My Date with Lenny

Arlie rushed from her hearing to free another immigrant from an ICE detention cage to her computer in hopes of scoring the hottest ticket! One in Five Million chances to win a date with Lenny Kravitz. Excited, Arlie quickly opened her screen, ready to take a shot at the winning ticket and Lenny Kravitz, the words: SOLD OUT flashed. Fifteen Minutes! Sold out faded into her tears.

Arlie closed her computer. Her dream date ended before starting, “Wow, the money will help plant trees to create environmental justice in urban cities!” She took comfort in the donations. Arlie was more than an advocate volunteering to help immigrants, she also served as an environmental activist. Her tears dried.

Arlie began preparing for her next case to reunite mother and child separated by a kidnapping at the United States Southern Mexican Border while fleeing violence and disaster in Honduras. They lost everything due to environment crises. Thinking of strategies to reunite the family, Arlie sipped on a glass of cranberry wine. It was her favorite. Her phone vibrated with a text from her BFF, Jay, reading: “Arlie, I have a surprise!”

Arlie focused on her work rather than responding to the surprise. It would wait. Her phone vibrated again. Unusual for Jay to text repeatedly. Arlie responded, “Are you ok?” An image returned on her phone screen – a ticket in her name for a dream date with Lenny Kravitz. Arlie immediately calls Jay, “Oh my gosh, are you serious?”

Jay glows and Arlie’s tears flow again. Happy tears. Jay joins her. “Arlie, you work so hard, I had to.” Arlie cannot speak. “Girl, don’t waste tears dehydrating yourself. You’ll look wrinkled and old. You want this date to be the first of many.” Arlie laughs, “Jay, I hope. Five million tickets and I’m thankful to have one.” Girl, finish that case and moisturize. The winner gets their dream date next week. I see a few lines a little sleep will help. Arlie smiles and races through the facts to finish her petition – energized and hopeful.

Arlie smiles as she gives herself a facial following Jay’s advice. If she didn’t win, at least she’d look like a winner. The fact Jay thought enough of her to get the ticket was a win. She slept well that night. She dreamed her doorbell rang. She answered the door – it was Lenny Kravitz with a bottle of Merlot. Arlie remembered her dream and excitedly shared with Jay in the morning.

Jay laughs, “Honey, Lenny Kravitz and Merlot? I’ll take that.” “Me too,” Arlie joked, “and I don’t even drink Merlot.” Arlie, “Jay, you know I absolutely love Lenny Kravitz. His love for humanity. Each time I see him perform… more than the Rockstar exterior. He’s pure love.” Jay smiles, “I know. You are not a fanatic. If you win, do me a favor, don’t tell him you just want to be friends.” Arlie smiles. Jay is her true BFF. Jay continues, “You could have a great friendship and more.” Arlie considers Jay’s advice. A text flashes across her screen: “Congratulations!” Jay notices her shock, “You frozen?” She screams, “I won!”

Arlie sits waiting in the private, outdoor dining room surrounded with flowers reminding her of the Gardens of Versailles. Every color she could imagine bloomed. The waiter approaches with a bottle of wine, “Merlot?” asks the waiter. Arlie sits back in her seat. It was like her dream. “How can I tell the waiter I hate grapes?” she thought. “Uhm, I don’t eat grapes. Do you have something else?” The waiter smiles, “Let me tell you about this bottle of Merlot.” He begins to explain it comes from the neighboring region, aged in oak, and is truly distinctive.

Arlie listens as a helicopter lands in the garden. It is the quietest helicopter. Arlie notices the waiter stops speaking to focus upon the helicopter. A team flocks to the helicopter. Smirking in disbelief, Arlie remembers the paparazzi stills from “Shotgun Wedding”. She asks the waiter, “Is it--?” The waiter does not answer.

Arlie’s eyes widen as she watches Light exit the helicopter and float in her direction. “Sorry I’m late. I’m Lenny.” Arlie knew who he was. Lenny passed by Arlie at the Wolf Trap Park in Virginia during one of his concerts. He was polite, but no introduction required.

Lost in the moment, Arlie remains silent. She feels a poke in her back and gathers her senses. Arlie smiles. It was the Waiter. “Mr. Kravitz, I’m William, your waiter for the evening, and this is Arlie.” Arlie smiles extending her hand to Lenny, “Thanks William. Lenny, it is nice to finally meet you!” Lenny takes her hand, “Likewise.”

William smiles, “Mr. Kravitz---” “Lenny, please,” says Lenny with a smooth, calm and casual confidence. “Okay, Lenny, I was telling Arlie about Chateaux Règles d’Amour Merlot.” Lenny smiles, “Thanks William, my first season.” Arlie, “Your first season?” Yes, bottled from the cooperage.”

William, “I’ll have that Merlot.” William winks at Arlie as the Merlot pours. Lenny nods for Arlie to sample the Merlot. It is amazing. It tastes like love. Lenny asks, “What do you think?” Arlie doesn’t want to sound silly telling the truth. “It’s amazing and I hate grapes.” They laugh. Lenny assures her it isn’t necessary to drink the Merlot. Arlie smiles as she takes another sip, “It’s the best wine I’ve ever tasted.”

“Arlie, are you hungry?” Lenny asks. Arlie knows he’s referring to food, yet she realizes a deeper hunger. Jay was correct about being open to more than friendship with Lenny Kravitz. “Well, I am famished.” Lenny flashed a smile fit for a music video close-up and Arlie relaxed. She felt comfortable as if sitting with an old friend.

William appears with food to feed an army. It was perfect. The food – delicious, organic, vegan and grown on the farm adjacent to the garden. The conversation flows effortlessly as the evening advances. There is laughter and thoughtful conversation. They share about their commitment to humanitarian causes.

Both Lenny and Arlie share surprise the contest moment feels like more than a moment. “Arlie,” Lenny stands extends his hand to Arlie. She stands ready to dance without him having to ask. He takes her into his arms and music instantly sounds perfectly cued. Arlie laughs with surprise, “You thought of everything.” He smiles, “I have a team.” As they dance, Arlie cannot get over how comfortable she feels.

Lenny stops, looks her in the eyes, “Arlie, this is odd.” Arlie, “And familiar. Oddly, familiar. You may find this funny, but before I won, I dreamed you came to my house with a bottle of Merlot.” Lenny smiles, “This was supposed to be an hour date, we’re at the two-hour mark.” Arlie, “I don’t wear a watch,” as she flashes her wrist. Arlie pauses, “I know you’re busy. Should I go?” Lenny, “Do you want to go?” Lenny pulls Arlie into his warm embrace and begins to sing, “It ain’t over till its over…”

They dance as the team looks on. William approaches the team, “They’re approaching the three-hour mark. Do his contest dates extend this long?” Kia, the personal assistant whispers, “I think the contest date ended hours ago.”