|
| CHAPTER 15
|
Colt could not believe this. It was ridiculous, the luck he was having. Kourtnee was going to kill him. He knew that she wouldn’t believe him.
Colt sat in the traffic jam, wanting to call Kourtnee, but he had no way to do so. He was not going to leave his car and go make the phone call. He just hoped that Kourtnee would believe him and still want to go out with him.
Both Paula and Kourtnee laughed at Colt as he told of his adventures, rather misadventures. Kourtnee tried hard no to laugh, but she could not help herself. Colt was happy to see her laugh because it meant that she was not mad at him.
After she and Paula stopped laughing, Kourtnee introduced Paula to Colt. Colt made a face, “Your bodyguard and me met earlier.” Paula smacked her lips, “Boy, please. Colt laughed, “So, she’s the one you picked that up from.” Kourtnee smiled. Paula made a face, “Ya’ll leaving or what?” Kourtnee turned towards the kitchen to get the food. Colt walked over to Paula and whispered, “Is this her apartment?” Paula mumbled, “Yea, I thought someone with a job lived here myself; but it is her place.” Kourtnee looked at the two of them. Paula and Colt looked innocent. Kourtnee rolled her eyes at them. Colt whispered to Paula, “She got rich folk or something?” Paula responded, “You gotta ask her that.” Colt asked, “Will she get mad at me?” Paula stated, “Not sure, but if I were you, I wouldn’t ask her that today.” Colt smiled, “Ok. Thanks.” Kourtnee looked at them again, “What are you two whispering about?” Paula smiled, “You nosey.” Kourtnee retorted, “Whatever. Colt, are you going to make me carry all of this?”
Colt went into the kitchen and picked up the basket from the table. It was heavy. Colt grunted, “How many people are going with us? This basket is heavy.” Kourtnee looked at Paula, “You can thank the chef over there.” Colt looked at Paula. Paula put her hands on her hips and dared Colt to say anything to her. Colt looked at Kourtnee, “You ready to go, Beautiful.” Kourtnee laughed, “Yes, let’s go.” Paula relaxed her posture and gathered her things. She went over to the front door and held it open. Kourtnee went to the front door with Colt walking unhurriedly behind her as if the weight of the world was on his shoulders. After they were all out of the door, Kourtnee locked her apartment up. Paula left, leaving Kourtnee alone with Colt.
Kourtnee felt sorry for Colt, carrying the heavy basket. It was loaded down with food, too. Kourtnee had told Paula that she was making too much food, but Paula gave Kourtnee one of her famous, “Girl pleases” and kept on preparing food.
Colt led Kourtnee to a red Dodge Conquest. The car looked well-kept and clean. Kourtnee waited until Colt put the picnic basket in the trunk. Colt came to the passenger side of the car and opened the door for Kourtnee. She looked at the black leather seats before she sat down. Colt closed the door behind her. Colt walked around to the driver’s side of the car and got in. He cranked the car up and revved his turbo charged engine a couple of times. Had Kourtnee known anything about cars, she would have been impressed.
Colt and Kourtnee were finally on their way. Colt put a tape in his cassette player. After a few seconds, a jazz band began playing. Colt seemed to be into the music and driving. He was not paying much attention to Kourtnee. Kourtnee decided to listen to the music.
An up tempo piece was playing. The drums were keeping the beat as the bass line filled the car. The piano played the melody as the saxophone played lead. It was an infectious song. The bass drum thump to keep the rhythm as the saxophone mesmerized Kourtnee with all kinds of notes. The piano tried to take over the lead a time or two, but the saxophone showed the piano who was in control of the song with a long set of notes and chords that caused a frenzy.
Colt looked at Kourtnee as she enjoyed the music. He smiled at her. Her hair looked fabulous as it gently moved with the bob of her head. Kourtnee looked at Colt, “You should keep your eyes on the road.” Colt laughed, “You should quit being so pretty.” Kourtnee smiled, “I cannot stop being pretty, so you are just going to have to keep your eyes on the road.” Colt turned his eyes back to the road.
Kourtnee looked Colt up and down. He looked good in his stone-washed jeans and orange t-shirt. The muscles in his arms bulged slightly. His white Adidas were very white. Colt could feel Kourtnee checking him out, “Do you like what you see?” Kourtnee blushed. She felt guilty for checking him out so hard. Colt looked at her when she didn’t answer him, “Are you going to answer my question?” Kourtnee smiled, “What was the question again?” Colt made a face, “Do you like what you see?” Kourtnee looked out the window, “Maybe I do. Maybe I do not.” Colt blew a breath, “You are so mean.” Kourtnee laughed.
"I can't believe that you are laughing at me and I am hurting," Colt lamented. Kourtnee laughed again. Colt smiled at her. She had a cute laugh. It was a very proper laugh. Colt wondered if she had ever laughed so hard that she had snorted. Colt ignored his laughing companion and continued to drive to the Dorinda State Park.
The Dorinda State Park was the largest state park in the state of Maddocha. It was one of the prettiest and best-kept parks, too. The park sits on 11,000 acres. Citizens of the metropolis use it. There are several lodges in the park for people who like to camp. There are several cabins as well. There are three swimming pools. There are trails for people to walk, bike, or horseback on. There is a nature trail where you can see the state flower, state tree, and state bird. There is a nature center where you can see the non-human inhabitants of the park. There were spots to fish in the park that were kept well stocked. The camping grounds can be used all year round. The park has several playground areas for children. The picnic area is a popular spot all year round.
