Friendship Matters

By Rona D.

Description:

 

"Friendship Matters" is an award-winning poignant, light-hearted yet dramatic romantic comedy about three women whose bond is tight and characteristics are so relatable, you'll view them as your friends. Despite their ups and downs, these women find a way to love, laugh and uplift one another, thus showing us why Friendship Matters.

 

We begin with Saisha (Say-sha), the sassy and single real estate agent who seeks to find a suitable replacement for her first love, Lamont, while entertaining some not-so-single men. As she secretly longs for Lamont's return, she finds herself intrigued by Cameron who just might be the one.

 

Then there is Euniqé, a widowed psychotherapist who is raising her son.  She's viewed by most as both conservative, wise and quite content with her life is.  Euniqé has no interest in finding love after having lost her husband, Anthony. That is until Earl, a chivalrous gentleman who makes his interest known.  Will she open herself up to try love again.

 

Rounding out the trio is Kandace, a housewife and mother of two, who has given up her dreams in support of her often-unfaithful husband, Travis.  Her decision to remain dutiful soon backfires forcing her into a position where she will have to make a life-changing decision.

 

The story is authentic, relationships endearing, and twists are hilariously shocking.  So much so, that by the end of the story you'll be rooting for each one of them and wanting more.

 

About the Author:
Rona D. Drinkard is the debut author of "Friendship Matters."  She currently resides in Maryland but hails from Buffalo, New York, the setting of this award-winning novel.  She has been featured in several magazines to include Rolling Out, Bronze, Sheens and The World's Best Magazines, Buffalo local newspapers, winner of 13 awards in various fiction genres and has received raving reviews from readers, reviewers, book clubs and fellow authors.  She's a Project Manager Lead by day, writer by night and also enjoys spending time with family, reading, cigars, her Cricut, football, boxing and socializing.

Where you can find her:
Instagram, Facebook, Twitter & TikTok:  @ronadwrites
Website:  www.ronadwrites.com

Awards:
2022 Best Book Award Winner - African American Fiction
2022 2nd & 3rd Place BookFest Award Winner - Urban & Humor/Relationship Fiction
2022 Readers' Favor Silver Medal Winner - General Fiction
2022 American Writing Awards Winner - General & Women's Fiction
2022 NIEA Juror's Choice Award Winner - African American Fiction
2022 NIEA Finalist - African American Fiction
2022 International Book Award Finalist - African American Fiction
2021 Brew Readers' Choice of the Year Award Winner for Women's Fiction
February 2022 BREW Readers' Choice Award Winner - Women's Fiction
2021 Firebird Book Fiction Award Winner - Fiction
2021 Indies Today Finalist - Fiction

• Language: English
• Publisher: Pen Savvy Publishing
• Release date: Feb 5, 2022
• ISBN: 9781736923023

Rona D.

Rona D. Drinkard (Rona D.) is a project manager by day and a writer by night. She received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Daemen College and her Master of Arts in Human Services Administration from the University of Buffalo State College. It’s no surprise that with her educational background, she has worked in almost every field that serves people both young and old. Although Rona writes fiction novels that focus on family, love and friendship, her primary preference for reading and or watching television, is sci-fi. It allows her to focus on things outside of her day-to-day and experience the unimaginable. Her favorite author is Octavia E. Butler, who was the first black science fiction writer Rona encountered over 20 years ago. The first novel she read of hers was Kindred. She still raves about that book to this day. Rona decided that once she finished Kindred, she'd read every book Ms. Butler had written. Well that she did, even Lilith's Brood. Since then, she's been introduced to and developed a love for Author Tananarive Due as well. Shocked that Rona truly has a love for sci-fi? Don't believe it? I suggest that whenever you have a chance to chat with her, just ask about the tv series Lovecraft Country. She will give you an earful. Outside of reading and writing, Rona loves coffee (Tim Horton's), wine (newly acquired taste), event planning (nicknamed "team too much"), singing (RBC 4 Life), traveling (as often as possible), socializing (loves to host and attend), and creating (addicted to her Cricuit machine). Additionally, she enjoys watching tennis, boxing, basketball, and football (proud Buffalo Bills fan) with her husband (a NY Giants fan). You can just imagine the atmosphere in the Drinkard's home when these two teams meet. Rona currently resides in Maryland with her husband, Haashim, daughter Nylah and granddaughter Layla. You can connect with Rona D. by following her on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter using the links at the bottom of this website.

