-one-

Nene drove home, slightly buzzed from the alcohol she had with her girls who were drinking while they put together favors at the house of one of her bridesmaids.
It's been a good year Nene smiled. She and Tony , the love of her life , her boo, her sweetheart for the past two years, her best friend and the best lover she had ever been with, to say the least, were getting married in 2 weeks. She smiled again at the thought if being his wife.

She met him her junior year college. They were both transfer students and both Majored in English , which meant they were in a lot of the same classes. They hit it off instantly. She was attracted to his rugged body and intellectual mind, a ruthless combination in her book. He was funny and kept her laughing, she loved being around him. He called her his pro-bono tutor and they did homework together . Study sessions turned into dates and dates turned into overnight rendezvous and senior year she moved into his small apartment.
After graduation, she began teaching and he began working at the local radio station and they got a bigger place. It was inevitable that they would be married, she knew it. Tony was her soulmate and everything was looking up for them. Life is good.

She pulled into driveway and decided to leave the wedding favors that she and her bridesmaids had finished in the trunk of her car. She was too sleepy to even bother with them. She fumbled with her keys and unlocked the entrance door, giggling to herself as she stumbled into the dark apartment. Tony was probably passed out in a hotel room somewhere. His bachelor party was tonight and she had the entire place to herself.

As she made her way past the kitchen she thought she heard a noise and stopped , listening closer . It was coming from the bedroom. She inched her way to the room that she and her fiancé shared and stood in the doorway, amazed at what was going on. The room was completely dark , but she could make out two shadows in their bed,illuminated by the glow of the streetlight coming through the window . The first shadow, was without a doubt a female. Her body was rocking back and forth, chest bouncing, hair glowing as her head rolled in ec..stacy, riding as if she was one of those mechanical bulls that Nene had seen in commercials for western country western bars. The dk must have been good, because whoever she was , she could nearly m.oan. Everytime she tried to catch a breath, the second shadow would put it to her with quickness, causing her to gasp again. But Nene knew the dk is good because it had been thrown to her on a regular basis. She knew what the girl was feeling because she had felt the exact same way that very morning.

The second shadow was Tony's, she could tell from the mo.ans and the way he was gripping the headboard with his thick fingers. He liked to grip it when she rode, because he could get more leverage that way.
She stood for few moments, too shocked to move. She had heard stories of men sleeping with stri.ppers from their bachelor party but this took the cake.

I know this nigga ain't bring home those tricks from his party and doing her in our house, our bed. This nigga must be high on something, Nene thought to herself.

She got her thoughts together and ran into the kitchen. Making sure she was extra quite, she pulled a big pot from under the cabinet and filled it with scalding water. When it was full , she struggled back into the bedroom and closed her eyes.

Her grandmother once told her about two dogs that were doing it in front of her yard and got stuck together. The only way they got them unstuck was to toss hot water on them. Well Nene was about to get two bitc..hes out of her bed. She groaned as she lifted the heavy pot and tossed the hot water on the two shadows.

'Sssshiiit!' The female screamed as the water hit her on the back. Tony was dazed by what was happening until the liquid hit his arms and upper torso.
What the fk?! He screamed in pain as the girl rolled from top of him onto the floor, writhing in pain.
Satisfied with her handiwork , Nene finally flicked the light . Everyone squinted as their eyes adjusted.

You bas.tard! You brought a trick home and you did it in my bed? Our bed? What kind of sht is that? Nene screamed and jumped on bed, swinging at him.
Nene , what the hell is wrong with you? What are you talking about? He said looking at his burnt skin.

Don't play crazy, btch ! How could you do this to me? She clawed his face and he grabbed her arms, still looking confused.
' Nene calm down! 'He warned.
They had never gotten physical in all the time they've been together.
It was Tony's rule never to push other to that limit, and told Nene that would never be him.
But it had gone beyond that limit this time and she didn't care what the rule was, she was out for blood.
Calm the fk down? Calm the fck down? I know you ain't in here fking another B and you telling me to calm the fk down! Where are you at B ? I abut forgot about you either! Nene yanked away fromTony and jumped into the floor , standing over the still whining woman . The woman whimpered as Nene yanked her by the hair so she could look in her face. A combination of nausea, betrayal and pain came over her as she realized who was looking back at her.

'Nene'.... the woman began, she could not finish because Nene slapped her face so hard she fell on the floor.

