They’ve been dating for eight months, and I have to admit, Angela has been glowing since meeting him. I’m also relieved her period of dating is over, even if only temporarily, though this feels like more. She’s invited him over to Karen and B.J.’s house in Clifton for what’s turned out to be our first unofficial couples night—with the kids, who are in another room playing. Karen and B.J. closed on this cape-cod style starter home back in February and are just about settled in.
Dinner was great, and Karen is a wholesome host. B.J. isn’t his typical reserved self, more interested in talking sports with Stenton than anything. It’s not uncomfortable or fanatic, so Stenton is totally open to and entertained by it. It’s clear he likes B.J. and I’m relieved. Stenton can be weird with people outside of the industry and I get why.
I can’t help my need to caress the side of his stubbled face, reveling in his being with me. Loving the close proximity that allows me to feel his natural body heat emanate next to me. Stenton turns to me. His face is impassive, but his slanted eyes return all the affection I need. Not only does good sex do that to you, but being in love as well. I’m in love. I adore Stenton and I can be publically expressive about it. And he returns it…publicly. He actually prefers it that way, has made very clear that those first few weeks of our rekindling was difficult for him because I didn’t touch him. They were hard for me, too.
“I see I’m not the only one on love’s cloud,” Angela announces to the table. “Look at this one over here.”
I toss a glance in her direction and can see the table gaping our way. I offer a sheepish grin as I try to straighten in my seat. I can get very carried away with Stenton, so easily become deluded in his presence just as before, but this time I can let go, because he wants it all.
I clear my throat. “Touché,” I reply.
“I’m happy for you both,” Karen gushes. “I think this is the first time the three of us have been in love at the same time since you two were in junior high. I was with Donnie Brown, Zo was with Thaddeus McCray, and Larry Johnson for Angela.”
“Ha!” I yelp. “I remember them days. Man, that was long ago!”
“So, long I don’t know why you’re recalling,” B.J. playfully scolds his wife.
Karen rolls her eyes. “Boy, bye!”
“I’m just glad that it’s over…well, at least I hope it is,” Angela sighs.
“Holy mother of Joseph!” I gasp and Karen shrieks simultaneously.
Angela isn’t offended by our shock.
“I do!” she whines as she gazes at Andy. “This better be it. I’m done with the dating. I’m ready to feel secure again. To build with that someone again.”
“And she’s turned into a sappy traditionalist.” I jeer.
The table goes up in laughter, even Stenton lends his mirth.
“No, really! Zo, you know it was no fun out there. Men should come with warning labels because most of them have so much shit up their sleeves. They should read: ‘I’m a pathological liar.’ ‘I’m gay, but don’t want to admit it yet.’ ‘I just need someplace to live and someone with good credit.’ ‘I only want sex.’ I mean, really! It’s scary out there. Right, Zoey? I don’t know about you, but at first I thought having random sex would be good for me, you know? But even that got boring.”
“Speak for yourself, Ang,” I chuckle. “I actually think all women should experience and embrace singlehood. You learn so much about yourself via successful and failed relationships...good or bad sex. The experience itself is paramount.” I go for my ice tea.
“To hell with that!” Ang slams her glass defiantly on the wooden tabletop. “Bad sex is not paramount. Being out there for so long feels like...dammit execration.”
Ang with her outdated references.