Single Mama Dating Drama

By Cherritta Smith, Denise Anquenette, Patricia A. Bridewell and 14 more

Single Mama dating! It doesn't get anymore complicated than that. How can you find love when you have a career and kids? Where can you find that love connection? Is he on-line, in church, standing in front of the grapefruit in the grocery store? In these hilarious and heart-warming stories, you'll find single moms finding love in the most interesting of places, all while steering clear of the crazies, the lazies and definitely, the shadies.

In Single Mama Dating Drama, seventeen talented writers share fictional stories about the woes, pitfalls, and joys of dating while raising kids. From Monica Lynne Foster’s explosive tale of an ex who fights for custody of his child while fighting to gain his ex-wife back from her newfound love…to Dwon D. Moss’ hilarious Internet dating spin on a widow who runs into a holy roller, a pretty boy and a liar….to Candice Y. Johnson’s laugh-out-loud take on a mama whose baby girl prophetically dismisses all of her potential suitors…to Denise Anquenette’s story of how one woman's attempt to take back control of her life strains the bonds and boundaries of her relationship with her children…..to Michelle Mitchell’s sticky tale of a woman who meets her mate at a sperm bank…. these captivating stories are sure to make you laugh, shake your head, clutch your pearls, and cheer for these mamas and all their dating drama!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brown Girls Publishing
• Release date: Oct 18, 2016
• ISBN: 9781944359355

Cherritta Smith

Seventeen talented writers share fictional stories about the woes, pitfalls, and joys of dating while raising kids.

Book preview

Books

Never Go Back By Monica Lynn Foster

After Janay’s heartbreaking divorce, her best friend talks her into speed dating, where she meets the amazing Archer. But just as things are on their way to the next level with her new boo, her ex-husband decides he wants his wife and daughter back. Will Janay find that going back to her ex is best for her family, or are some things better left in the past?

Hundred Dollar Money By Sonia Johnston

Single mom Tasha Jones is convinced she’s never going to be lucky in love. That is, until her sister sets her up on a blind date. Will a silly bet be enough to give her some much needed hope or will her six rambunctious kids have her date running for the hills before she even says hello?

My Twisted Reality By Cherritta Smith

Layla was back on the dating scene after her divorce, and then she wasn’t. She’d taken herself off the market until her matchmaking best friend, Felicia, stepped in and hooked her up with the perfect man. But, was he perfect for Layla or for someone else?

Rhinestones in the Dust By Princess F.L. Gooden

They say if the shoe fits wear it… but what if it’s the baby daddy’s fiancé’s shoe and the both of you have them on for the wedding?

My Tax Dollars at Work By Charlie Marcol

Nathan Everrett takes his job as a firefighter seriously. So much so, that it’s trickled over into his personal life…where he makes it his business to reignite the flames of lonely women. When he meets Gabby, a recent divorcee, she’s ready to let him triage her wounded heart.  But when her desire erupts into a three-alarm blaze, will Nathan stick around to put out the flames?

Nayely Amar By Leiann B. Wrytes

Nayely Amar, Raquel’s budding beau, offers her the one thing that seemed to allude her when her marriage dissolved: love. As their relationship deepens, Raquel will soon find out if Nayely is truly her dream come true or a dream deferred.

A Heart for a Heart By Dwon D. Moss

What happens when a Black Widow is thrown into the midst of internet dating? Will the Liar, Holy Roller and Pretty Boy survive her web?

I Got My Mojo Working By Patricia A. Bridewell

When singer Mojo serenades his way into Laila’s heart, her mantra of ‘Single and Looking’ quickly changes. Their similar interests in music and another shot at love draw them closer. Until their busybody teens start plotting to keep them apart. Will their relationship flourish? Or will their kids’ mischief ruin a budding romance?

Your Village Ain’t Like Mine By Denise Anquenette

When it comes to dating, Arlette believes that honesty is the best policy, but will some unorthodox advice from her new life coach lead to love or loneliness?

Peace After Revolution By Jasmyne K. Rogers

Erykah Haughton makes a conscious decision to no longer allow men to take advantage of her love. That same day, her soul undergoes a powerful revolution that shifts her world. Will she falter under the soul shake or reclaim her happiness and peace by any means necessary?

Mama’s Little Prophetess By Candice Y. Johnson

Boaz. Idra. Alvin…the Chipmunks. Joquel doesn’t care what he calls himself, she just wants a man. But with her little girl playing Santa to determine which of her suitors has been naughty and which of them has been nice, how is she ever supposed to get married again?

