Musings in the Dark: Shortie: "Sugar" (1/?)

5/10/2011

Shortie: "Sugar" (1/?)

Starring Peter Le as Michael Kang and Sanaa Lathan as Neshelle Tyler.



After two weeks of talking on the phone, Michael finally asked me out.  I knew that he was giving me the time and space I needed, as well as allowing me to control the situation.  I was grateful for his patience because it was very hard juggling him and Kevin.  If anyone had told me a year ago that I’d be dating two men at the same time, I would have laughed in their faces.  But neither Michael nor Kevin would take no for an answer, and so I found myself with both of them at the same time.  Not that either was aware of the other’s presence; I was very careful to keep them separate in my mind and my world.  My first date with Kevin—he too, had waited a couple of weeks before we finally went out—had been out of this world; completely mind- and body-blowing.  I was so beside myself that it was quite simple for me to sleep with him that evening.  And what was worse was that I didn’t regret it, for it had been a fantastic, unbelievable night.  He called me the next morning to see if I was all right and to make arrangements for another date, which I agreed to.
Yeah, so I’m easy.  Fuck it, I’m grown.
Neshelle Tyler

Michael told me that I didn’t need to get fancy for our date; he wasn’t one to dress up unless absolutely necessary.  I didn’t know where we were going, but I was sure it would be somewhere outdoors.  I found a pair of my favorite Levi’s, a blue tank top and a denim overshirt.  I was curious as to where Michael was taking me.  It took me a few minutes to decide on my hair, and then I cursed myself as the only sensible hairstyle for an unexpected outdoor date is a ponytail.  The weather had been nice all day, and there was no reason to think that it would change, but it was best to be prepared.
            At six, I was amused to see him roll up on a Harley Davidson.  A thread of uneasiness snaked through me; I’d never ridden a motorcycle before.  I wasn’t sure if I could or even if I wanted to.  But I took several deep breaths and made up my mind to keep an open mind and experience anything this man wanted to show me.  He got off the bike and removed his helmet and leather jacket, carrying the latter as he walked up to my front door.  I was standing right in front of it but made him ring twice before answering.  I didn’t want to seem anxious even though I was.  The last time I saw Michael—the day we met—was over three weeks ago.
Michael Kang
            He stood in my doorway, fine as could be in jeans and a T-shirt.  Michael worked out and had muscles in all the right places.  He was five-eleven, forty-two years old, a software engineer for Sun Microsystems, and handsome as all get out.  He had a sixteen year-old daughter and a fifteen year-old son.  And a crazy ex-wife, if I understood him correctly.
“Neshelle,” he said, looking at me.
“Hi, Michael.”
“May I come in?”
“Sure.  I still have to finish dressing; I won’t be but a moment.”
            He followed me in, closing the door behind him.  I trotted back to my room, lined my lips and applied a bronze gloss, put on my gold studs and checked my face.  I looked all right.
“Wear a jacket.  It can get cold on the bike.” 
I jumped.  He was standing in my doorway and he smiled at me.  Michael’s smile is amazing.  He used it on me the day we met and it made it quite easy for me to take his business card.  It was also one of the reasons why I had no problem calling him.  He was a very handsome man.  I noticed he wore gloves.
“I never pictured you on a motorcycle.”  He drove a truck.
“I bought it six months after my divorce.  My ex-wife never wanted me to have one, but after our marriage ended, I said to hell with it and got a Harley.  I love to ride.  Have you ridden before—or do I already know the answer?”
            I went to my closet and grabbed my short leather jacket and rummaged until I found my leather gloves.  “You know the answer.”
“Then I’ll be treating you to something new.  Good.  You look great,” he said when I came up to him.  “I’m glad you decided to go out with me.”
“I don’t recall you giving me an option,” I teased.  “Where are we going?”
“Let me surprise you,” he said.  He held out his hand and I took it.  He brushed his lips against the back of my hand and looked at me carefully.  I closed my eyes; his lips were warm and smooth.  I took a breath to keep myself under control, but part of me knew that it wasn’t going to be easy.  I was attracted to Michael in the same way I was attracted to Kevin, but for far different reasons.  They were as different as night and day.  I wondered if I was going to sleep with Michael too.  It wasn’t out of the realm of possibilities.  I own my sexuality top to bottom, from my hair follicles to my toenails.