What is going on? Tony sat up and looked at the crumpled body next to his bed . He shook his head as sobriety set in and it became apparent that it wasn't his fiancée he had been making love to as he thought , but another woman.

''I can't believe you did this to me, Tony. Her , I could , but you?'' She looked at him with hate in her eyes. Never in a million years would Nene have thought that Tony would cheat on her. It was othe one thing she told him from day one that she wouldn't stand for, and he assured her he'd never do.

Nene, I swear. I don't know how this happened. I was drunk and I thought it was you. She was in bed when I got there. He tried to explain.

''You thought she was me. My God Tony, then your perception of me ain't that great , is it?'' She looked over the woman and shook her head. '' I'm not surprised by you, I just thought you would have pulled something like this after me and him got married.''

''He came into me. I was in here 'sleep and he se.duced me! the woman cried.

''B , what the hell are you doing in my bed? Why the hell are you even in my house? You know what? It doesn't even matter. You slept with him,you marry him, you s.lut. At least the same parents will have paid for the wedding!'' Nene told her . She wiped her tears forming in her eyes before they had the chance to fall.

''Nene don't do this. Wait a minute,'' Tony scrambled for his sweats as he got up . His head was throbbing and his arm began to blister, but paid it no as he tried to get Nene to listen to him.

''Let her go Tony. She better be glad I don't call the police on her for assault, look at my back. Payback is a biatch, you better believe that!''

Nene's sister pointed at her red swollen back. Nene ignored her as she began to snatch clothes from the closet and stuff them in the duffle bag. She knew she couldn't stay in that house for another moment.

''Get dressed and get out chichi! '' Tony yelled , '' Nene listen to me. Don't throw this away. I love you and I wanna marry you. This is just all a big misunderstanding .
Tony tried to take the bag from her but she slapped him.

''I advise you to stop talking. The more you try to explain, the worse you make this already fked up situation. She doesn't have to get out. Y'all can pick up right where you left off after I get my shit!''

'Where are you going Nene?' He pleaded, he knew he had messed up big time and Nene was gonna need some time to think. But he wanted her to understand that what happened was not his fault. He needed to know she would still marry him.
'' None of your fking business, I will get the rest of my stuff later, when neither if you is here! But good luck to you both.''
She took of the engagement ring she had been wearing with pride for the past year and threw it at Chichi. ' you can have this and him!'

She stormed out of the house with Tony calling after her and chichi still whining about her back. That stu.pid B still didn't have the sense to apologize. Nene checked into the hotel, not wanting to face her family or friends.
In the two weeks leading up to Nene's wedding date, she moved into her own place and sent out cancellation announcements, telling everyone that her and Tony decided they just weren't ready. On the day they are supposed to wed, Nene boarded a plane to Jamaica , their honeymoon destination by herself. She called Tony from the plane , telling him that she would never forget how he hurt her. He told her that she was totally overreacting and still wanted to marry her. That they could get through this. She told him she didn't want to get through it because she was already over it. She had decided to go on with her life and so should he. She hung up the phone up, vowing to never again trust another man.

-contd......

What'd you think Mynd? Should I continue? No front page yet please

Dang you are good. Continue biko...... Am loving this.

No front page yet na. You have to get to a stage like 25% first but this is great.

Maybe you can tutor me

Yeah right, tutor a pro? Thanks I'm on the second chapter. It gets better

jidegirl12: Yeah right, tutor a pro? Thanks I'm on the second chapter. It gets better

Who is the pro? Please I wanna learn at your feet ooo

wow wow this is amazing, let me grab the front seat, u are good, keep it up

I like the title of the thread

See drama...!ths promise to be worth d time...kp it cumin dear.
*following*
bt whts d topic.

hmmmm... following

-Two-


Whoever said its better to have loved and lost than never loved at all was a ign'ant a..ss, Nene thought as she checked herself in her rear view mirror , it had been a year since her breakup with Tony and she still felt like sht. She had tried to throw herself into teaching and becoming a better person , but even that wasn't helping to mend her broken heart.

Her girls had discovered this new sports bar called 'Druid' and actually convinced her to come. She wasn't all that enthused but hell, maybe a night out was what they all needed.

All of Nene's girls were single with no kids. They were hard working, smart educated black women who were attractive both inside and out. Any man would have been blessed to be with one of them, but they found themselves man-less at the present.
Nene had affectionaly named them Solo Hearts club and they had fun , nonetheless , just hanging out , living single life. Their group consisted of Ivy and Tito, two of Nene's college buddies and Nene's coworker, Sasu.

