by Blue Saffire
“I think you’re trying to become my best friend,” She moaned tiredly. “I so need this. Thank you.”
Sitting up she turned her back to me to give me better access.
“No problem. You look tired. Maybe I should’ve taken you home.”
“What and miss this? Your hands feel amazing.”
“Oh yeah,” I chuckled before reluctantly saying. “I can take you home after we eat if you want.”
“Nope, I’m fine. I sort of missed you.”
“I missed you too,” I breathed in her ear as I wrapped my arms around her, pulling her back into my embrace.
Turning her face toward mine, she reached for the back of my neck. As she stared in my eyes I leaned in to kiss her. It started out nice and soft, a sweet kiss. Until her perfume filled my head, followed by a low sigh.
I reached for her face, adding more passion to the kiss. She moved to turn her body toward mine, raising to her knees to wrap her arms around my neck. I gently grabbed her waist, pulling her into my chest. Both of our breathing increased. Crystal tried to press her body as close as she could get. I’d been just about to pull her into my lap when the doorbell rang.
Just that fast I’d forgotten we were waiting for dinner. I released her to open the door. Once I’d paid for the food, I took the pizza to the table and retrieved plates from the kitchen. I figured I better get her something to eat, not to mention I was hungry myself. I wanted her to stay but if she didn’t want to I wanted to at least make sure she ate.
Placing the plates on the table, I watched as she walked towards me. I never noticed how small she was compared to me. We were both without shoes, revealing how much taller than her I truly was. I found it kind of cute.
I pecked her on the lips once she reached me, drawing a smile from her lips. We piled our plates with food, going back into the living room to sit on the couch.
I loved the pinwheels from the pizza place I ordered from. Crystal had never had one, prompting me to talk her into trying mine. I laughed at the look of pleasure on her face when she took her first bite.
I had a feeling it was now on her list of favorites. Noting that for the future reference, I gave her the rest of the pinwheel from my plate. It didn’t take long for us to fall into an easy banter.
“How are things coming with your party? Your mother still planning?” I asked.
“Ugh, she’s the reason I’m so drained,” she groaned.
“A lot to deal with?”
“You would not believe.” She huffed, pressing together those sexy lips.
Honestly, she looked exhausted just thinking about it. Her shoulders sagged as she told me a little more about the planning of her party.
“She means well, but she’s been driving me crazy the last few days,” Crystal frowned, moving to change the subject. “How’s your mom?”
“She’s good. Keeping me in check as usual,” I nodded.
“That’s good,” she laughed.
We fell into more topics. The comfort level between us growing by the minute. I enjoyed the time I got to spend with her. It was something I never find with anyone else.
“So Lee, did you miss me?” she asked, once our plates were empty before us.
“You have no idea,” I said, taking her plate to place it on the coffee table with mine.
“What would your mother think about me?” she quizzed. “I know she must stay on top of you about the women you date.”
“I think she would love you.” I shrugged.
My mother is extremely laid back. If I like someone she accepts my judgment. Crystal didn’t have to worry about that.
“Really? Why is that?”
“I don’t know, you’re smart, you cook, and you’re focused. I think she would feel relieved that she doesn’t have to worry about me with you in my life.”
“Do you feel that way? Like I’d take care of you?” she asked with a grin on her lips, tilting her head to the side.
I shrugged my shoulders. My eyes searching her pretty face. I have a million and one thoughts about her running through my head.
“I think, I’m still trying to figure that out, but I believe so,” I replied.
“Is that what you want?” she asked seductively. “Do you want me to take care of you?”
I moved closer to her and put my hands on her waist. Our connection was undeniable. I could feel it tugging us together.
“I want to take care of you,” I breathed in her face, before kissing her lips. “But yeah, I would like if you took care of me too.”
She stared up at me, biting her lip. Confusion settled across her face as thoughts turned in her head. I could see the gears turning. I gave her time, not wanting to rush her or make her decide to leave. Little did I know that’s exactly where her thoughts were headed.
“Lee, maybe I should go,” she murmured.
“Did I say something wrong?”
“No,” she said. Discomfort covering her expression as she looked back at me. “You said something right. I like you a lot. I don’t trust myself with you. It would just be better if I go.”
She stood up to retrieve her boots. I tried to think of something, anything, to say to stop her but nothing came to mind. I was usually a quick thinker in this department but not with Crystal. She made me second-guess everything.
“I’ll take you home,” I finally responded.
“No, that’s okay. I’ll take a cab.”
“Wow, is it that bad? I’m an emergency date,” I teased.
“No,” she laughed. “You have practice in the morning, right? I’m taking care of you.”
“Well, me making sure you get to campus safely would be taking care of you,” I tossed back, wrapping my arms around her.
“Don’t worry about it. I’ll be safe. You look tired too. I’ll just give you a call when I get to the dorm.”
“You sure? It’s not a problem. I can take you,” I reassured her.
“No, I’m good.”
“Then I’ll pay for the cab.”
“No, you won’t,” she grinned. “You can walk me downstairs though. Give me less time to have to miss you.”