Book preview

Copyright © 2021 Rona D. (Rona D. Drinkard)

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the publisher, except by reviewers, who may quote brief passages in a review.

Name: Drinkard, Rona, author.

Title: Friendship Matters by Rona D.

Description: First trade paperback original edition. | PlanItRoRo LLC | Bowie, Maryland

Identifiers: Library of Congress Control Number: 2021907935

FICTION / Literary.

ISBN: 978-1-7369230-1-6 paperback

ISBN: 978-1-7369230-0-9 hardcover

ISBN: 978-1-7369230-2-3 ebook

Printed in the United States of America

Published by: Pen Savvy Publishing

Email: [e-mail]

Visit: www.ronadwrites.com

Book Cover Design and Formatting by JD&J Designs

Edited by Shana Murph and Donald Weise

Beta Readers: Haashim Drinkard and Desiree Whyte Durant

Author Photo by Derrick L. Davis Photography

Print in the USA

This is a work of fiction. Any references or similarities to actual events, real people, living or dead, or to real locales are intended to give the novel a sense of reality. Any similarity in other names, characters, places, and incidents is entirely coincidental.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Praise be to God for the direction, patience and commitment allowing me to accomplish one of my most fulfilling aspirations. In all things HE deserves the glory and I can’t thank HIM enough.

For my mother, who has always been my biggest fan, my foundation began with you! You are a true pillar of endurance and strength that is unfaltering. I am forever grateful and I love you always.

My father, who continues to be my supportive, uplifting, loving and unwavering rock. It is a blessing and a privilege to be able to call you Dad. I love you dearly.

For my husband, also a beta reader, who ensures that I maintain confidence, never give up, and remain grounded, even while being team too much! I could not have made it through this process without you. I love you from the bottom of my heart.

For my daughter, who has been my motivation from the moment you were conceived. You have been the driving force that propels me to reach for the stars, never look back and to stay the course. My mini me, I love you to the moon and back.

For my grandbaby, who is a beautiful bundle of joy that continues to amaze me and keeps a smile on my face. Your greatness is already apparent. Love always.

For THE BEST siblings in the world (TIU), you all are AMAZING and I can’t say I love you enough. For my aunts, uncles, cousins, and to my nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephew, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support during my life’s journey. I love and appreciate each and every one of you.

To one of my best friends and my second beta reader, you are truly a sister from another mister. You are and always will be dear to my heart.

To my Friendship Matters Book Launch Team, your time, constructive feedback and support is invaluable. I appreciate and thank you from the bottom of my heart!

For the many friendships (male and female) that I’ve established and maintained over the years. Shout out to C.P., Bennett Tigers, the entire 716, U.B., and the DMV. You are family in my eyes and heart and I will forever cherish your love and support.

Special shout out to my Sista Friends circle who have uplifted and supported me throughout this process. The texts and conversations are priceless; I love you ladies to the moon and back!

In the loving competition we’ve had since you were young, baby brother…tag you’re it! Let’s get to writing and publishing!

Friendship Matters

Book Launch Team Members

Haashim Drinkard

Desiree Durant

LaTrida Hillman Evans

Shawn Evans

Aubrey Marshall

Donna Willis

Dana Ransom

Patricia Chisim

DEDICATION

To my mother, a woman who lived, loved hard and laughed often. Although you will not be here to celebrate my first book release, I carry with me the pride you showed when you would tell anyone who would listen…My daughter is an Author!

