re stuck with me, Balle. Ain’t no getting out of this arrangement… even if I have to drag my girl to work with me every other day.”

“That sounds like a plan.” Balle smiled. “Goodnight, August.”

“Goodnight, Balle.”

I waited behind, watching as she pranced through the greenhouse and then out of the glass door. She was living a fairytale life and experiencing a fairytale love. Happiness was written all over her and exuded from her mouth with each word she spoke.

That was the kind of love I hoped I could provide for Tiana. I wanted her giddy and obsessed with our love–whenever it came around. I needed her yelling to the skies how much she couldn’t get enough of us. Each morning she opened her eyes, I wanted her thanking God for sending me her way.

The elevator parted. Behind the doors, appeared the most precious gem I’d ever laid eyes on. Dressed in black from her head to her toes, Ti was stunning.

Elegance.

She’d done well. The smile stretching my lips felt unreal. The joy sparking from inside was unrecognizable. The new rhythm of my heart was unfamiliar.

“August,” she greeted me, leaning her head to the side.

I extended my hand, placing it on the side of her face. My lips crashed into hers. Every inch of me numbed with desire. I wanted nothing more than to find my way to her heart because she’d found her way to mine, unknowingly.

Our tongues slow danced, only parting ways to regain the strength she’d depleted me of. I took in a large whiff, hoping to replenish my oxygen supply. She’d stolen the air straight from my lungs.

“Good evening.”

“Did they hurt?” She sniggered.

Confused, I tilted my head.

“The roses. Did they hurt this time?”

I shook my head.

“Not this time.”

“Good, because I worried the moment I saw them.”

“Don’t worry, Tiana. Ever. Leave that to me.”

“A tux–” she sighed, stepping onto the elevator.

Shrugging, I nodded.

“You’re incredibly handsome. It suits you well.”

“I’m hoping I get to wear one of these again. Soon.”

“Yeah? Where?”

Tiana settled in the center of the cart. I stood beside her.

“To our wedding.”

Chuckling, she reached over me and pressed the L.

Fuck . I had forgotten again. She was the reason. I was still trying to get over how good she looked in that fucking dress.

“How are you planning to marry a woman you haven’t even made your girlfriend?”

Turning toward Tiana, I gazed into her glossy orbs.

“I was wondering if you would be my woman. I didn’t want the night to end without asking or hearing that you’re willing to take a very calculated, very beneficial risk on a nigga. I’m not all good, but I’m not all bad either. I’m a work in progress. I’m your work in progress if you’ll have me.”

Pulling her bottom lip into her mouth, Tiana stared at me lovingly. Longingly. Lustfully.

“Under one condition…”

“Whatever you need, Ti.”

“Don’t leave me lonely.”

I shook my head.

“I won’t.” Pausing, I reassured her, “I won’t do that to you, Tiana. I won’t do that to myself.”

“Then, yes, August. Yes, I’ll be yours.”

Nodding, I chuckled, lowering my head. I felt like a grade school boy with a first day of school crush. Tiana was the pretty girl who’d just transferred to the school and everybody had their sight set on her. But she was only looking at me. She could only see me. And, I only saw her.

Hand-in-hand, we exited the elevator. I led her to the SUV and helped her inside. Once I was settled in, I switched gears and exited the lot of her complex.

My right hand gravitated to her exposed thigh. Tiana’s left hand relaxed on top of it. Her eyes sparkled under the lights that illuminated Clarke at night. The city was beautiful. She was even more beautiful.

“You’re tantalizing,” I confessed, “And I’m grateful you were waiting at the elevator.”

“Otherwise, we wouldn’t have made it out of the building.”

“You’re a very smart girl.”

“I had no intentions of letting you make it to my door. I knew how the night would end.”

“And, my first date would’ve been ruined.”

“I’m still trying to get over the fact that you’ve never been on a date.”

“I was saving myself– for you.”

Sniggering, Tiana responded, “You are highly skilled, Aug. I doubt you saved much for me.”

“All the good stuff I did. First date. First girlfriend. First bouquet. First love. First future wife. All of that shit.”

“How’d you go from never having a girlfriend to suddenly wanting a wife? What changed?”

I didn’t need time to consider my words. I didn’t need time to run through a list of options. There was only one.

“You.”

A stolen glance left me without more words and a plethora of feelings. Tiana was speechless, processing my response. I took the time to turn up the volume on the stereo. There was nothing left to be said.

Eighteen minutes elapsed from the moment I exited the lot until I approached the executive entrance of the theater. Tiana perked up at the sight of the bright lights and car lines.

“The Huffington Orchestra? Shut up.”

“You like a little Hip-Hop and R&B, Ti?”

“Do I?”

“Good, because we’re going to hear that shit for the next two hours.”

“Ahhh– I missed out on tickets when they went on sale. Of course, I was hooked up to all kinds of machines and unaware the tickets had even gone on sa–”

“Ti– it’s all good. I got you, baby.”

Her door opened as the words left my mouth. A hand extended to help her out. My blood began to boil instantly.

“Put your hand down before it be the last night you use it, my nigga. I’ve got her.”

I exited the driver’s side and made my way around the SUV, pulling the jacket of my tux on as I did so. I took Ti by the hand, helping her down and onto the ground safely.

“You’re a madman,” she whispered.

“For you, I’ll be that.”

“He was only trying to help me out.”

“You don’t need help from another man with your man within eyesight. Never, Ti. Same goes for me. As long as you’re around, it ain’t shit another woman can do for me but get out of my fucking face.”

“That is true–” she agreed.

“Alright then, madwoman.”

Chuckling, she nodded. “You have a point.”

Before settling into our seats, we stopped by the restrooms. The bar was our next stop. We approached our seats fully prepared to enjoy the show. And, that’s what we did.

For once in my life, everything was right. I nearly split the sides of my mouth from smiling at a swaying Tiana. She was hardly in her seat, forcing me out of mine. Her body was pressed against mine nearly the entire night. It was the greatest feeling.

Pulling away from her complex without her was the most difficult task I’d faced in years. However, I wanted her to understand the importance of building something beyond the bedroom. I wanted in her head and in her heart. Her bed was a place I had a lifetime to spend time in.

I wanted to end our night on the high the orchestra and our energy had supplied. Balle had to run in the morning and I needed to be beside her. Leaving Tiana before sunrise would put a damper on the mood we’d just set. I crept down the road behind her place without regret. I’d scored again.

Got them fucking digits.

Tiana was the newest contact in my phone. Quite frankly, the most important one.