When a Brother Babysits By Kimberly D. Taylor

Candice’s first night back out in the dating scene quickly goes downhill. Unbeknownst to her though, her brother Caine’s decision to babysit could alter the course of the evening. Will Caine, along with a touch of divine intervention, salvage the rest of Candice’s date night?

Reunited By Trina Charles

Single mom and graphic designer, Autumn Morrison is set up on a blind date with the one person she was not prepared to face. After a five- year absence, will she be forgiven for the choice she made to walk away?

Scattered Seeds By Michelle Mitchell

The last place Bailey ever expected to find love was at the free clinic. But that’s exactly what happens when she bumps into Kenny, and a great love story is conceived. The only problem is that Kenny can't seem distance himself from his baby mama, Nia. Bailey is tired of sharing his time and attention. Once she confronts Nia, she soon realizes that they have more in common than love for Kenny and that she might be the one who needs to walk away.

Born Again Virgin By Michelle Lynn Stephens

Newly divorced and armed with a celibacy pledge, Layla decides to return to her church roots to get her life in order. But things get complicated after she is charmed by a fellow church member whose identity brings drama back into her life.

Deception At Its Finest By Tomeka Farley Daugherty

Leela tried online dating but while others found Mr. Right, all she found was Mr. Wrongs. That was until she received an email from Christopher Richard by mistake. What will she do? Will she find love? Or will her lies catch up to her?

The Rear WindowBy Michelle Cornwell-Jordan

Single mom Abbey Sepion is excited about her first date with her handsome next door neighbor. But she ends up getting way more than she bargained for when she witnesses a murder.

Never Go Back

By Monica Lynne Foster

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Whoever said speed dating was the way to get back into the dating world, had never tried it. I shook my head, as the man who’d just told me that he didn’t wanna be gay no more and was gonna try this woman thang, left my table.

I glanced at my watch, then pinched the bridge of my nose and frowned. Only forty minutes had passed since the first loser took his place in front of me. And in my head, I cursed my best friend, Melody, for roping me into this tragedy of an evening.

You need to get out, Janay. Your divorce has been final for over a year. How long are you going to hold a torch for the man who left you and his little girl to be a father to someone else’s kid? Melody had baited me, knowing the minute she brought my only child, Shayna, into the conversation, I’d be open to whatever she suggested. My silence encouraged her to continue. I really think you should sign up for the church’s speed dating event next Friday. It’s a safe way to get back into the flow of dating. And at least all the men will have some kind of relationship with God. That’s a good start, right?

I wanted to ignore her, but I couldn’t. My parents were celebrating their fortieth wedding anniversary in two weeks and I was determined to show up with a date. There was no way I was giving my entitled older sister one more opportunity to taunt me with another failure. And not having a date for the party would be as big a failure as my divorce.

Since childhood, my sister delighted in pointing out how perfect she was. How she’d married a cardiologist and I married a line worker at Ford Motor Company. How she was back in her size eight designer jeans just weeks after giving birth three times, and it took me two years to drop down to a size fourteen after having my daughter. She was able to live the country club lifestyle of a doctor’s wife. I was tied to my desk, computer, and headset, taking calls from pissed off customers, forty-plus hours a week. And my paycheck always managed to run out a few days before the next one. My spirit ached when my parents’ hearts enlarged with pride at the mention of Alisa, yet they were embarrassed to admit they had another daughter. So, no, I could not, and would not, show up to my parents’ dinner alone. I’d rather pretend I was sick with the flu than show up without a man.

Even though the first eight speed daters included a recovering alcoholic, a biker who arrived in his leather vest and chaps, and a man who said his relationship with his baby mama was complicated, I had to persevere. All I needed was one guy who was presentable that I could take to my parents’ party.

The bell rang, indicating the ninth round of dates was starting. Plastering a smile across my face, I looked up as the next man approached my table. What I didn’t expect to see was the six-foot three-inch chocolate brown Adonis smiling down at me.

Hello, I’m Archer, he said, his voice a deep baritone.

Feeling heat warm my cheeks, I managed to squeak out, Hi, I – I’m Janay.

It’s a pleasure to meet you, Janay. He shook my hand, then unbuttoned his suit jacket so he could be comfortable as he sat.

