Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Chapter 1 The UnMarritable

Good evening Fast Life life. I know it's been a while since I've posted, but there have many bumps in the road. I want to thank each and everyone of you for supporting me.

A quick update on what's going on.  The UnMarritable will be dropping in June. I don't have an exact date yet, but I will definitely let you know.  You can also look forward to the remake of Livin' the Fast Life in July or August. This summer is going to be Fiyah. Please stay tuned, support, spread the word, and grab your copies.

I have redone the beginning of The UnMarritable, and I want to know your views. Here is the complete first chapter. Thank you for your support.


It is every girl dream to be married at least once in her life, to live the Cinderella fantasy. I always thought I would be the first one married; before my brothers and sisters and most of my cousins, but life had something else in store for me.
Friday night getting dressed, and I am getting ready to go to the hottest party in town. It's a black and white ball, and I have been invited. This is the ball where only the elite will be attending. I have been dreaming about coming to this ball since I was a little girl. Now it's time for me to shine and show them who I am. Not excited about going to the biggest ball of the year alone; however, I am excited about being invited. Finally, it's my time to shine. I can't allow anything to stop me from enjoying this moment. The moment I have been waiting on my entire life.
I turn on the radio, to find a station playing the quiet storm. Continuing to go through the stations, I don't find anything else that can compete with the quiet storm; Not finding anything else on I go back to the last station. I get back to the station and can hear the sound of Luther. Now I am ready to take a nice, hot bubble bath. I'm soaking in the tub and can vaguely hear the phone ringing. I think to myself, whoever it is can leave a message. Right now I want to relax and enjoy this moment of serenity.
Relaxing in the tub for an hour, I get out, dry off and see if anyone important were calling. While checking to see who was calling, I hear the doorbell ringing. I know I am not expecting any company until tomorrow. Someone is starting to ring my doorbell off the hook, and it is driving me crazy. I slip on my robe, run down the stairs, to see who it is. I look out and see this man with a hat standing on my door. I open the door and ask if there is something I can do for him. He turns around, gives me a slight grin and ask if I am Kenya Gardner. Hesitant at first I ask him what is his business. He says he is the limo driver, and ready to take me to the ball. I start to laugh because I wasn't sure who he was. He was about to get whacked upside the head, hadn't he identified himself. I apologize to the driver for losing track of time and politely ask if he can give me about twenty minutes. The Limo driver gives me a slight grin and says, “no problem I will give you thirty.” I start to laugh and then he says, “no offense ma'am; I have four sisters and a mother, and they are never on time.” I start to laugh and thank the gentleman for understanding. I shut the door, and head upstairs to finish getting dressed. I am trying to get dressed as fast as I can, but also make sure I am looking my best. I don't want anything out of place. Something tells me tonight is the night, and I have to be at my best.
I check my dress to make sure it's fitting right, and my makeup is flawless. I know I look good as hell, and dare someone to say I'm not. Opening the door, ready to go to the ball; the limo driver is standing outside smoking a cigarette. He turns around, and the cigarette drops right out of his mouth. Now I know, I look good as hell and ready to turn heads. He opens the door for me, and I get in the car. I pour me a drink to calm my nerves on the way to the ball. I am nervous and excited at the same time. The limo driver is talking to me which is calming my nerves just a little bit. We pull up at the ball, and people are every where. The Limo driver says we have VIP service, and to hold on; we have to wait in line. This is amazing to me. I get to walk down the red carpet, and people will be taking my picture as I get out the limo. Two more cars and then it's showtime. I do a check over and make sure that everything is still looking good, and don't have lipstick on my teeth. The Limo driver can see how nervous I am. He tells me to calm down, and I will be fine. He walks me through how things will go and tells me to don't worry about anything. I follow his lead and take a deep breath. He runs around the car and opens my door. There are people and cameras everywhere. He puts out his hand and helps me out the car. I grab my gown to make sure that I don't fall or trip in front of all these cameras. I get out the car; so far so good. I smile and wave as people are asking me questions. I walk down the red carpet and answer questions looking good as I want to be.
