Fitness 4Play: One Night Stand (Novel 1) (7 page)

Moments after hanging up the phone, I receive
a text message from Keisha, the motorcycle girl that I met online
and had sex with a few months ago. "Hey. Why you been AWOL? We need
to talk." I reply, "Hey. Just been hella busy. I will talk to you
later." Since making it official with Lucy, I cut off Keisha and
all of the other females I dealt with cold turkey. I thought
monogamy would be hard but it's been smooth transition. I'm so
enthralled with Lucy, other women cease to exist at the moment. So
far, my Uncle Teddy's, "one woman", theory is holding up.

Pulling up to Lakeside, I began pondering
what in the hell am I going to say to my father. How is he going to
appear? How smooth (or horrific) will this visitation go? All those
questions are about to be answered. I park my car, open the door
and plant my red and white Air Force Ones on the asphalt. My heart
pounds with intensity while walking towards Lakeside entrance. I
took a deep breath as a security guard opened the door. "God,
please let this go well," I mumbled. Damn, I hate being
nervous.

***

"Son! It's been a minute!" my father said.
"I'm so happy to see you. Come give your old man a hug." We embrace
each other. The tightness of his hug made breathing a chore. His
blue hospital scrub fit perfect on skinny frame His weight loss is
apparent since we last met. Five years to be exact.

Our last encounter was at his old apartment
he resided at after the divorce. There was a noticeable difference
in his appearance…a stomach gut. My father always had a thin build.
The years of alcohol abuse caused his weight to shoot up. I
couldn't believe my father was fat! It was unsettling to witness
the huge pile of cigarettes in his ashtray as well. My pops was an
avid smoker as well. He is the chief motivator behind my choice to
adopt a healthy lifestyle.

"Yea I know! I'm happy to see you too. I can
tell you lost some weight. You look good!" I said.

"Thank you. You know, I'm trying to get on
your level Mr. Personal Trainer. Your mother always tells me how
well you are doing with that."

"Yeah, I'm trying to make it big in the
fitness world. So how are you holding up in here?"

"I've been doing better. I feel at peace
here. I get square meals, hot shower, and somewhere to lay my head.
Also, I have been exercising and reading. This place has been
therapeutic for me. "My father spoke with eloquence. I never
comprehended how this intelligent man could let alcohol navigate
his life. But here we are having father-son time at Lakeside.

"That's good. You seem to be in a better
state mentally and physically."

"Son, I am! I am! I want to prove to you and
your mother that I'm a changed man." His eyes brim with intent. He
sounds like a man determined to shift away from the shitty path he
traveled. It seems he is getting it together. The real test begins
once he reenters the society.

"Ok. I feel you. Hey pops." I took a deep
breath. "I been harboring this question since I was a kid and I
just need to know."

"Sure son. What is it?"

I rub and scratch my hair fretfully. A lump
the size of a half-dollar forms in my throat before I speak.

"Um, I remember those times as a kid when you
came home late. I also remember the late-night arguments you had
with mama because of it. I always wondered what made you go out.
What was out there that was more enjoyable than being at home with
us?"

He put his head down for a moment. It was as
if he was asking God to give him strength to answer my question.
Soon after, he raises his head. His eyes filled with remorse.

"Wow. I didn't know you heard our
arguments."

"Yea I did. Actually, I have dreams about
y'all arguing every so often. I always wanted to ask you that
question but the situation was never fitting until now."

"I see. Well honestly son." He pauses.
"Pussy! Pussy is the reason I did what I did. I was addicted to
women. Beer doesn't have shit on women. That's the worst addiction
of them all right there!"

My eyes widened and mouth dropped. I was more
shocked how candid he was than the actual answer. My father is a
mild-mannered man. Hell, his demeanor remained mellow when
intoxicated. I was already aware of his adultery but the frankness
of his response was a revelation.

"Woooow! Honestly pops, I can't argue with
you there. Pussy is one hell of a drug." I reply. We both started
laughing. It's bizarre we share a father-son moment over his past
infidelity. But I couldn't help it. What he stated spoke volumes
about my personal life. Women are a vice I indulged in as well.
Like father, like son. I don't plan to repeat my pop's
transgressions. Lucy or whomever I marry will get a faithful man…I
hope!

