by Blue Saffire
“Yeah.”
“Good, now go get dressed.”
I laughed as I walked away to get ready for my day. I was in such a good mood. Yes, I was a little disappointed I wouldn’t get to spend time with Crystal again until Friday, but I was still happy with the knowledge she was mine.
I dropped her on campus before making my way to practice. When I got there, there wasn’t one person that didn’t have a comment about the smile on my face. Sean even had the nerve to have something to say. He knew where the smile came from. I’m sure he wanted to be the one smiling.
My good mood carried over into my focus during practice. I noticed that I’d even picked up some speed on the field. My arm felt great too. The coaches recognized the changes and commented on the improvements. I had a great day.
After practice I decided to go see my mother in Connecticut. I wanted to talk to her in person about Crystal. In person, she wouldn’t be able to hide her true feelings. With my mom, everything shows on her face.
When I got to her house, my mother was on the phone with one of my aunts. I raided the refrigerator for something to eat, before making myself comfortable on the couch in front of the TV. I made myself right at home.
I always loved going to see my mom. She would spoil me with attention. As a matter of fact, it didn’t take her long to hang up on my aunt to focus on me.
“Hey honey, what brings you this way?” my mom asked.
“What, I can’t just come see my mom?”
“No,” she laughed. “Now, what you want?”
“I want to talk.”
“About?” she asked as she sat next to me, reaching to rub my head.
“Crystal,” I smiled. “My girlfriend. Ma she’s the real deal.”
“I was just waiting to see how long it was going to take you to tell me.”
I frowned at my mother’s words. Kim, I should have known. My mother and Kim always seem to have the scoop on my life before I do. I swear they have little meetings about what I’m up to or getting into.
“Aw man, Kim can’t hold water.” I huff. I couldn’t even be mad. I just had to laugh. “So what do you know?”
“I know she’s a beautiful young lady and she’s in love with you. I know you almost messed up big time. I thought I taught you better than to have girls crying over you,” she replied, slapping the back of my head.
“I ain’t have nobody crying,” I pouted like I was still ten.
“That’s not how Kim told it. This Crystal likes you more than you think. What you did that day hurt her feelings, Lee. Boy, I know I taught you better than that.”
“I didn’t know that, Ma. I wouldn’t hurt Crystal on purpose. I’m in love with her,” I spoke my thoughts out loud.
“She sounds like a great girl. Kim spoke very highly of her. We both know Kim doesn’t like anyone, especially when it comes to her Lee.”
My mom laughed at her own words. Kim being the oldest had always been over protective of Kenny and me. She looked out for me from the time we were little.
“Yeah, Crystal is great. She’s smart, beautiful, ambitious, and she can cook. Boy, can that girl cook. And she knows how to treat me. She makes me feel like a man and makes me want to be a better one.”
“So when do I get to meet her?”
I shrugged. “I don’t know, right now, I’m trying to get time with her. Our schedules are crazy and she’s always so busy.”
“Well, when you two have time, I would like to meet her. Even if I have to come to New York.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
I hung out with my mom for a while before heading back home. Crystal called while I was there, causing my mother to tease me relentlessly. Apparently, I had a huge grin on my face during the call. My mom went in on me for cheesing so hard. I love that my mother and I have that type of relationship.
On my way home, I thought about what my mother said about Crystal and her feelings for me. It bothered me that I made Crystal cry that day at the shop. I was a jerk.
I had a lot to make up for. I should have handled all of that a lot better. It showed immaturity on my part. I needed to start thinking out my actions, especially if I wanted to hold onto a woman like Crystal.
My mind started to think about our future. The campus wasn’t that far from my place and I had the extra parking spot. Crystal could move in with me and we could spend way more time together. It would solve one of our biggest issues.
I would let her study. I knew how important that was to her. I also wanted her to go to my next away game. I knew how busy she was, but I would love for her to make it.
I had a lot to think about and some planning to do. I was going to tell Crystal how I felt about her and soon. I’d always been a man about his. It was how I got as far as I had in the league. I went after the challenges before me until I won the prize. I knew my desired end results. It was time to bring it all to fruition.
Crystal was what I’d always hoped for and I wasn’t trying to let that slip away. According to her plan, things were lining up nicely. We both fit together and into the vision we had for the future. This was the life, the dream.
Everything about Crystal was flawless and perfect for me. I couldn’t have picked a better woman. What could go wrong?
Chapter 13
Her Business
Friday rolled around and I greeted the day at four in the morning. I missed Crystal so much I couldn’t sleep. Restless, I got out of bed, cleaned up, put fresh sheets on the bed, and changed the towels in the bathroom.
I quickly made something to eat, before running through some emails and studying some new plays. When five fifteen rolled around I almost ran out of the door. I arrived at the dorm a little before six, but Crystal was already downstairs.
I opened the trunk for her things, getting out to toss them inside for her. When I moved to open her door, I almost attacked her. Cupping her face in my hands, I kissed her like it was the last time I would ever get the chance.
