“
But the reality honestly...you where never good for me and I was never good for you. I just remember what we used to do....”
Jill Scott
As previously mentioned I recently made a pilgrimage back to the place of my birth, a.k.a. the home of the Crab Cake and HBO's The Wire - Baltimore.
It's hard to believe that I left that place for Detroit more than two years ago. And each time I go back it's like I become more and more of an outsider. I already don't necessarily fit in Detroit and when I touch down on the home soil, I'm not quite Baltimorean enough either. But best believe I'm still Baltimore to the core!
Going home always places me in the position of dealing with my past. Some of it good and some not so good. This last trip, I decided to deal with my past head on. Prior to going home, I was contacted out of the blue by my ex-wife. She told me that she got in touch with my ole earth (Ma Dukes) to get my cell number (why I don't know, I've had/have the same cell number since we were married eons ago).
We had a long and open talk (well she did most of the talking - I listened) about the demise of her most recent relationship as well as the ultimate ruin of our marriage (her fault). It was a classic case of karma (what goes around comes around). She went on to apologize for her role in the ending of our marriage and I accepted her apology. She also expressed very earnestly that she wanted to see me at least once while I was home. She suggested that we go out for dinner or catch a movie for old time sakes. WTF!
Bear in mind that this woman set me on the spiral that unleashed the Serial Dater on the world (lol). Actually, I've always been the Serial Dater, I just retired and/or hibernated him at different intervals in my life. Before ending the call, I agreed to hook up with her. I didn't know what was to become of it, but I was down for being cordial to my ex. Since I was on this kick of confronting exes, I also decided to use this trip back east to meet with Bronx Girl (another ex) to set the record straight and apologize to her. Pay it forward.
Every since that movie came out - Pay It Forward - I've believed in this practice. Actually my belief in this is almost cult like. I really think “paying it forward” works. What is Pay It Forward you may ask? Pay It Forward is a movement to renew faith in human nature. The idea is to do something nice for three people. And when they ask how they can pay you back - you tell them to pay it forward and do something nice for three more people. The desired result is that these acts of human kindness and generosity will spread and multiply.
{Interesting side story: One night in Baltimore, I was fiendin' for some KFC original recipe chicken wings. I went to my neighborhood KFC to cop some (which I found out after getting there, that they were out). On the way into the joint I noticed this teenage boy (he was black) standing outside of KFC near the pay phone. Normally, I wouldn't have paid him any mind except that he stood out. It was in the dead of winter, snow was on the ground and it was freezing. The boy, roughly about 13 years old, was wearing shorts, a t-shirt and no coat. He looked cold and like he was in trouble. When I came back out, I asked him if he needed a ride somewhere. As it would turn out, he did. He lived not too far away, so it really wasn't a problem taking him home. I never asked him what was going on, I simply turned the heat up and quietly drove off. When we reached his destination, he thanked me and even offered to give me a lil sumpthin on the gas, but I declined, gave him some advice and kept it movin. I drove to the next closes KFC (I really wanted that damn chicken). I parked and went in (I don't believe in Drive Thrus - people get jacked in Drive Thrus) only to learn they too were out of original recipe chicken wings. WTF! I had a hissy fit and left out cursing to myself. I got on the cellie to holla at this brawd, who was tryna see me that night. I looked out of my rearview mirror and there was no one there, so I began to back out. In a matter of seconds and with no time to react, a car appeared behind me and I plowed into this old school Caddy. I was pissed and got out to assess the damage. The recipient of the impact was an older reserved black couple. Always one to respect my elders, I changed my tone and demeanor and began apologizing for the incident. While his wife looked a lil perturbed, the man was astonishingly calm and began apologizing to me. He informed me that he and his wife were just coming from a weeknight church service up the street and wanted to pick up a lil something to eat before heading home. I noticed their church attire and immediately felt guilty about the damage I'd inflicted on his mint Caddy (which I'm sure was paid for). I offered to pay for the damage and exchange my insurance info. That's when the most amazing thing happened. The man smiled at me and said don't worry about it. He said his car was older, mine was newer (it was the Green Machine) and that contacting the insurance company would only cost me in the long run being that I was a younger man. I practically begged to give him my insurance information and he wasn't having it. He bid me a good evening and said something like God loves me and then he went to go get his chicken. He paid it forward. But I also believe that because of my selflessness with the young boy, I was blessed. I've never forgotten that night.}
Okay, sorry for the digression, now back to the story and the smut. ;o)
Because of my ex-wife's willingness to apologize and admit her fault in the ending of our relationship I wanted to do the same with Bronx Girl. I wanted to Pay It Forward.