The club was not overcrowded, but there were quite a few people. Nene had just arrived and was looking for Sasu when she felt someone grab her hand, startling her. When she turned around, she had to double take. For a moment , she thot it was Tony, but it wasn't.

Although they had same caramel complexion and similar features , this guy had a bald head, where Tony kept his thick curls cut. He wore a mustache and a goatee as did Tony and they had same athletic build.

'Oops my bad ' , he said when he saw the confused look on her face.

'' I thot you were someone else''
He checked out Nene with her cocoa brown skin, dimpled smile, curvaceous figure and short cropped hair cut. It was no doubt he liked what he saw.

'' oh, no problem'', Nene finally found her voice.

'Excuse me.''

''At least let me buy you a drink. I know you wanted to slap me for grabbing you like that . '' Hę smiled at her and extended his hand. '' Justin''.

''Nene, and you don't have to do that, really, it's okay'' she answered ,shaking it.?

She quickly turned and spotted Sasu and Ivy coming toward her.
She maneuvered past him and shook her head, forcing herself not to turn back around.

''Who is that, Tony's cousin or something?'' Ivy asked.

'I don't know. He accidentally grabbed me ; thot I was someone else or something. His name is Justin'' Nene shrugged.

'He looks like Tony except he got bald head and hit the thug thing going on. Better watch out' Sasu said.

Sasu thot hard looking guys were criminals, and she and Ivy always had comments about drug dealers and jail birds.

They found a table near the dance floor and were having a ball drinking and laughing. Soon Ivy and Tito were on the dance floor as Nene and Sasu watched.

The deejay was spinning old school jams that they had not heard in years. Nene could not stop rocking the beat.

Then as if on cue, Justin pulled her out if her chair and onto the floor. He had some moves. She could not help but laugh and and demonstrate moves of her own. For the first time in a long time, she was enjoying herself.

'How bout a drink?' he asked when the deejay decided to slow it down.

She didn't think twice as she followed him to the bar. He seemed like a nice guy and they cubed when she looked at her watch and realized it was after midnight.

' I gotta go', she told him reluctantly.

'The club doesn't close until three. What's the rush? or you got a man at home waiting for you?'

'No. If I had a man you think I would've let you up in my face all night?' She laughed .

'Oh , I was all in your face, huh?' That's how it is? Well if that's the case , can I at least get your number so I can stay up in your pretty face?' He looked at her with such intensity she felt a chill down her spine.

'Let me get your number and I'll think bout it' she said. He asked a passing waitress to borrow her pen then grabbed a napkin off her tray , writing his number on it.

'Well you do that . But at least call and let me know you made it home safely' he placed the napkin in her hand.

'Won't you still be here until three?' Nene put the paper in her pocket without looking at it.

'I put my pager number on top, call and put in code o-o-one. I'll know it's you'

'Oh no . I pick my own code. And you'll know it's me. I don't want some codes you probable give to your club chicks' Nene have him a quick hug and went back to the table to bid goodbye to her girls.

I thot you and him went to get a room or something', Tito joked.

'Girl please I just met him. I didn't even give him my number', Nene smirked.

'But I bet you got his' Sasu threw at her. ' I guess you won't be going home pinning away for Tony tonight , huh?'

'Why? She met the next best thing tonight. He looks just like him, Ivy said 'I ain't mad at you tho. You know my motto . The best way to get over a nigga is to get under another one'

'All of y'all are sick. I'm out' Nene said and headed out of the club.

As she turned to leave, a familiar face in the crowd if females caught her attention.

'Nene, isn't that--'

'Yeah it's her'. She cut Ivy off before she could finish get question.she wanted to walk by and pretend she didn't recognize her , but the pretty woman waved and headed
in her direction.

'Nene! Didn't think I'd run into you' she smiled.

'Chichi. I should say the same thing' Nene didn't even try to fake a smile.

'Well , some friends and I drove up this afternoon. It's my birthday .'

'Happt birthday Chichi' Ivy raised her eye brow at what could be Nene's twin.

'Thank you Ivy, at least you can acknowledge it , unlike some people . But what can I expect from someone who blames me for every nigga that did her wrong?'

'Whatever Chichi. If I were you, I'd get outta my face, you jealous trick.
Green was never a good color on you' Nene tuned to leave.

