Page 14 of Fervor
“I own a few trucks that run hot shot for refineries. Basically, heavy haul couriers,” I said, noticing the confusion on her face when I said hot shot. “It’s very lucrative, and most times, I don’t have to lift a finger. Just phone calls, occasionally, about contracts and loads. My brother handles most of the business.”
“That’s good. I’m happy you found your way, Mister Moore. Shall we continue?”
I chuckled, feeling more comfortable. “Yes, ma’am.”
Going back to the questionnaire, she asked, “How would you describe your ideal first date together?” She smiled again and read my response. “Whatever she’s comfortable doing. I can adapt in any situation. For the record, I like sports bars, clubs, and going to the movies, but I feel like an ideal first date would be dinner, somewhere we can talk and get to know more about each other.”
She smiled and said, “You’re melting my little old heart, so you’re sure to melt hers. That’s very considerate of you. Being flexible is a good thing in relationships. What personality traits do you find most appealing in a potential partner?” After pausing to take a sip of water, she continued. “A sense of humor, genuineness, and nurturing.” She looked up at me. “Why nurturing?”
I felt my face heat up slightly. I was slightly embarrassed about my explanation, but I knew it needed to be said. “I’ve never really been seen after. I don’t want her to nurture me in a way a mother nurtures her child, but I want her to be able to care for me in a way that will further develop my sense of love and what it means to cherish her. My mother had to work three jobs to take care of us, so it was rare that I felt a deep sense of care from her. Hell, she was tired most times.”
I took a deep breath and slowly shook my head as Mrs. Joan placed her hand on her chest. “I need someone that will take care of and nurture my heart.”
“I think I understand. Have you ever been in love before?”
“At the big age of thirty-eight years old, I have to say no. There was a strong like for a girl in high school, but nothing since then. I had to focus my energy on making money to get us out the hood. I didn’t have time for love.”
She nodded and gave me a tight smile as she shifted in her seat. “How important is physical attraction and chemistry to you in a relationship?” She chuckled before she read my response. “People actually have relationships without chemistry and physical attraction?”
I had to laugh as well. I added, “If we have no chemistry, what are we trying to prove? I wouldn’t be able to fall in love with a person I wasn’t physically attracted to. In that case, what would be the point? When I get married, I want all the feels. I want her looks to knock me off my feet. When she touches me,I want it to calm all my doubts, anger, and whatever else I may have going on. I feel like that would be impossible for her to do without chemistry. I don’t believe in setting myself up for failure, Miss Joan,” I added with a chuckle.
“I totally get that. I don’t even know why that’s a question. I suppose for some people, it doesn’t matter.”
“They aren’t looking for a spouse then. That sounds like they need a business partner.”
She laughed loudly, and I joined her.The fuck?I wish I would go through all this shit and spend all this money to be paired up with a troll.“I know that’s right, baby,” she verbalized.
After composing herself, she continued with the questioning. “What is your preference regarding having children someday? I want to have babies. I’ll have as many as my queen wants to have. I love kids.”
She looked up at me as if she knew I would have more to say. I didn’t know how this woman had me spilling all my hopes and dreams in here, but she did. Fortunately, I didn’t feel awkward about it. “I want to prove that I can be a better father than he was. I want a child to be able to be a child. I also want to be able to give them all the love and affection I craved as a kid.”
“How do you feel about a woman that has children already?”
“I’m cool with that. I’ll love them just the same.”
She nodded, then typed something on her laptop and looked up at me again. “What is your idea of the perfect way to spend a weekend? You wrote, secluded away from everyone, showering my lady with love and affection, making love as many times as she can stand.”
Her face reddened some, and I wanted to chuckle, but I didn’t want to further embarrass her. “No further explanation needed, Mister Moore.”
I chuckled as she moved on to the next question. “How important is sharing core beliefs or interests with your partner? You said that it was very important. I am aggressive and passionate about my beliefs, so it would be in both of our best interest if we are equally yoked on matters of importance, especially when it comes to political views. If she’s a black woman and she’s voting for Trump, keep me as far away from her ass as possible, because she’s probably crazy as hell.”
She laughed so hard she nearly fell out of her seat. “Ain’t that the truth! Whew, chile,” she said as I chuckled.
“I’m going to cover two questions in one this time, like it is on the questionnaire. How would your closest friends describe your personality? What is one quirky or unique quality about yourself you embrace? You said that you’re a boss, aggressive, unyielding, and hotheaded.”
She shook her head slowly as she chuckled. “That means you don’t take shit off anyone. Am I right?”
“Absolutely. I nip shit in the bud immediately. I don’t let anything fester. We handle it before it gets out of hand.”
“You had to be around someone older to be saying nip it in the bud,” she said then giggled.
“My mama used to say that all the time. Whenever she wanted us to stop doing something, she would say,nip it!As much as that got on my nerves, I find myself saying it more and more the older I get.”
I shook my head as she laughed. “For the second part, you said you’re somewhat organized. A shirt thrown on the chair doesn’t bother me, but clothes all over the room will have me ready to F somebody up.” She chuckled. “Is there anything else? Like mannerisms?”
I shrugged. “I rub my hand down my head when I’m either nervous or trying to restrain myself from saying or doing something.”
“Sounds like a nervous habit,” she said.