When I touched down in Charm City, I didn't immediately contact anyone. I actually didn't call anybody for a couple of days. I just wanted to relax and unwind. After a few days had past, I called up my cousin T to see what was up with him. He told me to slide through to kick it for a spell. On the way over, I decided to make a stop. I called up the ex-wife and told her I was going to drop by. She sounded excited to hear from me.
It was weird seeing my ex. We hadn't seen each other face to face since that day in court during our divorce proceedings. It also was weird entering the apartment she had recently shared with her ex-boyfriend. I gave her an awkward church hug (no kiss) and then took a seat on the couch. She looked at me and smiled. I began looking around her place, noticing all the trinkets and bobbles from our past life.
Ex-Wife Woman: It's good to see you again Serial. You're looking very handsome.
SD: You're looking pretty good yourself.
Ex-Wife Woman: No, not me. I need to lose some weight and get rid of this pouch. I'm a mess.
SD: Looks fine to me.
Ex-Wife Woman: That's because you can't see everything with my clothes on. I can't even wear half shirts any more. Especially with this left over scar from my surgery.
SD: I'm sure you just over reacting.
Ex-Wife Woman: So what was up with that hug you gave me at the door?
SD: What do you mean, what was up with it? Nuffin.
Ex-Wife Woman: You hugged me like we strangers and never been with each other before. Don't let that happen again (lol).
SD: I hear ya.
We went on to chitchat some more and caught up on recent family news. We made tentative plans to reconnect and do dinner at some point. Then I bounced and headed to the east side.
After a couple of hours of hanging out with cuz, I headed back to mom's crib. After not eating most of the day, I felt a bit famished and desperately in need to taste an authentic Maryland Crab Cake, so I decided to grab a bite first before calling it a night. Feeling the need for the company of an attractive woman, I called Ex-Wife Woman and asked her to join me. She seemed a bit geeked and was down to get out of the house, especially for a free meal (lol).
I scooped her up and headed to an old favorite haunt of mine - The Windsor Inn. Second only to Timbuktu's, they served the best Maryland Crab Cakes. We talkin' huge lump crabmeat - delicious. The place was on jam for a weekday night. I was sure that I was gonna see somebody I knew up in the house. Just as we sat down, a local urban radio station arrived to set up shop and do a live broadcast. Folks were gonna get a chance to get they boogie on after eating. We ordered our food and talked some more.
I had to admit to myself (though it was tough) my ex wife was looking gorgeous. I mean to this day I still get props for once having her on my arm. And she looked even better now than she did when we were together, but then again so did I (lol). Picture if you would a replica of Buffy The Body, only lighter complexioned and more attractive with a Cindy Crawford beauty mole and that was her. She was one of the few legitimate head turners I've ever been with. But then that was also a huge part of the problem. She was a head turner. :o(
As our meal and conversation began to wind down, I started to notice that the place was getting even more crowded and there were very few servers to handle the rush of orders. I damn near had to send out a search party every time I needed something from my server. It took literally 20 minutes after my meal was done to even get the bill. And then when I was ready to pay the bill, the server was nowhere to be found. So I dipped on her (lol).
SD: You know, if she don't come through in the next 5 minutes, I'm out.
Ex-Wife Woman: What? You talkin' about leaving and not paying? Serial don't do that.
SD: I'm serious. If she don't come soon I'm out this piece.
Ex-Wife Woman: You gonna just leave like that?
{Five minutes passes}
SD: Go start my truck. I'll be out in a minute.
Ex-Wife Woman: You bad. You gonna get us in trouble. At least leave the tip.
SD: I'll leave the tip. Now go start my truck and I'll be coming out right behind you.
Now it wasn't as if I didn't have the money to pay. I always got the money to pay. But it was the excitement of it all. That and the fact that I wanted to teach the establishment a lesson for not catering to me (lol). My ex's scary ass was all nervous and shit. She sitting up there acting like she's never done anything bad in her life. Hell, I got a whole book of bad shit she done did during our time to together. So we skip out without paying Bonnie and Clyde style and head back to her place.
There we were late night back at her place sitting on the couch. She was liquored up off a couple of Long Island's and a Cooler. It was a perfect set up for some “old times sake” boning with Ex-Wife Woman. To smash or not to smash, I thought to myself. I was really on the fence about trying something that night. But then I began to think about the hurt and all the shit I went through when we were together and I lost the urge. We decided to call it a night. Before leaving, she asked if we could hook up again. I told her it was possible and then I rolled out.
