Good afternoon! I hope your new week is off to a great start.
The Book Catalog continues with #13, featuring "Lessons in Love." This book begins the "Lessons in Love" series, which follows Trina, who is going through a difficult breakup as she tries to find the perfect guy. Little does she know, the perfect guy has been in front of her the entire time.
I really enjoyed writing this book, primarily because of the journey Trina experienced in both her personal and professional lives. The story explores the trauma she faced while growing up and the growth she underwent throughout her journey. Trina also found love with Nick, the initially annoying new neighbor who ultimately became more than just her confidante—he became her soulmate.
This story includes several personal elements that allowed me to relate to it on a deeper level. Sometimes, you have to experience loss to understand the bigger picture in life. That’s something Trina endured throughout the story.
Since this story was intended to become a series, I have not yet begun working on the second book. I have been focusing on other stories instead. However, you never know—I might return to the series with tales about Trina's friends, Ashley and Trent.
One reason I enjoyed writing this story was the events Trina experienced while searching for a new guy. From speed dating to Trent setting her up on a blind date with one of his friends, many of the scenes were hilarious and had me laughing.
Here is an excerpt of Trina’s blind date, below. Enjoy!
After thirty minutes of getting pampered and dressed, I was on my way to Adrian’s for my date with Victor. Trent called to let me know that he wouldn’t be able to meet me at the restaurant. He also mentioned that Victor had reserved a table for us and instructed me to ask for Victor Arnold when I arrived.
My palms were sweaty as I pulled into the parking lot. I didn’t know why I felt nervous. It’s a blind date, so I don’t even have to continue if I don’t like what I see.
I sat in my car for a few minutes, wishing I had let Ashley come with me. I have never been on a blind date; I’ve always thought they were a desperate attempt to find a date. But am I desperate right now? I know I’m doing this as a favor, but what if I’m actually trying to fill the void left by breaking up with Martin by being with someone else? I’m trying to convince myself that I don’t need to be with anyone, but what if I really do want to jump back into the dating scene?
Or maybe you’re still hung up over Martin…
Just the thought of him makes me feel sick, but it's due to his lies. I have to admit that I still love him, so the thoughts I have about him won't just vanish quickly. I wish they would, but I know they won't—at least not anytime soon.
I stepped out of the car and took a look around, silently praying that this date would go well. If it doesn't, not only will Trent have to wash my car, but he might also end up cleaning my apartment and buying my groceries for the next month. If I can think of anything else to add to that list, I certainly will.
I walked into the restaurant and was immediately greeted by the hostess when I asked for Victor’s table. She gave me a look that seemed to say, “save yourself,” yet she didn’t move from her station.
“Is everything okay?” I asked.
The hostess glanced behind her before returning her gaze to me. “I know this is none of my business, but are you really dating him?”
I gave her a frantic look and sighed. “He’s a friend of a friend.”
“If I were you, I would turn back and leave. He’s not worth your time.”
“Is he really that terrible?”
“Let’s just say your friend didn’t do you any favors.”
I closed my eyes, wishing Trent were here so I could strangle him. If the hostess is criticizing Victor, I know he will be a problem.
I followed her to the table and saw Victor listening to music through his earbuds. He was nodding his head, mouthing the lyrics, and making hand gestures. Several patrons were watching him as I exchanged another glance with the hostess.
"Enjoy your evening," she said as she hurried back to her station.
“Victor,”
He was still dancing to the music as I called his name three times, but he remained in his zone.
“Victor!”
“What?!”
He looked up to see me standing there and smiled. “Oh, hey baby girl. I guess I was too wrapped up in my music to notice you.”
“I suppose so,” I said as I took a seat.
He gave me a bright smile as he looked at me. Although he was slightly attractive, I honestly thought he wasn't my type, but I would keep that to myself.
He ran his hand over his fade, which definitely needed a good edge-up, and gave me another smile. It was then that I noticed his gold front tooth, which instantly made me feel nauseous.
“So, you’re Trent’s friend. He never really told me about you until now. He said you needed someone to brighten your day, so here I am.”
Forget the car washes; I’m going to kill Trent!
I smirked as he chuckled.
“I guess you’re not much of a talker.”
“I’m just taking everything in,” I said, hoping our server would come soon because I need a drink. Fast!
“Did Trent mention that I’m a rapper?”
“He never brought it up. In fact, he just mentioned you to me a few days ago.”
Victor looked dumbfounded as he gave a slight nod. “Oh, okay. Anyway, I go by the name Vic C. I have a few hits on the radio. You probably heard of them.”
"I seriously doubt it," I murmured.
“What was that?”
“Oh, it’s nothing. I was just thinking to myself. What are they?”
“Baller Life,”
“No.”
“Bounce Dat,”
“Nope.”
“Street Grind,”
“Was it on the local radio station or on an internet station?”
“Ha, you got jokes. I see you.”
“See me with what? I have never heard of you.”
I realized I had thrown a low blow at Victor as he leaned back in his seat. He placed a hand on the table and glanced at me.