'Tony thot I looked good on green, Chichi smiled wickedly.
She knew that would get a rise out of her sister.

'Don't play with me, I already owe you an a..ss whooping. And I have no problem giving it to you on your birthday.

' Nene growled as she stepped into Chichi's face. She know that although her sister talked a good game, she was week and would never fight her.

'whoa ! hold up, ladies. I think you two need to separate. ' Nene felt a hand on her arm and looked up.It was Justin.
He led her out to the parking lot and walked her to her car. She let her girlfriends know she was okay as they stood and talked for few more minutes.
'who was that'? he asked.

'That was my sister, the biatch, ' she smiled at him.
She felt so safe next to him; it was somewhat arousing.

'Damn, I thought it was about to throw down in there.' He laughed. 'That was your sister?'

'Yep and today's her birthday. I shoulda gave her some a..ss licks.
Thats the tradition, isn't it?

'I like you.You got spu..nk.I think that is so damn sexy' He leaned near Nene.

'' I'll call you and let you know I made it home''. she winked at him as she got in her car and drove off, leaving him, standing in parking lot.

She thought about Justin all the way home.After all that crap Tony had put her through, maybe she deserved a little uncommitted fun. Maybe Justin was what she needed. While sitting on the side of her bed, Nene looked at a piece of paper justin had given her, wondering if really she should call.

Her eyes fell on the picture she still had on the dresser. She and Tony had taken the day they graduated from college.
Although she hated to admit it, she still loved him. Probably always would.
But he had moved on and so should she.

Reaching on the nightstand, she grabbed the cordless phone from the charger.She dialed the pager number and after series of beeps, she entered her cell number along with numbers six and eight .

Smiling, she climbed under her covers and went to sleep.

**okay**

Nice story. But na wetin be the story name?

-Three-

The next morning, she had a message waiting for her. 'I'm happy you made it home safe and even happier that you called me. I really want to get together later . If you're interested, give me a call,' Justin 's voice sounded very sexy on the phone.

'Call him girl' Ivy advised her. 'He was cute and you can have some fun. Don't be all serious, he can be your rebound man'

Nene should ave known not to ask Ivy, but she had popped up  at the music store to meet Nene for lunch and she couldnt resist telling her bout the message.

'what do I say?' Nene asked her. out of her friends, Ivy was considered the wild one. She always had a trail of guys who she had on call, so if there was an even she wanted to attend that required an escort, she had an abundance of men to choose
from. She never got too serious or ''caught up'' and always said  she would never get married.
Because of this Nene thought Ivy had never had her heart broken.
''come on, Nene. say you're interested. Go out. Have fun.get some.Girl you are young and free,enjoy it'' she said between bites.

'I don't know, Ivy'

'I know you ain't still dwelling on that nigga Tony. Nene, he's had no problem getting footloose and fancy free. I know you heard bout his new girl. You better get real. How long has it been? A year?'

'A year and some change. But you're right.I do need to get on with my life.' Nene nodded. She didn't dare tell Ivy she had hooked up with Tony last month on a whim. They had talked occasionally and run into each other at the music store.

'Get out and get some, Nene. Call him. Go out. What's the worst that can happen?' Ivy reached for the check .' Its on me girl'.
'Which one of your suitors hooked up this
weekend?'

' Tom, He got his bonus cheque and won't be here next week for valentine's. He feels bad.' Ivy laughed. ' I guess I'll have to go out with Tunde so I wont feel bad, huh?'

'You are crazy. You give the word player a whole new defination. I can't wait for the day you'll fall in love.'

'Never that sweetheart. I got too much game.'

'Okay, game. Lets go before I get fired.' Nene said and rose to leave.

'So when are you gonna call?'

'After I get off
'

'Handle your business, girlfriend. And let me know how it goes'.

The two women parted ways and Nene went back to work. she decided to return Justin's call during her last break. She found the paper she put in her pocket before she left for work and again paged him with her cell number and code sixty-eight. She hoped he would call back as soon as she paged him because her break is only fifteen minutes long.

I cant believe I'm doing this.The vibration of her phone startled her to the point that Nene nearly jumped out of her skin.She looked at the caller ID and recognized the other number Justin had written on a piece of paper. She took a deep breath and let the phone ring twice more. Don't want him to think I'm sweating him.

''Hello'' she  answered.
'So what's with the sixty-eight, Beautiful'? Justin asked in his deep voice.
I'll always leave you wanting for more. Whats upwith you?' She was trying to sound
non-chalant.
'I'm doing better now that I've talked to you,.You sleep a'ight?'

