The weather was brisk and cold yet it felt fantastic. It was cold enough where everyone made their own smoke with their breath walking down the street. The city was lit up with Christmas lights. Everywhere I looked, I saw little white twinkling lights, red and green decorations, and garland and fake Santa Clauses everywhere. I didn’t really have a lot of shopping to do so I was just kind of grooving in my own world and checking out the store windows, you know, trying to get into the holiday spirit.

It was cold and there were reports of possible snow flurries. I was excited by the fact that we might have a white Christmas. I had only experienced two other occasions of a white Christmas. One was as a young child, which was very special; and the other was when I was engaged and not so special. If it snowed this year, I planned to enjoy it. I did plan to go home for the holidays but not until the last minute. Yes, I would be in the madness with the rest of the lunatics as was the norm for my world. Hey, it was cool, one just learns to get in the flow and roll with it. Besides, I was now used to it, a scary thought but true. My goal was mainly to spend time with the Fam and loved ones and chill out away from Corporate America and all the other madness associated with my world.

My original plan for the evening was to go to the bookstore and check out the new releases and then hit a record store and pick up a few CD’s. I shoved my gloved hands into my coat pocket, adjusted my posture and shrugged off the cold. I walked past Macy’s on my way to the bookstore and paused to check out the decorations. I looked around at the different displays and realized how stores really went all out this time of year trying to surpass each other with decorating. Macy’s had little colorful moving mechanical elves and a Mr. And Mrs. Santa Claus working busily at a table. They also had little fairies with wings that actually operated. What was funny is that the elves and the fairies were multicultural. I had to laugh because now days everyone raised hell over color. One couldn’t tell what nationality Mr. And Mrs. Santa was and that was even funnier. I loved the fact that they were trying to be politically correct. The largest Christmas tree chosen to put in the window was decorated with twinkling white lights and Waterford crystal decorations, which was beautiful. These were the annual ornaments from the past few years that I had made a point to collect. I thought of the money it costs to put this type of display together and then thought of the money spent during the holidays; truly, it was ludicrous, though the display was quite magical and yes, it was Christmas, but damn this money could be used in so many other ways to help society, you know.

I suddenly noticed the reflection of a man in the glass behind me; he too had paused to check out the display. I just sort of ignored him. It was a busy time of evening so I was in no apparent danger, and after all, how could one pass by the magic of the Christmas displays without stopping. The street was busy with Christmas shoppers and business people still getting off work. I looked back at his reflection and caught him looking at mine. I was getting ready to walk away when he spoke.

"Nice display huh?"

I spoke without turning to look at him. I figured it wouldn’t hurt to respond.

"Yes it is, though this must have cost a fortune. It is so elaborate."

He shrugged his shoulders.

"Humph, it probably did cost a fortune. Hopefully some of this stuff gets recycled every year."

I could see that he was looking and waiting for eye contact, which I did not give. I, you see, was on a mission. I planned on wrapping up my errands, going back to my place to make a fire in the fireplace and chill on the sofa in my PJ’s with a good book. So, with that, end of conversation Mister, I’m out. I turned to walk away and offered my parting greeting.

"Hopefully they do recycle. Well, you have a good evening and Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas to you too."

I readjusted my purse on my shoulder and headed down the street towards the bookstore. There was a coffee shop inside so I would get a chance to warm up before heading out to the record store.

Once inside the bookstore I checked out the new releases and decided on a few gifts for a few choice friends that were avid readers and a few that were writers. I must have browsed for an hour and a half easily before finalizing my purchases. I headed upstairs to the coffee shop to get a Café Latte and biscotti. After getting my Latte and biscotti, I found a quiet spot in the corner and sat to browse through the purchases that I had made for myself. I had purchased a few pieces from some of the Caribbean writers that a friend had turned me on to. I was just about to get up to get my cup refilled and get into my reading flow when I heard a voice.

"Hello. So we meet again. We must be on a somewhat similar mission. "

I looked up to see the man that I had seen at the Macy’s window. I was a little surprised. This time I had an opportunity to see what he really looked like. He was a good-looking brother that was well dressed and well groomed. He smelled good too. Issey Miyake is what came to mind when I smelled his fragrance.

"Oh hi."

Actually, I was surprised to see him. This time I got a good look at him.

"Mind if I join you? If you’d rather not I understand."

