LOVE AT FIRST GLANCE

3. Openness

Atwater and Dawson went to a little pub by Dawson's condo. They ordered their rib eye steak sandwich, fries and a pitcher of beer.
" Atwater when are you going to start dating again? Its been two years, since you became a widow. Jennifer wanted you to go on with your life. She told you several times when she was going through her dialysis. I know you still love and miss her but this isn't what Jennifer wanted you to do. I was happy when you transferred to Boston to start a new life. I know you finally got rid of your wife's clothes and put her pictures away. Bro don't get me wrong those are huge steps. I just want you to make more steps. You have a big heart and deserved to be loved again. I know we can find you someone."   "Antonio I haven't told anyone, but I have been going out with a young lady who is a few years older than me. I just not ready to publicize it to all. She understands my loss. She is a widower too and has two year old daughter. I have yet to meet her daughter, Jasmine but that's okay with me. I like how Cindy doesn't want her daughter to be exposed to the men she dates until she feels its for real. She doesn't want her daughter to get attached than the man leaves her mom. This is one of the qualities that attracts me to her more. She's has her own business and she doesn't need a man in her life if she doesn't want to...."Atwater's cell ring and he answers it. "I am out with Dawson at the Backdrop Pub if you like to come by and join us. Text me when you are close and I will meet you outside." Atwater hangs up his cell. " Bro don't embarrass me. You are the first person of family/friends she is meeting." " I am so happy for you." Atwater reads his text. "She's here don't say or do anything stupid." Atwater goes outside to meet Cindy. [ author's note Gabrielle Union will be atwater's gf also her daughter Kaavia Wade will be Jasmine Wade].

I see Cindy approaching. I walk up to Cindy and kiss her. We enter the pub.

"Cindy I would like you to meet my partner and old friend. Antonio Dawson." "Nice to meet you Antonio."
" Same here. Would you like something to drink, eat? Tell me about yourself? I know my bro must of told you about me." We chuckle.
" Antonio, I am widower like Kevin with my two year old daughter, Jasmine Wade....she's my world. My family and friends pushed me to move forward especially my brother in law Dewayne Wade. Yes, that Wade. Kevin and him met up at the gym while he, his wife and my twin nieces frequently comes here and stay with me. Dewayne said, he had someone he wanted me to meet. One day, I went with my brother in law and met Kevin. We hit it off after we got over the awkwardness and started seeing one another. I own my own black hair products company, Sisters. I know that is an earful but kinda nervous to meet you." " Cindy no need to apologize nor be nervous. You get what you see. I will be right back with a cold glass." Dawson walks away and Cindy has her back to me. Dawson mouths, yes, wow and thumb up. I smile at him and continue to speak with Cindy. "I told him not to embarrass me. You were the first person I was introducing you too." " What would you like to eat?" "Turkey burger with the works and some onion rings." The waitress comes and takes the order.
" Here is your glass. After, you eat would you like to play some billiards? I am not good but still enjoy playing here with my bro." The evening went well. Antonio asks me,
"may I give you a hug good bye? I cannot wait to do something else with you all. Bro this weekend remember we are going living room shopping. Cindy if you like, please join us." I look at Kevin. "Sure, I will have Kevin get me. You never know we might find what you like and bring it back. It was nice meeting you. See you this weekend." I was glad Antonio behaved himself. We approached my truck.

I was glad it still was early so we went for a nice drive. I eventually dropped Cindy off at her home.