She could hear him stretching and wondered if he had ust woken up. Maybe I should have called later. 'I slept fine.Thanks for asking.You busy?'

''No. I'm bout to hit the gym and get me some food.Would you care to join me?'' he asked.She didn't know if she meant gym or dinner.

''No, I have to work till four.As a matter of fact, my break is almost over.I did want to return your call, though'.
'Well can I take you out later? After you get off? I mean that's still early. We can catch a movie or something'.He seemed really interestined in her and she was flattered.
'Okay what if I call you around seven and we can meet somewhere?'
'A'ight. I'll talk to you then.Bye Beautiful.''
''Bye.'' Nene couldn't help but smiling as she put her phone back in her pocket.

They met for drinks and a movie that night. Nene had to catch her breath when she saw him for the second time.

The resemblance to Tony was still noticeable; there was no denying the boy was fine. But Justin had a hardness bout him that Tony did't have. He told her he was a chef at a local hotel. He took so much pride in his cooking skills and offered to demonstrate them the following weekend, which of course, one Nene was dreading. It was Valentine's Day.

''I have to think about it and let you know'' , she told him as he walked her to her car. She looked at him and still could not deny
the attraction she held for him.

 It wasn't like that he looked like Tony. Justin had the same sparkle in his personality that made her laugh, something she hadn't done in a while.

'' what's there to think about?You already got plans? I know its a day for lovers ,but can it be for friends, too?''
He grabbed her hand and held it for a moment as he looked into her eyes. She immediately felt self concoius and looked away.

''Do you know how beautiful you are?'' he said.
This totally took Nene by surprise. She'd been told how attractive she was. She had even been called beautiful before, but Justin said it with great intensity that it stunned her.She looked up at him and as if on cue in a romance film, he pulled her to him. He
kissed her so passionatelly that time seemed to stand still.

That kiss stayed on her mind for days. It was on her mind Monday when she woke up and got dressed for work.It was on her mind when she's stuckin traffic, leaving school and headed to the music store listening to music bout ''Love''.
It was on her mind as she listened to messages Justin left on her voicemail at home and on her cellphone.

''Hi, Nene. I know you are at school but I woke up with you on my mind and I wanted to hear your voice. So your voice-mail would just have to do until I talk to you, if you decide to grace me with a phone call. Have a great day Beautiful''

Nene could not help but smile as she hung up the phone late that Thursday evening. She's still not decided what she would do for Valentine's Day. Sasu wanted everyone to go out, but Ivy of course had plans so did Tito. Nene figured she would play it by the ear. She had a long week and didn't really feel like going out and seeing other couples all hugged up, knowing that this time last year she was probably involved herself.

Tony,wonder what he'll be doing tomorrow? Probably with his new trick.she thought.

At that moment the phone rang and she was surprised to see Tony's cell number on the caller ID.

Taking a deep breath, she answered with a low ''Hello''.

''Hey Ne' how is it going?'' He sounded great, as usual. The sound of his voice caused waves of memories to come flooding back.
''Great T. and you?'' She asked, monitoring her breathing.

''I've been good, I just called to check on you. I mean, it's been a while since we taked and I just  wanted to make sure you are okay.''

''I'm fine T. She didn't know what he wanted to hear at this point.

''You weren't busy,were you?' I mean you sound kinda distant. Am I disturbing or something?''

''No ,I just got in from work. But I do have some papers
to grade. And I gotta get these gift bags together for my pupils''.  She sighed, still wondering what brought this phone call on. She and Tony has not parted on the best of terms, but they had gotten to a point where they  were at least friend. It still hurt her to know what he had done, but it hurt even more that they were no longer together.
''Well , I'm not gonna keep you long 'Ne. I just wanted to wish you happy Valentine's Day and make sure you're doing alright'', Tony said quietly.

She could hear him fumbling in the background.''Where are you, Tony? You sound muffled'' Nene asked him, straining to deciphier back-ground noise.
''The door is locked!'' She heard a female voice yelling.''I'm picking up my friend from work.Hey it was nice talking to you. I'll call you back later'' he quickly said and the phone went dead.

That nigga had the nerve to call me while he was picking up some other chick from work.

She shook her head and threw the phone on the bed. She had to remind herself that they were no longer together so she had no right to be mad.