Kourtnee and Colt chitchatted on the drive to the park. They arrived at the park. Colt ran around to Kourtnee's side of the car and opened the door. After Kourtnee got out of the car, Colt went to the trunk of the car to get the picnic basket. Colt grunted a couple of times to see what Kourtnee would do. She smiled at him, "Do you need some help with that?" Colt responded with a grunt, "No, I'm okay." Kourtnee laughed as she walked to the trunk of the car. She looked at Colt struggling with the heavy basket. She asked, "Are you ready to eat?" Colt set the basket on the ground, "Yes, I am kind of hungry. I didn't get to eat breakfast this morning." Kourtnee laughed as she thought about the story Colt had told her before. Colt made a face at Kourtnee, "Are you laughing at me?" Kourtnee covered her mouth. Colt huffed. Kourtnee walked over to him and touched his arm, "I didn't mean to laugh." Colt looked sad to see what Kourtnee would do. She rubbed his arm. Her touch sent chills down his arm. Kourtnee stopped rubbing Colt's arm, "Do you feel better now?" Colt responded, "No, not yet. You need to rub my arm some more." Kourtnee moved her hand off of Colt's arm, "You are silly. Let’s go." Colt picked up the picnic basket by the handle, "I know. This basket is too heavy."
Colt and Kourtnee walked for about five minutes before they found a suitable spot. They settled on a spot underneath a huge Windsor Phonamie tree. The tree was in full bloom, so it provided a good cover from the sun. Colt watched Kourtnee spread the blue, white, and red picnic blanket on the ground. She readjusted the blanket three times before she left it alone. She smoothed out the edges of the blanket until they lay flat and perfect. Colt laughed at her. She looked back at him and smiled. He smiled back.
Kourtnee looked at Colt, "You can sit down now?" Colt sat down on the blanket. Kourtnee asked, "Can you slide the basket over here?" Colt complied with Kourtnee's request. Kourtnee began spreading the food out on the basket. Colt looked at the food being placed on the blanket. There was some kind of sandwiches. They were so neatly wrapped that Colt couldn't tell what kind they were. There was a bowl of salad. There were some strawberries, grapes, and cut up cantaloupes in individual bowls. Kourtnee pulled out a small cooler, that Colt assumed was filled with ice. There was a jug of brown liquid with cups to match. The plates, forks, spoons, and knives matched the jug and cups. Colt shook his head as he looked at the picnic being laid out in front of him. He wanted to ask Kourtnee a smart aleck question, but he wasn't sure if it would offend her.
Kourtnee looked at the picnic. She thought to herself, "How did I let Paula talk me into buying all of this? This doesn't make any sense." Kourtnee looked at Colt, "You can eat." Colt moved closer to the food, "Yes Mame. Can I ask you something?" Kourtnee nodded her head. Colt asked, "Did you already have all of this stuff or did you buy it just for today?" Kourtnee blushed, "I bought it." Colt asked, "Why?" Kourtnee responded, "That's what I am trying to figure out. Paula talked me into getting all of this stuff." Colt laughed and shook his head. He grabbed a plate and one of the sandwiches, then some fruit. Kourtnee grabbed a cup, "Do you want some tea?" Colt nodded as he ate a piece of cantaloupe. Kourtnee put some ice in the cup and poured some tea over it. Colt took the cup from Kourtnee after she handed it to him. Kourtnee fixed herself a plate.
Kourtnee looked at Colt, waiting for him to say grace. Colt made a face at Kourtnee, "Why are you looking at me like that?" Kourtnee responded, "I am waiting on you to say grace." Colt blushed, "Lorry, uhh, bow your head. Lord, bless this food. Amen." Kourtnee looked up at Colt, "That's it." Colt bit a big piece of the chicken salad sandwich and mumbled, "Yea." Kourtnee rolled her eyes at Colt and ate her sandwich.
Colt watched Kourtnee eat her food. She was so proper and perfect as she ate. He wondered if she slept pretty. Kourtnee could feel Colt watching her. She looked at him, "Is there some reason you are staring at me?" Colt smiled slyly, "Yes, I want a bite of your sandwich." Kourtnee grimaced, "Why, you have the same kind of sandwich?" Colt winked, "Yea, but you look better." Kourtnee rolled her eyes at Colt and continued to eat her food. Colt stared at Kourtnee; "I guess you're not going to share with me, then?" Kourtnee made an irritated face at Colt, "No, and I would appreciate it if you left me alone so that I can finish eating my food!" Colt made a face, "Well, excuse me." He laughed at ate his food. Colt and Kourtnee ate their food and talked for a while.
Finally, they were through eating. They walked back to the car and put the picnic basket in the cat after they cleaned up their picnic spot. Kourtnee leaned up against the car as Colt put the basket in the trunk of his car. Colt glanced at Kourtnee from time to time. She looked lovely leaning up against the car. The sunlight was hitting her curves just right. Colt smiled at the thought that he had met someone so beautiful. Kourtnee turned and looked at Colt. He bumped his head on the trunk door as he tried to make it look like he hadn't been staring at Kourtnee. Kourtnee walked to where Colt was, "Are you ok?" Colt rubbed his head, "Yea, I’m fine," upset that he had embarrassed himself. Kourtnee smiled somatically, "Do you need some help with something?" Colt grunted, "No, I don't. Can you move, so I can close this?" Colt grabbed the trunk door. Kourtnee stepped aside, so that Colt could close the door. Colt slammed the trunk door. Kourtnee looked startled, "what did that door do to you?" Colt looked at Kourtnee funny, "Nothing." Kourtnee walked closer to Colt, "Why did you slam the door then?"
"Because I felt like it."
"Are you upset about something?"
"No, I’m not. Quit asking me questions."
Kourtnee smacked her lips, "Whatever." She walked off towards the park.
Colt had to run to catch up with her, "Where are you going?" Kourtnee didn't stop walking, "Away from your crazy behind." Colt walked faster to keep up with her, "Girl, slow down." Kourtnee walked faster, "Boy, keep up."