I cleared my throat and willed my thoughts to return to a pure state. Tell me about yourself, Archer.

He flashed thirty-two pearly whites that would illuminate a dark room. Well, I’m thirty-six. Divorced for four years. I’m a single father of two sons, Jalen and Ian, ages eleven and nine. And I’m a sales director for a major pharmaceutical company.

I did my best to hide my excitement, but my toothy grin was betraying me. Tell me about your divorce, I prompted.

He shrugged. There isn’t much to tell. My ex decided she didn’t want to be a wife and mother anymore. I did what I could to convince her to stay. But in the end, if a person wants to leave you have to let them. He leaned forward, his light brown eyes twinkling in the glow of the candlelight on our table. How about you? What’s your story?

I took a sip of my ice water and thought about the night my ex walked out on our family. I’d begged and pleaded and thrown myself in front of the door. And he’d stepped over me like I was trash, jumped into his Ford Fusion, and sped away. I drew in a deep breath and took my time releasing it. My husband left his family over a year ago. He remarried before the ink dried on our divorce papers. He calls our seven-year-old daughter on her birthday and holidays, but doesn’t make an effort to do anything more.

Archer reached across the table and covered my hand with his. I was unprepared for the jolt of electricity that shot through my body. I’m hoping his loss is my gain.

I looked down at our hands and then into his eyes. How was it that a stranger showed me more tenderness in the span of a few minutes, than my husband did for most of our marriage? I bit my bottom lip. Is this your way of saying you’d like to get to know me better?

That’s exactly what I’m saying, he said, his gaze never wavering from mine.

Sounds good to me, I said, and silently offered up a thank you to my bestie for making me do this wonderful speed dating.

Eight Months Later…

Sweetheart, the meal was delicious. You keep this up and I’m going to wife you, Archer said, his stomach full from the slow cooked pot roast with carrots and potatoes.

I hope that’s a promise, I said, as I leaned over and brushed my lips across his cheek, then cleared the table.

I beamed and praised God for the man who’d brightened my life since the day we met. He accepted me for me, something that my family didn’t even do. Our fun and laughter was peppered with tender moments and cuddle time. But what I enjoyed most, were the hours upon hours of conversation. He was interested in my life. In my opinions. In me.

But, while Archer was winning me over, he was failing with Shayna. My lovable seven-year old didn’t care about the toys he bought her or the front row tickets to Disney On Ice. She wanted her father, and that man could never be Archer. And Shayna made it a point to remind him of that every time she saw him. My precious angel had turned into a holy nightmare when it came to Archer.

But tonight, we were Shayna free for a few hours and enjoying our time alone.

Archer strolled into the kitchen as I was loading the dishwasher. I need more than a little peck. He whirled me around and we kissed with the appetite of young lovers. Our moment of passion was interrupted by the doorbell.

Don’t answer, he whispered, nibbling on my neck. They’ll go away.

Placing my hands on his chest, I said, I have to. It could be Melody dropping off Shayna.

He moaned, but released me, and followed me to the door. What I wasn’t anticipating was who was on the other side.

Matt! What are you doing here? I asked my ex, who hadn’t made an appearance in over a year and a half.

He opened his arms wide. Hey, babe. I’m back, he said, walking through the door and kissing me on the forehead.

Still holding onto the doorknob with one hand, I wiped off his kiss with the back of the other. Are you kidding me? What do you mean you’re back?

He smirked. Natasha and I split.

Humph. I guess turning a mistress into a wife didn’t work out the way you thought it would. But that has nothing to do with me. I put my arm around Archer’s waist and pulled him close. Matthew, meet my man, Archer. Archer, meet my ex-husband, who’s leaving now.

Matt locked eyes with Archer and scowled. I know you don’t have this clown around my child.

Clown? Who are you calling a clown? Archer said, stepping to Matt.

Oh, Lawd, I thought. I’d never had two men interested in me at the same time, and even though I was ashamed to admit it, I was flattered. But I still didn’t want an escalated situation in my foyer.

Matthew, I began, positioning my five-foot one-inch frame between the two mountains of testosterone. You haven’t been concerned about your daughter in almost two years. But if you want to see her, you can call me tomorrow and we’ll talk through a visitation schedule.

Matt hesitated, and I held my breath. He looked from me to Archer and back to me before he spoke. Okay. I’m leavin’. But I’m tellin’ you now, I miss my family. I’m not giving up on you. On us. He kissed me again, before I had a chance to speak, and strolled out the door.

