Martin. Me. Merlot.

Ring Ring

Ring

“Morning Mom”

“Yes, I just woke up.”

Sigh

“Amen.”

“Call you when I’m done.”

“I love you.”

“Thanks for being supportive.”

Deep Sigh

The conversation with her mother was so real. Woke her out of her sleep, kept her up all night. It startled her common routine costing her an early arrival to the office; therefore, the choice to work from home was her only option today. Recalling the events from the night before, and her behavior with the bottle. A constant reminder from the sweat drenching her scalp and spine. Slightly heaving, she approached her turn with precision and speed. Her feet made a beat, along with the melody moving her eardrums. There was rhythm to her stride. Slowing at a stop light, she gazed up at the sun. Grateful, saying a prayer for her health and life. Memories of her mother’s laughter and love were steady motivation.

Dog barking behind fence.

Delivery van halts on Cadence Blvd. Male worker exits vehicle with mail.

He was a Michael Jackson fanatic. She was in tune with her body, and loved to dance. They had met a few times. In passing, never stopping to acknowledge one another. This time was different. As the clouds were shifting, their breath began a new purpose. His uniform was a sheer cover for his build that could kill. Constructed centimeters over 5’11 when he stood near Jasia she immediately knew he was there.

“Hey.”

His idea of work did not include interruptions. This woman was captivating; concurrently, his imagination was circling around faster than the blood pumped through his veins. Who was this woman? She lived at this address? Where? How was he unaware of her beauty before today? Either way, here they were face to face. An excellent way to make a new friend.

“Hi! Thanks, I’ll take those.”

“My name is Martin.”

Jasia reached for the mail, stopping to look at his eyes. The connection was obvious as their fingertips met during the passing of envelopes, two magazines, and sale ads. Where was he from she wondered. Due to the changes in laws and restrictions, many people were finding new careers. The couriers had alternate opportunities, or routes daily. His introduction indicated he was not from a Southern state. Martin’s drawl was thick, with enough bass he could cause drool.

“Thank you, Martin.”

Martin was looking at her, his eyes continued to follow her. Over a decade of training had him reading her, following the pattern of a long earth tone dress; simultaneously, mentally noting her ankle jewelry and nail polish color. He wanted to know who she was, and more.

“My name is Jasia.”

Martin was a military brat born overseas. The conversation did not last long; regardless, parting ways had one interested and the other intrigued. Jasia was normally busy at this time of the day. Her job allowed her to work from anywhere, yet she enjoyed the office during the week. Today after a quick jog, later than normal, she was paralyzed with passion for the postman. His approach. The way he introduced himself.

Martin

She wanted to hear him say her name again. Martin wrote his number on her Ebony magazine before smiling and continuing on his route. Leafing through the mail, Jasia undressed and stretched out on an oversized ottoman.

She laid there in silence. Meditating on how open her heart felt. Her phone and magazine lay beside her. Rolling over, she sent a message to Martin.

“Hey there.”

“Hi, beautiful.”

“Looking forward to seeing you again!”

Heart eyes

“I would love to take you out for dinner. Are you available tonight?”

Martin had more routes to do, more tasks to complete that day. Meeting Jasia was fresh air. Perfect timing. Since laying eyes on her, she consumed his thoughts. Had his manhood questioning being single.

Ding

Woof Woof

A dog barked in the distance.

Ding

Martin sent a message with the name of the restaurant for their date tonight. He waited on her response before sending a time. Jasia’s phone was dead and she needed to charge it. The only compatible cord she had was outside in the car. She had fallen asleep texting Martin; consequently, before charging her phone, or getting in the shower. Putting on some music, she made her way to the bathroom. Jasia looked at her naked body in the mirror. She touched each place that felt unfamiliar, before turning the knobs. As she adjusted the temperature, Jasia felt warm, whole. The water held her skin, as she softly scrubbed, heating up Jasia inside and out. Tilting her chin high, she was floating and swaying side to side.

“Is it the way.”

Jill Scott was blaring on bluetooth.

“You love, me, baby.”

