Life, Love, Dancing...an excerpt - pt 7

Thank U for your patience. Please enjoy this 7th segment.

Here is the link to part 1 of Life, Love and Dancing.
Here is the link to part 2 of Life, Love and Dancing.
Here is the link to part 3 of Life, Love and Dancing.
Here is the link to part 4 of Life, Love and Dancing.
Here is the link to part 5 of Life, Love and Dancing.
Here is the link to part 6 of Life, Love and Dancing.


The admiring glances I sensed on my circuitous walk to the ladies' room two levels below our dining station increased the proud sway to my hips. Hispanic and Southern men's affinity for a curvaceous figure is balm for my spirit. This rare treat of abundant veneration in Manhattan can only be found in El Barrio or The Hood. Below 96th street men prefer fragile figured women. I was initially perplexed by the fact that even Black men preferred willowy women when I moved to New York City, but grew numb to it over time.

As I washed my hands there was no way for me to know that I would be washing my hands of a lot more three months after that lovely evening. I would sense more subversive glances along my circuitous tango into Paul's entangled life. But that first night was filled with the stuff that dreams are made of. Let me tell you that I, Cameron James, have enjoyed the attentions of many a charming man in my twenty or so years of dating and interrelating. But, my frustration with their lack of commitment drove me to celibacy two years ago. I took a vow that I would not engage intimately with any man until he proposed marriage. All of those other suggested time lines proved fruitless. I'd waited the prescribed 3 months, sometimes six months. Heck, one pre-intercourse chapter lasted seven years before ending in each other's beds. After that did not lead to the altar, I altered my strategy. I decided it was time I developed a true relationship with myself. Along the way, I stumbled upon God's objective for me. My purpose was to continue the work of my ancestors. It's amazing what revelations one has without the touch of a man for two years.

I knew subconsciously that Paul was a nice diversion from my withdrawn pattern. I reminded myself as I walked back to the table that this should be fun, nothing more, no expectations, just enjoy the moments and remember to breathe. I was here because I could not hide forever from the social interactions between a man and woman by simply hanging out with friends and family. It was time to practice all that I had been studying during my intense self-analysis and Bible courses. God and his betting nemesis, Lucifer were looking down and up at me getting a good laugh, no doubt. Well, I don't think God was laughing because He is always cheering me on. I'm sure the Lord looked on with bated breath. But, Ol' Lu had pulled out his best this time. And Lu knew that despite my protests, an underlying and mounting maternal drive weakened me.

As our dinner progressed I became more comfortable with Paul. I was enthralled by his ability to hold a conversation without the typical first date questions of: "What do you do?" or "How many siblings do you have?" The talk was light but personal enough that we shared glimpses of ourselves. Halfway through the bottle of wine we became cozy enough to feed each other. I noticed some of the women at the table nearest to ours peeping at us with encouraging smiles. I thanked the heavens for this refreshing respite in my parched social program. Paul's eyes sparkled with the victory of a man who had wined and dined a woman to perfection. He practically glowed when he fed me bites of the creamy dessert. While chocolate is my addiction of choice, I will never forget the tantalizing richness of the delicious caramel flan that Paul slid between my lips. I think Lucifer lit a cigarette at that moment. If I were a smoking woman, I am sure I would have needed one. And the night was still young.


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