“You’re my latest…. And my greatest… My latest, My Greatest Inspiration!”
I smiled as if he was singing to me. For once there was a sight for soar eyes. This man was singing to world. And in his world, it was just him and God. Upon finishing his serenade, I startled him with my applause. I think if he had a shirt on, he would have jump straight out of it.
“I’m sorry! Ohhh My God! I didn’t know you were there.” He said.
“It was no bother. As a matter fact I enjoyed it. I have seen a lot in my days but never a half-dressed man singing on a balcony at 7 in the morning. And I will be selfish and take it upon myself to accept your serenade as my birthday gift because today is my birthday and so far, your rendition of Teddy Pendergrass is the best birthday present of all.”
He laughed and continued to apologize profusely. I blushed.
“Well I don’t meet any strangers, I will start off by introducing myself. My name is Lamar and who is this lovely lady I have been blessed to be in her presence?"
“Coretta is my name. It is a pleasure meeting you as well”, I said.
We talked more and more on the balcony not realizing that the sunrise was at its morning peak and time had passed quickly. He extended an invitation to join him for a day of fun and adventure. Of course, I graciously accepted. Heck! I didn’t have any plans so why not. Our day was filled with ferry rides, tours and casinos and great food. He was the “host of most”. I hadn’t felt this vivorant in a long time. Even though we just met, I let all of my insecurities down and threw caution to the wind. I had never met anyone like him.
By the end of the weekend, I could tell he didn’t like goodbyes no more than I did. On our last rendezvous together, he arranged to have a ceremony on the beach unbeknown to me. I was surprised. As we walked on the beach, we came upon a place set off in a corner of the beach. There were tea-lights aligned in the sand with an aisle runner leading up to a pathway of flower petals and confetti. A marriage officer was standing under this breathtaking bamboo arch for he had a thin book in his hand. You can tell he was waiting for the couple to walk up the aisle. The islanders were dressed in their festive cloths as usual. Everyone looked happy and anxious. I was thinking we were about to witness another ceremony on the beach as we have all weekend. So I walked with Lamar up the sandy hill. I turned to join the islanders like normal but Lamar grabbed my hand and guided me down the aisle, as if we were the couple. Of course I came to a complete stop in the sand. .
“Trust me,” he said, “For I have made this special preparation for the most beautiful woman world. I will not misguide you. Please join me. I want to make a dedication to you.”
We walked hand in hand as if we were the new couple. We reached the marriage officer who was smiling uncontrollably. Lamar proceeded and turn toward me.
COFFEE