Rhythm's Blues

by Kimberly Brown

“My grams always said some things are meant to be a part of your history, but not your destiny.”

I was never cocky, but I knew I was a beautiful woman, and a hating ass bitch could never make me feel otherwise.

“You realize that you don’t have to accept the versions of people who no longer align with who you are, right? People change and grow at different paces. Sometimes you outgrow them, even if you love them. Don’t get so comfortable having people in your life that you don’t know when it’s time to remove them.”

“Awww, baby! Were your feelings hurt.” He grinned. “Baby? I like that. Don’t go spoiling me with affection.” He leaned over and pecked my lips.

Something about this man made me want to be in his damn skin. He had me in height and weight, and when he held me, I just wanted to melt.

“How do I define love? Love, for me, is caring about someone more than you care for yourself. It’s going the extra mile to make them happy or ensure their safety. It’s showing up for them the same way they show up for you.

She smiled, and I swore the surrounding lights got brighter. Her smile had been one of my favorite features of hers since the day I damn near knocked her down coming out of the bathroom.

“I love you, Rhythm. Meeting you was by chance, but loving you is by far the best thing I’ve experienced. You’re it for me, baby.”

Loving him was the best decision that had ever been made for me too. It was unexpected, but my mama always told me great things happened when you least expected it.

My days of having the blues over a man were long gone. These days, I sang love songs at the top of my lungs because I felt every word, and it was all because of him.