Crystal clung to my jacket, lifting on her toes to get closer. Her breathing came out in pants when I broke the seal on our lips. I was greeted with a giggle as she pressed her forehead to my chest. I leaned down to kiss the back of her hair, my arms going around her back to hold her tightly to me.
“I missed you too,” she breathed.
“Sorry. Good morning,” I chuckled back. “You look great.”
“Good morning, honey. Thank you,” she lifted her head to beam up at me. “Did you eat?”
“Yeah.”
“Okay. I’ll program your GPS for the salon.”
“Alright.”
I released her to allow her to get into the car once I opened the door. As soon as she was settled, I jogged around to the driver’s side to climb in. I leaned to peck her lips before putting my seatbelt on. She punched in the address while I stroked her cheek with my fingertips.
“Okay, all set. Let’s go. Craig got on my nerves all day yesterday. They’re getting things done faster than I can get the materials. I need to make sure the right sinks and stuff were delivered before they can put them in.”
From the focused look in her eyes and the firmness of her tone, I knew she was all business. It was sexy. The drive and determination tuned me on.
“Alright, I’ll get you there don’t worry,” I replied as my chest swelled.
My girl was about her business. I would do my part to get her there so she could take care of things. I couldn’t wait to see her in her element.
I thought we’d get to talk on the way, but Crystal was on the phone with her contractor as soon as we pulled off. They were arguing from the beginning. I listened to her hold her ground though. I found that very attractive. I will admit though, a part of me wanted to step in as her man. Yet, I could also see she could handle herself.
When we got to the address the GPS led me to, Crystal pointed out a parking lot for me to turn into. I maneuvered into the lot she signaled me toward and parked. It was an impressive looking area.
> “Listen, Craig, I’m here. I’ll be inside in a minute,” she said into the phone and hung up. “Do you like my parking lot?” she turned to me and chimed.
“This is yours?” I asked looking around at the huge lot we were in.
“Yup, I had to have it. I want my customers to have a place to park and not have to worry about finding a spot or feeding meters.”
“You’re amazing, you know that?” I said, leaning to kiss her.
“Mm-um, business first baby.”
I smiled at her, turning to get out and open her door. I reached for her hand as we walked out of the lot. We turned to the right of the lot and I could see the men moving in and out of her salon. From the outside the place looked huge.
When we stepped inside the floors were covered with brown paper and blue painters tape. Crystal released my hand to bend down and peel back a section of the paper. I could see the mahogany hardwood flooring with glass and silver tile inlays that were hidden underneath the covering. I watched the smile that spread across her face as the floors come into view.
While she inspected the floors, a light skinned tall brother made his way towards us with a tight expression on his face. He scowled down at Crystal as he got closer. Crystal stood up, closing the distance between them.
I reached for her hand again to let him know we were together. I didn’t like the look on his face. I wanted to make it clear she wasn’t alone.
“Craig, this is Lee, Lee, this is Craig, my contractor.” Crystal made quick introductions.
“Nice to meet you,” Craig grumbled as I nodded at him, he turned to start ranting at Crystal. “Crystal I need…wait Lee Johnson?”
Craig stopped, cutting off in the middle of his sentence to turn back towards me. Recognition lit his eyes and his mouth dropped open. It was still a reaction I hadn’t gotten used to from fans.
“Yes,” I replied.
He stuck out his hand and I returned the gesture, shaking his hand. He’s entire demeanor changed.
“Oh man, my son loves you. You’ve been doing great, man. Keep up the great work,” he crooned. “Can I have your autograph? It would mean so much to my kid.”
“No problem,” I answered.
“Wait just a minute. Let me get a piece of paper and a pen or something.”
Crystal had already walked off toward a stack of boxes. She had a boxcutter out, slicing them open to peel back the tops and peek inside them. I walked up behind her and placed my hands on her waist. Her face turned up to look at me. The smile on her face was adorable as she beamed.
“You want to see my sinks?” she cooed.
“Of course.”
“I had to have these. They’re glass basins with paint set inside the glass. Aren’t they beautiful?”
I looked in the box, revealing the clear sinks with silver paint embedded inside the glass. They were luxurious and sophisticated. Much like the owner of the shop.
She moved to some other boxes, waving me over.
“These are the stations, similar concept. I wanted to go with a glamorous modern feel,” she explained.
I looked into the box to see one of the stations. It was clear with silver streaks of paint in between the glass panels. One side had a silver panel that kept it from being completely see-through.
“This all looks great,” I said as I pulled her into a hug her. “I’m excited for you.”
“So are we good, Crystal? Can my guys start?” Craig asked as he returned with paper and a marker.
“So far so good,” she chimed.
I took the paper and marker from him. “What’s your son’s name?” I noticed that Craig had even changed his tone towards Crystal.
“Tyrell. Guys, let’s get these sinks and stations going,” he called over his shoulder.
“Craig, you take care of my baby’s place and I’ll make sure you and your son get to enjoy a few games at the stadium. That sound fair?”
“Lee,” Crystal sighed, reaching to pinch me.
“What?”
She only gave me a shy smile. I winked at her, reaching for her to come closer. Tucking her into my side, I dipped to kiss the top of her head.