My heart danced to the sound of her words. I’d already begun to miss her. Still, I was glad to know she would miss me as well. I started punching holes in my thoughts concerning all the things Sean had been drilling into my head.
Crystal was the first girl to turn down money from me. It didn’t feel like she was playing games, but I was so into her I couldn’t be sure. I was still a little apprehensive, just in case.
I walked her down to hail her a cab, kissing her good night. When I got back upstairs I cleaned up and got some homework done while I waited for her to call me. I was anxious to know when she arrived at her dorm safely.
I was tired, but I didn’t want to lie down and miss her call. I busied myself with some cleaning and mentally running through a few plays we’d be focused on in the morning. Time flew by as I got lost in the mundane tasks before eventually settling in with a textbook.
It didn’t take much time for her to get to campus. My phone rang while I fought my way through reading. I picked up, rubbing my eyes.
“Hello,” I yawned into the phone.
“Hey baby, what’s up? Did I wake you?” Rachael’s voice came through the other end.
“Oh, Ma, what’s up, look this isn’t a good time.”
“Lee, when can I see you again?” she asked.
“I don’t know about that,” I tried to sound polite.
Rachael had been blowing my phone up for days. I would never have given her my number. I was still pissed I left my phone around in the first place.
“Oh…did I do something wrong?”
“I thought we were just kicking it that night. I am kind of focused on the game. I’m not looking for a relationship,” I replied.
“But I thought we were having a good time. It doesn’t have to be a relationship.”
“Yeah, I just don’t think this is going to wo
rk.”
A pause came on the other end. I just wanted to hang up and was seriously considering it. At the same time, my other line started to beep. I knew it was Crystal. I needed to go.
“Listen, like I said this isn’t a good time. I’ve got to go,” I said, hanging up to answer Crystal.
“Hello,” I called once I switched over.
“Hey, Lee,” responded the voice I wanted to hear. “I’m safe and in my room about to pass out in my bed.”
“Okay,” I chuckled. “Can I call you tomorrow?”
“If you can catch me in between classes, sure,” she yawned.
“Alright, cool, goodnight.”
“Goodnight.”
I hung up and took my butt to bed. I was tired and I would need to be rested in the morning. The coaches wanted to change things up a little. I need to be ready to hold down my spot.
Chapter 8
The Last to know
Wednesday was painful. Between my schedule and Crystal’s, I barely got to speak to her for five minutes. I didn’t realize how busy I would get with my success on the field. It was as if my agent had me on speed dial. Every five minutes he’d call with something new.
Don’t get me wrong, I was definitely excited for all the attention and success. The opportunities were amazing for my rookie year. I just didn’t realize how fast it would all happen.
Kenny’s shop brought me a needed dose of reality. Kenny and Kim always kept it real with me. I wanted their opinion on Crystal, as well as some of the offers coming my way for endorsements.
My mom always gives me good advice. I just hadn’t told her about Crystal yet. I wanted to make sure she’s the one I want to take home to my mother.
“Lee, you’re bugging. Crystal is a good girl. She’s what you need to be dealing with and not them birds in the club. You think I haven’t been putting my ear to the streets? I know what you been up to,” Kim said, as she narrowed her eyes at me.
“Cut me some slack, Kim.” I laughed.
“This isn’t funny, Lee. I warned you before. That Rachael chick, she’s bad news.”
“Wow, Kim,” I sat up in my seat. I was truly shocked. “You be spying on me like that? I was with her once and I told her I’m not interested.”
“Honey, you don’t understand. Once is all chicks like her need. I hope you were careful,” Kim said, sounding truly concerned.
“Man, I told you before, leave them club birds alone. Crystal is definitely where it’s at and she likes your fool behind,” Kenny grumbled.
“I don’t see you staying away from them club birds,” I teased Kenny.
“You don’t see me with millions of dollars yet either,” Kenny retorted, turning his mouth up at me in a sour frown. “Them girls aren’t tryin’ to trap me, Son. You on the other hand, my dude, they are.”
“Well, what makes you think Crystal isn’t trying?” I asked.
Kim burst out laughing. She walked away shaking her head. Kenny frowned at me while he shook his head, going back to focusing on the client before him.
Kenny looked like he wanted to hit me or something. I wanted to know what made them so sure about Crystal. Kenny looked up at me again, repeating the shake of his head.
“Stupid,” Kenny said under his breath, shaking his head some more.
I folded my arms across my chest and frowned. Turning, I stared out of the shop window lost in thought. A few minutes ticked by before a purple Maserati pulled up.
My brow lifted in curiosity. Usually I was the only one to pull up in cars that exotic. I laughed, turning to Kenny.
“So you stepping up your clientele,” I teased, nodding out the window.
Kenny looked up to see what I was talking about and roared with laughter. He looked at me with a curious gaze, again shook his head. I shrugged my shoulders at him. I was obviously missing something.
“Stupid,” Kenny said again, this time loud enough for me to truly hear.