Kourtnee began trotting. She didn't stop until she came to one of the playgrounds. They had traveled quite a ways from the car. She sat down on the merry-go-round. Colt was four steps behind her. When Colt reached her, he jumped upon the merry-go-round in the open slot next to Kourtnee. It startled Kourtnee, "Boy, don't be jumping on this thing like that!" Colt laughed so hard that he almost lost he grip. Kourtnee shrieked, "I don't see anything funny about scaring me." Colt laughed even harder. Kourtnee rolled her eyes at Colt then she huffed. Colt tried to stop laughing, "You said 'boy don't be'." It was hard to understand what he was saying because he was laughing. Kourtnee stood up from the merry-go-round. She spun it around as hard as she could, catching Colt off guard. The thrust of the merry-go-round jolted Colt forward. He grabbed one of the bars just before he fell and hit his head on the merry-go-round floor. Kourtnee turned her back to Colt and walked over to a bench, leaving Colt to fight with the merry-go-round by himself. |
|
|
|
|
| CHAPTER 14
|
Paula left after she and Kourtnee made plans to meet after their classes on Friday to go get the food for the picnic. Kourtnee felt good that she had two new friends. It felt good that she had accomplished a goal that she had set for herself. Kourtnee liked being neat and organized, but more than that, she liked accomplishing goals that she set for herself. Kourtnee could rest easy tonight, knowing that she was going to accomplish some wonderful things this semester.
Colt was excited about his date with Kourtnee. He had even talked to his roommate about the date. His roommate seemed uninterested, but Colt shared his joy with his roommate anyway.
Colt beamed, "Man, she is fine. She has long hair. She knows how to dress. I’m telling you, dude. This girl is great. Man you should see her walk. That girl walks as if she is a queen or something. She smells great, too."
Colt's roommate grunted, "That’s cool, dude."
Colt laughed, "Dude, do you ever say anything other than 3 words at a time?"
Colt's roommate grunted, "No."
"Do you ever smile or laugh?"
Colt's roommate grunted, "Yea. Sometimes."
Colt laughed, "My girl is nice. I am glad that I met her. She has a great smile. She could be a model."
Colt's roommate plainly said, "Isn't this your first date?"
Colt glared at his roommate, "Why did you have to bring that up?"
Colt's roommate responded, "Because you sound like ya'll have been together forever. I was just asking, dude." Colt's roommate walked out of the room.
Colt shook his head. His roommate’s long black hair looked like it needed washing. The roommate always wore black. Colt had asked him why he always wore black. The roommate said, “Cause I’m colorblind, dude.” How in the world did a black kid from Absanie end up with a white kid that always wore black as a roommate? They were truly an odd couple.
Saturday morning, Paula woke up early. She was excited about Kourtnee’s date. Pl wasn’t sure shy she was excited, but she was excited. Perhaps, it was because she and Kourtnee were bounding.
Paula made it over to Kourtnee’s house at 7:01 am. After knocking on the door for a minute or two, Paula finally got an answer. Kourtnee opened the door still asleep. She rubbed her eyes and asked, “Girl, do you know what time it is?’ Paula smiled, “Yea, are you gonna let me in or what? Kourtnee moved out of the way and let Paula in. Kourtnee closed and locked the door.
Kourtnee looked at Paula, “I’m going back to bed. Don’t break or steal anything.” Kourtnee managed a small smile. Kourtnee went back into her bedroom. Paula smiled after she licked her tongue out at Kourtnee.
Paula sat on the couch. She turned on the TV and flipped through the channels. She watched a little bit of a cartoon, but it wasn’t interesting. Paula got hungry. She went into the kitchen and looked in the refrigerator. She ended up making a sandwich from the left over picnic food. Paula made sure to leave the kitchen spotless. She didn’t want Kourtnee fussing at her.
Kourtnee woke up about 9:00. She stretched and looked around the room before she got out of the bed. She heard the TV on and wondered why it was on; then she remembered that Paula was in the living room.
Kourtnee enjoyed having a friend, although she didn’t want to admit it. She liked Paula hanging around. Even with Paula’s pushiness and loudness, Kourtnee liked the company. Paula had been helpful in preparing Kourtnee for her date. Kourtnee was used to Ramona’s help when preparing for these kinds of things, but since Ramona wasn’t around, Paula was a big help to Kourtnee.
Kourtnee walked into the kitchen. Paula turned and looked at her. Paula said, “I see you finally woke up.” Kourtnee looked in the refrigerator. Kourtnee lifted her head above the door, “What did you eat?” Paula didn’t acknowledge Kourtnee. Finally Paula said, “What makes you think I ate something?” Kourtnee made a face at Paula, “The plate sitting on my end table.” Paula laughed, “My end table. I never thought I would hear a college student say my end table.” Paula shook her head. Kourtnee smacked her lips, “What did you eat?” Paula turned around in Kourtnee’s direction, “Chicken salad sandwich.” Kourtnee looked puzzled, “For breakfast?” Paula responded, “Yep.” Kourtnee shook her head, “You live like a college student.” Paula smacked her lips, “And you don’t. So what!” Kourtnee laughed as she rumbled through the refrigerator.
Kourtnee fixed a bowl of cereal. She sat down at the table to eat. After Kourtnee finished saying grace, Paula said, “You are so proper.” Kourtnee responded, “So, why are you bothering me?” Paula retorted, “Because you’re funny.” Kourtnee ignored Paula and finished eating her cereal.
Paula decided to bait Kourtnee to see what she would do. Paula said, “Have you ever wiped your mouth on the sleeve of your clothes?” Kourtnee ignored Paula. Paula laughed, “So, you’re just gonna ignore me, huh? That won’t help you any.” Kourtnee still didn’t say anything. Paula said, “Does everything you own match?” Kourtnee didn’t say anything.
Paula looked at Kourtnee, “Why are you ignoring me?” Kourtnee smiled at Paula, “because I want to. Why are you antagonizing me?” Paula smiled back, “whatever.” Kourtnee smiled, “What are you doing here again?” Paula looked at Kourtnee, “To help you get ready for your date and make sure you son’s mess your date up.” Kourtnee looked disgusted, “Why would I mess up my date? Are you being negative on purpose or just for fun?” Paula laughed, “Girl, please. I am just messing with you. I like chilling with you, that’s all.” Kourtnee smiled, “okay. I thought maybe you just liked torturing me.” Both girls laughed.