“That sounds fair. My guys do great work. We’re just having trouble working around Crystal’s schedule,” Craig huffed.
“Get in line,” I laughed.
“Do you want to see the rest of the place?” Crystal snorted.
“Sure.”
“His guys truly are fast. They already finished the rental properties.”
“Rentals? This place is huge.”
“Yeah, that’s why I had to have it. There are rental units upstairs. I’ll take you up when we’re finished with the tour down here.”
As we walked to the back of the salon, I could get a better sense of how large the place actually was. It had a nice open feel. Yet, it was all inviting. Crystal’s face lit up as we walked through.
“Here’s where the sinks will be,” she said while pointing out a wall in the back of the shop. “Over here, in this room will be the brow and lash area. These two rooms next to it are the massage rooms.” She pulled me to the other side. “Over here will be the body waxing rooms.”
She kept a firm hold of my hand as she dragged me back toward the front of the place. Craig followed us as he barked orders to his staff. I could see that a few of his guys wanted to ask for an autograph as well. However, from the look on Craig’s face I’m sure he wasn’t having it.
“Here’s where the stylists will be set up on each side and my station will be here in the center. Craig is putting in glass waterfalls for partitions, which will separate the fellas from the ladies. The front of the place will be all barbers. In the very front where the boxes are will be the waiting area and the reception desk.”
Crystal glowed as she filled me in. I could imagine everything she explained. The place was going to be phenomenal
“This looks like it’s going to be great.”
I was so proud of her. Her dream was coming true right before our eyes. I wanted that for her.
“Come on, I want to show you upstairs.”
Again she pulled me along, looking just like an excited schoolgirl. Her head bounced back and forth, taking in my reaction and looking things over for herself. The smile on her face was priceless.
We went outside and entered a door to the far right of the salon. Crystal walked up a flight of stairs as I followed. We entered a long hallway with four doors. Men were in and out of the door on the right, furthest from us. Crystal went to the first unit, opening the door.
“There are four units, all two bedrooms. I had new hardwoods put in, all new fixtures and stainless steel appliances. Granite countertops in the kitchens and bathrooms.”
We walked through each room as she showed the place off. The apartment was off the hook. She had them paint it neutral colors and the open floor plan was spot on. Crystal was unquestionably about her business.
“I’m going to list them next week. What do you think?” she asked looking concerned.
“Baby, this is poppin’. You’re doing a great job, Ma. For real.”
“Thanks,” she sighed.
We returned to the salon. From the moment we entered, Crystal and Craig were at it again. Although, I could tell he was more cautious now that I was there. I took a step back and let my girl handle her business.
Craig was only making things harder on himself. Crystal was going to get what she wanted anyway. Everything he challenged her on, he turned around and agreed to. It was actually comical.
“Sorry, baby, Craig is good at what he does, but he can be bullheaded,” Crystal said as she came over to me, locking her arms around my waist.
“It’s okay. You take care of your business.”
“Give me a few more minutes to see what Craig is talking about and we can go.”
“No problem. Take your time.”
“You’re the best, come here for a minute,” she said reaching for my face.
I bent int
o her kiss while she lifted up on her toes. Everyone around us disappeared. Anything other than the woman before me was forgotten. They were still moving in and out of the salon, but our focus remained on each other as I deepened the kiss.
My hands moved to her hips, drawing her to me. I had a tight hold of her while devouring her lips. We were lost in each other when I heard someone come through the front door, clearing their throat. Crystal pulled away quickly to look toward the door.
“Oh, hey, Daddy,” she chimed. “Um, Daddy, I want you to meet Lee Johnson. Lee, this is my father, Gregory Livingston.”
I turned to look to the man who had just entered the building. It took a few seconds for reality to set in. I was in total shock. Crystal’s father was Greg Livingston. The Greg Livingston. I never thought about her last name. I know so much about Mr. Livingston. I scanned my brain. He never mentioned a daughter named Crystal.
He and his wife have four kids. The oldest son Gregory Jr., there next oldest was Henry, a daughter, Coco, and their youngest son, Richard. Crystal called her younger brother Ricky. That’s when it clicked. KG kept calling her Coco. I never realized when Greg Livingston talked about his daughter he was using a nickname. That was why it was ringing in my head the other night, but I couldn’t place it.
Now I understood why Kenny and Kim thought I was being so stupid and why the whole thing was so funny to them. I totally understood what Crystal meant about the book, Rules to Staying Focused. Her father wrote it. How had I been so slow?
I quickly pulled myself together, sticking out my hand to shake his. This was such an honor. He looked me over before taking my hand. I wasn’t sure if Crystal had been right about her father liking me. Maybe it was the fact that he just caught me trying to swallow his daughter’s face.
“Nice to meet you, Sir,” I said as I firmly shook his hand.
“Lee Johnson, impressive game last weekend. I’ve been wanting to meet you.”
“Wow, Sir. I’ve really been wanting to meet you. I’ve read your books. That’s what made me enter the MBA program.”
He raised a brow, turning to look at Crystal.