Violet was in her office on the first floor of her three story townhome getting some work done when she heard the doorbell. Who's that, she wondered as she headed to the door as she looked through the side window and saw Nedra standing there.
"Hey, girl," Nedra said as she opened the door.
"Hey." Nedra stepped in and took off her jacket and hung it on the coat rack by the door. "What you up to?"
"Just getting some work done, but I'm almost through with that. What are you doing here?"
"Well, the hubby took the boys and I'm taking the opportunity to get out of the house and go shopping for something to wear to the dinner party tonight. You want to come? We can head over to Mayview Square." Nedra said, rubbing her hands together sinisterly. She knew Violet had a thing for shopping, especially at Mayview Square.
"You got a partner. Let me go upstairs and change; I've been lounging and look like it."
"You look fine," Nedra told her.
Violet looked down at her tattered jeans and t-shirt. "You've been married too long. We can't all just let ourselves go." She laughed as she and Nedra went up the stairs.
Roaming through the mall, Nedra and Violet shopped and talked about what was happening in each of their lives.
"Well, I have this freelance shot for a local wine magazine," Nedra said. "It sounds like it's going to be fun. I'll be going out to Woodinville taking some photos and going out to Mt. Vernon also for a shoot."
"You are really busy aren't you? I'm so happy, Nedra, that things are going well for the photography business. How are my godsons Kenny and Kyle doing?"
"Girl, they're fine playing in little league baseball. I cannot get Damien to see that those kids need some time off from sports." Nedra complained.
"Well, the man is a coach, what do you expect?"
As they looked through the racks at Nordstrom Nedra asked about Paul, "So how are things with you and Paul?" She smiled and giggled.
Violet looked away thinking of her handsome 'friend'. "They're good, really good. I'm just so shocked Nedra."
"Shocked about what?"
"That he's still interested. That he's still pursuing me."
"Why wouldn't he be? Wait a second Violet, you have got to know you are a beautiful, smart, dynamic black woman and any man with any sense would be more than lucky to have you look his way!"
Violet blushed a little. She was just so grateful for Nedra; she always made her feel special. "Thank you, sweetie. You know, I think I'm coming to a decision on whether or not to date him."
"Well, what's the verdict, counselor?"
She laughed at Nedra's use of legalese, "I think the verdict is going to be, yes."
Nedra started to jump up and down, clapping her hands and wiggling her hips.
"Nedra, please! You just didn't win the lotto!"
"Yes, but you did: the man lotto. I am so happy for you! The boy deserves a chance; you've had him hanging on for long enough."
"Well, part of that was because of you," Violet stated as Nedra made her whatever face. "Since I'm going to say to him we'll be seeing each other exclusively and dating and all that, I think there will be another yes tonight."
Nedra looked at her to the side with cat that ate the canary grin "Ooohhh, somebody's going to be bad tonight!"
"Yeah, and that somebody is me!" Violet threw her head back and laughed deeply. "I am nervous as all get out, Nedra. You know the last time I had sex was almost 2 years ago. This man is fine and looks like he knows his way around a bedroom. If any of the moments I've spent with him heavy petting say anything, he's drawing the map for the bedroom. He's good Nedra. I haven't forgotten that forbidden time in the Borders bathroom; he brought new meaning to the word ecstasy."
"Well, you're no slouch, are you? I know you remember how it goes; it hasn't been that long and you don't get sex amnesia. Once you get those clothes off, it will come back to you in detail, I would guess. I mean, haven't you been practicing a little with him while you guys heavy pet."
They both laugh, "Yes, we get some practice in but we've been doing a really good job of keeping clothes on, not exactly our hands over the clothing but at least on. Do you think I need some lingerie or something sexy to wear?" Violet asked.
"Well, if he's anything like Damien he'll just be saying 'yeah, that's nice, now take it off'"
"Oh, maybe that was TMI," said Violet. "Too much information."
"Anyway, you know I've told you more than that. Why don't we stop by the lingerie department and see what we can find that will heat Mr. Paul up? And I want details!"
Violet looked at Nedra like she was insane.
"Don't look at me like that. I want details; blow by effing blow, heifer!"
They walked out of the women's department to lingerie, laughing like two schoolgirls.
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