Memories of your strength, determination and loving spirit will stay with me until I see you again. My promise to you...Not nary a child will be born into this family without learning how to play spades.

Dance on Martha Ann, dance on...you’ve earned your wings with just a little bling.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 - Sassy

Chapter 2 - He’s a Catch!

Chapter 3 - Fancy, Huh?

Chapter 4 - Skeletons

Chapter 5 - Promising Future

Chapter 6 - The Love of My Life

Chapter 7 - The Odd Couple

Chapter 8 - Just Maybe?

Chapter 9 - Strong

Chapter 10 - How Far We’ve Come

Chapter 11 - Am I a Fool?

Chapter 12 - Ladies Night

Chapter 13 - It’s A New Day

Chapter 14 - Missing Timmy

Chapter 15 - Can This Be the One?

Chapter 16 - Private School, Say What?

Chapter 17 - Date Night

Chapter 18 - Nobody’s Fool!

Chapter 19 - Mama’s Got You

Chapter 20 - I’m Confused

Chapter 21 - For Real, Though?

Chapter 22 - Is There Potential?

Chapter 23 - Making Plans

Chapter 24 - Reap What You Sow

Chapter 25 - Happy Hour Shenanigans

Chapter 26 - Should I?

Chapter 27 - God’s Trying to Tell You Something

Chapter 28 - Big Brother Is in Town

Chapter 29 - Dinner with the Treedmonts

Chapter 30 - Mama’s Boy

Chapter 31 - Nyles, You’re Wrong

Chapter 32 - The Next Level

Chapter 33 - Pandora’s Box

Chapter 34 - Let’s Catch a Movie

Chapter 35 - Alone at the Club

Chapter 36 - Off to the Principal’s Office

Chapter 37 - He’s Got a Plan

Chapter 38 - Keep on Moving

Chapter 39 - Interest Piqued

Chapter 40 - A Girl Can Get Used to This

Chapter 41 - Ladies Plot

Chapter 42 - Hurry Up!

Chapter 43 - Love Is in the Air

Chapter 44 - Stalker Maybe?

Chapter 45 - Two Peas in a Pod

Chapter 46 - He’s Just Not Ready

Chapter 47 - Don’t Come for Me

Chapter 48 - Wedding Bliss

Chapter 49 - Children Aren’t Stupid

Chapter 50 - Plans Sealed

Chapter 51 - The Introduction

Chapter 52 - Bruised and Embarrassed

Chapter 53 - The Sisters

Chapter 54 - Vegas It Is!

Chapter 55 - Relentless

Chapter 56 - The Bachelorette Party

Chapter 57 - Wedding Day

Chapter 58 - Our Vows

Chapter 59 - Toast to Love and Friendship

Saisha

Chapter 1 - Sassy

Keeping secrets from my best friend, Euniqé, is almost impossible. She’s a psychologist who goes by the title of psychotherapist and she’s always analyzing something. Today, I just don’t want to hear it. I gave James some because I wanted to. So what he has a woman. Last night he was with me and I’m okay with that.

So, when my phone rang at 6:30 this morning, I didn’t have to guess who it was—Euniqé. She calls me at least three times a week to cook her breakfast and almost always on Mondays. The girl loves to eat but cannot cook a decent meal to save her life. I feel so sorry for my godson Tyree. All that fast food she feeds him is just ridiculous, but I try to make sure he gets two or three square meals a week.

Our friendship goes way back. Euniqé, Kandace, our other best friend, and I have been friends for over 20 years now and I love them like sisters. Euniqé and I have disagreed many times and it’s usually because of the unwanted advice she gives me. She constantly criticizes the men I date and the choices I make. She only approved of one guy, Lamont, and we all hung really tight during that time.