Being at the ball is more than I ever imagined it to be. This is absolutely beautiful, but I wish I wasn't by myself. It's moments like these that I hate being single. You never want to share special moments like these alone. I might be alone tonight, but I'm going to enjoy myself and flirt until I can't flirt any more.
The closer I get to the door, I can see someone who looks a lot like Calvin. I pray it's not him. Calvin is a likable guy, but can be annoying as hell and has this way of getting on my last nerves. Tonight is my night, and I look my best; I will not allow Calvin to ruin my evening. No matter what, I would rather be here alone then here with Calvin. The closer I get to the door, I can tell it is Calvin. Maybe if I look to my right, and keep walking he won't bother me. If he says something, I can tell Calvin I didn't see him. I don't want to be rude, but I don't want to be bothered with him tonight. This is the reason I came alone and didn't have him pick me up, when he asked could he escort me, a few days ago.
Five feet away from Calvin, and I'm trying to act like I don't see him. Of course, Calvin is not going to allow me to walk by him without speaking. He grabs my arm and says, he didn't think I was ever going to make it. I look at him because I can't understand why he thought that, when I simply told Calvin I would be here. I refuse to allow him to ruin my evening. I look at him and give him a slight smirk and tell him that I'm here and try to walk off. Calvin asks me to hold on while grabbing my arm. I ask Calvin what is his problem and why he keeps grabbing me. Calvin looks at me and tells me that I must not understand what he is saying. I start to laugh and tell him that I never understand what he says, but he can let go of my arm now. Calvin starts to laugh and tells me to quit playing. I give Calvin the look to let him know that I am not playing especially right now. Calvin tells me that he is present to escort me to the ball, and there is no way a lady as beautiful as me should walk in there alone. I start laughing hysterically. Continuing to laugh, I have to let Calvin know what time it is. I pull my arm back and explain to Calvin why I am walking into this ball alone. Not only why I am walking in alone, but why we are not going to argue about what I'm doing. Calvin starts looking around as if I am embarrassing him. Continuing to laugh, I walk off and leave Calvin standing right where he is. I know he is tripping if he thinks for one minute that I am going to allow him to escort me to this event, or any other event for that matter. The last thing I want is for people to think we are a couple. I know Calvin likes me, but he has never gotten up enough courage to come at me as a real man should. Maybe it's because he knows that we can only be friends. Every now and then he will try to act as if he's my boyfriend, but only when it's convenient for him. When he feels like someone is trying to get at me that's when he wants to act like we are together, but when he sees someone he wants to holler at then we are business partners. No matter what, at the end of the day, we can only be friends. Being rejected so many times, you would think he would give up. I guess that's the true meaning of keeping hope alive.
Walking in the ball, dress to impress; I feel all eyes are on me. I know I have it going on, and no one can tell me differently. I have on a long black dress cut low in the back, diamonds going across the swoop, a swoop neck in the front where it shows just enough cleavage. I am rocking this cold pair of black stiletto pumps with the diamonds on the side and going down the heel. Looking my best and ready to handle business; I walk around and see who I can see or who can see me.
Walking around networking, I notice a few fine brothers, alone, sitting at a table holding a conversation, and checking me out. I walk to the bar, order a goose and cranberry and check out the scenery. The bartender fixes my drink and lets me know that it has been paid for, and I don't have to worry about a thing. I smile a little bit; because now I know someone has noticed me out of this crowd, but I don't know who it can be. There are so many people here it can be anyone. I just pray that it's not Calvin.
