X Roads of Michelle R Sweeny & ZETAZEN

That evening Avalon invited a few of girlfriends over her house.

Shawn looked at the pictures of Avalon and her family. Shawn secretly held a passion for Avalon's stepfather. She thought he was fine...and was willing to give him the goods if he ever asked. She and Avalon had been friends since high school; not really missing a beat in each other lives. Even when Shawn and Avalon went to different colleges, they spent every holiday together – taking the time out to catch up with one another. It always seemed to Avalon that with each major holiday break, Shawn was diggin' on some new dude while Avalon never found the right one. At one point in time, Shawn asked Avalon if she was gay. Avalon responded to Shawn with a declared no, but there were days she wondered if she'd ever find the right guy.

Avalon by no means was unattractive. She was picky. There was a certain type of man she was searching for. Clean cut and nicely placed in a box for her consumption at a later date. But he was no where to be found. It seemed as if all the guys that were interested in Avalon were thugs, jocks or playboys....to her: better known as dogs. The qualities she was looking for in a man she thought were simple at best...but that was proving harder each and every day to find.Maybe her standards were set to high. She believed in having a standard man bar. Trenea continually told Avalon that it was her mother's fault for giving Avalon standards that only God could live up too.

Trenea had a way with words. She never held her tongue for anyone. Avalon met Trenea in college. She had introduced Trenea to Shawn one spring break she decided to go down to the beach. She decided that each should accompany her. It turned out to be a good move. The three of them became even closer than just the two.

When Camille came into the picture, Avalon, Trenea and Shawn had forged an unbreakable bond. DC was always known for being a small world, and it was astonishing to Avalon when she found out that Camille knew some of the same people she knew. Camille and Avalon had worked together at a small law firm off of K Street. After getting to know one another better, Avalon discovered that Camille and Trenea are cousins.

The ladies sat around in Avalon's cozy family room. Although the television was blaring no one was actually paying attention.

“I don't know what you so scared of...this is 2009 baby girl, call the dude!” Trenea said.

Avalon stood behind the bar making her version of her favorite bar's best known drink as the Barrio.

“I just can't be calling no dude.” Avalon said, as she started the blender. “But what choice do I have?” She mentioned with a grunt.

“At this point in time, you don't have any options...your mom is serious about you having a date.” Camille said. “And if you don't, I willing to bet she'll pay for one.”

Avalon poured the drinks for her friends. She then plopped down next to Shawn. She took a slip of the drink and let it rolled down the back of her throat as if it was ice cream. She smacked her lips a little bit before turning to Shawn. “So what do you think?” Avalon asked.

“I say do what makes you feel good.” she said.“That wasn't much help Shawn.” Trenea said."Shawn is never much help." Camille chimed in.  The women laughed in unison.

Avalon's mind faded off into the distance as her friends voices were drowned out by the thoughts of Greg1. The mixed emotions of calling him to escort her to a family function was gripping her mind into a free fall spin. It was just a call she thought. The worse he could say is no. But even more worse what if he said yes. Where would that put them so quickly?

She decided she'd call him in the morning, but for now the warmness of the alcohol was creeping around her tensed body. Relaxation was soon to come.  All was good...for the moment.

To be continued...