The next day or so, I'd finally connected with
Bronx Girl and asked if I could come see her and the new place she had in Alexandria, Virginia. She was cool with it, so I made the hour trek to Nova (that's what the locals call it - short for Northern Virginia. Nova peeps are a lil more sophisticated than their country bumpkin brethren in the Richmond region - lol). Since last I'd seen her, ole Bronx Girl had moved up in the world. Not only was she clockin' some figures with her new gig, but also she was now living in a Deeelux apartment in the sky and pushin a real Big Boy truck. Hell, my Green Machine could probably fit inside of that behemoth whip she was rollin'. Who got some ends on the petro? ;o)
It was good seeing Bronx Girl again. I've always thought she was very pretty and had lots of personality (something a few of my exes lacked). We caught up and kicked the shit for a minute, before heading out to get something to eat. She took me to dine at some swank spot in Nova. I was a little apprehensive about the spot. It looked expensive and I know Bronx Girl, she will put the screws to you over a meal. She'll have a nigga washin' dishes to cover the check (lol).
Over lunch, we talked about our break up (a seemingly never ending subject as a result of how bad it was). I used the opportunity to fully explain and apologize for ruining our relationship and “dumping her” as she puts it. I thought the conversation went well and I was being sincere. I thought we were making some strides at healing (don't I sound like Oprah?). Then right when everything was all luv and bunnies, she remembers something stupid I did, when I first tried to apologize after the break up.
Bronx Girl: Nigga you got a lot of nerve.
SD: What are you talkin' about?
Bronx Girl: You remember when you tried this apologizing shit before?
SD: When? At your old place in Maryland?
Bronx Girl: Yes! Do you remember what you said and did?
SD: Nope, refresh my memory.
Bronx Girl: Your ass apologized and then gave me some fuckin' book to read. You gonna sit up there and tell me to read the book because it would explain what you was going through and why you did what you did. What a load of shit!
SD: I did that? I gave you a book to read? {bust out laughing} I seriously don't remember doing such a thing. Are you sure? What was the book about?
Bronx Girl: Yes you sure the hell did. And no I don't know what the book was about. I didn't read that shit. And I couldn't wait to tell my girlfriends. I was like, “Girl do you know this nigga gave me a book to read and was all serious about that shit.” They was like, “No the hell he didn't!”
SD: That's hilarious! I can't believe I gave you a book. I'm too funny. Do you still got the book?
Bronx Girl: I think I still got that shit. It should be on my bookshelf back at the apartment. I'll check when we get back.
(FYI, the name of the book is "
The Hidden Lover" by William July)
When we got back to her place, she went to her bookshelf in the living room to retrieve the book. She looked at it and then flung it at me. I burst into laughter again and then picked the book up from the floor. I read the title and didn't remember the book at all. The book was some sort of understanding the male mind type book and it looks like something I would have in my collection. I went through a period of collecting and reading those types of books (regarding males and females).
Bronx Girl: You laughin' but I ain't read that shit and you lucky I didn't throw it in the trash.
SD: Why you ain't read it? It seems like an interesting read.
Bronx Girl: I ain't have no intentions on reading that shit when you gave it to me. I was actually in shock when you gave it me. Then after you give me the damn book, you stalked my ass and kept asking for it back. Calling me twice a week asking for your damn book back.
SD: I did? I don't remember any of that shit. That don't even sound like me. That's too funny.
Bronx Girl: Yup, you sure did. You kept callin all the time asking about the book. And I kept ignoring your phone calls. I wasn't giving you shit back.
While we were in her apartment talking, it began to rain down from the heavens. We talking some straight up biblical type shit, it was raining so hard. And there I was an hour from Baltimore. Bronx Girl had another engagement to go to, so I bounced. We made plans to connect again, but as she normally does to me when I'm back on the east coast - she avoided me. A woman scorned, a woman scorned.
When I got outside into the downpour, the realization hit me that I had left the windows cracked while we were out. The entire inside of my whip was completely soaked. I drove wet to the nearest gas station for shelter. And then I took the towels I'd been stealing and stockpiling from my athletic club, and began to try and dry out the Green Machine. All I could do is laugh at the mess in my truck. But at least I got the book back. ;o)
The following weekend I found myself in my hometown without a damn thing to do on a Friday night. I called everybody I knew including my cousins. Wasn't diddly squat poppin for me. I would've had more to do in Detroit. So as I'm preparing to make my way home to do nothing, the cellie starts ringing. It's Ex-Wife Woman. I was tempted not to answer. I just knew that she would be on the phone trippin because we were supposed to go to the movies a few days ago and I stood her up. I answer and she cool.
Ex-Wife Woman: Hey Serial. What's going on with you tonight, you doing anything?
SD: Naw, I don't have any plans. Why whazzup?