Afterwards, we discussed other events within
my life. I told him about Lucy and how she appears to be a winner.
In addition, I informed him about my plans to open up a gym. Our
conversation began to form the kinship I yearned since
adolescence.

"Well pops, I'm glad to finally come see
you."

"So am I, son. It's been a long time coming.
I'm happy to see you develop into an intelligent, strong, young
man. They don't give young brothers a fair shot in this world. I'm
happy to my own flesh and blood rise up above the stigma."

"I know pops. I'm trying to make you, mama
and the whole family proud. I want to change our lives and be
living better. Hopefully, my personal training business can do
that."

My father places his hand on my shoulder.
"That's good but don't put that type of pressure on yourself. Just
take care of you first. When you are able to take care of your
responsibilities and manage your affairs, then you can provide help
to others." He spoke with true wisdom. Why couldn't he be this man
years ago? My parents would still be together. But there's no need
to dwell on what didn't occur. I'm ecstatic that my father is
receiving rejuvenation.

"Yes sir. Well I'm about to go. I will be
checking on you soon."

Ok. Tell Lucy I said hi. Please treat her
right son. Don't be like your old man. She sounds like a
keeper."

"She is. I definitely will." We exchange hugs
and he retreated to his room. One of Lakeside's security personnel
ushers me out.

Going back to the car, I reminisce on the
conversation my father and I shared. His "Pussy was the worst drug
of them all," comment is on replay. "I cannot believe he said
that", I murmur, chuckling. My pop was dead wrong for cheating on
my mother as a married man. Yet, I oddly sympathize with him. Pussy
is my drug too. Pussy is a natural drug none of these man-made
drugs can't touch with a billion foot pole!

I check my phone. It shows several missed
calls are from Keisha. That girl is worrisome. It might be
something important if she keeps blowing up my phone. I have no
clue why since we kicked it once. I'll check what it is later. In
the meantime, I need to holler at Greg. The other day, I thought of
a superb idea for my potential business and need his feedback. I
was about to call Greg until a picture message from Lucy appears.
It is of her beautiful pedicured feet with the caption, "Hey. Ready
for you to suck me (wink smiley)." This woman would activate my
foot fetish right now. Greg can wait. I'm about to venture to her
crib and handle my "manly duties."

I'm at the barbershop with Big Rob and Greg.
After spending so much time with Lucy, it feels good to hang out
with the fellas. In addition, I need a haircut more than a squirrel
needs a nut. While most of my childhood friends wear braids or
dreads, a low cut suits me best. I get a haircut every two weeks. I
need the waves in my hair to bling like platinum jewelry meeting
sunlight. My hairline needs to be so crisp, it could slit a
wrist!

"Wow! So you got a girlfriend now huh, Dab?"
Greg asks.

"Yea playa. I got a girlfriend. Why are you
so surprised?" I ask. Greg's astonishment was expected. Since being
friends, I never mentioned or contemplated having a girlfriend to
him. Of course, that's because there was never only one woman in
the picture until now.

"Dab knows damn well he doesn't have a
girlfriend. He just got a female on standby until next summer rolls
around," Big Rob jokes.

"See Big Rob. That's why your hairline is
starting to recede. You think too much," I retort, playfully. We
all laugh.

"Ahh ok! I understand you're defending Ms.
Pink Dress. Things must be really serious between the two of you,
then?" asks Big Rob.

"Welllll pretty much. At the moment, she is
the only woman I'm seeing so it's definitely getting there." It's
been about three months since I told Lucy 'I love you.' Our
relationship flourishes each moment we spend together. I can't
believe it's been three months. Devin Antwan Banks has been with
one woman for three straight months? The devil must got a skating
rink.

"Wow. The same Devin who took the virginity
of several college freshmen is now a one woman man. I'm happy for
you brother," said Greg.

"Thanks G. I appreciate it."

"No problem. So tell me about this great
business idea you have regarding your gym?"

Yea Dab. I want to hear this brilliant idea
of yours," Big Rob adds.