It’s in her nature to assist those she loves even if they don’t want it. I know Euniqé takes friendship very seriously because she will do anything she can for me. Her favorite saying is Saisha girl, you know he ain’t no good for you! God forbid I have a man sitting up in here when she comes over. Euniqé will show, in all her body language, how much she does not like the situation. For that reason, I make sure she does not come over when I have male company. I know she’s right but I’m grown and she is not my mother!

Still, with all we’ve been through over the years, I wouldn’t trade her nor Kandace for the world. We all met freshmen year in high school. I remember this one time when Euniqé and I were at the park chillin’ with some other girls and guys, and this one dude kept smiling at me. So, me, being the little flirt that I am, smiled back. I just knew I was fine; you couldn’t tell me anything. When I think about it, hell, I still feel that way. Well, this girl Tracey comes running over to me talking all sorts of stuff, saying I was trying to steal her boyfriend. Before I could read her behind, out of nowhere comes Euniqé. She got all up in her face, telling her she better back the f--- up and ain’t no one gonna jump in her friend’s face or she would whoop her like she stole something. I was shocked. I didn’t know the girl had a temper or attitude like that. Then I got pissed at her because she didn’t let me get a word in edgewise. I can take care of myself. I did not need Euniqé to fight my battles. Plus, I grew up with two older brothers, what?! Of course, she didn’t even care about my attitude; she just walked away saying, ain’t no one gonna jump in my friend’s face like that. I smiled and followed her. Later, after I thought about it, Euniqé scared the hell out of me too. I do believe that she would have beaten the mess out of that girl if she had opened her mouth to say one more thing but lucky for Tracey, she didn’t. She just turned around with her hand on her imaginary hip and whispered to her girlfriend, she better be glad I had to go because I would’ve whooped her behind. I knew from that point on Euniqé and I would be friends for a very long time. I liked her being on my side.

Euniqé isn’t a small girl. She’s always been tall and shapely but she always covered it up. Hell, if I had a shape like that, I would be unstoppable. She wears about a size 12 in pants and that’s only because her behind is so big. Her waistline is about 28" and she’s got these wide hips. As far as her chest goes, it’s not big but it’s perfect for her shape. Girlfriend has such an hourglass shape that her tops are two sizes smaller than her bottoms. With all this, Euniqé is the furthest from vain and despised the fact that older men always tried to talk to her. I understand why they did, though, because Euniqé looks much older than she is and she acted as such. She’s what I would call extremely conservative but on the other hand as ghetto as they come. Most people view her as bougie but Euniqé believed that if she didn’t want to be bothered with you, she didn’t have to. God gave us the ability to make choices and she continues to exercise her right. I guess that’s why her parents named her Euniqé. I’ve never met anyone like her.

She did well in school, never hung around fast girls and pretty much did her own thing. If she didn’t like you, you would know because you just did not exist to her. If she did like you, she was loyal and genuine. We were alike in many ways. Neither of us took anything from anyone and she was quick to whoop someone’s behind even though she rarely got the opportunity. She was just plain quick tempered and I learned why later.

Today Euniqé is what they call an eclectic psychotherapist. She doesn’t utilize just one type of therapy but incorporates them all depending on the client’s needs. She works with diverse populations but says she enjoys working mostly with Black men because they are the most interesting. It helps her with her own healing of having grown up with a damaged and abusive father. She loves working with the Black women as well, but just focuses more on helping them to recognize their strength. I truly believe it has something to do with the way her mother handled dysfunctional situations in her home. Euniqé believes that Black women are the backbone of this country and I love how committed she is to building them up.

She is so determined to help her clients succeed that it takes a toll on her, so reading has become her way to relax and release.

Now Ms. Euniqé Johnson is on her way over to eat. It takes her about 15 minutes to get to my house so I got out of my comfortable king-size bed to prepare for the day. Lamont bought me this bed for my birthday some time ago. It’s a canopy bed with sheer, soft white fabric draped around the top, connecting the four corners. My bedroom walls are painted eggshell white with a floor-length mirror on one side and beautiful African art on the other side.

