Chapters 1 & 2
Chapter 1
Olivia
The sun has begun to set. I just finished working another back to back twelve-hour shift at Memorial Heights Hospital, and my body is telling me to head home, shower, and curl up in bed. However, tonight will be the total opposite of what I am actually feeling.
My best friend Jamie recently got engaged, so I have no choice but to show up, and show out.
I drive my car inside the garage and lazily watch the door come back down. I close my eyes for a brief moment, but as soon as I feel myself drift, the sound of my phone vibrating startles me. My eyes quickly pop back open, and I let out an exhausted sigh. I look over towards the passenger seat and open my purse. I begin moving all of my junk around, and I realize that my phone is not in here.
I unhook my seat belt and start looking around.
“Damn it!” I say out loud.
Now, I know my phone is in this car somewhere. Luckily, it starts buzzing again, and I spot it down on the floor between the passenger seat and the door. I pick it up and see that a group message has already began, so I grab my purse and head inside.
As soon as I step foot inside my house, I head towards the couch and collapse.
Jamie: Okay Bitches, I’m ready to fucking PARTY!!!
Trisha: So, what is everybody wearing? I’m ready to be a skank tonight. Plus, Charles is off this weekend, so I'mma be drunk in love. LOL!
Jamie: Just make sure you don’t wear that ugly ass blue dress, Trisha! Or you’re just going to be drunk. That’s all I’m saying. LOL.
Whenever we did go out, Trisha would somehow always wear this blue mid- length dress with spaghetti straps and a sheer throw. I mean, it’s cute, but not cute for what we’d be doing.
Trisha: Actually, bitch! I just went shopping and bought me a couple of freakum dresses. I’m a new me! Now say something else, because when you guys see me tonight….”
Olivia: Glad to hear you finally went shopping, Trish! You always look cute, girl. We just love picking on you, and that dress. LOL. I’m not sure what I’ll be wearing, but know that whatever it is, I’mma look good. What time are we heading out?
Jamie: Brandon got us a limo for the night, so we should be heading your way around ten-ish. Then we’ll head your way, Trish.
Olivia: Sounds good to me. I think I might take a nap first.
Trisha: Go ahead, Olivia. You still have time old lady. But let me stop playing. It’s damn near my bedtime.
Jamie: Oh, my goodness, you two. I’mma need you both to get it together quick, fast, and in a hurry, because the last thing I want to hear is you’re bailing on me.
Olivia: Never will we do such a thing.
Jamie: Lies!
Olivia: That was one time!
Trisha: Twice!
Olivia: Trisha, please. I know you’re not talking.
Trisha: You’re right, let me shut up. LOL.
Jamie: You’re both nuts. Just be dressed when I get there. TTYL.
I can't help but to sit here and laugh at Trisha, because her ass reneges all the time. But I get it. When you’re a wife and a mother, people are more understanding when you can’t make it to something. But when you’re the single friend with no kids and no man, it’s kind of hard for people to be understanding. But I make their asses understand because I work hard. I’m lying here thinking about why I don’t have a man or kids and I can honestly admit that I have chosen this life for myself. I’m single because I have a difficult time trusting people, and I just don't have the time to teach someone how to treat me right. It’s sad that now a days, these boys are being raised with the wrong interpretation of what being a man really means. Being a man is proven through actions and some are too lazy to step up their game.
They don’t want to put in the work, and a relationship is work. It takes effort, sacrifice, dependability, accountability, vulnerability, passion and empathy. Now, let’s be real for a moment- it seems like wanting to be loved is asking for too much. And, what exactly is love?
I question the meaning all the time, and to be honest, I don’t want any part of it. Love isn’t supposed to hurt. Love shouldn’t make you feel less than. Love shouldn’t make you not want to ever be loved.
Instead, I want trust. I want to be able to trust my man, and I want him to trust me. Trust will have to determine it all because without it, you have nothing solid to fall on during tough times. Love just isn’t enough. I’ve seen women who say they’re in love and have put all hope and faith in their man end up being abandoned in the end, crying and singing Karen White’s Superwoman.
Now, don’t get me wrong- I be singing that shit, too. But when I sing it, it reminds me of what I will not put up with. Let me make my man some breakfast and he tells me that the toast isn’t toasted light enough, or some other stupid shit. He would get choked out, because I don't have time to be dealing with some unappreciative ass, little man boy.