***
Kourtnee began getting dressed for her date at 12:00 pm. Paula sat in the living room yelling things out to Kourtnee.
“What are you all going to talk about?”
Kourtnee answered, “I don’t know.”
“Are you going to be flirtatious?”
Kourtnee answered, “I don’t know. Could you quit asking me questions?”
Paula kept bugging Kourtnee. Kourtnee kept responding in the same manner.
Kourtnee finally emerged from the room about 12:45 PM. She was fully dressed and ready to go. She was wearing a white blouse with a pair of dark blue slacks. She had on a pair of white trouser socks and a pair of dark blue loafers. She had on gold jewelry. Her hair was flawless and her make-up was pristine.
Paula looked at Kourtnee, “That’s not one of the outfits that I picked out.” Kourtnee smoothed out her pant leg, “I didn’t want to wear one of those.” Paula commented, “You look great anyway.” Kourtnee smiled, “Thanks.”
Kourtnee went into the kitchen and got the food ready for her date. She was a bit nervous. She was kind of bumbling around in the kitchen. Paula looked towards the kitchen, “Are you okay in there?” Kourtnee answered back, “Yes, I an okay.” Kourtnee finished in the kitchen. She went and sat down in the living room.
Ii was about 1:10 PM. Colt still hadn’t showed up to Kourtnee’s apartment. He hadn’t called or anything. Kourtnee was getting restless and upset, not to mention angry. Where was Colt?
Paula could see that Kourtnee was getting restless. Paula tried to calm Kourtnee down, but it didn’t seem to be working. Paula suggested that Kourtnee call Colt. Kourtnee called Colt’s number, but there was no answer. Kourtnee slammed the phone down on the receiver. Paula said, “That phone hasn’t done anything to you. Why are you taking your anger out on it?” Kourtnee huffed at Paula. Paula returned, “You need to calm down. You are starting to upset me.” Kourtnee huffed again as she headed to her bedroom.
At 1:32, there was a knock on Kourtnee’s door. Paula opened the door; a fine black guy with a light top lip and a dark bottom lip was standing at the door. The guy smiled at Paula, “does Kourtnee Adams live here?” Paula smiled back at him, “Yes, she does. Who are you?” Colt replied, “I am Colt Austin. I have a date with her.” Paula frowned at him, “You were supposed to be here at 1:00. I’m not sure that she even wants to go out with you now.” Colt said, “Is Kourtnee here?” Paula smiled, “Yea, she’s here.” Colt was getting upset, “Can I speak to her?” Paula said, “Yea, hold on.” Paula closed the door in Colt’s face, leaving him standing on the porch.
Colt was standing on Kourtnee’s front porch; upset, frustrated, and tired. He was wondering if Kourtnee really didn’t want to go out with him or if the girl who had answered the door was just being mean. Kourtnee had every right to be upset with him; he was a half hour late. It wasn’t like he had done it on purpose. It was an accident, rather a series of accidents.
Colt woke up at 9:00 AM. He had every intention of getting to his date with Kourtnee on time. His roommate was sitting in the living room with a couple of his friends, who look just like him. Colt wasn't sure if he shouldn't have been scared. Colt said hello as he walked to the bathroom. His roommate's friends grunted.
Colt turned the hot water on. It was as cold as ice. Colt turned the water off and went into the living room. He stared at his roommate, "dude, what happened to the hot water?" His roommate grunted, "Sorry, dude, we used it up taking showers." Colt made a face, "what, they don't have showers in their own rooms? Why they gotta come over here?" Colt rolled his eyes and walked off.
Colt decided, rather it had been decided for him that his shower would have to wait until later. Colt looked for the iron and the ironing board. Colt's roommate didn't have an iron, so Colt let the guy use his iron and ironing board with the agreement that it was supposed to stay in a common place where they both could use it. Somehow, the iron and ironing board ended up in his roommate's room all the time. Colt yelled, "Dude, where's the iron?" Colt's roommate pushed by Colt and went to get the iron. Colt's roommate brought the iron to Colt. Colt snatched the iron from his roommate, "Man, this is supposed to stay in here. Why do you always take it to your room?" Colt's roommate grunted, "Sorry, dude." Colt huffed and walked into his room.
Colt took the clothes that he was going to wear into the living room and laid them on the ironing board. Colt went into the kitchen to get something to eat. He looked in the cabinet for his favorite cereal. He picked up the Cheerio box and shook it. From the sound of the box, there were only crumbs. Colt looked in his roommate’s direction, "I guess you all got the last of the cereal?" One of his roommate's friends said, "Yea, and the milk, too." Colt slammed the cabinet door, cursed, and stormed into his room.
Colt emerged from his room a few minutes later in a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. He stormed out of the apartment, slamming the door behind him.
It was 9:42 when Colt arrived at Franklin's Eatery. He figured that he could order breakfast to go without too much of a hassle; and then get back home in time enough to shower and change for his date. He thought he could even relax for a few minutes as well, but that didn't happen.
It took Colt almost 40 minutes to get his food. There weren't that many people in the place when he got there, that's why he went ahead and ordered. All of a sudden, the place got busy. People were coming in left and right. After Colt finally got his food, he went outside to get in his car. Well, someone had him blocked in. Colt got mad; opened his car door, and threw the bag of food in the car. Whatever he had in the bag was probably a big mess after he threw it. He went back into the restaurant. He tried to talk to the hostess to see if she could make an announcement, but she was so busy that she didn't have time to stop. Colt found a manager, who didn't seem to care. Colt tried several more times, without much success to get someone who worked at the restaurant to help him. Distraught and out of patience, Colt grabbed the microphone that was used to announce to go orders and yelled, "if you drive a black Ford Mustang, please come move you car. You have me blocked in! I need to get out! If you drive a black Ford Mustang, come move your car!" This caused most of the people in the restaurant to stop what they were doing. The hostess came over to Colt and grabbed the microphone from Colt, "sir, you can use this." Colt made a face at her, "well, you all wouldn't help me, so I didn't have a choice." A skinny blonde headed girl walked up to Colt, "my car has you blocked in." Colt and the girl walked outside. She moved her car. Colt was able to go home.
