The Princess and The Playa, The Conclusion

Previously on “The Princess and The Playa,” Sarah and Duane had their lunch date at a simple pizza eatery, and coincidentally ordered the same lunch special. As the two got to know a little about each other, Sarah found herself totally enamored with Duane’s flair, style, and gentlemanly ways. However, her mind could not help but drift over to the hell that she was receiving at work. Duane gave Sarah such a motivational reassurance that Sarah had to kiss Duane on the cheek. Before long, Duane asked Sarah out on a date, to which the promising princess said yes.

And now, the conclusion of “The Princess and The Playa.”


When Sarah got home that evening, she couldn’t wait to call Natalie and Melissa. She even started humming “Baby Baby” by Amy Grant as she fished in the closet for the right thing to wear for her first date. Natalie and Melissa teased Sarah, saying that they needed to meet Duane up close and personal. Sarah informed Natalie and Melissa that Duane had to pass “the daddy test.” There was no way that Bret would allow his daughter out on a date unless he saw the young man for himself.

Throughout the rest of the week, Sarah was in great spirits when she went to work. When Wendell asked Sarah what all the excitement was about, Sarah said, “It’s none of your business—nothing personal.” Wendell looked at Sarah and grit his teeth, then he walked into his office. Sarah figured that she was on such a natural high that she would do everything in her power to cut off as much negativity as possible. All she was concerned with was her upcoming date with Duane. Sarah later admitted to herself that she could’ve been a little more diplomatic with her delivery towards Wendell, but as far as she was concerned, Wendell got what he deserved. Towards the end of the work day, Sarah grabbed her purse and shut off her computer. When Wendell asked Sarah if she had any plans for the weekend, Sarah simply turned and walked out the door. She figured that she would rather ignore Wendell completely than speak her mind.

The big date had finally arrived, and Sarah was as giddy as a schoolgirl. Duane sent her a text saying that he would be by to pick her up at six-thirty that evening. Sarah responded: “Okey-Dokey.” She also reminded Duane that her parents were ol’ skool traditionalists. Bret and Susie believed in the old adage of knocking on doors and meeting the parents, regardless if it was a date. “Oh, and Duane—you might also get a surprise visit from my godmother.”

When six o’clock came, someone rang the doorbell. Sarah ran upstairs and got ready. She came back downstairs, just to say, “Keep him company for me, and Daddy—be nice to him, please?”

“I’ll do the best I can, Apple Blossom,” Bret said with a stoic look.

“Me too!” her big brother Howard added as he walked up to the front door.

Once Sarah was out of sight, Howard opened the door—it was Ms. Vivian. She hugged Howard and said, “I just gotta see this here Prince Charming that’s done swept Lizzie off her feet.”

Ten minutes later, the doorbell rang again. Ms. Viv opened the door.

“Hi, Honey,” she said. “How may I help you?”

“Hi. My name is Duane Anoai, and I’m taking Miss Sarah out tonight.”

Bret and Howard looked at each other with their arms crossed, then they turned their attention to Duane. Bret softened up a bit and said, “Nice to meet’cha, Son. Go ahead and have a seat—Sarah will be down in a minute.”

As Duane sat down, Susie apologized for Bret and Howard’s behavior (such as it was) and offered Duane a glass of water. Duane politely passed, but appreciated the offer. Ms. Viv chuckled to herself, then she looked at Duane and said, “Okay, Lord knows I tried, but I can’t fight it. Honey, did anyone ever tell you that you look like a cross between El DeBarge and The Rock?”

Howard cried laughing and fell over on the couch. Bret tried to quickly turn away but wound up chuckling in the process. Susie pretended to clear her throat, but eventually broke down and laughed her tail off. Duane laughed himself, then he nodded and said, “That’s a good one, Ma’am—I gotta give you props for that.”

“Well, he done passed my test,” Ms. Viv said as she pat Duane on the shoulder. “But seriously, Honey—you could pass off to be The Rock’s baby brother. All you need are the millions…and millions of fans chanting your name.”

As Ms. Viv and the Douglases chatted away, Nikki came downstairs. When she saw Duane, she almost tripped. Fortunately, she caught her balance, then said, “Liz asked me to let Duane know that she’ll be down momentarily.” Ten minutes later, Sarah called from upstairs: “Here I come, everyone!”

Sarah walked down the steps and did a supermodel spin, to the delight of everyone in the living room. When Sarah stepped forward, she put her hand on her hip and winked. Bret, Susie, Howard, Nikki, and Ms. Viv stood up and applauded while Duane merely nodded in appreciation. Sarah was wearing a lovely turquoise sundress with matching open-toed shoes and earrings, and a dark purple sweater with matching purse. Perhaps it was a coincidence, but Duane was wearing navy blue slacks and an aqua cabana shirt. Sarah and Duane took a good look at each other and marveled at how they were so color coordinated. Ms. Viv hugged Sarah and Duane, then said, “Y’all didn’t need to plan this—great minds always think alike.”

Sarah and Duane looked at each other and laughed, then Duane said, “Mr. and Mrs. Douglas, I promise that I will have Lizzie home before ten this evening.”

Bret softened up some more and said, “I tell you what, Son—have her home by eleven.”

Sarah’s eyes lit up and she kissed Bret on the cheek. Duane humbly thanked Bret and shook his hand. Before Bret let go, however, he looked at Duane over his glasses and said, “I’m holding you responsible, Son.”

“Yes, Sir,” Duane said. “I understand how you feel. My dad, my brother, and I feel the same way when my baby sister Jackie goes out on dates. So trust me, I will have Miss Sarah home safe and sound.”

Susie, Nikki, and Ms. Viv smiled, while Bret and Howard looked at each other and nodded. As everyone wished Sarah and Duane well, Bret pointed at Duane as if to say, “Don’t forget, now—I’m trusting you.” As Sarah and Duane drove off, the Douglases and Ms. Viv waved at them, then talked amongst themselves about how respectful and cordial Duane was.

Meanwhile, in Duane’s car, Sarah inquired on the plans for the evening. Duane said, “Well, Liz—I remembered the other day when you said that you love to write, so I figured we would hit up this place called ‘Eat & Write.’ It’s like a poetry and restaurant in one.”

“Ooh—sounds interesting,” Sarah said as she raised her eyebrow.

We hope you've enjoyed “The Princess and The Playa.” Join us on Tuesday, February 22, 2010 for another romance story—right here on Ms. Viv 'Nim. Take care and God Bless.