Here I go again over- thinking my life. But, who knows? Maybe I do need to reevaluate some things about myself, but not too many, I don’t think. I mean, shit, I have it going on. I have a good job, loyal friends, and a supportive family. But I know something is missing. Hell, I’m tired of coming home to an empty house every day. Who wouldn't be? But, you see, this is what happens when you let fear win, and believe me, fear and I know one another very well. Shit, were practically first cousins!
Damn near every night and sometimes during the day, I ask God to send me a man that is just for me, because only he knows the kind of man that I need, and the kind of man that can handle me. Then, I give God some key points that I look for, just in case he forgets: I want a man who is loyal, responsible, and protects what he loves. And, of course, one that is easy on the eyes. I mean, who wants an ugly- ass man that’s charming? Ugh! … not me, and to be honest, I don’t think that I’m asking for a lot. Okay. I really do need to stop thinking so much and just take it easy on myself. I mean, I’m only human.
Luckily, I still have time to relax before I have to start getting ready for this evening. I get up and head toward the bathroom and connect my Bluetooth to the tiny speaker on the shelf. I run my bathwater and pour some lilac oil, so I can escape to my quiet place. I climb inside the tub, close my eyes and start singing along to Prince’s I Wanna Be Your Lover.
I hear DING! DING! DING! from the doorbell.
Wow. Really? I roll my eyes. Who in the hell can this be? I mean, what kind of person would just pop up to someone's house unannounced?
I climb out of the tub, grab my robe from behind the door, and throw it on. I hear the doorbell ring again.
Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding!“Hold on a minute!” I shout. “Shit!”
All I know is, it better not be those damn neighbor kids playing around again or me and their parents are going to have a showdown. I look through my peephole and see my baby sister looking disheveled. I open the door to let her in.
My sister is all of five feet and caramel complected. I promise she looks just like a little doll baby, with her round eyes and thick lashes. I can tell Mya’s hair, was once up in a cute, messy bun, but now she just looks a mess.
“What’s going on, boo? Is it Dante?” I ask.
I promise I only asked because it always has something to do with him. She heads towards the couch, flops down, and sighs. I sit next to her, drawing my leg up under me so I can face her. I rest my head on my fist, and patiently wait for her to start talking on her own time.
After a long silence, she finally let it out.
“I found some texts in his phone, Olivia, and he lied to me and said he didn’t know who they were from. How do you have a conversation with someone backwards and forwards for months and not know who the hell you’re talking to? I mean, like, come on. Really?” she says through tears.
“I’m so tired of this shit, Olivia, I can’t keep going through this with him. He fucks up, and I take him back. He fucks up again, and I stupidly take him back,” she cries.
I can feel my head unintentionally nodding in agreeance with her last statement. I mean, what she said is true. I get it, though. Been there; done that.
“So… what did you do?” I ask her. I know my sister, and even though she’s a little bitty thing, the girl is a pistol, but she fires before she aims, and that is her only downfall.
Mya and Dante both do stupid shit, like slashing tires, stalking each other, and they even got physical before. Their relationship has been jacked up from the first day they met. See, Mya started off as the side piece, but to her defense, she didn't know she was one of many. But when she found out that he had other women, she walked away. Then, of course, he came begging for her to be with him, fed her a spoonful of lies, and she actually believed that he’d changed and only wanted to be with her.
Honestly. I don't know what it is that keeps her going back to him. Maybe it’s his looks, or the dick, or both. Dante is very nice looking- he’s dark skinned, tall and can easily be portrayed as a good guy. He has both ears pierced and wears these huge - ass cubic zirconia’s which he swears up and down he paid five, racks for, but he wasn’t fooling me. I know that he bought that shit from a costume jewelry shop. On top of all of that, he is a fucking charmer. Now don’t get me wrong- I get it. I can see how women, including my sister, could be so willing to accept his lies, but he sure had a rude awakening when he saw that he couldn’t fool my family.
We saw him for exactly who he was- a dick slanger, plain and simple. But the sad reality is, he knows this. The dude was disrespectful from the moment he walked inside our parents’ home. He was cussing and grabbing Mya on the booty in front of all of us, and even told our mom that she was a sexy little- ass lady. Sadly, Mya’s and daddy's relationship took a bad turn for the worst because she refused to leave that boy alone.
