9. Rakai
Rakai
T wo Weeks Later…
I can feel Latia’s attempt at escaping what we’re building through the short responses she gave during our last message exchange.
I’ve been wondering if maybe I’ve been coming on too strong and making Latia feel overwhelmed.
I’m not the type of man who operates this way, but falling in love this fast is something that’s never happened.
The urge to keep her close and love her hard has been consuming me and making me scurry to keep up with the feelings flowing through my body.
For a man like me who once despised the actions I’m showcasing, I feel like I’ve been invaded by a foreign body snatcher.
While I can’t fully understand falling in love with Latia sight unseen, I have no regrets.
Every minute in her presence has driven me to push for another opportunity.
Love has me out here on a ledge I didn’t foresee, but since I’m out here, I might as well keep going until Latia’s left ring finger is heavy with my symbol of forever.
“I’m not sure if I like this, Rakai. My stomach is sitting in my feet, and my hair is tingling,” Latia utters, causing me to laugh softly.
“Do you trust me, mama?”
“Trusting you is what has me sitting in your passenger seat wearing this scarf over my eyes. Are you taking me to Shady Pines or Riley Creek for a dirt nap? I’m not sure this is the romantic level I normally appreciate on an upcoming date.”
Boisterous laughter escapes my mouth as I momentarily look away from the road to see Latia’s leg rocking from side to side.
“You’re laughing, but I’m serious. You can have whatever is in my play account if you need money.
My parents are gonna need what’s in my checking and savings to put me away nicely.
I mean, I want a grand send off with doves and trumpets playing like they do at a military funeral.
My song request is ‘End of the Road’ because it’s the anthem my family blasts after a funeral.
Although we’ve come to the end of the road, I still can’t let go. It’s unnatural.”
My eyes watered from the heavy laughter coming from my mouth at seeing Latia’s head moving, fingers snapping, and her perfect pitch of the familiar Boyz II Men classic.
“I know my little wannabe badass who had no problem prancing around Ritown Projects ain’t sitting over there scared about a little blindfold.”
“Little blindfold my ass. Rakai, not only did you put on a scarf, but you added a sleep mask to cover my eyes. If that doesn’t say death is coming, I don’t know what does.
Hell, maybe I picked the wrong song for this occasion.
My damn legs are shaking like salt shakers, and I feel like I’m about to shit on myself.
I told myself falling in love with your thuggish ass was too soon, but nooo, my stupid eyes had to keep seeing stars every time I look at you.
Now look at me, sitting shotgun, riding off with the crypt keeper. ”
Shaking my head, I pull in front of our destination and put the car in park. I open the door and place my finger to my mouth so the valet attendant won’t say anything.
“Hold tight. I’m coming to open your door,” I tell Latia before shutting my door.
“Good evening, sir.” The attendant greets me when I hand him my keys to park my car once I get Latia out.
“Good evening. Thank you.” I reply when the attendant hands me a parking slip then jog to the passenger side and open Latia’s door to assist her out of the car. “Are you ready for the surprise?”
“I was born ready.” The sass in Latia’s tone has me smirking before I remove the coverings from her eyes so she can see where she is. “Oh. Well, I didn’t anticipate this.”
“Mhm. For future reference, men with plans to kill their unsuspecting partner wouldn’t have them get dressed up to do it.”
Leaning in, I kiss her cheek before interlocking our hands.
“Tuh. This is the twenty-first century, and I work in journalism. Nothing would surprise me.”
“The fact that you’ve created an entire scenario in your mind has me slightly intrigued to know more. Let’s discuss it during dinner.”
Latia and I have a common interest in art, which led me to surprise her with a date night at an art gallery.
This particular gallery is hosting a private premier, affording attendees with first looks at pieces the artist hasn’t made available to the public until now.
I decided to surprise Latia in hopes of amenity, but clearly, my woman has a fear factor I didn’t anticipate.
Lesson learned. From now on, I’ll avoid all blindfolds or anything else that incites Latia’s fearful nature.
Although, hearing her fear become comedy was an enjoyable experience that I won’t soon forget.
“I can’t believe you bought me two paintings. You didn’t have to do that.” The glow in Latia’s eyes matches the elation in her tone, letting me know that while I didn’t have to purchase the art, her appreciation makes it worth every dime I spent.
“Blame it on the glow and gushing you were doing because I will never apologize for giving you whatever you desire.”
“I think I’m falling in love with you.”
My body stills, and my pulse becomes wild, and I smirk at hearing the words I never thought I’d enjoy having a woman express so freely. Looking left to right, I search for whoever is assigned to handle our patronage this evening.
“What’s wrong?” Latia asks.
