I started off this little tale, and I want the Destee writers to add a paragraph or two, to keep this story going...

Out Dated

As she took the last ornament off the tree, Zoe let out a deep sigh. She gingerly wrapped her Nana's crystal bulb in tissue paper, and nestled it inside it's box. It was almost 5:30. Zoe reminded herself that her date would arrive at six. She almost put another hole in her ear, fumbling while inserting her left gold stud. How in the world could she let herself be talked into a blind date? All Zoe wanted, was a man who found her to be interesting, someone she could be friends with, and dare she even fathom...something more. She fastened another button on her blouse, figuring that cleavage shouldn't be on the menu tonight. Wondering if her date even liked seafood, Zoe sort of had a hankering for shrimp...

About fifteen minutes away, Jeffery was stopped at a red light talking to his friend Dave on his cell. "Can't you give me an idea of what she looks like?" For what seemed like the hundredth time, Dave replied, "No, just enjoy your date." Simultaneously hearing the dial tone and the beep of an impatient driver, Jeffery let out an exasperated whistle as he turned the corner. All he wanted was someone who could appreciate him, someone who he could just be himself with. Slowing down, he located Zoe's townhouse, and parked right in front. Looks aren't everything, but Jeffery felt uncomfortable not even having an inkling about Zoe's appearance. He'll be walking into this date, totally blind...

The suspense heightened as Jeffery rang the doorbell. What would be the first words out of his mouth? Just be yourself, be who you are... he reminded himself. Zoe answered the door and greeted Jeffery confidently and with poise "Good to see you this evening Jeffery, I've heard so much about you, do come in." Jeffery was pleased as punch to find such an attractive date. The sister was fine! Jeffrey, feeling somewhat relieved responded " If I had known that you were as beautiful as this, I would have arrived sooner." Each one to the other seemed awfully pleased.

"Tell me Zoe, why are you wearing shades indoors?" Jeffery asked. "Well, you see Jeffrey, I am sight impaired" answered Zoe. An awkward moment followed. Jeffery said, you're kidding... aren't you?" "Not at all Jeffrey, I've been sightless since birth; what you see is what you get I'm afraid." Jeffery, responded "No baby, let's do this... how about seafood tonight?"

1poet, I absolutely love the direction you took this story, this was heart warming...wow. Thank you.
Okay...let's keep this story going. Who's next?

"Tell me Zoe, why are you wearing shades indoors?" Jeffery asked. "Well, you see Jeffrey, I am sight impaired" answered Zoe. An awkward moment followed. Jeffery said, you're kidding... aren't you?" "Not at all Jeffrey, I've been sightless since birth; what you see is what you get I'm afraid." Jeffery, responded "No baby, let's do this... how about seafood tonight?"

Jeffrey, then took Zoe by the arm as they walked outside. He guided her to his car. Opened the door and helped her inside. As he came around to unlock his door.

Zoe, leaned over and pulled up the latch. Wow! he thought. She is very considerate. He liked that!

As they drove west on Sunset Blvd.

Jeffrey said, Zoe i would like to take you to a place that just opened. It is called " Chocolate Sushi "

Zoe laughed out loud. Chocolate Sushi.. she said.

Her laugh made Jeffrey laugh as well.

Yes, Jeffrey said, it's a new japanese sushi bar that started in California.

You don't mind raw shrimp do you?

No, not at all. Zoe, replied.

Matter of fact I have never tried sushi. Tonight Jeffrey.. I am with you!:wine:

HODEE, loving the flava you bring to this lovely romance :em0100:

You are bringing this ebony king and queen to life Hodee, what a lovely couple indeed, thank you.
So family, which one of you will show us what happens during dinner?

As they arrived, awaiting table for the two at the chocolate Sushi, slowly Jeffery helped her sit down .
He ordered some sparkling dinner wine as he glaze in her eyes pouring a half glass of wine,
Jeffery told Zoe" he was in love" , with a surprise look she glance back turning her head kinda shamed.

The waitress proceed with their meal , he took a short pause and smile .
Zoe mind rumbling as she display a half smile , eating she wondered why
he would say this, not aware what he mean, shortly he raised his hand
for the waitress and asked for candle light for his table and the waitress
gladly proceed.

Under the glow of candles he open a small red tricklett box,
Zoe" mouth droped, as he with a low tone said my dear darling i've loved
you beyond compair and i ask tonight your hand in marriage to forever hold
i thought this was the right time and place to show you my love at heart.


She, embraced him with tears and with a trimbling voice said "yes".

Awwwww....Rich this is awfully romantic, like a dream come true. Gee... Okay, who is going to add on to this?

...She, embraced him with tears and with a trimbling voice said "yes". ...

In his deep desire to hold her close, Jeffery stood too quickly, shaking the table.. tipping the wine glasses...