Mya is the type of person that only wants to hear what she wants to hear. She always has advice for everyone else but would never take that same advice and apply it to herself. When we would try to talk to her about Dante, she would distance herself from everybody, including me. But being the nice person that I am, I never took her attitude or disappearing acts personally, because I’ve learned that the more you try telling someone to leave their shittier other half, it only sends them deeper into that individual, and sadly, they end up turning their back on you instead.
But, back to the present. Mya continues.
“We had words, and I ended up throwing that piece of shit phone at him, and it hit him in the mouth, I guess. All I saw was blood and I knew I had to get the hell out of there. So, I quickly grabbed my keys and ran to my car. He started chasing me and by the time he made it outside, I was already in the car with the doors locked. He started pounding on the window telling me to get out and that it wasn’t what I thought it was, but I drove off. When I finally looked up in the rearview, he was kneeling in the middle of the street. I guess he figured I was gone for good this time, and I am. Hell, I’m tired sis. I even found a grey hair in my head.”
We both start laughing, and I'm just glad she’s able to find a little humor in this mess.
Mya sighs. “You know you’re the only person I can run to, Olivia. So, here I am again, a mess.” She throws her hands in the air, then brings them to her face to cover up her tears. “Please don’t tell daddy. You know how much he loves to say I told you so.”
She is hysterically sobbing, and my only reaction is to hold my sister and help her get through tonight. I will never turn my back on her based on decisions she makes for her relationships because at the end of the day, she knows what she wants. Who am I to tell someone how to handle their life? Hell, I barely have a handle on my own life at times.
“I won’t say anything to anyone. I promise you that. But when Dante starts calling, what do you want me to say?” I ask.
She looks at me and doesn’t say anything and I know exactly what that means. She can care less.
“Okay. You’ll get through this. I promise,” I pat her on the knee. I stand up and head to the kitchen and open the cabinet to grab a wine glass. I shake it in the air to get her attention.
“Drink?” I ask her.
She walks toward the counter. “Absolutely. I need to take my mind off of him, us.” She shakes her head while rolling her eyes in annoyance. “I’m so done this time Olivia. I mean it.” She sighs as she grabs the bottle and chugs it like a drunk before I can even put the glass down and pour her a drink.
“Okay, drunky.” I chuckle. “Do you want to come hang out with me and the homies tonight? We’re celebrating Jamie’s engagement.” I give her a silly look, expressing it will be fun. “Now, that will definitely help take your mind off of Dante, at least for a little bit.”
She looks at me, smiles, and lets out a breath of fresh air. “I knew I came to the right spot but I’mma need to wear something of yours. I can’t go out in jeans and a t-shirt,” She says, as she looks down at her phone and sighs.
“What’s the matter?” I ask.
She sits the phone down on the counter, rolling her eyes. “He won’t stop calling me!”
“Well, keep ignoring it.” I tell her. “Shit. That’s what he gets, and don’t worry about needing something to wear. I got you. Power off your phone. He’s irrelevant now.”
******
We walk into my bedroom and stare into the closet for over a minute before we laugh. There are too many choices to choose from. Ihave a large walk-in closet that is damn near the same size as my bedroom.
“Bitch, you are OCD, like for real, Olivia,” Mya says as she strolls over to my shoes and grabs a few pairs.
I spent last year’s bonus remodeling my closet. I had a dresser built in the middle of the closet that keeps all of my pajamas. My shoe wall is full from top to bottom. Look- a lady has to have a pair of shoes for all seasons, occasions, and reasons. Plus, I like to keep my clothes color- coordinated. It helps me choose for the mood I’m in. For instance, If I’m feeling down, I would go more towards browns and blues, greys, you know, sad colors, and when I feel happy, I choose more brighter colors.
Tonight, though, I’m feeling a bit lucky, so I decide on wearing this emerald green, tight fitting dress that shows every curve on my body. It hits just above the knees and I’mma pair it with some gold strapped heels with a few gold accessories.
The heels give me a few extra inches to play with since my sister and I weren’t blessed with any height, thanks to my mom’s side of the family.
I walk to the bathroom, so I can start getting ready. I apply some eyeshadow, just a few shades of neutral colors, along with a matte plum lipstick I just bought. I comb out my roller wrap that’s now hanging beautifully over my shoulders. Lucky for me, I don’t really need much to enhance my features, because I have been blessed with beautiful bronze copper skin, high cheekbones and a smile that is worth a million bucks.
As I’m standing here looking at myself in the mirror, I can’t help but feel a little self-pity. I seriously want to start stomping my feet on the ground and have a tantrum just like a child because this shit sucks. I need sex, a conversation, something. I mean hell, I just need a man. Period.