Again, she told herself again that he had moved on , so it was time for her to do the same thing. The kiss again was on her mind as she picked up the phone and dialed Justin's number.

yemi2plus2: Nice story. But na wetin be the story name?

Don't know yet. Single Ladies?? Divas? What'd you think? Mynd

jidegirl12:

Don't know yet. Single Ladies?? Divas? What'd you think? Mynd

Titles are unimportant. The title will come to you naturally trust me

Mynd_44:
Titles are unimportant. The title will come to you naturally trust me

really?

yemi2plus2:
really?

Yes

Mynd_44:
Yes

i never knew that

yemi2plus2:
i never knew that

Now you do. Get with the program

a very nice story you've got here, thumbs up!

Ur story is breath taking, plz don't keep me waiting cos i hate suspense

Thanks y'all. In working on it.

Thanks Mynd.

-Four-

''He's cooking you dinner?'' Ivy asked her as she put hot curling iron in Nene's hair. They were in Nene's cluttered bedroom and Ivy was helping her get ready for her big date.

''That's what he says. I mean he's a cook.That's what he does for a living,'' Nene answered as she tried not to flinch from the heat.

'' Um the way to a woman's heart is through her stomach'' Ivy smiled smugly.

''Ivy, I thot that's the way to man's heart''
''No girl. The way to man's heart his through his head, and I ain't talking bout the one on his shoulder with
two ears , either'' ivy laughed and almost burned Nene's forehead.
''Girl, you better chill, I ain't got enough hair to wear bangs.'' Nene swatted at ivy.

'' I can throw some tracks in there.You know I can '' Ivy tilted Nene's head and kept curling.

It is a well known fact that Stella Johnson was one of the best hair dressers this earth has ever created; a talent inherited from her mother, Mrs. Pauline Johnson , the owner of Johnson's Black Hair salon on the west end of the city. But Ivy decided that doing hair wasn't steady enough to be her thing, so she taught in alternative school instead. She did her girlfriends' hair and occasionally went to work at the shop when she was strapped for cash, which was really, since she had enough make com-padres to help her whenever that occurred.

'' Did I tell you Tony called me last night?'' Nene acted like it was no big deal.
'' What the hell did he want?''
''I don't know. The girl he was picking up from work came to the car, before he had the chance to talk to me .'' Nene shrugged.

''What girl''?. Ivy sucked her teeth as she reached for the spray bottle.

''I don't know'' Nene sighed .

Ivy reached for the make-up kit on Nene's dresser and began making Nenes' face.
''Close your eyes'' she said and Nene felt her applying the eye shadow.

''Look 'Ne , I want you to do me a favor. Go out tonight, have fun, don't even think bout Tony. Let it go and move on. You are a beautiful intelligent black woman with do much to offer. Forget that nigga. It's over . Okay? All done, you like?''

Nene opened her eyes and was amazed at the transformation Ivy had done. Her big brown eyes seemed lighter and her full lips were glossy and sensual. There was not a hair out of place on her perfectly curled head.

''Damn! I'm a diva,'' Nene smiled and hugged her girlfriend .
''Now hurry up, you don't wanna keep your chef waiting. ''And here'', Ivy reached in her purse and place a small item in Nene's hand.
''What's this?''Nene looked down at the small plastic wrapper. '' oh hell naw , I don't need this. You know I don't get down like that. I just met a man Ivy. He ain't getting nothing from me except maybe some tongue action - and that's only on his lips.''

''Take it Nene. It's Valentine's and might get lucky. You never know, girl. Better safe than sorry. I gotta run. Tom's picking me up at nine . Love you, 'Ne. Call me in the morning and let me know how it goes,'' Ivy said as she left. Nene looked at the condom and put it in the top drawer of her dresser.
''That girl is crazy'',
she said out loud and proceeded to get dressed.

She decided to dress down, but cute. Justin told her that he would cook diner and they would get to know each other better . She liked him more and more every time she spoke with him.

Pulling on her black silk shirt and fitted Parasuco jeans , Nene took one last look in the mirror. She turned and noticed the photo of Tony and her. Time to move on, she thought as she picked it up. She placed it in the top if her hall closet when she grabbed her leather coat.
The drive to Justin's house only took twenty minutes , but to Nene it felt like hours.