Ex-Wife Woman: I wanted to know if you wanted to meet me up at the club? Me and my girlfriend going to this club called Sister's Place. It used to be called Nick's out in Randallstown. And I want to know if you'd like to meet me there?
SD: Yeah I know the place. I have been there before when it was Nick's. It's a real cool spot. Aiight, I'll be there after I go home and change.
Ex-Wife Woman: Okay I'll be sitting at the bar. See you there.
Who woulda believed that I was back in my old stompin' grounds and the only prospect for fun I had lined up would be with my ex-wife. Life is too funny.
I get dipped and met her up at Sister's Place. As I'm walking in, this short and sexy chocolate honey is entering right before me. I smile to her and she smiles back. We both head in the same direction. I see Ex-Wife Woman sitting at the bar alone with a drink. The chocolate honey and I both head toward her. She takes a seat at the bar on one side of Ex-Wife Woman and I take a seat on the other side. The chocolate honey was my ex-wife's homegirl. :o(
The three of us order some drinks and get to laughing and joking at the bar. I could barely remember what was said, because the whole time I kept thinking to myself, “I really hope this night ends in a threesome.” {side note: I really think I need to participate in a threesome; if not for anything else - at least for argument's sake}. Ex-Wife Woman was looking sexy as hell and continuously stared at me. I kept avoiding eye contact with her by looking around the club and at the other patrons. That's when I noticed that I was on some other women's menus too. ;o)
Ex-Wife Woman: I'm glad you decided to come out Serial. You lookin' really handsome tonight. You're a good lookin' brother.
SD: You think so huh?
Ex-Wife Woman: I know so. I got good taste. And don't think I ain't see all these women lookin' at you up in here. Hmmph, they better back off.
SD: Huh?
Ex-Wife Woman: You know…when you walked into my apartment that day, it reminded me how good you looked. I had to keep my composure for real. After we had dinner together that night I really, really wanted to “do it” to you. But I decided to behave myself and be a good girl.
SD: (thinking to myself “do it to you”) Oh really?
Now for the average homosapien, having this very attractive woman admitting that she wanted to do them, would be a huge turn-on. But I get offers of sex all the time, so my needle wasn't budging. Besides, I was with this woman for a decade and 'game recognizes game'. While I didn't doubt that she found me to be attractive, I did doubt the motives behind her words. Don't ever try to treat me like my name is Joe Donut. Not happening.
For as long as I've known her, Ex-Wife Woman has always been the jealous type; especially when it came to me. “Me and my girl going out to the dance floor, are you going to be here at the bar?” she asked. “Oh yeah, don't let any of the other women try to come talk to you either.”
I looked at her like she was crazy and I smiled. The two went out on the dance floor to dance with each other and later with two dudes. If I was still living at home I would've left the bar and been on the hunt. It was “big game” up in that piece. But I chilled and had another Vodka and cranberry. Ex-Wife Woman then came to the bar to get me, so that we could dance together. It's funny but I don't seem to recall the last time that I actually danced with her. And I know we probably looked about as strange dancing together as I felt dancing with my ex. While we were both technically the same height - 5'7”, Ex-Wife Woman stayed in heels, so she seemed to always tower over me.
We went back to the bar to sit out a song or two. I wanted to finish my drink. After Ex-Wife Woman got her second wind, she said she was going to bathroom. That turned out to be some long bathroom break. And then I realized why. After a minute or so of Ex-Wife Woman's absence, I decided to return to the dance floor. As I danced with this one chick I noticed Ex-Wife Woman in hallway near the restrooms chatting with a taller muscular guy. Their interaction really caught my attention, so I continued to observe.
She was really playing dude awfully close in a flirtatious sort of way. I saw him in full Mack mode. And then I saw them exchanging phone numbers. I could only laugh to myself. Nothing had changed with that brawd. Same ole Ex-Wife Woman. Definitely on some shit.
She returned to table we were now occupying like nothing had happened. As opposed to sitting in the available chair, she sat on my lap and continued her flirting with me. I didn't bite on any of it.
Ex-Wife Woman: What's wrong? You ready to go? It's cool if you are, because I'm ready too.
(I bet she was ready to leave. She got what she came for - lol).
SD: Yeah I think I'mma bounce.
All three of us left the bar together and got into our separate vehicles. She looked at me as if she wanted ask if I was coming over or following her home. I hugged her goodnight and then peeled. As I left in my vehicle, I couldn't help laugh thinking about Ex-Wife Woman. At age 35 she still got the same ole bag of tricks - not even updated.
Yup it was good being back home again. The more things had changed, the more they seemed to have stayed the same.
Good night B-More.
SD