Mya comes out of the guest bedroom wearing a black mini dress and a pair of black sandal heels that belt above the ankle. She fixed her bun on top of her head and kept it messy and sexy. My sister looks so cute, but if I’m not mistaken, I think she chose that dress hoping she’ll run into Dante. In fact, I’m one hundred percent sure she chose that dress to get some shit started.
She looks at me all big- eyed. “Wow, sis. You look good. I mean, damn. If you come home solo dolo tonight, you must really have some voodoo hex on you.” she says, as she starts laughing, a little too hard. “I don’t know. Maybe Sylvester did put some juju on me,” I tell her.
Sylvester is an ex that I dated off and on for years. He ended up going away for college a year after we graduated to study law at Harvard. I stayed behind and enrolled in a RN program and finished with a BSN. Sylvester was my first, but not my first love, because I have never been in love.
I cared about him, but to actually tell someone that you are in love, is serious and it shouldn’t be spoken aloud so loosely. He would always say that I would never allow myself to love him, and that I would run as soon as things got too serious, and he was right. I never felt like he deserved all of me, because I didn’t want him as my forever for the simple fact that he just wasn’t forever material for me. He was sneaky as hell, manipulative, and don’t let me forget selfish as shit.
The last time I saw him was almost five years ago, when he begged me to come down there and visit so that he could show me how much he had changed. So, I agreed, like a dummy, and flew all the way to Massachusetts.
Once I arrived and got settled in, I met him at the restaurant he had suggested, only to find this asshole sitting at the table with another woman. He stood up and greeted me with a hug and introduced her to me as his fiancé. In that moment, I pictured myself spiraling out of control, flipping that whole damn restaurant upside down. But I kept my cool and accepted the fact that this guy is, and will always be, a complete asshole. I decided to go along with the game he was playing. I politely sat down at the table, keeping a smile on my face the entire time, while thinking of a million ways I could kill him. It’s crazy, because I have never premeditated a death, until that evening. I took my sweet little time ordering my food and ordered a few
drinks to help take the edge off. Meanwhile, his fiancé was sitting across from me looking like she wanted to either put her hands on me or burst out crying. I mean like, what kind of woman would actually go along with a scheme like that?
Once my taxi arrived, I remember crying the entire ride back to my hotel. He called me every day until I finally changed my number. I realized then that Sylvester was into playing games and he thought I was a pawn on his chessboard. But in the end, I checkmated his ass.
DING! DING! DING! The doorbell rings, and Mya answers to let Jamie inside.
Jamie and I have been friends since we were like two years old. Our daddies were college roommates and worked in the same line of business. Jamie’s dad is now a retired judge and my father is a retired DA.
She walks in already buzzed. I can tell because she is talking loud and dancing to the music in her mind. Jamie is very cute, she has naturally curly blond hair that hangs down past the middle of her back and fair skin. Her eyes are bright aqua blue, and she is a few inches taller than me. Well, everyone is taller than me except for Mya.
“Hey Mya,” Jamie says as she heads straight towards the kitchen.
“I’m glad you're coming with us tonight. I thought you would be all up
under Mr. Rated R. You know how you like to ditch us for that stripper.” she laughs. “It’s cool though. He finally let you come hang out, huh?”
Mya looks at her with an annoyed look and then cuts her eyes over at me. Jamie on the other hand, isn't paying Mya any attention because she is too busy in the kitchen pouring shots.
“Girl, please. She don’t know,” I whisper to Mya as I put my keys and ID in my clutch. OMG! My sister is crazy.
Jamie walks from around the counter wearing a tight-fitted leather mini skirt that zips up the side, and of course, it’s unzipped. The woman has legs for days, and she loves showing them off. She is also wearing a black sheer bodysuit, that shows her black bra underneath.
Jamie hands us shots of tequila, we cheer and head towards the door.
Chapter 2
Olivia
Outside sits the Excursion we’re riding in for the night. It’s black with tinted windows. The driver stands by the back door, holding it open for us. He’s an older gentleman and his features kind of resemble an older version of Laurence Fishburne.
“Ladies.” He tilts his hat and gestures for us to climb in.
The bar inside the limo is loaded! It has vodka, tequila, wine, and all kinds of juices and mixers. We make ourselves drinks, clink glasses and head off to pick up Trisha.
