I stared at him. “Is she okay?”

“She’s going to make it, but will need a lot of therapy, and I’m going to be there for her. She’s living with me now from Florida.

I’m going to take care of her, and she has a full-time nurse, also. I owe my mother so much, and she’s the joy of my life. I also told her about you and she’s anxious to meet you. She wants me to settle down.

I couldn’t believe his words. “Are you lying to me?” 

“How dare you! I love my mother and I’d never make up something so horrible. You can call her. She’s at my place now. Her name is Irene. She’ll explain the facts to you. She can talk a little, but she gets tired, and she can’t walk. She’s paralyzed because of the stroke. Here’s my card.”

I stared at the card and reached for it. I had no choice in the matter because I just couldn’t trust men. I walked over to the kitchen phone and dialed the number, staring at James, who was staring daggers at me. The nurse answered the phone and then Irene came on the line. I asked her a few questions, and she answered them, and then I hung up, promising to see her soon. “Okay, you were telling the truth.”

“I don’t appreciate you at the moment, but I’m not going to get upset. You had no choice, and I accept it, but if we can’t have trust, our relationship won’t get off the ground, as it should. I won’t justify myself again. If I tell you something, and you have to check it out, then I’m gone.”

“Don’t threaten me,” I snapped. “This isn’t my doing.”

“I’m just enlightening you on the rules and regulations. I like you, and you weren’t just a one-night stand for me. As I told you, I don’t just sleep around especially on the first date, but there was something about your emails, which made me believe that I might have found the right woman. I couldn’t wait to get here to see you. I might be busy most of the time because of my mother. My father died a few years ago, and I’m the only child. She’d love to meet you. How about dinner on Sunday? I’m going to cook.”

I laughed, getting over my anger for the moment. “You can cook?”

“My mother taught me some cooking skills,” he laughed. “She told me that the world was different and women weren’t cooking all the time, and I needed to share responsibility in the kitchen. I agree with her. What’s your favorite?”

I couldn’t believe him. “Anything is fine. I’m flexible.”
“Then let me surprise you. I missed you so much.”
“Didn’t your computer work?”
“The first couple of days of mother’s stroke was devastating, and I didn’t know if she was going to make it. I had never been so frightened in my entire life. I lost my father, but my mother, I couldn’t survive.”

“I could have shared those times of sorrow with you.”
“You’re absolutely right, and I’m sorry I shut you out.”
“You made me think I was easy or a slut. How dare you! I wept for days, kicking and hating myself for going to bed with you. I should have waited which is what my first instincts were saying.”

“Don’t blame it on your first mind. You did exactly what you wanted to do.”
I laughed. “Okay, James you win this round, but I’m going to win the next one.”
“Can I have a hug? I miss you so, but what kept me going was the memory of us making love. I can’t forget it.”

I was so touched by his words, feeling the tears forming. “I know the feeling.” I went into his arms, closing my eyes as I held him tight, and my body lit up like a heated oven. It was so good to be in his arms, as I fought the tears. I never thought it’d happen again. “You feel so good, and I want you so badly.” I could tell that he did as his body was giving itself away. He was hot and so was I, as I stared into his eyes, and then our lips met without hesitation or misgivings. I let him again, make love to my tongue, the only man who could do so with such a powerful force. We kissed like today was the end of the world, and we wanted to make the best of it. Our kiss went to the depths of my soul, I felt. 

When our kiss ended I was still grasping for air. I wanted more of his delicious lips, but our eyes met. I knew we weren’t going to make it to the bedroom, and the living room would be our next destination for loving. As our eyes continued to meet, James touched my nightgown, fingering it, and then he slowly gathered the straps and slowly slipped it graciously down my body. I wore nothing but panties underneath. The gown fell to the floor at my feet and my breasts were revealed, and also my black thong panties. Now James was grasping for air at the sight of me. I saw the fantasy and evolution of lust on his face. He wanted me, and I truly wanted him. I was going to seduce him if he didn’t hurry up and take me. It had been a long time. 

There certainly wasn’t any rush because we had all night, but I wanted to savor every delicious moment. Our eyes continued to meet as James continued to devour my body with his eyes. I loved the way he was staring at me, the eyes of yearning and desire. Finally James found himself as his hands began to explore my body. I closed my eyes as the tingling sensations of heaven escaped my lips, moaning out my passion. James’s touch brought out the fire in me. When he reached for me, I screamed out his name as I felt the lightening and thunder enter my body, or was my imagination of hunger playing tricks on me? I was an inferno.