Sitting at the bar sipping on my drink enjoying the music. I look around and notice a few gentlemen sitting across the way from the bar staring at me. I smile and raise my drink to them, and they do the same in return. I turn back around to face the bar, and out of the corner of my eye, I can see there is this fine, dark, tall and handsome brother sitting next to me. I don't know where he came from, but he is sitting next to me. “How do you like your drink?” he ask. I turn towards him and reply, “Nice and cold.” He starts to laugh and tells me how he loves my sense of humor. I smile and thank him for the drink.
“I noticed you when you walked in, and I have to know your name,” the delightful chocolate man says. I turn and look at him while sipping my drink and say, “My name is Kenya.” He says he finds my name beautiful. The fine, dark brother ask if I would like to join him for the remaining of the evening in order for us to get to know each other better. I look at him and tell him that it would be my pleasure, but no funny business. He grabs my hand, for me to get down out of my seat, whispers in my ear promising to be nothing, but a gentleman. I love the sound of his voice, and of course, he is great on the eyes. We find us a table and continue to enjoy each other company.
I drill him as if I am his drill sergeant. He doesn't mind; he answers the questions without any hesitations. I find out his name is Tyrone; he is thirty three, never been married and has two kids. I am not happy he has two kids; because one thing I know is, with two kids, there is baby mama drama that comes along with it. I try to ignore the fact that he has two kids and concentrate on the positive things, like he is a broker and owns his own home. I am too classy of a woman, and make decent money myself to mess with someone that is broke and can't contribute. After enjoying our conversation for a couple of hours Tyrone asks if it's okay to take me to breakfast. I let him know I am cool with that. He tells me where I can meet him, and he will be waiting on me. The crowd is starting to dwindle down, and people are trying to clean up. Tyrone grabs my hand and tells me to allow him to walk me to my car. I grab his hand, and we talk all the way to the limo. The Limo driver is waiting for me to come out. He pulls up to the door where I am standing, jumps out quickly to open the door. Tyrone puts his hand up, signaling him that he has the door. He opens the door and helps me in the car. Tyrone leans down and tells me that he hopes to see me there. He shuts the door, and I can tell he is talking to the limo driver. The limo driver gets in the car and starts to drive. The Limo driver looks at me through his mirror and says, “Miss Kenya I am ordered to take you to this diner about four blocks from here. Should I proceed to the diner or would you like to go home?” I start to smile because I was wondering what Tyrone had said to him. I think about if for a second, and say he can proceed to the diner. The driver starts to smile and tells me that I'm doing the right thing. I look at him because he don't know me like that to tell me I am doing the right thing. Instead of snapping on him, I smile and thank him for his advice. They say God speaks to you in different ways and maybe this is his way of talking to me.
We pull up at the diner and Tyrone is standing there waiting for me, looking just as good as he did the first time I saw him. We all know that light can make a person look different. I am just glad that my eyes and the alcohol was not deceiving me.
Tyrone knows it's me when I pull up, and a gigantic smile comes across his face. He opens the door for me and helps me out the limo. We walk in the diner, and all eyes are on us. The hostess shows us to our table, gives us the specials of the day and tells us our waitress name. Waiting for our waitress Tyrone thanks me for showing up. He and I both can't believe I am doing this.
For the past few years, all I have been doing is concentrating on my career. I have not been dating or doing the things I use to do. After being in and out of pointless relationships, I want to do something different. This time I am going to take my time and allow love to find me. Maybe love have just found me, but of course, I will not get my hopes up. He might seem nice, but I need to do my research on him first before I can say or call it anything.