“Let’s make a toast,” Mya says, reaching her glass toward us. “Fuck men, and party on,” Tears are beginning to build up in her eyes.
Jamie looks confused as she glances over at me. I just shake my head.
“Go ahead, Mya, and tell her what happened,” I can’t seem to hold back a laugh because this whole situation is nuts. “But you really do need to pull it together. You didn’t do anything wrong to be the one crying right now. Yes, he hurt you, but it’s not like you lost anything.” I say, finishing the rest of my drink.
Mya and I give each other tough love, but it is our honesty to one another that keeps our bond so strong. Plus, I don't want to hear about this shit again. I reach for the vodka and think for a moment. I better be mindful of what I’m drinking, because the last thing I want to do tonight is mix my liquor. Been there; done that.
Mya starts explaining to Jamie what happened as we pull up in front of Trisha’s house.
Trisha is outside standing on the porch, wrapped in her husband's embrace, laughing at whatever he’s whispering in her ear.
“Damn it, Charleston! Don’t start party blocking like you always do!” Jamie yells out the window.
“Shut up, Jamie. You just better enjoy your last night out and stop calling me by my government name all the time,” Charles yells back, before giving Trisha a kiss on the cheek.
Jamie rolls her eyes as she rolls the window up. “I hope that’s not true,” Jamie says as she slumps back into her seat.
“Of course not, girl,” I remind her. “Has Brandon ever told you that you weren’t allowed to have fun without him?” I give her a questioning look. “We all know that man only wants you to be happy.”
“No, he hasn’t. I know he’s not like that. I just don’t want marriage to change things, you know? I enjoy spending time with my friends and-”
Before she can even finish her sentence, Mya speaks up. “And continue doing that. You have a good dude, Jamie, so don’t start doubting shit now. Maybe it’s the liquor that got you thinking too hard. If it is, stop drinking, bitch, because you don’t have any problems to worry about. I do.” Mya pours herself another shot and throws it back. “Can somebody please get Trisha’s ass in here, so we can go!”
Mya’s mood is one that can change in a millisecond. I guess it’s the Gemini in her, because my sister is borderline bipolar.
“Shut up, Mya,” Jamie playfully says, “You just focus on not answering your damn phone.”
We are all like sisters. We argue, we fight, but we love the hell out of one another, and would go to war if needed.
And with that, the door opens up and Trisha climbs in.
“Oh, my good damn girl! No wonder Charles was trying to keep you from leaving.” I say, checking my friend out.
Trisha looks gorgeous. Her hair is cut into a long bob that is bouncing from left to right and hangs perfectly framing her round face. She is wearing a short, backless black dress with silver strap stiletto heels.
“Damn, Trish you look good! Don’t get pregnant tonight, bitch, especially by the way Charles was looking. He go try to trap yo ass again,” Mya tells her.
My sister is a trip, but we all burst out laughing because we know that has some truth to it. Trisha and Charles already have two kids. Boston just turned three and Harlem is six months. And if it was left up to Charles, they would have like five kids by now.
“I just hope you threw that Easter dress away,” Jamie says all serious like.
“No, I didn’t. I just put it far back in my closet for when you might need it,” Trisha says, rolling her eyes and giving Jamie a playful smile.
We can’t stop laughing. I actually have tears running down my cheeks. I know the liquor is making this whole conversation funnier for all of us. We are all talking loudly and joking around like we always do. Trisha finally caught up with us on the drinking meter, so we are all on the same level now.
As we’re driving through downtown, I can’t help but notice just how pretty the city is when all the lights are on at night. There are so many clubs, bars, and restaurants to choose from in this area. I just hope we make a good choice and have some fun!
The driver looked up in his rear-view mirror. “Is this spot okay to drop you ladies off?”
Jamie scoots closer to the driver window. “Yes, it is. Thank you! Are you going to stay around the area in case we need you sooner than expected?”
“Yes ma’am. I will be parked on that side of the street the entire night.” He points to his left. He gets out of the limo and comes around to our side opening the door like a gentleman.
Trish steps out first. “Thank you, Victor,” She says. Sounding like a schoolgirl.
“Ma’am.” He grins and tilts his hat.
Once we’re all out of the limo, we stand outside debating which club to hit up first.
“One of my clients was at that new club Sky last weekend, and they said the music is good and there's not a lot of young kids hanging around,” Jamie suggests, shrugging her shoulders.