I entered the bathroom to brush my teeth and wash my face. After putting on a pair of shorts and a T-shirt, I proceeded to the kitchen to get my cook on. Right before I entered the kitchen, I remembered to put on my gospel. How else can I cook a good breakfast?

I decided I was going to make some blueberry pancakes, Camellia hot sausages (which are the best in Buffalo), scrambled eggs and some herbal tea. I think there’s some orange juice in there too. I pulled out my favorite steel mixing bowl, poured in the batter, added a half cup of water and stirred, holding the bowl tightly near my chest. I don’t know why but for some reason they come out better this way.

I can’t figure out why this girl cannot cook. She’s so good at everything else. She’s got to be faking it. All you have to do is read the directions. What’s so complicated? Then she has the nerve to ignore you when you try to give her tips. Maybe this is the one thing someone else can do for her since she is so independent.

Euniqé loves eating in my kitchen because the view of the water here is just beautiful. The kitchen set is counter height with four comfortable high chairs. The patio doors sit right off the kitchen allowing for a great view of downtown. It’s very peaceful.

The food is cooking now and smelling good! She had better hurry it up before I eat it all. My pancakes are always excellent because I cook them in butter. The edges come out crispy so all you have to do is add syrup. I make sure that Daryl Coley songs are playing. His singing can motivate you to have a great day; Euniqé loves him too.

Quickly I remember to wipe off any evidence from my face of the nasty I did last night with James and if she asks, I’m going to deny, deny, and deny until she just shuts up. Like I said, I don’t want to hear it.

Euniqé, being the woman that she is, just turns the doorknob instead of ringing the bell like most normal people would do. I guess she feels it’s a waste of time. I should have had the door unlocked knowing that she was coming over anyway. She comes in looking conservative as usual with a navy-blue pantsuit that just doesn’t fit snug enough for my taste. The kitten heels are also navy. One thing I do love is that trench she’s wearing. I’ve been trying to get my hands on it for at least three years now but she’s not budging. We hug as if we hadn’t seen each other this past Saturday for her son Tyree’s school program or at church on Sunday. He’s nine years old, just as handsome as they come and loves his Godma. That’s my little man.

Come on in, girl, and take a seat. I’ve already placed your food on the table.

Saisha, was church service excellent or what yesterday? ‘Finishing What You Start…’ that was just what I needed to hear.

Girl, you know he is always on point and I hate to say it out loud but when he’s not there, I almost want to leave or not go at all. The other ministers are good but they’re just not Pastor Jordan. He’s anointed in a way that makes you hunger to hear the Word. Do you remember how, when we were younger, we only enjoyed church if the Youth or Mass choir were singing? I could not tell you back then what the preacher was talking about. All that ummm and uunnhh ... now I just want the choir to hurry up and sing so that we can get to Pastor’s teaching.

"Yeah, all true, but you have to admit that Rosalyn sang I Know I’ve Been Changed like it was written for her personally. She sounded so good; she makes you want to slap her," Euniqé said while snapping her fingers.

Well, you are right about that one. She is definitely gifted. I agreed.

As I was humming the song to myself, I stopped and looked at Euniqé. I frowned because she knows she does not have to make those noises, grunting and umming to let me know the food is good. After she finished, she sat back, unbuttoned her pants and gave my house a look as if she was sniffing out something. I just kept it moving. I started picking up the plates and asked her how the food was. We sat at the table and talked before she asked the predictable yet undesirable question.

Saisha, with her head shaking, I know you didn’t have that no good, cheating, Black, broke ass male in this house last night? Don’t lie either because you haven’t been able to look me in the face since I got here.

So, I quickly responded with, The only reason why I didn’t look you directly in the face is because you know I can’t stand that dull, no fitting, tired pantsuit you got on and I was trying to keep from saying it.

