“It’s a physical reaction to stimuli. I’m telling you, I ain’t laying a hand on you tonight. So once again, do you want to watch a movie or talk? That’s all I can offer you right now.”
“What, are you on your period or something?”
Normally a snarky remark like that would get her a red ass, but I knew what she was doing. She wanted me to get aroused and take her. It wasn’t happening. I laughed at her remark, sneered at her and parked my ass on the couch, waiting for her to join me. In that moment I decided we were going to talk.
“Sit your ass down before I make it so that you can’t.”
“Damn, Baby, I thought you were more fun than this. What happened to that guy who is always down for anything? Where is he? Because that is the guy I consented to go on a date with.”
“Oh, he’s here. He’s just not here for your shenanigans. Contrary to what you have going on in that head of yours, I am in charge here. I say when we fuck, not you. I’m hella flattered that you want my dick so bad, but I can get pussy anytime I want. Those tactics you’re using are for a starving man.”
“Oh, so you’re saying you don’t want me?”
“Did you hear those words come out of my mouth? This bullshit you’re doing is starting to piss me off. Don’t put words in my mouth. What I am trying to tell you is I want more than just your pussy. I want you to let me in here.”
I took my index finger and tapped on her temple. Her eyes flashed with fear and then filled with tears. To her credit, she didn’t let one drop leave her eyes, but I saw them just the same. She was scared to face her truth. To take her mask down for just one night.
“I promise it will be alright, Obsession. You never have to put on for me. I want to see the real you. As a matter of fact, come here.”
I stood, pulling her up from the couch with me. Snagging her hand, I led her into the bathroom where I wet a warm washcloth and handed it to her.
“What’s this for?”
“Take that stuff off your face. I know you like wearing it to make you look pretty, but I want to see the real you. Wash your face, and when you’re done, I want you to take that wig off too. I have known Obsession for a few years, now I want you to introduce me to Sharon.”
A few minutes ticked by before her hand moved to accept the cloth. At first it was slow and tentative, but once I handed her the cloth she moved quickly. She swiped across her face leaving the once pristine white cloth with brown, blue and black stains. She folded the material and swiped again. After rinsing the cloth several times and scrubbing a little harder, the beauty under the paint emerged. She was even more stunning without all that war paint. I stood back and watched in admiration as she saw herself through different eyes. My eyes.
When our orbs met in the mirror, she smiled brighter than I have ever seen. Before I could sneeze, she snatched that blue wig from her head too. Underneath, there were neatly braided cornrows. She removed some pins from her hair and the locks fell down on her shoulders. Gorgeous. Simply gorgeous. I was so fucking hard for her that I had to adjust my pants to fight off the discomfort.
“Damn! You are one fine woman. The name’s Timmy Morris. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
I offered my hand for her to shake, and she grinned at me. Her eyes shown with pride and dare I say, a bit of love.
“I am very pleased to meet you, Timmy. My name is Sharon Coley.”