"Well actually, I was on my way to get another Latte and…"

"Allow me please. Was it a straight Café Latte, or did you have a shot in it?"

I laughed. "Am I that obvious with my caffeine addiction? Actually one shot please. Thank you."

I was about to tell him that I wasn’t going to be there much longer because I wanted to pick up some CD’s. He must have been a caffeine junkie too. I had tried to reduce my intake of caffeine but hey, I wasn’t giving up Lattes, chocolate or sex, not in this lifetime. Now ask me to give up anything else and I could work with it. He returned promptly with two Lattes.

"I hope this is right," he said placing the cups carefully on the table.

"I’m sure it’s fine thank you."

He looked at me as if asking for approval.

"Do you mind if I remove my coat?"

"No, by all means."

Okay, at least he had manners. That was truly a plus. He removed his coat and laid it across the back of the chair.

"I’m Remy Fields, nice to meet you. I hope I’m not intruding too badly, I mean I know I am, but I was hoping to introduce myself back at the window display, but you took off. I didn’t notice a ring back at Macy’s. I hope I’m not too forward. Well I guess I blew that whole introduction in one fatal swoop huh?"

This was so funny. He carried himself in a very confident manner. This, I liked so I didn’t know why he was so nervous.

"Nice to meet you. I’m Inez Lawrence."

I laughed and extended my hand to him to shake his. He kissed it instead.

"Inez, very nice to meet you. What a beautiful name."

"Thank you. So, Remy, are you through shopping?"

He looked down at the bags seated by his chair.

"You could say that. I didn’t have a lot to get. I was just trying to get into the whole holiday groove you know. This time of year is sometimes awkward, you know. Well, to me anyway."

"Yes I do, and yes it can be very awkward. Are you single?"

"Yes. Are you? Please tell me I’m not approaching someone’s wife."

I laughed aloud at him. I appreciated that. He was too funny.

"No you’re fine. I’m single."

He was fine and he did look a little relieved at my answer.

"Oh good." He seemed relieved. "Are you happily single," he asked?

Now that was different. I mean I had heard of people asking if one was happily married, but happily single was different.

"Well, I am not totally miserable. I mean I like my life but it’s not totally complete. I mean, you know I’m good with it."

He sort of laughed as he sipped his Latte.

"So you’re good with it huh? Well I’ve got to tell you Inez, that’s a hard statement to assess. I think I understand what you mean though. I have come close to marriage but just didn’t quite make it. I guess I just didn’t have my priorities right. You know, the general demands and preferences in ones’ life. I think that some of us are just meant to be single. We have, you know, our own category and modus operandi and it works for us."

"You get an Amen on that Remy."

I held my cup out to toast his. Okay, I was feeling him and his logic. I could tell that he was comfortable with his life decisions and with who he was. He also had a very distinct accent I just didn’t know where it was from, but I liked it. He was a pretty, solid brother too, not as muscular as I liked, because I liked big men, but not shabby to say the least. His clothes fit him well and I could tell from his upper body he did something to stay in shape.

"Actually, yes I do know what you mean. I guess I’ve been single long enough to totally adapt to it. You know I have just sort of created my own life style that works for me Remy. Personally, I am enjoying life. How about you?"

"Well, I’m single, and I’ve never been married. I’ve gotten used to living alone as well, so I guess I’m cool with it too. Wow, did I say that? Whoa, Inez, my answer is as bad as yours."

We both laughed.

"Hey just look around this city, we are not the only single people our age that haven’t been married before. I say to each his own. You know whatever blows your hair back."

He sipped from his cup, laughed, and stroked his head as he did so.

"Okay well that’s one way to put it."

We sat there quiet for a minute or two. I wasn’t real sure where we were going with this conversation. One thing I knew for sure because I had done the whole engagement thing not once but twice, only to walk away spared the company and lifetime of living with a lunatic, so to that I say "thank you lucky stars." I didn’t lack for the company of men and I sure as hell was independent, so I only wanted marriage if it was destined, and definitely with the right person, my life mate if there was one out there for me. If it happened, it happened. I was definitely not going to go out pursuing it. People have their priorities twisted now days putting time lines and the stigmas imposed by society on them. I’ve listened to girlfriends talking about how many years that they have left until childbirth and marriage and trying to work in going back to school. Hell, I was over it. This is not a game show. This is my life. Everything can’t be scheduled, or perfect, everything is not destined and everyone is definitely, and not meant to be married.