Damn, I hope that worked because Euniqé is good. She’s like a private investigator but the one thing she can’t stand is for you to critique her style. She returned my comment with a nasty smirk on her face and continued to look around. I know she was trying to calm herself down. I may have gone too far but needed to back her up off me.

Anyway, Euniqé, how many clients do you have today? I asked. I know you don’t like a heavy load on Mondays.

I don’t think I want to discuss them but we can talk about that ignorant comment you made about my suit. This dull, no fitting, tired pantsuit cost $250 and was a gift from Anthony.

I squinted when she said that because he was her husband who is deceased. Now I have really put my foot in my mouth.

Before we continue, you better apologize, Euniqé said in a very stern voice.

Sorry, I said.

If you weren’t with James, then you would not have been defensive enough to make that statement to me, so you can’t fool me girl; I’ve known you way too long.

Well, for your information and not that it was any of your business, James was not here. A couple of friends from work came by and we all just had a good time. It ain’t always about sex contrary to what you think, I said sharply.

I don’t know why I lie to the girl like she’s my mother, but she can make you feel guilty about something that is truly none of her damn business. She finally left me alone about it and told me that Tyree asked her if he could wear some cologne to school today.

Now, Saisha, you know I’m not having that. He is nine years old, in the fourth grade and has no business trying to impress no little nappy-headed girl at school. Get this girl, when I asked who she was, he said her name is Asia, and she’s in the fifth grade. Oh, hell naw! Next thing you know he’ll be asking me for money and the little heffa would have turned my little man into a mini sugar daddy before his time.

We both laughed as I thought about how protective Euniqé is over Tyree. I hope my girl will be able to loosen the reins when it’s time. If not, he’ll be all messed up.

You have to admit; Tyree is handsome so you should just get prepared because Asia may be the first but definitely not the last.

When I looked in her face, I realized I should change the subject but she beat me to it.

What time do you have to go in today? she asked.

Come to think of it, I need to check because I’ve forgotten myself.

I went down the long, thin corridor to my little office outside of my bedroom. Checking my calendar on the computer, I realized that I have to show a home on Langley Place at 10:00 a.m. I sighed with relief because I did not feel like seeing those annoying people at the office today. Julie, the secretary, just stays in everyone’s business. My boss, Jeffrey, is constantly hitting on me with his smelly breath, yuck. I just want to be outdoors today.

When I returned to the kitchen, Euniqé was preparing to leave. I let her know that my first appointment was at 10:00 while she put on my future coat and said good-bye. She never bothered to share what time her first client was so I just moved on.

Just like a Black person—eat and leave. Make sure you call me tonight or tomorrow, I said with a guilty smile.

Yeah, I will… and I know that species was here last night but you’ll learn sooner or later. Girl, he just ain’t worth it. You reap what you sow and you don’t want a woman doing to you what you’re doing to his woman when you get serious, Euniqé said firmly.

As I closed the door, I knew she was speaking the truth but denial was working for me at the moment. I thought about getting back in bed but I dare not. It takes me almost an hour to get ready. Even if I laid my clothes out at night, it would still take me an hour. I can’t help it. It takes a lot of time to remain as beautiful as I am. Going through my first closet, nothing strikes me. I want something pastel and soft today because the house I’m showing is for my client Cameron. He has got it going on. I’m waiting to see if he brings a woman this time. It’s so inappropriate for me to ask if he’s single, but damn I want to know. Maybe today I’ll ask if he gives me strong enough eye contact.

I went to my second closet and my tan pantsuit just called out to me. The blazer is low cut and makes my breasts look like something special. It’s not too trampish but just enough to get the attention I want. I decided to wear my brown pumps and a cream camisole under the blazer. I love this suit because the pants have a cuff at the bottom and they do a great service in hiding my big feet. I ran the shower and while it was running, I got out my M.A.C. skincare system and prepared to make myself irresistible... AGAIN. At least I hope so. After cleansing my face, I jumped in the shower. I always struggle getting out of my shower because the showerhead massager I have is so relaxing. It makes me want to give up working and just cleanse myself for the rest of my life. Of course, as usual, I’ve wasted so much time pampering myself that I ended up having to rush.