When Colt got home, it was 10:50. That meant that Colt only had 40 minutes to iron, shower, dress, and leave to go pick up Kourtnee. He had thrown the food that he bought from Franklin's Eatery in the trash. He had gotten so mad that he lost his appetite. Colt had made up his mind to leave in 30 minutes.
Colt's roommate and his friends were gone. Colt was glad. He didn't want to have to deal with them. Colt looked at the ironing board. His clothes were not there. Colt went into his room. His clothes were on the bed ironed. Apparently, his roommate had ironed them. Colt smiled. His roommate was weird, but he was nice on occasion. Colt looked at the crease in his pants. It looked as if the pants had been pressed at the cleaners.
Colt's roommate had knocked at least five minutes off of Colt's to-do list. Colt grabbed what he needed and went to the bathroom to shower. Although, he shouldn't have, Colt added the gained five minutes to his shower. He didn't know that he would need the five minutes down the line.
Colt finished with his shower and got dressed at 11:38. He was late. He had wanted to leave the house by 11:30. He shrugged his shoulders and left out of the house. He had spent too much time trying to look extra special for Kourtnee.
Colt let the negative thoughts he was having about his day so far leave his mind. Kourtnee only lived 10 minutes away from his apartment. He wasn't going to be late, so he thought.
Colt turned the corner to get onto the street that Kourtnee's apartment was on. There was an accident that had traffic stopped. Colt slapped his hand on his head. He was dazed. He hit his fist on his steering wheel. |
|
|
|
|
| CHAPTER 13, Continued
|
As soon as Kourtnee closed the door Paula said, "What plans do you have for tomorrow?"
Kourtnee made a face at Paula, "you are sure nosey. We aren't that close."
Paula smacked her lips, "Girl please. What are your plans?"
Kourtnee could tell that Paula wasn't going to give up, so she decided to share her plans with the nosey guest.
Kourtnee smiled, "since you just have to know, I have a date."
Paula sat down on the couch, "Girl, with whom? Do I know him? What does he look like? What are you gonna wear?"
Kourtnee batted her eyes, "One question at a time, good grief."
Paula rolled her eyes, "Girl, please."
Kourtnee laughed, "His name is Colt Austin. I don't think you know him. He is a graduate student. He is fine, too." Kourtnee blushed.
Paula laughed, "You are lying to me. Where did you all meet?"
Kourtnee frowned, "You are nosey. We met in a Chemistry Lab. He was there because he does the labs."
Paula slapped Kourtnee on her arm, "You are lying to me. He’s your lab instructor?"
Kourtnee rubbed the throbbing spot on her arm, "No, he isn't My lab instructor. He is just one of them."
Paula smiled, "Well, go head. What are you gonna wear?"
Kourtnee frowned, "I am not sure yet. I haven't decided."
Paula stood up, "Come on let's go find you some to wear."
Kourtnee made a face, "Who says I want you to see my bedroom."
Paula smacked her lips and walked in the direction of Kourtnee's room as if Kourtnee hadn't said anything.
Kourtnee grimaced.
When Kourtnee reached her bedroom, Paula was already in the closet. Kourtnee sat down on her bed. Paula stuck her head out of the closet and stared at Kourtnee. Paula shook her head and went back into the closet.
Kourtnee's closet was very well organized. The clothes in her closet were hung by type, and then by color. He closet had two sides. On one side, there were her sleeveless blouses, her blouses with short sleeves, her short-sleeved shirts, her long sleeved shirts, and then her sweaters. On the other side of the closet were her skirts, her pants, her jeans, her pants suits, her dress suits, and then her dresses. Everything in her closet was arranged by colors, white, black, blue, brown, purple, red, etc. Each type of clothes was arranged in the same color order. Her shoes were under her shirts and blouses. They were arranged by dressiness and then by color. The color arrangement was the same as her clothes, white, black, blue, brown, purple, red, etc. Kourtnee was very anal. I liked order, but this was a bit crazy.
Paula walked out of Kourtnee's closet with shirts, pants, and shorts on her arms. Kourtnee's face was scrunched. Paula asked, "What's wrong with you?' Kourtnee stared blankly at Paula, "you have probably messed up my closet."
Paula replied, "Girl, please."
Kourtnee watched Paula as she mixed and matched the clothing. Kourtnee didn't want to wear anything that Paula had pulled out of the closet.
After Paula had the outfits matched, as she wanted them, she asked Kourtnee, "Which of these do you want to wear?"
Kourtnee made a face and responded in a little girl's voice, "None of them Mommy."
Paula took offense, "Look, I was just trying to help you. Dang."
Kourtnee giggled, "I was just joking with you. Calm down."
Paula made a face and turned her back to Kourtnee.
Kourtnee flung a pillow at Paula. It hit Paula's back. Paula turned around, "You need to quit." Paula picked up Kourtnee's clothing and set them on the foot of the bed. Paula went back into Kourtnee's closet. Paula came out of the closet with more clothes. Again Kourtnee didn't like anything that Paula had brought out. Paula went back into the closet a third time, with the same results. The same thing happened two more times.
Kourtnee was sitting on the bed laughing. Paula looked at her, "You have been messing with me this whole time, haven't you?" Kourtnee laughed louder. Paula made a face, and then put her hands on her hips, "I can't believe you would do something that childish." Kourtnee lay on the bed because she was laughing so hard. Paula picked up the pillow from the floor and threw it at Kourtnee. Kourtnee dodge the pillow.