I thought I was going to scream when James eased me down to the floor like a delicate flower, taking my mouth in another passionate kiss. I wanted him inside of me so badly I thought I was going to pass out. “Take me,” I cried. “I can’t stand it much longer.”
James smiled at the passion in me, and he didn’t hesitate as he removed his pants and then his clothes, showcasing his naked body for my eyes only. He was a magnificent specimen of a man. I pushed him toward me in passion. We came together like a combustion of heat, as we each groaned out our satisfaction, both rocking and screaming out for the passion that was waiting on the horizon.

Five minutes later we both shook in delight as our fulfillment escaped our imagination. It was fifteen minutes before we came back to earth as our eyes met in complete understanding. I had found my mate on the Internet, and I couldn’t believe it. The tears surfaced, and I didn’t give a damn. I was so relieved to have James back in my life. He saw the tears and we both embraced. He was truly my mate...

Three months later James and I were truly in love. I met his mother, Irene, and she was a loving woman, so I understood the fact that James was kind because he had a great mother. Irene reminded me of my own mother who died six years ago. I was so blessed to have met James, and his mother.

A few days later I was on the Internet when an instant message interrupted my work. I was reading the updates on the soaps, of course. I stared at the name and was literally stunned. It was Brink. I couldn’t believe it. He was my high school sweetheart for four years. I thought I was going to marry him, but he left to find himself, and I never once heard from him. He also broke my heart. Now he was back, and on the Internet. I was curious as I clicked on the respond button. 

“Long time, no hear.”
“Hello Lynda. I didn’t think you’d respond. It’s been a long time.”
“How did you ever find me?”
“Mostly everyone I know have a computer and AOL. How are you?”
“Moving on with my life, Brink. What the hell do you want?” I was angry as hell.
“I thought we could talk. I missed you.”
I laughed. “I think not. Do you actually think I’m just sitting around waiting for your call? Get a life Brink because I have one.”
“You mean a man.”
“Exactly. Leave me the hell alone. You broke my heart, but time does heal all wounds.”
“I made a mistake. I needed space and time to evaluate my life and understand it. Now I’m older and wiser, and I need you back in my life.”

I laughed again. “You have to be kidding me, Brink, but you were always a selfish man. Did you once think about me when you disappeared? I think not. I was a mess when you left, and I thought I couldn’t go on. I spent four years of my life with you, but obviously it didn’t mean anything. Now you want me back. Don’t insult my intelligence.”
“You’re still angry and that’s understandable, but I love you. Back then I was so messed up, we wouldn’t have made it. I did this for us. Let’s have dinner tonight. I just want to see you. I didn’t expect you to put your life on hold for me. But we share a soul searching love, and no other man will erase that.”

I laughed again. “You’re erased and gone, Brink. Please don’t flatter yourself. Dinner is out of the question.”

“You can’t meet me because you know the feelings are still there. I’ll see you at our favorite restaurant at seven. Don’t disappoint me.”

I stared at the blank screen. Brink was a sick SOB. There was no other explanation for his behavior. I clicked off the blank screen, and went to stare out the window. He was deeply disturbed. I heard a key in the lock and knew it was my honey. I clicked off the Internet and ran to the door. James walked in, and I went into his arms. 

“I love you.”
“And I love you too. This is a great greeting. Are you okay?”
“Just fine. How is your mother?”
“Pestering me about when we’re going to get married.”
I stared at him in shock. “Oh!”
“Do you want to marry me?”
I smiled to myself. “I need to think about that.”
“What?”
I was so happy. “I do love you. Are you proposing?”
“I am. Take a look at this.”
I stared at the large diamond ring. “How many carats is this?”
“Enough for my baby. I love you, and soon we can spend the rest of our lives together. Do you mind living with my mother for a while?”
“No problem, but let’s get to know each other and watch her progress before we make that move. I like our privacy over here at my place.”
“I like you.” He put the ring on my finger, and I embraced him again. “I just love computers, and the Internet is to die for. Thanks for coming into my life.”
“Vice versa, honey.” 

Our lips met in a very passionate kiss. Now I understood the woman on that talk show. I found love on the Internet also. Real true love!

The next evening I walked into Love Restaurant downtown on Michigan Avenue, and stared at Brink as he stood up. I walked over to him not feeling a damn thing, realizing that he wasn’t the man for me, and I just got my closure.

“Hello Brink. I’m only here for closure. I’m getting married.”
“I see.”
“Don’t feel so wounded, Brink. Women are everywhere for such a handsome, black man. There are plenty out there, but you weren’t the one for me. I wish you the best.”

I smiled at him, and then I walked out of the restaurant, not looking back. I found my Internet Mate and his name was James. I smiled as I got into my car. 

Thank God for the Internet!

"Lynda" 

Looking for Part One? It's here.