While getting dressed, I couldn’t help but to pass the mirror at least three times. I put on my shoes; grabbed my trench and proceeded on to the man of my future. I plan to sell the house along with a woman to put in it. Off went Daryl Coley and on goes my skills!

Chapter 2 - He’s a Catch!

Now, Cameron is something special. He’s an accountant at a local firm that a previous client referred to me. I loved the fact that he was adamant about using a Black real estate agent. I found that quite attractive. Even more so when they are chocolate, tall, slightly built and financially secure…just saying. When I first talked with him on the phone, his voice was so deep I had to cross my legs to keep my business dry. He needs to be a DJ with a voice like that. It’s a cross between Barry White’s talking and Christopher Williams’ singing. Separate or together, you’ve definitely got a winner! He was very sure about what he wanted in a home and gave me enough information to know that he was strictly business.

Cameron never mentioned a wife or fiancé but you know how men are. He was probably curious about me too, I thought to myself. I’ve often been told that I have a very sexy voice—not that I’m blowing my own horn.

Our first showing was on a Thursday afternoon. I must say when I stepped out of my Infiniti and he got out of his pearl BMW, I knew we were a match made in heaven. I almost forgot why I was there.

He’s about 6’4, nicely built with arms that say come here, girl, so I can just grab a hold of you." He is bald with a slight goatee, which added to his striking appearance. His lips looked like his mother molded them herself—perfect! I almost kissed him before even introducing myself properly. Cameron is definitely all that and a bag of salt and vinegar chips to be specific (those are my favorite).

The home I showed him that day sat back off the road with about two acres of land surrounding. It was off-white with the veranda around the front and both sides. Every time I show it, it reminds me of colonial times. It has four bedrooms with two and a half baths. The family room had a vaulted ceiling and more than enough space for the children we will have. The fireplace was wood burning and skylights were throughout the house. All the floors were made of hardwood and French doors led to the deck. The dining room sat right off of the kitchen. Some real serious cooking could take place in there. The two-car garage even had storage racks in place. The most important room was the master bedroom and bathroom. When I showed it to him, all I could think about was how I would rock his world. The bathroom had a jetted tub and shower with brass-trimmed glass doors. Four people could fit comfortably in there at one time.

Out of all the people I showed this home to, he was the only one going through each room as I was offering descriptions, with a simple um hum each time. He showed no emotion while I was trying to figure out how I could afford it my damn self. I couldn’t tell if he wanted it or not. He wasn’t giving me much to work with. When I was finished with my little show and strutting through the place like I was a part of the package, he just said, Ms. Treedmont I will call you in the morning. I need to think more about it. That was it… nothing more.

Now I’m meeting him this morning at 10:00 and I’m ready. He decided he didn’t want the colonial style, said it reminded him too much of a slave plantation. He said something about wanting a house with fewer bedrooms, a little cozier than the previous house. This was a plus for me because I had high hopes that he was entering whatever home he chose by himself.

When I reached the house at 9:50, he was already there. Today, he has on a black suit. Damn he looks good and I was prepared to pour it on thick. It’s not that I’m desperate, not at all. I’m looking for the right man but I keep entertaining the wrong guys. I greeted him showing my extremely straight white teeth and he didn’t seem impressed. This man can lower a girl’s self-esteem. He is definitely not the flirting kind. Well, good thing I have an abundance of self-esteem, so I remained determined. I leaned in a little bit while talking to him so he could see the best of my two worlds. Damn, still no emotion. Cameron backed up and asked, Ms. Treedmont, how many rooms are there again?

There are three bedrooms, two baths, dining room, living room, kitchen, den, a finished basement and an attic.

It was a nice cozy home on Langley Place, which was where a lot of progressive