Both Kourtnee and Paula laughed for a few minutes. Paula said, "You are mean." Kourtnee responded, "You're bossy." Paula retorted, "Girl please. You already knew that. So, what are you gonna wear?"
Kourtnee stood up and looked through her clothing. She picked out one of the combinations that Paula had shown her. Paula rolled her eyes. Kourtnee put the light yellow shirt and blue jeans aside and began gathering her clothes to put them up. Paula snorted, "Leave them clothes alone. I’ll get them later." Kourtnee looked at Paula as if she had lost her mind, "you aren't going to put them back right. I’ll do it." Paula snapped, "I said I would do it. I remember how they were." Kourtnee looked at Paula and frowned. Paula looked at Kourtnee with defiance. Kourtnee knew that she wouldn't win the battle, so she put the clothes in her arms down and sat on the bed.
Paula felt Kourtnee's mattress. She bounced on it a time or two. Kourtnee looked at Paula fondling her bed, "Do you all want to be alone? I can leave." Paula twisted her lips, "Girl please. This bed is softer than the beds in the dorm. I wish I had this bed." Kourtnee laughed, "If you say so. It looked liked you all wanted to be alone." Paula rolled her eyes at Kourtnee.
Paula leaned back on the headboard, "What are you all gonna do on your date?"
"We’re going on a picnic. That remind me, I am supposed to fix the food for the picnic. I don't know what I am going to fix."
Paula laughed. Kourtnee was so helpless. Paula volunteered, "I can fix something for you all."
"Girl, I can't ask you to do that."
Paula shook her head, "You didn't ask me to do that. I volunteered. I don't mind. Anyway we can't have you feeding that boy cereal on your first date."
"For your information, I was going to feed him bagels."
Paula laughed, and then Kourtnee joined her. Kourtnee went to call Colt to see what kind of food he liked, at Paula's demands of course. Paula was putting up Kourtnee's clothing. Kourtnee hoped that Paula would put the clothes up right.
Colt's roommate said his name. Colt thought he had heard someone call his name, but he figured he was hearing things. A few seconds later, Colt's roommate stuck his head in Colt's open door, "Dude, some girl is on the phone for you." Colt jumped up, "Is it Kourtnee?" Colt's roommate grunted, "I dunno, dude." Colt ran by his roommate to go get the phone.
"Hello, this is Colt."
"Hello, Colt. It’s Kourtnee."
"Hey Beautiful. I was just thinking about you."
"Whatever."
"That is not a complete sentence."
"Whatever, Colt. Is that better?"
Colt smiled, "A little better."
"If you were just thinking about me, why didn't you call me?"
Colt made a face, "ooh, don't be so hard on me. I got lost in my thoughts of you."
"Enough with the charm. What were you thinking about?"
"I am just a charming guy. Can’t help it."
Kourtnee smiled at Colt.
Colt could here her smiling; "I knew you liked it when I was charming. I can hear you smiling."
"Whatever Colt. You didn't answer my question. What were you thinking about when you were thinking about me?"
"I can't tell you. They are my thoughts. I can think what I want."
Kourtnee made a face, "it just better not be anything nasty."
Colt laughed, "I could never think anything nasty about you."
Kourtnee smacked her lips, "if you say so."
Colt laughed, "You just smacked your lips. I don't believe it."
"I know. I better not let my mother hear me do that. She will have a fit. I am hanging around with someone who does that."
Colt laughed, "You are cute."
"I thought I was beautiful."
"You are beautiful, but just then you were cute."
Kourtnee rolled here eyes, "what do you want for the picnic on Saturday?"
"It doesn't really matter. I eat pretty much anything except okra and cherries."
"Okay, so if I show up with peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, you won't be upset with me?"
"No, I could never be upset with you."
Kourtnee blew a breath, "there's that charm again and I don't believe you."
"That’s your choice, Beautiful."
"Ok, I will figure something out for Saturday. I’ll talk to you later, I have company."
"Okay, I guess if I have to get off the phone already, I will. Bye. Call me tomorrow."
Kourtnee huffed, "is something wrong with your fingers?"
"No, why?"
Don’t play dumb, Colt. You know why."
Colt laughed, "Ok, I’ll call you tomorrow. Is that better?"
"Yes, it is, but I may not be at home, now."
Colt sighed, "Why you gotta be so mean? I’ll leave you a message."
"I may call you back."
Colt sighed again, "That's twice."
"I’m just playing with you."
Colt smiled, "I know."
"I’ll talk to you later. Bye."
"Bye beautiful."
Kourtnee smiled as she hung up the phone. |
|
|
|
|
| CHAPTER 13
|
Paula came over to Kourtnee’s apartment uninvited, again. Kourtnee almost did not open the door, but Paula would not leave.
Kourtnee opened the door, “Hey, What is up?”
Paula came into the apartment without being asked.
Kourtnee said, “I asked what was up. I did not say to come in.”
“Girl please. Why are you acting silly? I did not mean anything. I felt like cooking and you are the only person I know with a stove. Do you mind if I cook something.” Paula smiled big.
Kourtnee frowned, her eyebrows, one after the other, “I suppose so. Do you always go around barging into folks houses?”
“Girl please. Naw, I do not. I just barge into yours.” Paula laughed as if she had told the funniest joke ever.
Kourtnee laughed at Paula. Paula said, “I will be right back. I am going to get the groceries out of the car. I may need you help. Can you come help me?” Paula asked sweetly.
Kourtnee looked at Paula like she was crazy, “You are kidding, right?”
“NO.”
Kourtnee gasped at the rude woman’s response. Kourtnee stood up, “You are truly crazy.”
As they walked towards the door, Paula said, “I know girl. But I am a lot of fun to be around. Come on here.”
