Wednesday, October 22, 2008

4: Sunday, July 9th, 2006


I grew up in the Baptist church that was just down the street from our house. It was a place that I could be alone with my thoughts amidst plenty of people. Stay and talk if I wanted to, slip out the back if I didn't. We had a very relaxed preacher with a storytelling style that knew how to reach into my skull. I miss having someone...not preach to me, but lecture me a little. Make me think about things differently, more lovingly.

Sherri asked me a few days ago if I'd ever been to the "gay church." She's been wanting to go, but Lisa works on Sundays and she doesn't want to go alone. I had been to Nashville's "gay church" before with my ex, but she didn't like it there. She didn't like the preacher. They pray too much. My old friend that she thought drank too much attended there with her partner.

Not wanting to sit at home all day waiting for the phone to ring, I call Sherri to see if she wants to meet me and hop into the shower. I put on the cute shirt that I bought yesterday, swirls of blue and chartreuse, jeans that are getting too loose, sexy heels and head out.

Sherri arrives just after the music starts and we sit quietly through the sermon. Churches always make me sad. They remind me of the deaths in my family. Of my grandmother's wrinkled hands holding a tissue, reaching into her purse for a mint and then snapping it shut. Today, I need a tissue as emotions bubble to the surface and pop out of my eyes.

After church, we head to the mall where Lisa works to meet her for lunch. Lisa walks up, smiling from ear to ear and hugs me, "Has Mandy called you yet?"

"No...I'm wondering if my cell phone is broken!"

"Don't worry, rumor has it that she just broke up with her fiance. They were going to get married next month. Her ex sent her an email telling her that their wedding was off. That's it...an email. It hit her pretty hard."

I pick at my lunch, "Oh. That's really bad news for me, isn't it? Think they'll get back together?"

Pointing at me with a french fry, "Oh no, I think it's over. She's just hurt. It may take her some time to get back into the game. But it was obvious that she wanted you to be at the party!"

"Don't you worry, I'll be there." Off I drift, thinking of how she will be enamored of me at the party. She will start calling me just to say 'hi". She can't get enough of me.

"What do you want to bring?" Sherri snaps me out of my fantasy by reminding me that I would help her with the food for the party. Of course, I have my motives. I'm a good cook. Ms. Right might notice something tasty.

I had probed Mandy about her likings when we were whispering head to head at the bar talking about me helping Sherri with the party. She smiled, "Do you cook?"

"Of course, I do! What's your favorite dish?"

Macaroni and cheese.

I begin to weave my web.

Well baby, you're going to get the best macaroni and cheese that you've ever put in your mouth! I would tell you all about it if you would just call me.

43 comments:

Knight said...

Damn it! Now I want to know the rest of the story AND I want Mac and Cheese. Can I call you? Ha.

Mind of MadMan said...

Preachers preach. Teacher teach. I think you know what I mean.
Can I have the recipie even if I do not call?? For some reason I think I'm not your type ;)

Brad said...

I'm loving this story. Your such a tease...

Jen said...

It is a little. . . erm. . . I mean, BIG known fact that I loves me my mac 'n cheese! Love, love, love it!

. . . As well as this story.

Jay said...

Oh I'm definitely having mac & cheese with dinner tonight. ;-)

Gary's third pottery blog said...

"I call Sherri to see if she wants to meet me and hop into the shower"

is there a comma missing???
;^)

nitebyrd said...

Macaroni & Cheese .... yum! You'd definitely win my heart by making that.

Queen-Size funny bone said...

In my house macaroni and cheese cures everything.

Burfica said...

I envy people who can make mac and cheese, I only make the Kraft blue box kind. hahahahhaa

Jormengrund said...

I agree with Gary.. I think there was a small Freudian slip there RLL!

I'd also love the Mac & Cheese recipe. I'd call, but I'm sure that you're not all that interested in me! (lol)

Isn't it true of the more butch girls that the way to their heart is through their stomach? (Just like a guy!)

Teasing, teasing!

Great way to keep the suspense and story going, though!

Tiggerlane said...

Leaving us hanging...love how you are VERY honest with your writing. Your "inner thoughts" are right there, for us to read. Makes it all the more intriguing!