Trish is dancing to the music that we hear outside from one of the clubs. “Let’s go there then. And if that club is whack, we can bar hop.”
Mya looks at Trisha, laughing. “Hold up. I gotta say this before I forget, but who said the driver’s name was Victor? Trish? His name tag clearly spelled out Earl.”
I didn’t even pay attention to the man’s name.
“Well, shit. He looks like a fucking Victor to me,” Trisha rolls her eyes and chuckles. “With his old ass.”
“We love you, Trish!” Jamie starts yelling, throwing both hands in the air.
This only means one thing- she’s drunk. Hell, we’re all turned up.
******
We walk into Sky, not knowing that the line would be long as shit.
“Aww, hell naw!” Mya blurts out. “I’m not gonna make it in these heels.”
“Don’t worry. I got this,” Trisha says.
She walks up to one of the bouncers and tells him something. I can tell he’s listening to someone on the other end of his earpiece. He offers us our own VIP section- on the house. Who would’ve thought that could even happen, but it did.
In the club, all you see is glowing shades of purple and blue lights. Crystal chandeliers are cascaded throughout the place. Candles are lit on the bars and tables in VIP. The dance floor is huge and shows a reflection of water dancing on it from the lights. At every corner of the club, there are large white circle shaped bars with the bartenders positioned in the middle serving drinks.
All the workers are in uniform. The waitresses have on black highwaisted pencil skirts with white crop tops that have SKY written across the chest in black letters. The bartenders wear black fitted tshirts with the name of the club written in white. We make it to our area and there’s a huge U- shaped white couch and long, white floorto- ceiling length curtains separating each VIP area. Each section is open to the dance floor.
Our waitress introduces herself. “Hello ladies. My name is Tiffany. I’ll be serving you all tonight. All the drinks are on the house, even top shelf.”
She’s a cute girl with a southern accent. She looks professional. Actually, all of the workers do.
“Damn. On the house?” Jamie looks over at me, questioning all of this free shit we’re going to get.
“Yes, on the house.” Tiffany repeats, smiling.
“Okay. Do you guys serve any food?” I ask.
“We do, but it’s only appetizers and thangs like that.” Tiffany replies. “I’ll bring over a menu soon as I get you ladies started on some drinks.”
We give her our orders and she is back within a couple of minutes. I’m digging this whole V.I.P treatment, so I end up ordering something to eat to soak up this liquor. And of course, these drunk heffas helped me eat it all.
Jamie is on the dance floor, dancing with Trish, while Mya sits on
the sofa looking a bit in the dumps, staring at her phone. I scoot closer
to her.
“Now, don’t be a Debbie Downer tonight, boo boo. We’re all here for each other. So, drink up girl! We turning up!”
I bump my shoulder to hers and she gives me a grin. She’ll beokay. It’s time for both of us to start a new chapter in this book called LIFE. “Plus, I thought I told you to power off your phone.” I remind her. “He’s yesterday's news. Tomorrow will be better, I promise.”
“I know. You’re right. So, come on. Let’s dance,” Mya says, as she grabs my hand. I love the way my sister can bounce back after a downfall. She’s always been this way.
We all hit the dance floor because a Rihanna song is playing. We dance through three more songs.
I start to get hot and I do not want to start sweating and take a chance of messing up my hair. I tell the girls I’ll be back and make my way to the restroom to freshen up a bit.
The line is sort of long, and the girls in front of me are twerking and gyrating while they wait. One of them better not step on my feet with those high ass heels on. As I’m looking around the club, I notice a figure standing in the far corner on the other side of the room facing my direction. I look over my shoulder to see if they’re looking at someone else, but the only thing beside me is the wall. Who is that? I squint so I can figure out what exactly I’m looking at, and who’s looking at me.
A sudden sense of discomfort sweeps over my body and has me feeling sick and nervous. Is this it? Has karma finally showed up? I think to myself.
Something wet splashes on my toes and makes me look away. This damn girl done spilled her drink and of course it has to land on my feet. She immediately turns to me and apologizes.
“It’s okay,” I tell her, waving it off. I have to get my mind back to where it was before I was rudely interrupted. Once I look back over in that same corner, there is no one there. I turn around scoping the place out but see nothing out of the ordinary like before.
As I make it into the restroom, I sit on the toilet, much longer than I expected. I feel myself starting to have a panic attack. My heart rate speeds up, and I start to feel light- headed. A knock on the stall startles me.