Other than a need to get a haircut, I asked
both of them here so I discuss my business idea. Both stared at me
intently in anticipation of my statement. I clear my throat and
lean towards them.

"Well you know how some couples work out
together?

"Yea," responds Greg and Rob in unison.

"Well, I was thinking of opening a gym where
I exclusively train couples. I was thinking about calling it
Fitness Foreplay."

Greg and Rob glance at each other with a
raised eyebrow. Soon after, they nod their heads.

"Honestly Dab." Greg pauses momentarily for a
few seconds. "That is one hell of an idea. Now that's what I'm
talking about. Now you are planning!" He leans over and gives me a
fist bump. Big Rob gives me a fist bump as well.

Yea Dab. I agree with Greg. That is one hell
of an idea," said Big Rob.

A weight lifts off my shoulders. My compadres
approve of my business idea. The idea came to me a few mornings ago
as I was lying in bed with Lucy. We were engaged in pillow talk and
she mentioned how she would like to start working out with me. Upon
hearing that statement, Fitness Foreplay was born. It's funny how
quality ideas are born during random moments.

"Thanks fellas. Honestly, I knew my idea was
fly! I just wanted to tell y'all and get your input," I
respond.

Afterwards, we talked about sports, Big Rob's
crazy baby mamas, and reminisce about old times at the University
of Memphis. My barber calls me up to get my haircut. Soon after,
Rob and G got their haircut as well. After getting 'chopped up',
the three of us hung outside in front of the barbershop conversing
a little more.

"Aye Dab. You know what you should do as far
as your business name goes?" asks Rob.

"What's that?" I ask, raising my eyebrow.

"Instead of spelling foreplay like it's
supposed to be spelled. You should spell the 'fore' part with the
number 4. It makes it look a little more appealing in my
opinion."

In my mind, I visualize how Fitness 4Play
would appear on a billboard versus Fitness Foreplay. After
comparing both images, Big Rob's idea was victorious.

"Okay. I'm feeling that. It's a done deal!
The name of my business will be Fitness 4Play."

"Yeah. Sounds good to me too," Greg said.

"Cool. I will start moving forward with my
business plan. Anyway, I got a date with Lucy later tonight. So I
gotta go playas." We all exchanged friendly hugs and went our
separate ways.

Sitting in my car, I see Keisha is calling
again. I hit the ignore button and shook my head. I'm clueless why
she keeps blowing me up. I thought she would get the hint I'm no
longer interested. She leaves random text messages like, "I like
you a lot so stop ignoring me" and "We need to talk", but does not
respond when I reply. Keisha is a delusional chick that needs to
leave me alone. Her phone number joins other annoying characters
numbers' (i.e., bill collectors, telemarketers) to my call blocker
app. She will not be an issue anymore…I hope.

Since this is my first serious relationship,
I made a conscious effort to be faithful to Lucy. Eliminating
Keisha and all other previous females was necessary. I deleted most
of them as friends on Facebook and canceled my account on every
dating site. Besides, I do not have time to juggle multiple
relationships. I am becoming a businessman.

It has been over six months since my father
completed rehab at Lakeside. To celebrate his newfound sobriety, my
mother is throwing him a party at her house. I was at my house
getting ready for the occasion. "Hmmm. Should I get suited and
booted or just wear casual attire?" I ponder aloud.

Obviously, this is a big deal. My father
finally got his life back on track. I want to dress presentable but
not appear to be going to a funeral. I decided to go semi-dressy
and wear a gray Hugo Boss V-neck cashmere sweater and crisp blue
jeans with some black loafers. I spray on some Dolce & Gabbana
Light Blue cologne and analyze my appearance in my bedroom mirror.
I'm looking smooth! My phone rings as I get into my car.

"Hello, Pink Dress! I'm heading to my mom's
house now. Are you on your way over there as well?

"Hey babe. That's what I'm calling about. I
won't be able to make it. The hospital called me in and told me
they need me ASAP. I'm so sorry. I truly wanted to attend your
dad's party." A huge sigh bellows from my chest. I was looking
forward to Lucy meeting my dad. She's already met my mother on
several occasions. Guess it's not meant for them to meet today.