The waitress comes and take our drink order and see if we are ready to order. Tyrone ask if I am ready to order. Not sure of what I want, Tyrone tells the waitress to give us a few more minutes. The waitress tells us to take our time, and she will bring our drinks right back to us. While we look over the menu, Tyrone tells me that he is glad that he seen me first. I laugh and ask him what makes him think he was the first person to see me. He tells me he was behind me the entire time, even when I dissed ole boy. I start to chuckle because he seen all of that happen. Tyrone closes his menu and says he had to know who I was; because any woman that can diss a man with class is definitely worth knowing. Now I am a little confused because I'm not understanding why he would want to know someone that disses men. He can see I am confused by the look on my face. Before I can say anything, he leans back and tells me to let him explain. I close my menu to make sure I get all of this. I don't want to miss anything. Tyrone tells me the way I dissed him was classy, elegant and very firm, which means I am a woman with class and love elegant things. I also know how to be firm and speak my mind without belittling a person. This man has my attention now, because he got all of that from a simple diss. Now I want to know what else he thinks he knows about me.
The waitress brings us our drinks and takes our orders. I ask Tyrone why he chose this spot. Tyrone tells me it's one of his favorite spots in town. Him and his grandfather would come eat, at the diner, every Saturday and Sunday morning. Getting to know this man better is making me feel like I am in a dream. Tyrone is way too nice and not your average man. This is the kind of man that every woman wishes would approach her. He has class, can hold a conversation and a perfect gentleman. I pinch the inside of my thigh just to make sure I'm not dreaming. Pinching myself a little too hard, I kick Tyrone. I apologize for kicking him; he looks at me and tells me I am not dreaming. I start to laugh, because now I feel as if he is reading my mind. Not wanting to make it obvious, I ask what he is talking about. He gives a little smirk, takes a sip of his coffee and says “well I know you didn't kick me because of something I said, or because you don't like me; so it has to be because you think you are dreaming. I just want you to know you are not dreaming; I am here with the most beautiful woman in the world.” I turn to look around to see who he is talking about. He starts to laugh and says, “yes, I'm talking about you.” I start blushing and drink my tea hoping that I'm not acting like a school girl.
Our food comes to the table, and the waitress ask if there is anything we need. Tyrone looks at me and ask if I am okay. I tell him that I am good. The waitress walks away and tells us to enjoy. Everything looks good, and now I know why this is one of his favorite spots. We have breakfast and enjoy each other company.
Sitting here talking to Tyrone for hours makes me want to ask him where he's been all my life, but something tells me that as soon as I do he will turn into a toad. I will not mess up a good thing, if it is a good thing, but I can't tell this early in the game.
Tyrone can tell I am starting to get sleepy and tells me that he should let me go get some sleep, but he hopes this won't be the last time he sees me. Not knowing how to react to this, I tell him that I am sure we will see each other again. Tyrone says he doesn't want to see me only when I am out on the town, but he would like to get to know me better. Now I'm flattered, and let him know I believe we can work something out. Tyrone smiles, and say he will enjoy that much and can't wait to see me again. The limo pulls up, and he goes to help me in the car. I am getting ready to get in, and Tyrone grab, and kiss me gently on the forehead and say “I will see you soon.” I look at Tyrone, nod my head and get in the limo.
On the way home, I can't stop thinking how my night turned out. I met some exceptional people, a brilliant man and set up some appointments. Tonight turned out better than I could have ever imagined.
We pull up at the house, and I am exhausted. At this moment, all I want to do is get comfortable, smoke a joint and see what's on television until I fall asleep.
Sitting here thinking about my eventful evening, it comes to me Tyrone doesn't have my number, and I don't have his. Oh well I think to myself. If it is meant to be, it will happen. If he is the one, and he wants me, he will find me. This will show what kind of man he truly is, but until then I am going to work hard and wait for God to send me my husband.
I close my eyes, say my prayers, and listen to the sounds of the television until I am fast asleep.


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2 comments:

  1. Hello Tivona,
    As you may know I will be interviewing authors at An Author Speaks! I am your Sister at SVL on FB and I enjoyed this chapter. Send me a email so we may chat about you being apart of my Show! Blessings.....
    Sisterhoods,

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  2. Thank you my sister. This means so much to me, and I would be honored to be a part of your show. I will send that email right away to get all the details. Thank you again for reading, and enjoying my work. Blessings to you my sister.

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