Letting the steam press into her eyelids, she mentally replayed this morning. Now being in the house alone was eerie. She was suffocating from isolation. Just months before, the days were filled with hope for the future and her mom. The relationship with her mother was a large portion of why family was so important to her. Would her next relationship result in marriage? Realistically, it was more important to ask herself what to wear tonight!

Ring Ring

Ring Ring

Ring Ring

“Hello, you have reached Martin. Leave your name and number, I will call you when I can. Thanks!”

“Hey Martin.” Jasia said.

“I am running late. I will see you soon!”

At the restaurant, Martin sat alone. He had not heard from Jasia. Martin was unaware of his phone’s bad reception. Being punctual was a sign of respect for him, she was over 15 minutes late. As the sun set Jasia drove to a nearby gas station; afterwards, heading promptly to the address Martin sent in an earlier message. Seconds within walking in, she saw him sitting at the bar. Alone. Jasia made her way to Martin. Offering an apology for being tardy, they were ushered to a private table. Martin sat down after Jasia’s chair was pushed in by the waiter. Jasia was shocked to hear that he had been married. Before today, her biggest fear was being a man’s second wife.

“Excuse Me. I need to visit the ladies room.”

Martin looked up at Jasia and smiled.

“Okay. I will be here when you get back.”

Jasia quickly rose and darted towards the restroom sign. Hurrying into the stall she began to pray. Washing her hands, she surveyed each line blending with the bubbles. It’s been 6 months. 200 days before, she had a boyfriend. A mother. She had been a pet mom. Now, she was alone. Jasia knew this feeling. Too well. It could make her sick.

Anxiety.

Depression.

Grief.

Me.

Tonight was not about everything she longed for that was gone. Jasia knew she could not make tonight about herself. Martin was waiting for her to return. She could have a drink with him. Something she knew well. Wine. Red? White?

Merlot.

Hopeful for the rest of the evening, she approached the table. A drink order had been placed. A bottle of red wine sat alongside two long stem glasses, boldly decorating the center. Martin made his way to Jasia’s chair pulling it out for her to sit down. Effortlessly, a waiter placed a vase of hibiscus, sweet pea, and tulips onto the table. The flowers were all shades from red to burgundy. Promptly, the waiter was gone leaving the lingering fresh smell of blossoms. Martin and Jasia were engulfed with the scent.

“Thank you.” Jasia replied to his gesture.

He nodded before returning to his seat across the table.

“I ordered a bottle of Merlot. May I pour you a glass?”

Jasia shifted in her seat staring at Martin’s mustache shimmering from the candlelight. There was something symbolic about him ordering Merlot.

“Yes, I would love a glass of Merlot.”

As Martin filled her wine glass half full, Jasia relished in the moment. She was out with a man, on a date, at a nice restaurant, hypnotized on how he poured the Merlot.

“Thank You, Martin. Merlot is a favorite wine of mine.”

Jasia paused, then took a sip from the glass. The wine filled her mouth and wet her lungs, loosing up the tension she held in. Clearly she knew nothing about Martin. Her notions about commitment and love were personal. Martin deserved the opportunity to share his story with her, and Jasia would have to learn more about him before giving up.

“How are the tannins? Too much for you?”

The appetizers arrived, then small salads, along with entrees and veggies. They were full and having fun. Jasia had his attention. Filling his glass with wine, they began to discuss their next date. Laughing. The flow of conversation was enough to ease into the late evening. Neither of them wanted the night to end.

Alarm blaring.

Sheets ruffle.

“Morning.”

Jasia lay awake. She could smell, Martin. Looking over, admiring his shoulders; all at once, kissing his forehead.

“Martin.”

Martin blinking.

Eyes rolling, silencing the alarm. Moving Jasia closer, Martin mumbled something she could not make out clearly.

“Me.”

Birds chirping.

“You. Me.”

“Merlot.” Both Jasia and Martin said in unison.

Jasia smiled in surprise. She had one glass. Last night with Martin was special. His unique charm.

“I have a class this morning.”

Closing his eyes, his kisses covered the lips of Jasia.

“Good Morning.”

🌞