 The neighborhood was fairly new and she took notice of the perfectly manicured yards even nestled at the back of cul-de-sac , his blue Honda parked out front. As she parked behind it , she saw the lights go dim and the porch light cone on. Checking herself in the rear view mirror , she touched up her lipstick and opened her car
door.
''My ,
my, my. You look too good to stay in, Nene . Maybe we should go to Druid so I can show you off'' . He grinned and gave Nene a hug.

''You are so silly''. Nene could smell his Calvin Klein cologne as he pulled her close to him . She took notice of how sexy he looked dressed in simple Tee and blue sweat pants , white socks on his large feet.
''Come on in. Dinner's almost ready''.

 He led her into the sunken living room and she was immediately impressed . Sounds of jazz filled the room. There was a brown leather sectional surrounded by African artwork and statues. They were all beautiful. On the wall was a huge print of a warrior , standing with staff in hand in the Afican jungle. The coffee and end tables were adorned with carvings and hand blown glass. Nene had never seen anything like it.

'' Make yourself at home''
''This is gorgeous . I mean,
absolutely gorgeous ,'' she told him.
''Thanks I try,'' he answered. 'Have a seat . I gotta check on something in the kitchen.''

Nene took a seat and continued to admire her surroundings. This brother has tast. The mahogany entertainment center held 60-inch television and a stereo system. There were what looked like hundreds CDs and DVDs on mohagany shelves.
''Did you find my place okay? He called from the kitchen
''Yeah. Your directions were easy to follow. This is a nice neighborhood,'' she answered. ''How long have you live here?''
''Almost a year'' he said. She turned around and he was walking towards her with a glass of wine.
''Thank you,'' she said, , taking the glass from him.
''something smells delicious.''
''Chicken . Its finishing up.would you like a tour while we wait''?
''Sure'' .she shrugged.
''Lets start upstairs and walk our way down.'' He took her by the arm and ed her up the Berber-carpeted
steps.

At the top was a loft with a cabinet and a bookshelf full of books. The wall held framed photos of Miles Davies, Fela Kuti, Oliver de coque. There was also jazz statues on the shelves.
''You read?'', she asked him, impressed by titles, including historical greats such as Chinua Achebe, Akilu Aliyu, Uwem Akpam, Tolu Ajayi ,James Baldwin and many more.
''Jazz and reading are my two favorites hobbies'' He smiled.

They continued further and he showed her a bedroom, which was modestly decorated in taupe.There was a full bed and a dresser, but not a lot of artwork, as had the rest of the house.'' This is the guestroom.''
''Nice''.

''Its ai'ght.I havent got it finished yet.'' They returned to the hallway and he opened a second door accross the hall. '' Now this is the master bedroom''.He grinned as he he opened the door.

Nene 's mouth dropped as they entered the huge room. It looked like something off MTV
Cribs. The grand lair was an ivory dream.The king size bed was raised in the center of the room. There was a seperate sitting area with a cream leather love seat and matching ottoman. As she haled, Nene smelled vanilla and noticed candles burning in each corner of the room. On the far wall, she was stunned by a flat screen television.
''Wow,'' was all she could say. As she walked closer to bed , she had to blink several times to make sure she was seeing clearly.
''Its a mink'' Justin informed her as she touched the bedspread.

''Cooking must be really paying well'', Nene comented.

She could feel Justin's hand on the small of her back and she turned to face him. As he reached and touched her face, there was a beeping noise coming from downstairs.
''Saved by by the bell. sounds like dinner is ready. Shall we eat.?

Nene took one last look around the room, still amazed by the beauty.

 ''May I use your restroom?''
Nene asked.

''Yeah. You can use the one downstairs,'' Justin answered. She followed him down the steps and he showed her to the bathromm. Like the rest of the house, it was an impeccable array of browns and beige with gold detailing. She stood in the bathroom a few moments , just looking at herself in the mirror. Maybe he is worth more than a harmless fun. she thought
'' You okay'' Justin tapped on the door , startling her.

'' Yeah. I'm coming out right now''' she called.
She washed her hands and opened the door where he was waiting for her.

''Right this way, Madame.'' He looped his arm.....contd

Sorry guys. I will continue the 4th chapter on Tuesday. Thanks.

Wow! wow!! wow!!! I am wowed.

this is amazing, am really enjoying this, more grease to ur elbow girl

will read later after the story.

I dont want to be kept waiting.

It makes me lost interest.

Everyday one page is boring.

keep it coming dear.


rolling out........

have to catch up with chapter 3 and 4. Nice one Jide

This is really awesome dear,pls keep it coming

Jide girl is killing em