Epiphany: Happily Ever After?

Chapter 5: If You Ask Me I'm Ready!

         The aftermath of her talk with Terrance went how she thought it would, they broke up. He couldn't understand how she was so indecisive when it came to playing Russian roulette with her heart. At first, he was cool with them having a conversation, but the longer time went on he became more suspicious of Derrick's intentions. No matter how much Mia reassured him that he was her first choice, Terrance's insecurities outweighed his better judgment. After a month of arguing back and forth, the couple decided to call it quits.

It wasn't long after, when Derrick heard the news and started making his move. This man was sending her flowers, surprising her with lunch and dinner dates, you name it. He was trying to win her back and I must say it was working. Before they knew it, three months had passed. It was New Year's Eve, and he planned to take her out to a lounge to watch the ball drop. When he arrived at her apartment, she was still getting dressed and welcomed him to sit and wait. "I know you are going to look beautiful tonight. I still can't get that dress you wore that night I saw you, out of my head." Mia just chuckled and finished getting dressed. After a few glances in the mirror she stepped out into the living room in a short blue and black dress on that hugged her figure just right. Her makeup was flawless and from the look on his face you could tell Rick was very pleased. "You look breath taking, can we please go before I say something that could ruin everything we are trying to rebuild?" He was very serious.

"So, can I ask you a question?" Mia asked him while they were having dinner.

"Sure, go ahead" he responded putting down his fork of pasta.

"How many girls did you sleep with while we were broken up?" She thought the question would make him flinch, but it didn't.

He said calmly "Five, 3 I just ran through right after we broke up. One I kind of dated but really just had consistent sex with. And the last one was the only one actually called my girlfriend, which is who I was with the night I saw you. Is that a problem?"

"I mean you are a guy, so I didn't expect you to remain abstinent once you left me. I'm actually surprised there weren't more."

He shook his head "Honestly, I learned I'm not made to sleep around. I'm not proud that it was that many."

Mia chuckled "The more experience the better, right?"

He didn't find much humor in it, "So I have to ask you, did you sleep with Terrance?"

"Nope!" Mia answered quickly.

"Nothing ever? He didn't touch it, taste it, sniff it, nothing?"

She shook her head no.

"Did he at least suck on them?" he pointed at her chest.

Again, she shook her head, "We did nothing Derrick. He respected my wishes, our relationship never revolved around whether or not we had sex. He was concerned about me and helping heal my heart. So, when I said he was a good dude, I meant that."

He just sucked his teeth, "Well I got all that out of my system, so there will be no pressure from me."

"Okay. On a lighter note, I am happy to be spending this night with you" she beamed.

"I'm happy too baby, may this be another one of many."

She smiled and they enjoyed the rest of their night. At midnight, they both prayed that the kiss they shared would seal their fate.

Valentine's Day came, and Mia was head over hills for her man again, and she planned to show him just how much. She cooked a nice romantic dinner, that was accompanied by music, candles, wine, and... lingerie. Rick came over promptly at seven bearing gifts and roses. "Come on in baby" she greeted him with a kiss. He was intrigued by the scene and wondered just where this night was going to lead.