Page 13 of Phase Two

“These burgers are so good,” she changed the subject before biting into one.

“You know since I live alone, I don’t cook all the time but from now on, at least once a week, I’ll cook and bring you and Baby Girl food. That will be one night you don’t have to worry about cooking. I know Kira likes what she likes, but you still need a homecooked meal.”

“I’m almost wondering how pathetic I must be coming across for you to offer all that but I had to realize, you’re always like this. I’m so blessed to have you in my life. I used to say I didn’t want a bunch of friends because it led to drama and trouble, but then I met ladies that made me feel sorry for people that didn’t have true friends.”

“Period because when my baby left home, y’all definitely kept me from going off the deep end. Good friends are a God send. Who needs a man when you have friends like us?”

“The ones that occasionally want to get their back cracked,” she giggled.

“I want that right now,” I sighed. “You know how sexy it is for Carter to not be able to have sex. Like, he’s so refreshing. I just hope nothing comes back to bite me in the butt. I often wonder about that ex-wife situation. Nigga might still be married.”

“I know it’s easier said than done, but you know you deserve a good man. I hope he’s that for you but if he’s not just chalk it up to being his loss. But to be fair, you have to be open to love. You can’t be walking around treating love like a disease you don’t want to catch.”

“Every single time I start liking a man just a little bit he does something to make me realize we’re both idiots. The excuses get lamer and lamer, and some don’t even care to try and come up with a good lie. Like, how are you just there for the kids, but the child is sixteen. He’s almost grown!”

Lauren laughed, “You never lied. Girl,” she was laughing so hard she had to wipe away a tear.

“I’m trying my best,” I decided to be serious. “Lord knows I don’t want to be that woman who finally meets a man and lets her trauma run him off. He might just be talking a real good game.”

“And he might not be. I was so naïve and delusional with that man it’s crazy. The red flags were always there. I just chose to ignore them. I was just so desperate that I actively chose to ignore them. All I cared about was marriage and having a baby because people said that’s what you’re supposed to do. I think I was simply in love with being able to say I had a man.”

“You’re not the first, and you for sure won’t be the last. The idea of marriage is cute. People tend to forget the hard work they have to put in to make the marriage last. You know the last thing I am is fake. I never liked him. Even when he tried to be nice, he gave me the ick.”

“And he knew you hated him too,” she laughed. “Tried to tell me you were bitter and jealous.”

That comment made my lip curl. “Bitter and jealous? Baby, I’ll drag my bare pussy across a cactus before I even give a man like him the time of day.

A lazy grin eased across Lauren’s face. “This is that good stuff for real. I feel so good off just one glass. All warm and fuzzy,” she swayed from side to side in her seat.

“Good. I’ll pour you one more glass then I want you to enjoy your bubble bath while I clean the kitchen.”

I was worried that couple’s yoga might be too much for Carter but baby, it was too much for me. We were in our second pose. I was in the downward facing dog position, and he was directly behind me. Like touching me, and his dick felt massive. The stretching felt amazing. There were some days I was super busy, so I didn’t sit still all day. But I still got super stiff at times. I made a mental note to stretch at least three times a week at home.

The next position, we sat on the floor Indian style just staring at one another. It was awkward at first, but the teacher kept reminding us to breathe and be present in the moment. Just relax and think all about all the good things in life.

When the session was over, I peeked at him. “What did you think?”

“That was fun, but I’m not doing it again until I can touch you after. And I don’t mean touch you with my hands.”

“I figured as much,” I laughed. “Thank you for coming with me. I always wanted to try it but you know, you need a plus one for that,” I shrugged.

“Well now you have a permanent plus one.”

I bit my tongue to keep from responding. All I was asking God was that if this man was a liar, and he wasn’t telling the truth to show me before I got in too deep. When he picked me up, Carter gave me flowers. It made me smile because for one it was sweet, and I had just given Lauren flowers two days before. When you put good out, it always came back around.

“I’m starving,” he announced when we left the class.

“I could for sure eat, and don’t ask me where we’re going. I trust your judgement.”

“You over there pretending like you know me,” he joked with a crooked grin.

“I pay attention.”

Dinner was amazing. I was enthralled with everything Carter did. How polite, well-spoken, and respectful he was, but he still had that street edge. That dope boy swag that let me know he was that nigga back in the day. Just based off his demeanor and his natural swag, I wouldn’t look at him if I didn’t know him and think lawyer.

Even though was a lawyer, he was still known in the streets. He started out helping young, black, juveniles. Then he moved to anyone that could pay because at that point, he needed great money to be comfortable. He was still good in any hood. He could pull up in a foreign car with a Rolex on his wrist or a massive diamond gracing his earlobe, and he frequented places alone.

When he wasn’t wearing business clothes, Carter could put that shit on. Jeans that fit just right. Not too tight and not too baggy. Whether it was quarter zips, plain white Polo tees, Polo sweaters, or a nice graphic tee, he always looked very well put together and on his shit. I bet young women and women my age were throwing themselves on him on a regular basis. I was also willing to bet that he didn’t turn them all down.