I looked back outside to see Crystal come from around the driver’s side of the Maserati. She opened the trunk and pulled out her laptop before making her way into the shop. She looked like a super model in a pair of knee high grey boots and a black flared out mini skirt. A grey knit top finished it all off, hanging from those sexy shoulders just the way I like.
I sat confused and suddenly annoyed. How does a girl with a food budget and emergency date budget have a hundred and twenty something thousand-dollar car? Why didn’t I know she had it? Was it because she was a gold digger? Was she that good at what she did?
I would hide something like that if I were playing a role too. I watched her walk into the shop just like all the other guys were. She walked straight over to me, placing a kiss on my cheek. I didn’t know how to respond. I sat in stunned silence.
“Hey, Lee,” she chimed with a big grin. “Sorry I couldn’t get here sooner.”
“No problem,” I answered. “So which budget is the Maserati in?”
My curiosity got the better of me. I needed to hear the answer to this one. Some things weren’t adding up for me.
A puzzled look crossed her face. Her eyes looked deep into mine. A quick laugh left her lips.
“The…I’m a spoiled brat budget.” She shrugged and walked away to go talk to Kim.
“Yo, Lee, you about to mess that up, big time,” Kenny hissed at me.
“What makes you so sure she’s alright Kenny?” I grumbled. “How you know she ain’t got some dude or dudes buying her expensive cars?”
It didn’t dawn on me until that very moment how nice Crystal truly dressed. Her bags alone should have tipped me off. I know girls that hustle that don’t have the types of bags that Crystal has. Her clothes looked more in the price range of the stuff I see other players’ wives wear. For example, the boots she was wearing today were clearly high quality and she had a Gucci bag on her arm.
“Son, have you been asking her about her family? Did you even ask her who her father is?” Kenny laughed. “Stupid.”
“Yo, man, you got one more of those before I tackle you.”
“Yeah, well, you mess this up and you gonna be saying it to yourself,” he chuckled.
Crystal came back over, but as hard as I tried, I couldn’t get out of my funk. I had too many things going on in my head. Her car, Sean’s voice, her change in interest in me, and her talks of budgets—when it was clear she wasn’t on one driving a car like that.
“Do you want to get started?” she asked.
“Yeah, you have the surveys?”
“I just realized I left them in the car. I was rushing to see you,” her face twisted a little as the words left her mouth. Disappointment surfaced on her pretty face before she spoke her next words. “I’ll go get them.”
I watched her walk outside. Neil, one of my boys that’s always smooth with the ladies walked up to the shop just as she reached her car. He stopped to watch Crystal, following her inside as she returned. Neil stays fly. One look will tell you that he gets his paper. He’s a smooth dude, not hood at all when it comes to his game.
I sat back to watch Crystal’s reaction to him. Surely if she’s about brothers with money she would reveal a lot with a sly talker and shot caller like Neil. At least, that’s what I’d told myself.
“Excuse me,” Neil called reaching into his pocket to pull out his card.
Crystal frowned but turned to answer.
“My name is Neil,” he said, extending the card to her. “I’ve never seen you here before are you from around here?”
Crystal turned to look at me then mouthed ‘help.’ I shrugged my shoulders at her, but remained in the chair I was seated in. Her face became furious. I wasn’t sure what I was thinking anymore.
“No,” I heard her answer as she turned back, ignoring the card in his outstretched hand.
“You mind telling me your name?” Neil quizzed.
“My name is Crystal, but honey, let me save you some time. I’m not interested. I don’t have time for whatever you want. But you h
ave a nice day,” she said politely and turned to throw the surveys in my lap before storming past me.
“You don’t listen,” Kenny sighed. “You mind if I holla, cause you done.”
He chuckled, shaking his damn big ass head at me again.
Crystal disappeared into the back office with Kim for hours. I worked on getting the surveys taken care of. Luckily, one of the girls from the shop tried to help. We were there until closing. Plenty of time for me to think about what had happened.
Kenny made it seem like I was missing a key point to all of this. Crystal talked about her family on a few occasions but I can’t say it was enough to clue me off to anything out of the ordinary.
I know she goes home to see them, but to be honest, I don’t even know where home is. I’m always answering her questions about me. I never got too deep into her life other than the party her mother’s planning for her.
Now that I think of it, the place her party is going to be at seems like it’s going to be seriously nice. She had texted me the address along with the date so I could see if I could make it. But that didn’t mean much. People throw parties at fancy places to show off all the time.
I was so annoyed I couldn’t think straight. All I could hear was Sean in my head. I started to get pissed because I’m more than capable of thinking for myself. I should’ve never let Sean’s words creep into my head in the first place.
“Can you copy those and bring them to class next week?” Crystal asked, interrupting my thoughts.
“Yeah,” I answered looking down at the surveys I collected. “Can we talk?”
“No, we’re done with that,” she said curtly. “Let’s just get this project done.”
Kenny chuckled, shaking that damn head for the millionth time while cleaning to lock the place up. I wanted to throw something at him. Kim tossed me a mean glare, narrowing her eyes at me with her arms across her chest. I knew I was in for it with her.
“So Crystal, I’ll meet you at the dorm around ten?” Kim chimed, now ignoring me.