Waves of fury swept through me like a tsunami. I’d spent three hundred and sixty-five days praying that God would restore my marriage and bring my husband back to me. I’d rocked my little girl to sleep as she wailed for her daddy and wanted to know what she’d done to make him leave. I’d had to go to work wearing sunglasses, because I didn’t want my co-workers to see my swollen eyes from my marathon nights of crying. And now, Matt decides he wants to reclaim the best part of his life? The part that he threw away? Arrgh!

Janay. Janay. Archer snapped his fingers in front of my face, bringing me back to the present.

Huh?

You looked like you spaced out for a minute. Are you okay?

I blinked a few times. Um, yeah – yeah. I – I just wasn’t expecting that.

Do you want to get back with your ex? Archer asked, the vulnerability in his voice belying the strength of his body.

Of course not. I waved my hand, dismissing his concern. Matt betrayed our marriage in the worst possible way, but he’s still Shayna’s father. And whatever disgust I feel for him, I have to set it aside and think about what’s best for my daughter. Can you understand that? My eyes searched his, looking for any sign that he heard me. That he understood me. And that he wouldn’t leave me.

He pulled me back into his arms. I’ve waited too long to meet a woman like you. Then he continued to answer my question as his lips closed over mine. In that gentle, tender, sensuous moment, I felt both of us tip into the realm of love.

But staying in that love zone had proven to be harder than I imagined. Matt had come by every day for the past seven weeks, creating tension between Archer and me. And each time I opened the door, Shayna would run to him. He’d scoop her up and swing her around and she’d giggle with delight. Seeing the joy in my daughter’s face caused a surprising shift in my feelings toward him. I’d forgotten how charming he could be when he wanted something.

I was thankful that today was Friday and I was relaxing with a cup of hot chamomile tea and a good book, and forgetting about men. So, I muttered impolite words when my me time was interrupted by the ringing of my cell phone. Hey, Matt, I mumbled.

Don’t sound so happy to hear from me, he said. Excuse me for wanting to check on you and Shayna.

We’re fine, I said, setting my book on the end table and focusing on our conversation. Alisa decided at the last minute to throw a pool party for her kids and invited Shayna. She’ll be with them all weekend.

Oh, wow. I heard the astonishment in his voice. She’s including Shayna now?

I chuckled, remembering that he knew Alisa almost as well as I did. I know, right! Will wonders never cease?

He laughed with me. Sooooo, that means you have the night off?

Mm hmm.

Where’s that tree you call your man?

I ignored his shade. He’s out of town for work. He’ll be back tomorrow.

Have you eaten?

Be smart, and say yes, I warned myself. No.

He added extra bass to his voice and got around to his true reason for the call. How about I bring your favorite, and we watch a movie?

I could hear the four-alarm siren blaring in my head. Sweet and sour chicken from Ta Wu’s?

You know it!

Count me in, I said, succumbing to my flesh. I’ll fix a pitcher of your favorite.

Sweet tea with fresh squeezed lemons?

I nodded. Yup.

See you in twenty, he said, rushing off the phone.

I walked down the hall to my bedroom and changed out of my pajamas and into a pair of jeans and a scoop neck tee. Then I headed into the kitchen to make our beverage. Humming, I realized I was excited about my date, and I stayed excited as we watched a thriller on Netflix and enjoyed our meal.

I snuggled into Matt, feeling the recognizable comfort of his arms and scent of his cologne. The scent that I’d turned him onto over ten years ago and he’d been wearing ever since.

He massaged my shoulder. This is nice.

Looking up at him through my lashes, my lips parted in a slow smile. Yes, it is.

Janay, he began, his voice thick with love. Or maybe it was lust. Is it okay if I kiss you?

Forgetting that I had a man and unable to speak, I nodded. Then waited with anticipation as he brought his lips to mine, creating the perfect fit. As our kiss intensified, he repositioned us on the couch and continued with his exploration of my body. I lost all ability to think beyond the moment, as we became reckless with our passion, and he led me to my bedroom. A bedroom that used to be ours.

Everything about our lovemaking was familiar, until the guilt. The guilt was new. And the guilt was exactly what I felt when I rolled onto my side the next morning, checked my phone on the nightstand, and saw that I’d missed Archer’s nightly call. I glanced over at Matt, spread eagle on the bed and snoring, a satisfied smile on his face. Slipping out of