“Lady, you okay in there? I have to piss,” some girl says, with a little stank in her voice.
Am I okay? I have to be. “Yeah, I’m fine. I’ll be out in a minute,” I reply.
I start taking deep breaths just like I learned to do in therapy. All that money daddy paid and that’s all I took from it. I pull myself together, stand up, and open the door. “There. Go and piss,” I tell her.
I head towards the bar to get a water. Hopefully it will help bring down my nerves because this club is so crowded, I can barely think. It's too overwhelming. The music doesn't sound like music anymore because the whistling noise in my ears overpower any and all background noise. My vision starts to become blurry as I strain my eyes, trying to keep them open. I seriously feel like I’m spinning in a drunk funnel cloud, all alone with no control of my body that is slowly giving out on me. There’s nothing I can do about it.
Out of nowhere, a breeze blows over me, and I’m pulled into the tightest but cherished embrace I’ve ever felt. Everything's happening so fast, I completely lose all strength in my limbs and collapse in this poor person’s arms. I know I’m probably looking like a complete drunk right now, with my face completely buried into a stranger's chest, but I can't help but feel protected and safe. I’m also enjoying the feeling of their hands brushing up and down my back in this caring gesture. I close my eyes and take in the longest breath I can possibly take in this moment, and I’m surprised at how my body reacts to this sense of familiarity.
He whispers in my ear. “Are you alright? Let me know if you’re not.”
His voice is so beautiful, deep and low, and I love the way his breath feels against my flesh. It’s sending vibrations through my body, especially to my vagina. I’m truly trying to pull myself together, so I can get a look at the man who rescued me from my pit of worry. I don't know how long I’ve been in this man's embrace while fighting the urge to pull back, but I have to know who he is.
I step back, and place my hand on my forehead, trying to regain my composure. When I finally focus on his face, I’m mesmerized by this gorgeous man, one that only God could make, and he’s placed right in front of me. He’s everything this moment has promised me. His shoulders are broad, his chest is tight and strong, and his complexion is flawless and smooth like chocolate. He is a heavenly looking man, perfect and powerful like an angel walking the earth.
He has a full beard that is the perfect length and lined to perfection, and his hair reminds me of an ocean of waves. But his most mesmerizing feature are his eyes. They glow of light brown with hints of grey and green, they are very alluring, and I can’t help but feel like I have been pulled into this warp once before.
He’s wearing a grey fitted suit with a white dress shirt that has the top button undone, showing off the strength in his neck. I love seeing a man in a nice suit. It just shows confidence, control, and screams that this man is about his business.
“Are you okay, sweetheart?” He’s starts to look worried.
“Yes. Yeah. I’m fine. I just need some water.” I shake my head, trying to pull myself together. I have to break this connection. I start to turn around and walk away, but I immediately feel light headed again. This time, it has nothing to do with my anxiety. It’s due to him. I need to get away from this man before I find myself saying or doing something, I’ll later regret.
“Hey, you don’t have to take off. Just stay close to me and I can get you something to drink,” he tells me.
He stares at me with these damning eyes. I should look away, but I can’t break this spell.
I nod my head in agreeance and walk with him to the bar. He wraps his arm around my waist, and I can only hope that he’ll drop his hand down just a little lower and lift up my dress and take me right here, right now, in the middle of this dance floor. Damn, I sound desperate, but I can’t shake this feeling. Plus, he has me getting all hot and bothered.
We move through the crowd so swiftly, like we are the only two people here. As we approach the bar, he gestures to the bartender for a water. The bartender gives him the thumbs up and I’m drinking my water within seconds. I’m actually starting to feel a lot better.
“Thank you,” I tell him, as I lean on the bar, finally starting to feel myself again.
“It’s my pleasure. Just glad I saw you when I did, or you might’ve been leaving here on a stretcher,” he smiles, showing off his perfect white teeth.
I chuckle at the thought, but I still can’t seem to take my eyes off of him.
I stare at him a second longer, then it dawns on me.
“I know you. Well, I don’t know you, but I’ve seen you before. At the Hampton campaign years ago?” I point my finger at him.
Now, that day is vivid in my mind. The beard is what threw me off, but these eyes, I could never forget. Around eight years ago, my family and I attended this fancy luncheon for this up- and- coming political prospect, Christopher Hampton, who was running for state Senate. This guy was one of his security guards. Chris was walking around the room doing a fake meet and greet as he approached our table. He had two men standing close guarding him, like he was somebody important.
