Boldly Becoming Stanley

Life has a way of surprising us, often weaving connections in the most unexpected of ways. My journey to meeting Anthony was no exception, as though the stars had conspired to draw our paths together, and what followed was the beginning of a bond that has since defined countless cherished memories. It was my love for great conversation about life, love, sex, and politics that led to Anthony and I meeting. Back in 2017 my life was filled with work and my desire to lead great conversation and think pieces through me co-hosting the talk show and podcast Relationship Realities with Lady K. This is where our story began. I, as usual, was engrossed in my own world, navigating a maze of work, aspirations, and fleeting distractions. Anthony, too, was absorbed in his own pursuits, his path seemingly distant from mine. Yet fate, as it often does, had other plans. Our meeting was born out of sheer coincidence. I was co-hosting the show which was led and created by a mutual friend of both Anthony and I. Yet we knew nothing of one another. Anthony happened to tune into the live broadcast of the show, and he found himself intrigued by my intellect, my ability to carry the conversation, the fact that I stood my ground on my beliefs and opinions but could easily see others’ point of view and respect it. Anthony continued to watch and support the show. He eventually became a sponsor and even showed up to a live broadcast of the show. At that time, we didn’t have a conversation with one another besides the quick greeting. But as fate would have it our paths would cross again…five years later. Anthony purchased tickets to an event I host each Black Friday, Wingtips Blazers & Stilettos. He came to the event in hopes of having the opportunity to see me and speak with me. Unfortunately, it was not in the stars for us to connect that evening. Me being the host didn’t allow any time for me to hold conversations with the guest. And as fate sometimes has its way and takes a detour, Anthony met someone else that evening and eventually began a short friendship with her. As destiny would have its way Anthony and I both loved live music, we ended up at the same event to listen to a local singer. Anthony purchased me a drink, had a quick and funny conversation with me and asked for my number. Me not taking his interest serious because I knew he had met someone else a year early I told him he’d be “looking for me in the daylight with a flashlight.” So, he sent me a flashlight! 😄I gave him my number but eventually told him we were looking for different things. Anthony took it well, but he didn’t give up. New Year 2024 rolls around and I am emersed in work and hosting Jazz Night with an R&B Flavor. Anthony again purchases tickets to attend and with the hope of seeing me. As our favorite friend Fate would have it, I was walking through, and he stopped me to say hello. We spoke for a few moments, and I continued to do my duties. A few days later I sent messages to people I knew who attended the show asking for a critique. Anthony was one of those people. He responded that he enjoyed the show, he loved the silent auction item he won, but we should have announced that portion earlier, etc. Our conversation continued for a few days. Eventually we made plans to meet at my favorite cigar lounge. Yes, we are both cigar lovers. Life sometimes plays games Anthony messaged me the day of our date to cancel. He asked me to tell him when I was next available. I never provided him with a date; I told him his cancellation was fine. A week later he reached out again and asked had I ever been to Capeo, an Italian restaurant. I told him no. He told me about his favorite dish, the duck. He asked if I was available Feb. 10, 2024. I said yes. We met at the restaurant, had great food, drinks, and conversation. We left the restaurant in the drizzle and walked down the sidewalk to The Culture Cigar Lounge. Our date lasted from 5:15 PM – 12:30 AM. We've be inseparable since.