In my case, the particular person I almost married, had issues that had issues, and I managed to escape the madness by the skin of my teeth. I think it’s great all things being in order and in sync, to take a relationship to the next level of marriage. One thing about it, marriage is definitely a new level, and as they say, new levels, new devils. Probably my biggest issue with the person I had been with was the fact that he mad major control issues. As it related to him, believing in the institution of marriage was tested and left in my mind as questionable. So to that I say, whom do you know who wants to live in an institution? Right, well with him that’s what it would have been like. Right here, right now I was glad I was single. If God decides tomorrow, and tells me "Inez I’ve decided you need a mate," then so be it. Peace be the journey. For now, I’m cool.

My train of thought was broken by Remy's sultry voice. "Inez, are you still with me?"

I turned and looked at him.

"But of course Remy. What’s up?"

"Do you want to walk down the street and see the Christmas tree? There are supposed to be carolers out in the next hour or so."

"Sure but I wanted to hit the record store first."

"Perfect. I wanted to pick up a few new releases myself. Do you mind if I tag along with you?"

He was cute. Well I sure wasn’t going to throw him back in the sea that quickly so hey, why not? Hey, it was Christmas and I needed a little company. What the heck?

"Sure why not come with."

We picked up our belongings and bundled up to head back downstairs to bear the cold weather outside. The night was beautiful, the sky was clear and the stars were bright. It was cold but it was crisp and it felt good. The city was lit up with Christmas lights and the smell and sound of the holidays was in the air. We could hear the Christmas Carolers down the street singing. We turned and walked the opposite direction to the record store.

The record store was packed. We went our separate ways as we made our purchases. I ran into a few girls from the office and chatted with them for a while before looking for him. I noticed he was waiting up front for me. I headed his way. He smiled as he saw me approaching and a nice smile it was.

"Are you ready," he asked?

"I am."

"Are you hungry? I personally could stand a bite to eat. Would you join me for dinner?"

I hesitated for a minute and then it dawned on me, okay if I didn’t have dinner with him, what would I go home to? It would probably be me and Marie Callendar or Mrs. Paul's. I don’t think so. In a brief moment, I answered.

"I’d love to."

Hey I’m different not stupid. I knew that I had a few strange idiosyncrasies, but brain dead I wasn’t. I wasn’t passing up enjoying the evening with a beautiful Black man that clearly wanted to share my company. I was always up for making new friends.

We walked down the street in pursuit of the perfect spot to eat. Every place we went was crowded due to the season. Remy found an Italian Place that didn’t have a long waiting list, so we opted for that. Once inside and seated we ordered drinks.

"Well what’ll it be? What do you normally drink Inez?"

"Oh I don’t really have a normal drink. I’m game for something new actually."

"Well they have on this menu some sort of a holiday spritzer. Shall I order two of those?"

"Sure why not."

Remy motioned for the waitress, ordered our drinks and cheese sticks, and stuffed mushrooms for appetizers.

I rubbed my hands together trying to warm them up. Even with gloves on they were still cold. Remy excused himself for a moment. When he came back, he held his hands out to me.

"What," I asked?

"Give me your hands."

I gave him my hands without asking. He held them in his hands and rubbed them. His hands were warm and soft. He rubbed my hands and brought them back to life. I noticed that wasn’t the only thing that he was bringing back to life. My body was reacting to him. I thanked him and pulled my hands back.

"Thank you. If I may ask, how is it your hands are warm?"

"Ancient Chinese secret," he said laughing.

We both laughed.

"Remy, Chinese you’re not."

He laughed.

"No seriously, fur lined gloves and I just went and washed them in hot water and rubbed lotion on them."

"Oh. Okay. Now that explanation I will buy."

The waitress brought our drinks and appetizers. Remy lifted his glass to offer a toast.

"Inez, to new friendships."

I smiled.

"Yes, to new friendships."

With that, we toasted our friendship and the beginning of a wonderful evening.

"So Inez how is it that a beautiful woman such as yourself is alone at Christmas?"

I was chomping down the cheese sticks by now and looking around for the waitress to order more. Remy noticed and commented.

"Well you were hungry weren’t you? Shall I order more cheese sticks?"