“Are you all right?”
“I am.”
“Well, shall we?”
         I followed him out after securing my alarm system.  Michael got on the Harley first and handed me a blue helmet.  He helped me put it on, zipped up my jacket, and then put his on, zipping it up too. 
“Get behind me and put your feet there,” he pointed.  “Hold me tight, but don’t squeeze me.”
“All right.”  I got on and waited for him to put on his helmet.  I was very nervous and knew, despite his warning that I was probably going to have him in a death grip.
“You’re going to want to squeeze your eyes shut, but don’t.  Be sure to look around.  Get a different perspective.”
“All right,” I said again, trying not to let my nervousness overcome me. 
I guess my consternation showed because he took my hand again.  “Relax, Neshelle.  You’ll be all right.  I won’t let anything happen to you.”
Michael straddled the bike and started it.  The engine roared to life and he turned back to look at me.  “Hold on,” he said.
I slid my arms around him and in spite of my jittery nerves, appreciated the feel of his hard body.  He was in perfect shape and he felt so good.  Michael backed the bike out of my driveway and we were off.  I thought I was going to fall off and squeezed him.  He stopped at the stop sign and I heard, “Neshelle, I can’t drive if I can’t breathe.  Loosen up, baby.  And open your eyes.”
I didn’t even realize they were shut.  I opened them just in time for Michael to hit the main road.  He wasn’t going very fast, but the fact that I was on the back of a motorcycle and not in a car freaked me out to an extent.  I squeezed him again but then released as I took several deep breaths.  Per his instructions, I began looking around, fascinated at the new perspective.  People drove while on their phones and I caught a few people texting while driving.  Seeing that made me panic a bit, but my nerves calmed down as I realized that Michael avoided these individuals.  I also noticed how uneven the asphalt was and how smoothly he avoided dips, cracks and potholes.  I began to relax as it became clear that this man would not allow me to be harmed.  At least not while on his bike.
The sun was setting and the sky was a gorgeous blend of pastel colors.  I looked at the horizon, appreciating the fact that I could actually enjoy the vision of the sky while in motion.  I cushioned myself against Michael’s back and adjusted my hold on him.  He blended with several more motorcyclists; some with partners, and we rode with them for several miles.  I wondered if he knew them.  But soon my attention was distracted as I realized we were heading for the coast…and to Great America. The rollercoasters looked as if they were sculpted in bas-relief; the way they stood boldly against the sky captivated my attention.  I would have never noticed all of this glorious detail if I were driving my car.
Michael parked the bike and we dismounted and secured our helmets.  I was excited.  I hadn’t been to an amusement park in years, and had never been to Great American in San Francisco.
“Rollercoasters?” I asked, completely charmed by this man.
“Why not?” he said, smiling at me as he unzipped his jacket.  “Are you afraid?”
“No,” I said.  “It’s been years; I probably won’t even fit into the seats now.”  I’d put on a few pounds since the last time I rode a coaster.
He looked me over.  “Oh, you’re fine.  Come on.”
Casually, he took my hand and led me to the ticket booths.  I looked around, feeling giggly as I took in the fact that I was on a date with a physically perfect man and we were at the amusement park.  He bought tickets and we went in.  It was a Thursday evening and there was a good crowd.  The sounds of screaming people, the smells of funnel cakes, popcorn, cotton candy and corn dogs, and the sight of folks having fun made me giddy.  I looked at Michael with a big goofy grin plastered on my face.  I didn’t know what was going to happen, but I did know that the night wasn’t going to pass without me kissing him.  At least.
            I looked into his clear brown eyes.  “This was a great idea.”

1 comment:

  1. This was a great idea indeed. No wonder these Shorties are getting so popular.

    Beautifully descriptive, with good flow to the dialogue. Where and how are you coming up with these? Is it the pictures?

    ReplyDelete

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