Biscuit said...

One of the goddesses makes kickass mac and cheese. It's to die for. Definitely the way to someone's heart, I'd say :)

Vinny "Bond" Marini said...

I LOVES me some mac and cheese...

And still so entranced by this story

Diva said...

Edge of my seat over here!

Akelamalu said...

I was wondering about the '...meet me and hop in the shower' line too?

She's gonna love you when she tastes your cooking! :)

Unknown said...

Oh you know just how to drag this story out dont you??? Thanks! Im excited for her to come home from work tonight for my little "plan" that I have in place. :)

buffalodick said...

You'd come to my side of the fence(for a moment!)if I ever make you the Buffalo Dick version of Mac-N-Cheese..

ME said...

Damn, now we're all craving mac and cheese. I wish she'd hurry up and call already!

Spiky Zora Jones said...

sweetie...OMG! My girl is a fab cook. I can cook too. BUT her macaroni and cheese. Oh...She had my heart when she made me mac and cheese, her mother's way.

I've died and gone to heaven...Finally she said. hehehe.

We had made dinner for each other trying to get each other to fall for the other. Since then my mother has taught her to cook mexican foods too.

ciao babe...can't wait.

Scarlet said...

Give her a little smack to go with that cheese! ;)

Scarlet said...

Give her a little smack to go with that cheese! ;)

Anonymous said...

I agree with Knight
better go hunt something to eat now.

g-man said...

MMmm Mac and cheese, with the crusty edges! {drool} That's the other way to my heart! ;)

Anonymous said...

It's so strange when you find a church that touches you and then you have to adjust to a new one. It's kinda like dating without the booze...and mac n' cheese!

Dianne said...

mac&cheese - the food of love and comfort

I feel the same way about churches - I can hear and smell and sense people from the past

Cheryl said...

So much has happened since I last read your blog. Wow! Sounds like you're keeping busy and taking care of yourself. And the picture of the Mac and Cheese looks delectable!

Anonymous said...

Damn it! Now I'm craving macaroni & cheese, too! Haha! You have such a beautiful way of writing. When you described your grandmother's hands I could actually see them. Also, everyone should have a granny who has mints on hand at all times. :)

Anonymous said...

Damn you! Now I want mac and cheese AND more of this story. lol.

:)

vixen kitten said...

Ohhh you can't tease us like this. You have to share the recipe!

You might have a reader or two who has a heart to steal themselves...and who doesn't love mac and cheese!

CrystalChick said...

Mandy, pick up the dang phone and call already!!

Mac and Cheese is food for Goddesses and we only home make it for those who are worthy.

CheekyMonkey said...

And yet another episode leaves me on the edge of my seat and hungry. For mac n cheese, of course. ;)

Nolens Volens said...

My mouth is watering already. I promise to let you use my rope if you bring your best dish. Hmm. ;)

Not Afraid to Use It said...

I came here via RiverPoet. I love the imagery you use to tell your tale. I'll definitely be back for more.

Farmer*swife a/k/a Glass_Half_Full said...

MMMMMmmmmmmmm....*snif-snif*...what's that yummy smell?

Oh, were you saying something? For some reason I'm craving home baked mac and cheese.

:-)

Vodka Mom said...

and....and....and....well? Keep us posted. And make some mac and cheese- we'll all be over. I'll bring the martinis!!!

Lu' said...

Can't go wrong with a web of pasta cheese and hotness :)

~*Jobthingy*~ said...

MMmmm mac and cheese of seduction.. i love it

Monogram Queen said...

I like a quiet church....

and I need me some good mac n' cheese now!

KayJay said...

I can't wait for the next chapter!!

Jen - Queen of Poo said...

Mmm, mac and cheese. One of my favorite comfort foods. Maybe you could sneak a recipe in somehow? ;-)

Ann said...

TEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


[love it]

- said...

Mmmmm. Yum.

In case I haven't already told ya: I *so* love your authenticity. Your enthusiasm makes me so giddy everytime I read you. You're so dang beautiful. *smiles*

And I'm definitely anxious to hear *MUCH* much more......

Rick Rockhill said...

how tantalizing and titillating you are