Rosemary Rison: Learning to Love Again

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Excerpt from
Cinnamon
Browne:
Waiting on
Love

"Or," said Rosemary, standing and snapping her fingers as if she had come up with a novel idea, "I could just be honest and tell him what’s really on my mind."

"Anybody could do that," said Wanda. "But where’s your game? You’ve got to have game in this new millennium. Men don’t react to the old traditional methods of conversation. You’ve got to give them the bells and whistles kind of stuff. They want a relationship with confetti and roses, wine and champagne."

"If that’s what Greg is looking for, then I’m not in his league," said a confused Rosemary. "I don’t want a relationship filled with games or unrealistic expectations. I want a true, heart-to-heart connection with my man. I want us to be able to talk to one another about anything."

"Girl wake up," said Wanda. "You are dreaming again."

"I’m serious."

"You’ve got to stop reading those flighty romance novels and watching those Hollywood flicks ‘cause in the real world, brothas don’t believe in communicating."

"I beg to differ," said Rosemary. "I’m going to try it my way. If that doesn’t work, then I will proceed to the penthouse floor, barge into his office, throw him on his desk and travel south!"

"Now that’s my girl!" said Wanda giving Rosemary a high-five.

Keeping the Lines of Communication Open

Rosemary was adamant about strengthening her relationship with Greg. She was determined to take Queen Cobra out of the equation by letting him know that she was ready to move their twosome to the next level. Although Rosemary was still on the rebound from a rocky, turbulent and abusive relationship three years prior, she was determined to love again. Despite her fragile state, Rosemary forged ahead to claim Greg’s love.

On Monday, Rosemary took her soft blue power suit out of the closet. She put it on and watched in the mirror how the skirt and jacket met at her waistline to highlight the curves along her thick frame. She stepped into a navy blue pair of sling-backs with a patent leather tip. She accented her outfit with a pair of pearl earrings and matching necklace, then she strapped on her Wittenaur watch and proceeded towards the door. With briefcase in tow and keys in hand, Rosemary jumped in her car and headed towards her office.

Before Rosemary could put down her briefcase, her telephone rang. "So what did he say," asked Wanda impatiently. "Did he boot you out of his office, or did you get down on your knees like a real sistah would?"

"Look nosey," said Rosemary, "I haven’t gone up there yet. I just got in so give me a chance."

"Well what are you waiting for?"

"Some nerves," said Rosemary laughing.

"Girl, go on up there and make me proud," said Wanda. "Call me as soon as you get back."

Rosemary made an about-face and headed for the door. She took several deep breaths and turned the knob. There was no turning back at this point. Rosemary would either return to her office broken hearted or with a heart full of joy.

Rosemary exited the elevator strutting with attitude. It was obvious that Rosemary wanted Greg because she boldly sashayed pass his secretary and entered his office without knocking.

"Good morning Mr. Jones," said Rosemary as she sat in front of his desk and crossed her legs. "Can I take five minutes of your time?"

Greg’s secretary leaped from her seat and entered his office apologizing. "I’m sorry Mr. Jones, but she just breezed right past me. I couldn’t stop her."

"It’s alright Shamari," said Greg. "This is Rosemary Rison, a dear friend."

"Nice to meet you Ms. Rison."

"Same here," said Rosemary. "I didn’t mean to cause any trouble, however, I’ve got some important business to discuss with Mr. Jones this morning."

"Well I’ll leave you two alone," said Shamari. "Don’t forget, you have a nine o’clock deposition," she whispered as she closed the door.

"I’ll be brief," said Rosemary with her voice cracking. Greg sat down in his chair anxious to hear what Rosemary had to say.

"Let me make myself perfectly clear," said Rosemary as she conjured up enough nerve to carry out her mission. "I’m not here to play any games. I need to know what’s going on between us?"

"Me and you?" asked Greg.

"Yes, me and you," said Rosemary.

"I thought we were dating," he said with uncertainty. "Is there a problem?"

"Yes," said Rosemary in a matter-a-fact tone. "We’re going out occasionally, but I’m ready to take our dating to the next level."

"Is that what this is all about?"

"Yes," said Rosemary. "I’m ready to move forward," she said.

Greg stood up slowly, and firmly planted both hands on his desk, leaned forward and spoke in a commanding voice. "First things first," he said setting the record straight, "I’m the man in this relationship, and when I’m ready to move things to the next level, that’s when it will happen. I’m not one to react to a woman telling me what to do. I run this show! I wear the pants in this relationship, and I decide important matters of the heart! And besides," he said as he lowered his voice, "you are two steps behind me."

Greg opened his top desk drawer and pulled out several boxes.

"Two weeks ago, I contemplated giving you a token of my appreciation for your companionship. I wanted to call it a promise ring but that seemed kind of high-schoolish, so I picked up this little thing to say thank you."

Greg opened the first black velvet box and a beautiful 2-carat diamond held in place by platinum sat boldly in the casing. "Here, this is for you," he said as he walked around the desk and reached for her hand. Blushing and at a loss for words, Rosemary held out her hand and Greg graced it with more than $4,000 worth of jewels.

Rosemary marveled at the ring, smiling and holding it in the air. "If it gets wet, will it turn?" asked Rosemary jokingly.

"I only deal with the real stuff," said Greg. "Here, check this one out." Greg opened another black velvet box. In it stood an Emerald ring twice the size of Rosemary’s diamond.

"Is that for me too?" she asked like a kid on Christmas morning.

"Yes, but you’ll get this when I get some of that stank stuff," said Greg laughing.

Rosemary gave Greg a punch in the gut. "You creep," she said giggling.

Greg bent down and kissed her on the cheek. "You’re pretty special to me," he said.

Rosemary stood and put her arms around Greg’s neck. His hands began roaming her lower back as they entered into an intense lip-lock, which led to a heated moment of passion.

"Knock, knock." Greg’s secretary opened the door. "Oh, excuse me," said Shamari apologizing for interrupting. "Your 9 o’clock appointment is waiting. Should I give you 10 more minutes?"

"Give me five minutes, then show him in," said Greg holding Rosemary firmly.

Greg kissed Rosemary on the cheek, and as she turned to leave, he pinched her on the butt. "Just making sure its still back there," he said flirtatiously.

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