“We gotta go. I need to see if I can help you remove the resistance while I stroke your?—”
“Rakai!” Latia’s eyes bounce around the room. Her doe-eyed expression contradicts the reason behind my search.
“Nah. I need to memorize your voice while my dick shows its appreciation of you catching up with where I’ve been from the beginning.”
“Nooo. Let’s enjoy dinner. Sex can always be on the menu, but I want to continue enjoying this moment. I just thought you should know how I feel about you.”
“Thank you for catching up, mama.”
Adjusting in my seat, I mentally coach my dick to return to normal so that Latia and I can enjoy the rest of this date.
Knowing that whatever doubts might have been on the surface with Latia are gone has me ready to treat the other patrons to a free meal on me.
Confirmation of not being on the ledge of love alone has me prepared to audition for a triathlon, and I haven’t been on a bike since middle school.
I’ve never learned how to swim, and I’m only capable of running a 3K race.
A woman in her mid-forties walks up to the table with a tablet and pen, preventing Latia or me from speaking.
“Good evening. Welcome to Anthony Lee’s. Is this your first time dining with us, or have you been here before?”
We’re at Anthony Lee’s Steakhouse to end what had been an enjoyable date of walking through a wide selection of art and intricately designed statues.
The artist Deena Clemmons titled the showing Artistic Rhythms , and from the various shapes, colors, and movements happening within her art, I would say she was spot on.
Thankfully, I made reservations for dinner because the fruit, cheese, and crackers with champagne had left me starving.
“It’s my first time, and I’ve heard nothing but great things,” Latia replies, smiling.
“Perfect. What can I get started for you all?” the server asks.
Latia’s curious eyes meet mine, although I don’t have a clue why, because she can order whatever she wants.
“I need help to decide. What are you considering?” Latia asks me.
“Why choose... get both,” I encourage her.
Latia’s eyebrows hike in question, and her index rests on her chin as she disconnects her gaze from me to the menu she’s holding.
“Okay. I’ll have the parmesan risotto as an appetizer. For my entrée, I’ll take the lamb chops with roasted potatoes and broccoli. I also would like to order a lobster tail with butter sauce,” Latia tells the server before closing the menu and passing it over.
“Great choice. What can I get you, sir?”
“I’ll take your stuffed mushrooms for my appetizer. Then I’ll have the steak and lobster with steamed asparagus and a loaded baked potato, please.” I order before closing the menu and handing it to the server.
“Alright. I’ll get your orders in and will be back to check on you soon.” With that, the server walks away, leaving Latia and me alone again.
“Can I have some of your mushrooms?” Latia asks bashfully.
A low chuckle escapes my mouth because I had a feeling that Latia would want some the minute I ordered them since we both enjoy the delicacy most classified as fungi.
“Is that what you were debating and opted out of ordering?” I smirk.
“Mhm. I was hoping you would order them, though.”
The twinkling merriment shining brightly in Latia’s eyes has my heart leaping and my pulse racing.
“If I got it, then you do too. By the way, where are you hanging your new pieces? I can get them hung whenever you’re ready.”
“I’m not sure yet, but I’ll let you know soon as I do. How’s work going? My mom has been intrigued by your organization since reading my article.”
“Thanks. You said some great things in that article and have definitely had the city pouring into us. Our donations have been crazy since the gala, which is crazy because normally things trickle off once the party ends.”
Since the charity gala, Grant and I have been inundated with donations and people wanting to connect with Bending Minds, Reshaping Hearts.
Seeing the foot traffic and individuals desiring to clean their lives up makes me appreciate being part of such a movement.
Latia doesn’t understand how much her subtle accolade reached my heart and the influx of people I’ve met this week.
Having Latia’s support in this manner makes me want to do whatever I can to keep her happy and smiling.
“I’m glad I could help because it’s a noble cause that this city should get behind in whatever capacity is necessary.
So many people look to the streets for the help they need because they feel like nobody else will dig their heels in to assist them with changing their circumstances.
I did an article a couple of years ago where a high school boy died after getting caught up on the streets after trying to help his mother, who had fallen on hard times.
He was a straight-A student with a bright future that was cut short.
Knowing your organization is in existence makes me willing to bring awareness to its cause.
If even one young person can be saved, it’s worth it. ”
“That’s one of the reasons I love you. You’re selflessly willing to do whatever you can to help someone else. Not everyone has that level of care or concern for other people, and it’s an attractive quality to witness.”
I’m so glad I get to call this woman mine because she’s the rare gem my life has lacked. This is another example of why I’m humbled by knowing Bryan Benton because had he not imprinted on me, I wouldn’t be sitting across from my forever.