"Yes please, and you know what, I’d like a hot chocolate with marshmallows too please. I just can’t seem to get warm."

"Well if you’d like we could switch to a booth. You know combine the body heat to stay warm."

Dead silence.

He looked around the room. There happened to be a booth available near the fireplace and the Christmas tree that the restaurant had on display. He waved at the waitress. She came over to our table.

"We like to move to the booth over by the fireplace if it is still available please."

And so, we did, and from that moment on…everything changed between us. It was definitely warmer by the fireplace, but it was also definitely warmer by Remy. He took his coat and wrapped it around my shoulders. It was shearling lined and very warm.

"Oh God this feels so good. It is so warm."

"Good. Glad to help. So have you decided what you would like?"

Now I’m thinking in my mind, boy don’t make me go there. Hell yeah I know what I’d like, but since I’m a lady, I guess I’ll just order dinner.

"Yes I will have the angel hair pasta with shrimp and a green salad please."

"You’ve got it lady."

Remy placed our orders, which was something I liked in a man. When a man orders for a woman, it’s a sign he takes his role as a man and takes charge. I dug that. My hot chocolate arrived. He had ordered two, one for me, and one for him. I had my back against the wall of the booth looking at the Christmas tree and stealing looks at him. I was sipping and eyeing him while trying not to stare. He caught me a couple of times and laughed.

"Okay Inez what is it? Is there something on my face, my lip, what?"

"Actually Remy, I am wondering how is it that you are alone on Christmas. Who let you go?"

"Well look at it like this, if I weren’t I would never have met you, so this is one time I am very happy to have been alone on Christmas."

I smiled at him.

"Thank you. Me too Remy."

The restaurant was playing Luther Van dross’s Christmas CD in the background. Remy and I enjoyed our dinner and shared each other’s dishes. We were on the same side of the booth so it made for an intimate setting. At one point, he took his napkin and wiped marinara sauce off the tip of my nose. He was so close I swear I thought that we were going to kiss. I could feel his energy in my force field and it felt so good. We had belted back a few glasses of brandy and spiked eggnog and were both buzzing. The mood, the environment, the music, the company, everything was perfect. I couldn’t believe I was having such a wonderful time with someone I had just met, and at Christmas even. We decided to order dessert even though we were both full. Truthfully, on both of our part, I think it was just a ploy to spend more time together. The fire was crackling and the restaurant had now switched to Boyz II Men Christmas Interpretations. The snow had started to fall and it was beautiful.

"What would you like for dessert Inez?"

"Hmmm, maybe something chocolate or maybe caramel."

I smirked looking at him. He laughed.

"Well which? Or would you like both?"

I was really buzzing and I felt so comfortable with him. He stood up.

"Excuse me please while I go to the little boys room. I promise to be right back. Why don’t you go back over the dessert menu and see if you find something you want. We’ll order when I return. Okay?"

"Sure, but I know what I want. Hurry back."

He turned to look at me and laughed again.

"No doubt."

I sat and flipped through the menu when suddenly I heard people oohing and awing. The music had been cut down and the volume on the television was turned up. Dayum. Airports had started closing due to weather in the Midwest and the snowstorm getting ready to rip through the east coast. I took out my cell phone to call the airlines to see if my flight had been cancelled. It had. Screwed without a kiss. My family was going to be crushed. Maybe I could get there later. Better late than never right? I took a deep sigh. I looked up and Remy was standing over me.

"What’s wrong Inez?"

"My flights been cancelled due to weather."

"Oh I’m sorry. Did they say when they would rebook you for?"

"Right. There is nothing available until the day after Christmas right now. They said that they tried calling my house and left a message. Well there is not a whole lot that I can do about this. Oh well another Christmas alone."

"Not if I can help it. Spend it with me."

Dead silence.

Did he say what I think he said? Spend it with me. I heard the echoes swishing around in my head. He did say that. Why not?

"Thank you Remy but I don’t want to ruin your plans."

He started laughing.

"Yeah right. It will be me and the I love Lucy reruns and that old movie The Christmas Story where the kid gets his tongue stuck on the frozen lamp post."

I laughed my head off.

"I love that movie. I watch it every year."

"So watch it with me this year. Okay so you are going to try to get out the day after, so why don’t you join me for Christmas. We could prepare our Christmas meal together."