The two young ladies went to Paula’s car. As they walked down the sidewalk, a guy standing in one of the doorways said, “Where are you two fine ladies going?” Paula turned around and answered back, “Wherever it is, you cannot go.” The guy smiled, “Do not be like that, Baby. That is just cold.” Paula waved him off with her hand.
Kourtnee looked at Paula. Paula looked at Kourtnee, “Girl please. Ai not nobody thinking about that fool. He cannot be respecting a woman like that and expect to get a decent response. Men these says are silly and do not know how to act.” Paula opened the trunk of her car. Kourtnee looked in the trunk. There were four bags of groceries. Underneath the grocery bags were a blanket, some shoes, and a spare tire. Kourtnee asked, “Who are you planning to cook for?” Paula smiled, “Girl, just grab two of those bags.” Kourtnee grabbed the bags as directed, but not before mumbling, “Dang, you bossy.” Paula grabbed the remaining two bags and said, “I heard that.” Both girls laughed as they headed up the stairs. Kourtnee mumbled again, “You are still mean.”
As they passed the guy who had yelled at them before, he grabbed at one of the bags Kourtnee had in her arms and tried to look in it. He also commented, “Can I come over. I sure would like some of whatever ya’ll got cooking.” He gave Kourtnee an evil smile. Kourtnee huffed, “Would you move? And I would not want what you were cooking even if I was starving to death. Now move, please!” The guy let go of the bag and moved out of the way. Kourtnee and Paula walked by. Paula rolled her eyes at the guy as she walked by.
After Paula and Kourtnee walked back into the apartment, they put the groceries on the counter. Kourtnee went and sat on the couch. Paula went into the kitchen. She carefully took each of the ingredients from the bags. Paula separated the ingredients by product type. She went to the cabinets and pulled out the pots and pans that she needed. She began cutting up vegetables, meat, and other items.
Kourtnee secretly watched the gourmet chef in the making. Paula moved precisely and with a purpose. Kourtnee thought she was watching a cooking show or some of the sort. Paula looked at Kourtnee a couple of times and smiled.
Paula continued preparing the meal. She dumped a little of this, some of that, a pinch of that there, and a smidgen of this here into the pots and skillets. Paula stirred, tasted, shook, and sautéed like a mad woman. She was working as if her life depended on what she was making. It was a delight and a mystery to see Paula in action.
Kourtnee began to smell the results of what Paula was cooking. It smelled good. Kourtnee was curious, “What are you cooking?”
Paula did not even look in Kourtnee’s direction, “Food.”
Kourtnee balled up a piece of paper that was on the table next to the couch and threw it at Paula. Paula stopped cooking and looked at Kourtnee, “You need to quit Paula.” Paula went back to cooking. Kourtnee made a face at the gourmet chef.
Paula continued cooking. Kourtnee tried to watch TV, but the smell of what Paula was cooking and Paula’s feverish work ethic reminded Kourtnee of the times she had sat in the kitchen and watched her nanny, Ramona Jackson, cook. Ramona had helped to raise Kourtnee. Ramona also came over to Kourtnee’s apartment and cleaned the place up in addition to cooking meals for Kourtnee. Kourtnee missed having Ramona around. Ramona always made Kourtnee feel better no matter what had happened. Ramona had a way of just making a person feel better.
Paula interrupted Kourtnee’s thought when she said, “Come taste this.”
Kourtnee did not move. “Have you ever heard of asking or saying please? Do you know what manners are?”
Paula laughed, "Girl, please. Could you PLEASE come taste this?"
Kourtnee got up from the couch and walked into the kitchen. Paula handed Kourtnee a spoon. Kourtnee dipped the spoon into the pot of spaghetti sauce. Kourtnee put the spoon into her mouth and tasted the spaghetti sauce. The sauce was delicious. Not wanted to enlarge Paula’s ego, Kourtnee non-chalantly said, “It tastes ok.” Paula smacked her lips in a long rhythmic arrangement, “Girl, please. You know that is some good sauce. I ain’t even thinking about you.” Kourtnee smiled and left the kitchen. Paula cooked a little while longer.
Paula came and sat down next to Kourtnee. Kourtnee looked at her, “What are you doing over here? Are you through cooking?” Paula wiped her hands on her thighs, “Yea.” Kourtnee inquired, “Why are we sitting in here instead of eating?” Paula shrugged, “I needed to rest a few seconds. You can eat if you want to.” Kourtnee frowned at Paula.” I am not eating until I see you eat. If you are not going to eat your own cooking, I am not going to eat it. If a cook doesn’t eat her own cooking that is a bad thing.” Paula howled, “You need Jesus.”
Paula sat on the couch for about 20 minutes. Finally she said, “I am going to eat. Kourtnee looked at Paula towering over her, Kourtnee felt like an ant waiting to be stepped on. Paula smacked her lips and walked into the kitchen. Kourtnee stood up and walked into the kitchen. Paula looked at the prissy girl as she walked to the bathroom. Paula shook her head as she stirred the spaghetti.
There was a knock on the door. Kourtnee stuck her head out of the bathroom, "Paula, can you get that?" Paula put the spoon down and said, "Yea." Paula walked to the front door and opened it. Paula stared at the tall dark skinned man standing at the door. She left the man standing there and ran to the bathroom where Kourtnee was. Paula peeked her head in the door, "girl, the richest black man in Maddocha is standing at your door." Kourtnee smiled, "That's my grandfather. Did you let him in?" Paula gasped, "Girl, naw. I left him standing at the door." Kourtnee rushed by Paula. When Kourtnee reached the door, her grandfather was standing in the doorway with his hands on his hips and his eyebrow scrunched up. Kourtnee smiled at her grandfather. He walked into the apartment and then hugged Kourtnee. Paula was standing in the kitchen, trying to be conspicuous. Them Adams asked, "Where is the young lady who so rudely left me standing on the front porch?" Paula crept from around the corner, and then she stood in front of the powerful man. Mr. Adams smiled at her and said, "Hello. I am Them Adams, Kourtnee’s grandfather. Apparently, she didn't inform you that I was her grandfather." Paula smiled. Mr. Adams extended his hand to Paula, "You have a pretty smile." Paula smiled as she shook the man's large hand.
