The New Me.......A Mashito Writing Challenge

The
alarm went off, and I jumped out of bed and headed to the bathroom. I
quickly showered, fixed a cup of coffee, grabbed a bagel, and was
dressing in a snap. I'm ready in no time at all, out of the door. No
more curling my hair before work every morning. This new, shorter style
gives me a few more minutes to sleep
One the way out of the house, I
checked the newspaper box for the paper. I snatched it, and went to
start the car so it could warm up while I was reading. and eating
breakfast. This is the routine. In order to stay ahead, I have to start
earlier. I have to be be on time for my new job. It's the job I have
wanted all these years. Publisher for the local newspaper. I checked
out the competition every day, trying to keep my edition innovative,
fresh, and interesting.
I forgot my cell phone, and had to run back
into the house. Once back in, the house phone rang. I let it ring,
because I knew it was the office calling. I'd deal with them when I got
there. I dashed for the door, locked it, and I'm gone.
On the way to
work, I put my make up on, in the mirror. I know it's a bad habit, but
try having to do ten things at once, and even when you're on time for
work, you're late. Today, I had to do what I would normally do in 10
hours, in seven. I had a date tonight. The regional manager of the
paper wants to meet with me about a special edition for Spring. I have
ideas, and she would like to hear them.
I found myself wondering
what she was like. I only talked to her on the phone a few times. She
sounded nice then...but, I would never......... At least, I don't think
I would.

Work was tough as usual, but the day was over now. Time
for a little leisure. She wanted to meet at the Bistro at 6:30
promptly. I had no time to spare, as I came home, and dressed in my
evening wear. A white spaghetti string dress, accentuated with pearls.
Pearls always make me look good. And feel good.

I walked in the
door, and looked around for a older black woman with salt & pepper
locks. She said she had a big smile, and would be wearing blue. I
spotted her at the bar, drinking something, and watching the news. I
gave her a once over, and slowly walked over to where she was sitting.

Sandra. Is that you?

"Hiiiiii Joyce. Nice to meet you. I've heard so much about you. Come join me. Or would you like to get a table now?"

We
can get a table, if you like. And, I'll take one of what you're having.
MMMMmmm. You smell great; what are you wearing? I followed her to a
table over in the corner, entranced already. I watched her walk, and
the motion of her behind as she moved to her seat. I wonder if she
is....ummmmmmm

"So. We have a lot to talk about. I have been
assigned to your paper, in an effort to enhance sales for the coming
Spring season. I will tell you what I've come up with, what I have seen
in other urban progressive papers, and we can compare any notes, and
ideas. I have to tell you from the start, that I am totally impressed
at your progress so far. It seems as if you spend alot of hours
working, and making your product something to be proud of. You rise to
the challenge of keeping up with the competition. Your workers feel
like you love your job."

Yes, I do. I live writing. I sleep
thinking of new ideas. I probably spend more time at work, than I do at
home. All my friends say I have no social life. I run back into the
office at all hours of the night, checking things out before the
morning edition hits the streets. Checking, and re-checking.

"No
special guy in your life? No one to create that balance between getting
the bills paid, and getting Mami laid? Hmmmmm. You know what they
say--all work, and no play......"

Honestly, I haven't met anyone
who is willing to put up with my "passion" for what I do, nor my crazy
hours of work. If I did get involved, it would be someone in the same
business as I'm in...someone who can take my obsession with working
until the job is done. You know....

"Yes. Very well. I, myself,
am sort of what you'd call a traveling salesman. I go to my jobs. I do
what needs to be done. I leave. They give me up to six assignments a
month. So, that leaves little time to "play". But I can see whoever
gets you is getting a working woman. Someone with a heart into their
work. I couldn't handle anything more than casual acquaintances. I'm on
the go too much, too. If I was a settle down kinda woman, I think I
wouldn't mind someone like yourself being the center of my attention"

I blushed. Was she coming on to me?


We
finished dinner, and talked about work the whole time. I tried not to
respond to her flirt earlier. But, it was all I could think of. I
watched her lips move as she correctly pronounced every word. My hands
massaged my legs, where I imagined hers to be, if we had been an item.
While she talked shop, I fantasized about being in her arms. But, I
managed to keep at least a portion of my brain on work.

"So,
tell me, what do you say we go back to your place, and listen to some
music? I promise to be whatever you want me to be. But, I do want to
get to know you better. Seems you have a bright head on yourself, and
we can see what we can do about your lonely nights. Everyone needs a
friend, don't you think?"

Ahhh, sure. We can do that. But, I
must warn you--my music selection stinks. Just a few cd's from the old
school era. I'm a contemporary kind of girl. I like simple music, and
instrumentals. And, relaxation music. I am so awkward at meeting new
people. They think it's a turn off when I say I'm not interested in
them outside of a friendship. I find relationships too hard. I am too
impatient at times, and I become irritated when someone just wants sex
from me...even without getting to know me first. But, I think I could
get to know you, and enjoy your company. Somehow, you seem different
than the rest

"There is something about people you have to
learn, in order to deal with them on their level: You cannot control
other people's emotions, but you can control your own. If you sense
yourself responding to their negativity, try not to let yourself. Keep
your heart open to them, and they may let go of their defensiveness and
yield to your compassion and openness......"

I guess you're
right. Matter of fact, I know you right. I think I'm gonna like you.
You're good for my emotional stability. Let's go.....



**Pic courtesy of Sistahpoet