I know that I had a quizzical look on my face, but this was actually sounding good. Hell why not? I didn’t think that he was a lunatic, and if I did, we could always do this at my house where I could be large and in charge. Actually, I felt very comfortable with him.

"Well okay sure. That would be nice."

"Okay then let’s order dessert because we have grocery shopping to do."

We finished our dessert and headed to the market to get what we needed for Christmas dinner. We bought a turkey, everything we needed for cornbread stuffing, fresh green beans, yams, piecrusts and fillings, salad fixings, hot chocolate, marshmallows and tons of other stuff. We dropped the groceries off at his place and at midnight, we walked from his place to midnight mass. After that he put me in a cab and I went home. Tomorrow we would share Christmas dinner together. Boy, talking about life spinning on a dime.

It was Christmas morning and my phone rang. It was Remy.

"I’ve sent a car for you. We did agree to eight o’clock this morning to get together so that we could get the turkey in the oven."

"I’m ready Remy."

"Great. I can’t wait to see you."

I paused and then smiled. This was new and definitely different for me especially for Christmas.

"And I you Remy."

I grabbed the small gift package from my night table that I had picked up for him on the way home the night before. Several of the stores didn’t close until six am on Christmas morning, which I found to be ridiculous, but this one year it came in handy. I just wanted to present him with a token friendship gift, so I had picked up a marble chess set. If he didn’t play, we could spend the afternoon learning how to play. The car service arrived promptly and I headed to his house.

We had fun preparing dinner and both worked hard at making a perfect meal. We drank as we cooked and tasted each other’s dishes, so by time dinner was ready we were both pretty lit up. On top of that, his specialty dessert was a Grand Marnier Soufflé, which was the bomb. When we finally did sit down to eat, Remy lit candles and cut on soft Christmas music in the background. We stood and held hands and said grace. After he completed saying grace, he added one other thing.

"God thank you for sending this Christmas angel into my home this year."

He then kissed me on the forehead and then the tip of my nose and stared into my eyes. I stared into his and putting my hand under his chin, I gently guided his face towards mine and kissed him softly on the lips.

"Merry Christmas Remy."

He took a deep breath and sighed.

"Merry Christmas Inez. Merry Christmas."

We ate our dinner, had drinks, and then sat around the fireplace to have our dessert. I excused myself, and went and got the gift I had purchased for him.

"Remy for you, Merry Christmas. Thank you for being such a good host and making my Christmas special."

He reached under the pillow on the sofa and pulled out a small but long flat box.

"Merry Christmas Inez and truly the pleasure is all mine, I promise you."

"Remy. You shouldn’t have really. You are the host."

"And you are a beautiful woman Inez."

I looked down blushing and started to open the box. Inside were beautiful black leather elbow length mink lined gloves. I gasped. Truly I was surprised.

"I hope you like them. They are to keep your beautiful hands warm."

"Thank you Remy."

I bent over and reached for his face, and gently kissed him on the lips. He kissed me back. We both took a deep breath and sighed. We had good chemistry, real good chemistry. I smiled at him.

"Okay, now open yours."

He opened the box. His eyes lit up as he opened the parquet wooden box revealing a marble carved chess set. He threw his fist in the air.

"Yes! Thank you so much Inez. This is incredible."

He kissed me again. I kissed him back.

"Please tell me you play, please."

I smiled at him.

"You play please."

He looked puzzled. I laughed.

"Okay, okay you’re a smart ass, I see. He took his hand and tousled my hair."

"Seriously I do play Remy."

"Then it’s on. Let me freshen your drink and let the games begin."

I stood up as he stood up in front of the fireplace. He took my glass from my hand and sat it on the mantle. He held me close and pulled me towards him. I held him close and we embraced in the softest, most sensuous kiss I’ve ever experienced in my life.

"Merry Christmas Baby."

"Merry Christmas Remy."

As I sat there feeling surreal watching him walk towards the kitchen, I sat there full, happy, content and just slightly buzzing. I couldn’t believe this was how I was spending Christmas, which could have been potentially unhappy. This was turning out to be the best Christmas I had ever had in my adult life. Because I had opened my mind and heart to another, I was experiencing the feelings of my heart, which I had missed so much and guarded so much. This was my gift this year from God. I think Remy felt the same way. We had given each other Christmas by giving our time to each other. That is what it’s all about. Yeah…let the games begin.

Merry Christmas.