Harlem By Day...or Night X

The park is always an exceptional walk through and by the time I hit Central Park West my morning was already behind me. I made my way through the people all heading my way but walking far too slow to even be called a stroll. I found Kaila sitting on the side of the monument and watching the people go by without notice. She gave me a crooked smile and I shrugged my shoulder and rolled my eyes, "let's get a drink". We walked towards Times Square but through Hell's Kitchen to avoid being herded with the masses and because it has some great places to 'sample' wine.

She picked a place with tables lining the street and found a place under an umbrella to avoid the sun. Just as we were about to order a glass I heard someone calling my name...apparently Manhattan isn't as big as I would have thought or liked. Ugh, and just when I thought the worst of my day was behind me, Ron walks across the street waving vigorously at me...as if I couldn't spot him.

Harlem By Day...or Night IX

She had only made it to Columbia Circle, I could cross the park and be there in twenty..if I left right now. I did't feel high anymore but I was irritated at the direction of our conversation so I stood up and and told him  was leaving. Obviously he was confused, I mean there was no issue with him seeing other people since I was married but its not like I use my time with him to discuss my marriage and  was feeling a touch bitter that the was using my time to talk about his love interest. He attempted to explain but I asked him not to, I didn't have time or the patience to stand there and listen and then continue on with the plans of our day...I grabbed my purse, slid on my shoes an exited with only a lazy wave of my hand as a good bye.

I never said a word on my out of the front lobby and headed west down 83rd towards the park...

Harlem By Day...or Night VIII

The omelette was delicious and the mimosas were making me tired. I placed my plate on the coffee table and stretched out on the couch beside him. We listened to music and caught up with each other and what was going on. I took another hit off the pen and listened to him talk abut the woman he has been seeing for the past several weeks. He looked almost giddy telling me about the non stop texting, wine bars, roof top dates and sleep overs...I was annoyed. I was happy he was dating and looking for his 'one', I just didn't care to be the one he was bragging to, it doesn't exactly make me wet. I placed my champaign flute on the table beside my plate and texted Kaila...maybe a day in line ups with a best friend in my favourite city wouldn't be too bad.

Harlem By Day...or Night VII

He opened the door with his brilliant smile wearing golf shorts and a plain white t-shirt. He's handsome when he's casual, he can hang a suit and look amazing but I preferred the relaxed CEO. He took my purse and placed it on the desk near the front entrance while I kicked off my sandals and made my way into the main room. He had mimosas poured, strawberries cut and the cannabis pen filled...what an amazing way to spend a relaxing morning with a wonderful man. I flopped down on the couch with my spiked orange juice and listened to music while I took a hit off of the pen. I could smell breakfast being made and slowly my mind and body relaxed...I hope Kaila is having an amazing day, although she's likely going to spend it in lines.

Harlem By Day...or Night VI

We had separate plans today, she was site seeing and I was going to meet my date Brian on the Upper East Side. I had met him before but today he was making me breakfast and we were set to spend most of the day together. We left at the same time, she took the 3 to Penn Station around Harold Square and I walked the two and a half miles to his place. Brian's home is incredible, impressive by Manhattan standards and I loved being in it and taking in the views. We met on Tinder a while back and finally found some time to get together and hang out.

I walked through the main entrance and hoped the overly air conditioned lobby would hide the fact that I was sweating a ridiculous amount from the humidity. I remembered the doorman from the last and secretly hoped he didn't...he did. I trusted that the heat was hiding my blush because last time I was hear I arrived after midnight. He held the elevator for me...Brian called down ahead of time so he was expecting me.

I stepped out and made a right down the hall...his door is always decorated with his daughters projects, I smiled and knocked lightly.

Harlem By Day...or Night V

This is the best example as to why I no longer believe the garbage people speak about places they have never been to and only have knowledge through stories. Sure, Harlem has changed in the last few decades and I am certain back in the day it was quite dangerous but I was having a hard time seeing this now. We walked up through the subway station, said hi to a few people that asked for coins and made it back to the room without so much as a dirty look. I don't know if I find it frustrating, disrespectful or just complete ignorance when someone tries to offer me advice about the city I have come to love...and they have yet to visit. I have yet to have an interaction that is uncomfortable with a New Yorker...barring my dating experience that is. Go to Harlem, stay with the locals and enjoy the people, restaurants and culture. Just like anywhere else if you mind your business and are respectful then you go unnoticed, and to be fair I am more afraid of my own city at night than I am of Harlem...take that however you like.

We uncorked a bottle of wine and sunk into a marathon of Gilmore Girl's, she is a huge fan and I have never even watched an episode. Ugh...CVS wine is only 6%...better open another bottle.

Harlem By Day...or Night IV

I found her on Bleeker window shopping her way down the street trying to keep her eyes open. She has this amazing ability to always light up when the people she loves are near by, it doesn't matter if she's tired or in a bad mood...if she loves you then you always know it. We hooked arms and started to make our way out of the village, we decided to walk as far as we could before we caught the 3 uptown to the Bronx.

We got as far as Chelsea before we decided to call it a night...well almost. I had been to Boxer's one other time and brought her for a drink. It's a gay bar where all of the bartenders only wear boxer's...and the bartenders are all straight. We ordered two vodka cranberry and I'm pretty sure they added the cranberry just for colour. We clinked our glasses, flirted with the bartender and made our way to the subway station...it was time to call it a night. It occurred to me that we would have to walk a few blocks to our place...in the dark...in Harlem.