Mr. Adams sniffed the air, "Something smells good. What do you all have cooking in here?" Paula smiled, "I just threw something together." Mr. Adams smiled, "I don't normally do this and you better not say anything to your grandmother, Prissy. I am inviting myself to dinner." Paula looked at Kourtnee. Kourtnee rolled her eyes at Paula before she turned and huffed at her grandfather, "Don't call me that." Her grandfather waved his hand at his granddaughter.
He walked into the kitchen. He motioned for the two young ladies to sit down after he pulled their chairs out for them. Mr. Adams was a true gentleman. He was a hard-working man who had grown-up without a father, but never let that stop his resolve to be successful. His dark face wore the years of hard work on it. Despite that, he had a mildness about him. He treated women with respect, especially since his wife of 51 years expected nothing less. Mr. Adams was in a business that catered to women. He started a company that manufactured hair care products for African-Americans.
Mr. Adams was a man of character. He took care of his family and taught his family to do the same. Although not all of his children followed his example, Mr. Adams had raised a decent family. All of them had been successful in their endeavors. The company that he founded had helped to make his children's life easier. Both he and his wife were glad of that.
The three dinner companions prepared their plates. They began to dig into the meal after Mr. Adams said grace in his deep voice. Paula opened her eyes a time or two to get a look at the wise sounding old man.
As they ate dinner, Mr. Adams regaled them with tales of his life that included his childhood. Kourtnee had heard most of the stories, but she liked to hear her grandfather tell them, so she was glad to listen. Whenever her grandfather told his stories, she always felt like she was a 5-year old again, listening with enthusiasm to her grandfather tell her bedtime stories.
Mr. Adams fawned over the two young ladies. He had a way of making women feel special. Kourtnee liked the attention that being the star of her grandfather's eyes got her. At times, her siblings and cousins would get upset with her, but it wasn't Kourtnee’s fault that she took an immediate interest in the family business after her grandfather took her to the plant.
They finished eating dinner. Mr. Adams proceeded to the living room and sat down on the couch. Paula sat on one side of him and Kourtnee sat on the other side. The storyteller of all storytellers continued with his tales.
Mr. Adams could tell stories like no one else. He often amused his grandchildren with his tales. He would have you captured in the moment, waiting for the next event to occur. His deep voiced helped greatly, it lended a sense of believability to the old man's stories. He was famous for his fishing stories. Unlike most fishermen, the big one never got away from Mr. Adams. He would have you believing him. To verify the facts, you would have to go ask his wife for the real story. Paula was no different. Mr. Adams had the young college student wrapped in his stories.
Kourtnee looked at Paula. Paula seemed mesmerized by her grandfather. Mr. Adams seemed to be focusing in on Paula. Kourtnee became a bit jealous. Kourtnee didn't like the idea of Paula taking her grandfather's attention. That had never happened before. Kourtnee could always manage to keep her grandfather's attention no matter who was around. She finally asked, "Does Mama know where you are?" Mr. Adams turned and looked at Kourtnee, "must you ruin my moment. Yes, she knows I came over here to check on you." Kourtnee made a face at her grandfather, "what is she going to think if she finds out you are over here fawning over us?" Mr. Adams scrunched his eyebrows, "child, leave me alone and let me enjoy the company of two beautiful young women." Paula and Kourtnee laughed. Kourtnee made a face, "I'm going to tell Mama on you." Mr. Adams turned to pa, "would you talk to your friend?" Paula looked at Kourtnee, who rolled her eyes. Paula made a face at Kourtnee. Mr. Adams smiled.
He leaned back on the couch, "What are you all doing tomorrow?" Kourtnee said, "I am busy." Mr. Adams nodded, "what are you doing?" Kourtnee huffed, "I have plans." Mr. Adams smiled, "alright, I won't be nosey. I tell your mother to find out for me." Kourtnee huffed again. He rubbed his chin, "what are you all doing on Sunday?" Kourtnee answered, "I am not doing anything." Paula responded, "Nothing after church."
Mr. Adams beamed, "I tell you what; why don't you all go to church with Mar and me; and then we can go have lunch?" Kourtnee smiled. Paula looked down at the floor, "I don't know if I can go to church with you all." Mr. Adams sat up, "Why not? Do you have something against church?" Paula looked at Mr. Adams, "I usually go to church with my boyfriend." Mr. Adams patted Paula's hand, "I think your boyfriend can live without you one day." Paula agreed to go with the Adams' to church. Kourtnee smiled. She knew that Paula would enjoy the day because Mr. Adams was probably going to end up taking them shopping. Paula was a bit torn because she knew that Rick would be upset, especially if Treshon had something to say.
Mr. Adams stood up, "Well, I better get out of her. Paula, dinner was lovely. We will be over here at 7:30 in the morning. Make sure you all are ready. Kourtnee, I hope you have fun with your plans this weekend." He gave Kourtnee a stern but loving look. Kourtnee batted her eyelashes at him. He cut his eyes at her.
Mr. Adams hugged both girls after he stood up. The hug felt good to both of them. The fatherly hug surrounded them in love. Mr. Adams walked to the door, "See you two tomorrow." He winked at Kourtnee. Paula looked at Kourtnee then at Mr. Adams. She could tell that the two of them were sharing a secret. Paula wanted to know what the secret was. Had she known Kourtnee better, she would have asked.
Mr. Adams walked out of the apartment with Kourtnee and Paula in tow. They stood on the rail as Mr. Adams walked to his car. He got in the car and waved at the two young ladies. Paula and Kourtnee walked back into the apartment when he drove off. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
