Athena Champion by Twyla B. Stone “Isaiah, are you ready?” Athena Champion was a lot of things, but late for anything was never one of them, timeliness was ingrained in her DNA. She’d been ready and waiting for twenty minutes for her husband to get himself together so that they could make their reservations for date night. Date night used to be a staple for The Champions after all three of their girls were good and grown. But recently, their family has experienced so many changes that date night fell to the bottom of their priorities. Isaiah was more bothered by this than Athena, so it was his idea to begin instituting Date Night 2.0 once a week no matter what. This was their first attempt, so it was ironic that he wasn’t ready by the scheduled departure time, although this was his idea. As she waited for her husband to come downstairs to head out for their destination, Athena began to think back on their 30+ years of togetherness. She thought about her first time seeing Isaiah Champion; she saw him months before she officially met him. Athena remembers dropping her neighbor off at a local, popular Atlanta barbershop. When she pulled up to Champ’s Barbershop, a tall, dark, handsome man walked out with a small kid, seemingly telling him something important. But what was awe-inspiring was the attention the kid was giving to this man. There was an underlying tone of respect and adulation that couldn’t be faked. It was earned and dished out to those who needed it the most. An official meeting happened two months later when that same man dropped the neighbor off after a haircut when Athena was on her way to class. Isaiah asked her out and Athena declined. Athena didn’t want anything standing between her and her medical degree. It would take Isaiah asking her four more times over the course of six months before she said yes. That was where it all began. More than thirty years later, he still managed to surprise her and be romantic. This date night was a clear indication that Isaiah made time for the things that he deems important. Along with his wife, four daughters, and a very popular business, he still maintained his toned physique. One of the things Isaiah and Athena did early on was workout together. They didn’t have the exact body they possessed from years ago, but they were holding up well for a couple of sixty plus year olds. Isaiah’s once sleek, defined body now included a shiny bald head, with a full beard displaying spots of gray hair, but it didn’t take away from his handsome features at all. If anything, his looks improved with maturity and he filled out a suit like no other. Athena was still extremely attracted to him and she hoped that her 5’6, lean frame was still attractive to him. He always offered compliments and he acted like a teenager whenever she wore jeans. It was for that specific reason that she put on her best pair tonight! If nothing else, ever since their first outing, Athena knew she would spend a lifetime dating Isaiah Champion. Tonight was just a continuation of her dreams coming true. After their date, when they returned to the comfort of the home that they built together, he reminded her that he was still very much attracted to her. Isaiah Champion by Donnia Marie "Woahhh! Don't go out there tryna get mom, pregnant daddy." Zafirah carries on with her shenanigans while I'm in pursuit of getting the final touches on my attire. "Troy, you see old man Champion over there? I expect to see you intact like this sixty-five-year-old man, you hear me?" A hearty bellow is heard from her background. It's her fiancé, Troy, the one who I've put in so much work into since he'd been sixteen years old. At the time, I felt indebted to be there for a kid with immense weight on his shoulders. Throughout our years of bonding, learning from one another, hating and loving one's ways, I realize he would later use my teachings, which would eventually affect my daughter and their unborn seed. "Isaiah, are you ready?" Athena calls out for me from downstairs. I rush to the mirror, scrutinizing the graying beard hanging from my chin. Three buttons remain unbuttoned from my collar shirt. My wife, Athena, loves that. It's the artwork on my left peck being emphasized from the strenuous work I put in the gym three times out the week. Being married for over thirty years wasn't as easy as I thought it would be when I stepped into this happily ever after, yet we adjusted. Ducking and dodging bullets we never set after, but four kids later, we're here. They've all moved out and tending to their own business. "Aight, daddy, I love you." Or at least three of them are out there minding their own. Zafirah, my mini-me hasn't quite gotten the memo. She's still lurking around, despite having her own family. "I love you too, baby girl. Be good over there." Instead of waiting to hear anything more, I grab the cellphone, ending the FaceTime call, and jog my way to the main floor. Bare shoulders, slender arms, and a tint of cinnamon cover her skin. She's beautiful, and I've yet to land my eyes on her face. Deeply I inhale from the back of her neck. "Thena." Stock still, she remains. Allowing me to set the tone for the evening I have planned out for us. She doesn't need to emit any words for me to understand that she's enthralled at this moment. And at my good old age, it doesn't take sex to romanticize a thing. It's all in the action, the thought, and remembering the things that matter to her the most. None the less she would get that too. "I know I'm a bit late, and I apologize. However, if you allow me to make up the time when we return…." "Mr. Champion, no need to explain a thing." I'm flabbergasted at the sultriness of her voice. And even more, entertained at the wedges she's sporting for the night. Athena can dress and outdo most but tonight is different. I'm taken back to the old days, with her cut-up black jeans, a few inches of cleavage hanging out, and those lips. My favorite, Grape Jelly. Without reservation, I devour them into the confines of my teeth, gently nibbling while scooping her into my arm, leaving her legs to wrap around my waist. We exit the doorway, she's locked in position, and the door does its automation work, securing itself as we walk away. Tonight she would have a great time, letting go of the stressors from the week. As long as she had me, Athena would be taken care of. I wanted to remind her that we were still solid though we've aged and experienced ups and downs. I appreciate her and worship the grounds she walks. Athena was and still is my DAY ONE. Or however, these kids call it these days. Want to read more about Athena, Isaiah, and their four daughters? We got you:
Available now for purchase: Book 1: The Heart of a Champion by Donnia Marie Book 2: The Rise of a Champ by Twyla B. Stone Preorder available on Amazon: Book 3: A True Champion by Donnia Marie Book 4: The Champ is Here by Twyla B. Stone
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