The sound of breaking glass jolted Zoe up - she stumbled upright and looked around, eyes widened as she saw her Nana's crystal bulb shattered on the floor.. her eyes immediately went to the wall clock - "shht! 6pm! I'm gonna be late.. "

Zoe dashed to the bathroom, cursing herself for overdoing it at the company Xmas party last night, looking at her red eyes in the miror, her dishelved hair from falling asleep on the couch. Ugh! Once again, she tries on some darkened glasses and wonders if she can get away with it - will he notice her bloodshot eyes? Running her fingers through her hair she hears the doorbell.

Outside of her apartment, Jeffery rings the doorbell again, wondering if this wasn't all a mistake - his divorce has just been finalized, was he ready to date so soon? and a blind date at that? "How'd I let myself get talked into this" he mutters to himself, but simulatenouesly thinks of Daves description: "this sistah is fine, hot and loads of fun" and he cant help but smile.. yeah, I could use a little fun, he thinks. He hears footsteps inside as Zoe approaching the door and smiles sgain.

Now, this story has gone through some twists and turns. Zulile is keeping this tale interesting. Will Zoe be able to play her disheveled look off? Is Jeffery ready to date yet? Let's stay tuned for the next installment...

Zoe turns the knob and opens up the heavy door.
"I can not believe this, I dont think i am ready......"she thinks to herself.

She smiles "Hello How are you? I'm LeZoela"

He smiles "Hello Jeffery here....I am doing...Pretty Well"
"Oh my goodness......Kalil and Jared better not be seen for weeks man!!!!!!!!! Should I run????" He says in his head.....

"Come in....Please. Have a seat....I will be ready in a moment." Zoe says

"Thank You....Please....Take..Your..Time" for some reason he is a bit more relieved.
"Okay now how you gon knock on my door and I speak to you??????? Let me stop heeheehee"Zoe runs around her thought...Then into the bedroom areas.

Zoe is very charming so she speaks, and for some reason he decides to play this out...I mean she doesn't look horrible....It's those dag on Sun Glasses!!!!!
She runs into th bedroom wondering what she is going to where. "I can not believe this!" she mumbles.
"YES!!!!!!" She grabs her Pink and Sea Green Dress that she knows is gorgeous on her, "And I just got it Dry Cleaned!!"
She rushes into the bathroom and brushes her teeth, because he is just going to have to wait!!!! Throws the dress on, shoe's, and perfects......Fluffs up her hair so it works her looks, and now she is ready.

"You are a Dashing Young Fellow Might I say" Zoe says While heading to the car, thinking she is slick.

Zoe has gotten herself together enough to go on this date I see, okay Platinum, and Jeffrey is wondering about those glasses, but he seems fine so far. So, what will happen next?

Well family, Zoe and Jeffery have been waiting to eat since 1/02/08. They only had a bite in what later became a dream sequence. So, I'm going to get this hungry couple through dinner, then we'll see what's gonna happen next.

*****

Jeffery almost had to run to get ahead of Zoe in time to open the car door for her. Zoe couldn't help but laugh. Instead of going straight to the restaurant, Jeffrey stopped at a local drug store. Zoe was wondering, what in the world? Getting back into the car, Jeffery handed Zoe a small package. Zoe was quite surprised to find a bottle of Visine inside. "I hear it works wonders for bloodshot eyes," Jeffery chuckled. A bit embarrassed, Zoe said thank you, took off her shades and applied a couple drops in each eye.

Zoe was happily surprised as she and Jefferey entered the Chocolate Sushi. There were murals of different Japanese landscapes, and stunning masks adorned the walls. After being seated, Jeffery told Zoe how beautiful her eyes were. Zoe retorted, "Gee, I guess I should give thanks to the Visine for that..." They both laughed and continued to enjoy each other's company through out the meal. Among other things, Jeffrey learned that Zoe loves to paint portraits, and Zoe discovered that Jeffery was an amateur photographer. Too stuffed with seafood to even contemplate desert, Jeffery wanted to know what Zoe wanted to do next. "Well, actually", Zoe began....

"Well Actually......I know of this Party Honoring one of my beloved African Queens going on tonight" Zoe said, cheesing all over.

I think that is a brilliant addition Platinum. And since you were at the festivities, I'd love it if you could somehow place this couple at that party. What fun!

"A Party Huh?" Jeffery quizzed raising his brow "I thought this was a first date?"
"Yes...So there is nothing wrong with some fun" Zoe toyed."besides whats better than getting a little groove on?" she continued,
"specially on a first date"
"I am not so sure"
"I promise you I am cool...So this has got to be!" said Zoe, cheesing and knowing she was that girl.
I do not know what to expect, that is a unfamiliar environment" jeffery toyed back, but he was sort of serious.
"Listen...if you do not have fun.....Then we can just be friends".

So Platinum, Jeffery has cold feet about attending this party? What can Zoe do to give him a nudge?
Okay family, who's next?

Zoe and Jeffery decided not to attend that party. Instead they curled up on Zoe's couch and watched some old movies on t.v. that night. The two have been taking it slow with each other, taking the time to get to savor each other's flavor. I wish the two of them the best...

And to all of you awesome writers who added your flavor to this tale, thanks a million. :)