“I've already placed the order for you, so you don’t need to worry about it.”
"Wait, what?" I asked, looking at him in confusion.When did the server even come to our table?
“I chose this restaurant for a specific reason: I found a 2-for-1 coupon on Groupon.”
Based on what Trent told me, you seemed like the high-class type, so I thought this place would be suitable for you.
I laughed and said, "I bet! Where have you taken your other dates? To Burger King?"
"They're not expensive."
"Sure," I replied. This place wasn't exactly high-end, so what was he talking about?
“Anyway, I'm not hungry; I just need a drink.” To get through this damn date!
We were only ten minutes into the date, and I wanted to walk out. I don’t know if I want to continue, let alone be around him for another minute.
“Since you’re here, do you want to listen to my new song? The beat is sick!”
He pulled out his phone and unplugged the cord from his earbuds. The loud, shrieking beat pounding through the phone was unbearable, prompting me to tell him to turn it off. It sounded terrible.
Several patrons turned to look at us, while a nearby table asked their server for the manager. "You have to turn it off!" I insisted.
“I’ll listen to it another time; right now, you’re in a restaurant, so you need to respect everyone around you.”
“Like I give a fuck.”
Oh lord!
The music stopped when his phone began to ring. He quickly answered it, his voice growing louder by the second.
“Why the hell are you calling me, Nessa? You better be at home taking care of Visna, Niqua, and Jaquan.”
“Alright,” I said as I stood up.
I was not going to sit there for another minute and be embarrassed by this man.
“Wait! Where the hell are you going?”
“I want to be as far away from you as possible. Also, tell Trent not to give you my number, because I will block your ass.”
We haven't had dinner yet!
“Eat them both. I’m gone.”
I rushed to the exit, hoping Victor wouldn’t follow me. This wasn’t even a date; it was a complete disaster!
I really hope Trent answers my calls so I can tell him how much a friend he really is.
As I was heading to my car, I noticed someone standing nearby—someone I really didn’t want to see, especially not at that moment.
“Martin,”
He pushed some hair back from his face as he stared at me. I slowly walked over to him, wondering how he knew where I was.
“Are you stalking me now?”
He sighed. “I was at the chocolate shop next door and I saw your car.”
“How do you know it wasn’t someone else’s car?”
“I was willing to take a chance.”
I looked into his brown eyes and instantly melted. I hate how I feel right now because I shouldn’t have any feelings for the man who broke my heart.
“I was hoping we could talk,”
I turned my gaze away from him and looked at the blue skies above. I felt unsure about what to do next, as all I could think about was kissing his lips. What is wrong with me?
“We don’t have anything to talk about,”
“I think we do. There’s still a lot we haven’t discussed.”
“Like what? You already told me you have a fiancée, so I don’t have anything else to say to your lying ass,”
“T!”
“No, Martin! You led me on for years, making me believe you were single when you actually had a fiancée. How foolish do you think I am? I must have been naive if you maintained two relationships.”
“I never thought you were stupid, Trina. I just got caught up.”
“Whatever. Get away from my car.”
“I’m not moving until we talk,”
“Why in the hell did you walk out on our date?!”
I turned around and saw Victor rushing toward me. I shook my head, wondering how this moment could possibly get any worse.
“The date was over way before I left.”
“But I paid for dinner,”
“With a 2 for 1 coupon!”
“Who the hell is this?” Victor asked while pointing at Martin.
“None of your business, man; so step.”
“You talking to me like that with your lopsided head ass. Get the fuck out of here.”
“Okay, Victor, just go. This date wasn’t going anywhere.”
“Because your bougie ass didn’t give me a chance, now I see why Trent wanted to throw you to me. Your ass doesn’t know a good man if one fell out of the sky.”
“Really? So who’s the good man, because I haven’t encountered one today.”
“You fucking bitch!” Victor said as he came up to me.
He didn’t get very far because Martin stepped in front of me and punched him on the left side of his face, causing him to stumble and fall onto my car. I quickly moved aside to avoid being hit, so he landed on the asphalt instead.
“Dumbass,” Martin said, waving his hand back and forth. “Damn it!”
“Are you okay?” I asked as I took his hand.
He stared at me while I examined his fingers.
“Just come to my place so I could put some ice on it.”
“Are you sure you want me to go there?”
I sighed. I didn't really mean it, but it was the most I could do since he punched Victor for me. Besides, his hand looked broken.
“You did punch out that asshole for me, so it’s the least I could do.”
Martin smiled as I approached my car. I wasn't sure if we should keep Victor on the ground since he was still clutching his face.
“I’ll make sure to tell Trent what happened,” he fumed.
I shrugged and got into my car. He could stay there.
Martin got into his car and followed me to my apartment.
I knew I shouldn't be doing this, but part of me wanted to talk to Martin and be in his presence. I miss him, and I just hope I don't make a decision I'll regret.
If you have never read “Lessons In Love”, it is available only on Amazon. Also available for free with Kindle Unlimited.
Check back tomorrow for book #12 in The Book Catalog.
Happy reading, everyone! :-)
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