My dad introduced us all one by one, and when he came to introduce me, I reached my hand out to shake his. Instead, he brought my hand to his lips and placed a long-wet kiss on my fingers. I did not like his gesture at all, and I quickly pulled my hand away and gave a fake ass grin. There was just something about him that made me feel uncomfortable.
When I looked over at his security, this guy was standing there clenching his jaw and I could see the veins pulsing in his neck. He was standing so close to me I could feel his energy, and something happened between us in that moment. I didn’t know if he was angry with me or Mr. Hampton for touching me, but he was pissed. When they started to walk over to the next table, he gave me an intense stare that burned something deep in my soul. I caught his scent that was drifting by me and I remember taking him deep into my lungs. That entire afternoon I could feel him watching me, because I was watching
him to.
So here we are a whole eight years later, and our paths have crossed again. So, this has to be fate. Right? I feel like a creep by the way I keep staring at him, but I can’t help myself. He was fine back then, but damn. Fine is an understatement to describe this man now. He is divine.
He gives me the biggest smile. “Yes, I remember. It’s Olivia, right?”
“It is. You have a good memory. Thanks for helping me, though.” Damn, he remembers my name. But the funny thing is, I never told him. Hell, we never even spoke to one another until now.
“It’s my pleasure, beautiful. So, who are you here with?” he asks, getting straight to the point.
Someone clears their throat beside us, making our conversation cease for a moment. I look over my shoulder and it’s Trisha and Jamie.
“Hey, girl. Who’s your friend?” Trisha asks with her eyebrow lifted.
“Umm.” I’m at a loss for words.
“Hello, ladies. My name is David. It’s a pleasure to meet you both.”
He’s charming and beautiful, and now I finally have his name.
David. That just sounds like a real man’s name. A warrior’s name. Oh-the thoughts that are streaming through my mind right now!
He reaches out to shake their hands and luckily, they both reciprocated.
“Nice to meet you, David. I’m Jamie.” She looks at me all big eyed. “We were wondering where you were, O. You been gone too long. Is everything okay?”
“Yeah, it is now. I was starting to feel a little sick, but my guardian angel here appeared,” I say, as I look over at David. He smiles back at me, looking pleased with my response.
“Well, let’s go sit down. My feet hurt,” Trisha says, as she turns around, heading back to our VIP section.
I look at David and gesture for him to join us. This is my second chance, and there is no way in hell I’m letting him get away this time.
He hesitates. “I would love to, but unfortunately, I have some business to finish up here.” he says calmly.
Immediately, I can feel the heat boiling in my veins, and now I’m pissed for some reason. He doesn’t owe me anything. He was just at the right place at the right time.
He slightly tilts his head to the right, checking me out. “Don’t worry, baby. This isn’t goodbye.” He says as he leans over and gives me a slow, long kiss on the cheek. He must’ve sensed that I was upset.
I lean into the kiss and close my eyes to savor this feeling I’m having in this very moment.
“Okay,” I whisper, finally feeling relaxed, because I actually believe him.
He turns around to walk away and, just like that, he’s gone. Again.
We party for a couple more hours and by the end of the night, we’re all tired and drunk. My feet are on fire. We make it across the street towards the limo and there stands Victor. I mean, Earl. Shit. Who cares?
“Did you ladies have a good time tonight?” he asks.
“Absolutely, Phil,” Mya slurs, as she climbs into the back seat.
Once we’re all in the car, shoes are kicked off and Mya is lying down on the seat asleep. Me, on the other hand, I can’t stop thinking about that kiss David gave me. It keeps replaying over and over in my head and I’m feeling myself getting turned on, again. But most importantly, I’m just glad to finally be able to put a name with his face.
Strangely, there is just something about him that has me feeling feelings I have never felt before. And on top of that, I’ve never wanted a man the way I seem to want him. It just feels right. The connection between the two of us is inexplicable. On the flip slide, I’m nervous as hell because it all just feels too right.
Trisha starts asking me questions about David. “So, where did he have to go?”
I shrug my shoulders. “He just said he had some business to finish up.”
“Hmm. Very mysterious.” Trisha grins.
I close my eyes as Jamie lays her head on my shoulder.
“Well, I just want you to know you two looked good standing there together. He’ll find you, because he looks like the kind of man who gets what he wants.” Jamie reassures me.
I hope she’s right, because Jamie has always been good at relieving my mind.