by Love Belvin
He knew I wouldn’t ask him for more money. There was no ensemble that I could think of that would exceed an eighth of the astronomical amount he’d shoved into my account.
“Azmir…you know this is all new to me. Give me some time,” I exhaled, frustrated and now feeling a headache coming on from hearing their suspect exchange and anticipating spending his money.
“Indeed. I’ll call you after your class.”
We ended our chat there. As much as I wanted to ponder my feelings over what I’d just heard, Azmir’s knowledge of my evening schedule without me informing him pushed those contravening thoughts to the back of my mind. But they didn’t evaporate. Instead, I sat there trying to map out a plan of preparation for my time in Vegas. Coincidentally, it would be my first visit. I wanted to look the part and make Azmir proud to have me as his arm candy. I finished my reports and made a call to Adrian for an emergency hair appointment.
The next morning when I had awakened and checked my phone for any correspondence from Azmir, I found an e-mail from his assistant, Brett, detailing my flight and car information for Vegas, making it a reminder for me to make all the arrangements necessary on my end to make this trip happen.
Late that morning, after calling the luxury kennel to book an overnight stay for Azna, I sent a text to LaWanda telling her that I had to fly out of town at the last minute for a friend and I wouldn’t be able to attend this week’s Bible study group meeting. After assuring her it had nothing to do with the girls’ reaction to Azmir, she let me off the hook.
I hurried over to the salon to get my hair done on my extended lunch. Graciously, Adrian had me in and out in just under ninety minutes and I tipped him well for his expediency. I called Chanell to let her know that she’d be seeing me on Friday and not that Thursday night with the strippers. I was happy to know that Azmir wouldn’t attend that part of the celebration either—though I didn’t share that piece of exciting news with her. She was just happy to know that she would be seeing me.
That evening after work, I rushed through a couple of boutiques on a mad quest to find the perfect dress for this event. I was grateful that money wouldn’t be an issue when shopping. I’d only known the appropriate places to go to shop from Azmir’s recent and generous shopping stints for me. I paid close attention to the names on the bags and receipts—when he didn’t hide them.
I’d made it to my third boutique when I landed eyes on the perfect white Sass & Bide stretch bodycon dress, decorated with gold and silver beaded jewelry, stitched from the collar to the outline of my breasts and hips, accentuating my curves. Even the shoulders were decorated beautifully with silver jewels and the back was cut a little low exposing a bit of scapula bones. The dress was long sleeved and stopped inches below my behind.
I paired the dress with metallic gold Christian Louboutin twist-front platform pumps. I knew the look would go perfectly with my simple ponytail with a bit of a poof on top of my head. I chose gold brass-like stud earrings feeling like I didn’t need to go heavy on jewelry considering that which was in the dress already. I had just hoped the ensemble would impress Azmir. By the time I was done with shopping, I luckily had just enough time to slip into a chair at the nail salon to get a mani and pedi. The evening ended perfectly and hearing from Azmir before closing my eyes was the icing on the cake.
That Friday I worked through lunch knowing I had to leave a little early to head straight from work to the airport. Brett texted me the hotel information. I didn’t actually speak to Azmir as he spent half of his day in a meeting and the other half traveling. My flight was extremely short. “What a tease in first class,” I thought. My driver was there waiting for me holding a sign with “Brimm/Jacobs” plastered on it. How cute.
When I arrived at the hotel, the ambiance was nothing short of A.D. Jacobs spectacular in terms of decor. The Vegas energy hit me right away as I walked into the elegant lobby and found my way to the front desk where there was a note from Azmir, no doubt written by the concierge, instructing me to make my way down to the spa for a massage and facial. I thought the gesture was beyond thoughtful and did as he asked.
I was on the table enjoying the stretching of my muscles when he texted me checking in. He told me he would have to meet me at the club because his flight was delayed. I noted it was seven. The plunge in my anticipation level accelerated at record speed at that discovery. I was looking forward to arousing him in one of the two pieces of lingerie I’d purchased for the evening. I tried my best to shake it off. I did so successfully by falling asleep during my massage.
Two hours later, I was back in the glorious and spacious suite preparing for the party. Chanell sent a text asking to meet, but I declined. I had no desire to roll with her girls to a party that I would end up with Azmir at anyway. I took my time properly placing my lace undergarments and applying my make up. I loved my hair. The ponytail allowed for the highlight of my cheekbones, giving them more definition. I applied a burgundy shade of MAC lipstick and liner. Taking a deep exhale in the mirror, I appraised my final look. I was grateful that it all came together.
Wheeeeew! I had just hoped Azmir felt the same.
At the door, I felt the drawing energy before stepping into the club. There was an enlarged poster with the faces of the birthday celebrants outside of the main entrance. I smiled when I saw Kid’s high yellow complexion with neatly braided cornrows. He was fairly tall, trim and always warm to me.
I walked in and scanned the main room. Unsuccessfully, I tried spying the VIP section but it was strategically and obscurely positioned so that those in the common areas couldn’t see the activities of those elite patrons. I didn’t see anyone I knew so I made my way to the bar to order a drink.
Before I could do another read of the room in search of my party, a handsome Caucasian man with glowing green eyes and dark blonde hair sat on the bar stoop to the right of me with a gorgeous smile. I had encountered quite a few undeniably good looking Caucasian men since being on the West Coast, even gone out with a couple. I quickly assessed that this one would have definitely won my attention if I were available.
“You’re stunning in that dress. The designer should be paying you for advertisement. You’re hot!” he charmed.
I blushed at his cute attempt. “Why, thank you.”
“Aaron.” He extended his hand for me to shake it. I obliged.
“Rayna. It’s nice to meet you, Aaron.” Over his shoulder I thought I had seen Wop but it turned out to be a look-alike.
“Are you looking for someone?” he couldn’t ignore my distraction.
I smiled politely. “Yes, I’m here attending a party for a friend and I can’t seem to find anyone I know.”
“Are you sure you’re at the right club? It would be something if you were supposed to be at a different casino altogether.”
I shook my head. “No, I’m at the correct place. I saw his picture outside.”
“Which of the birthday boys? Sam, Man, or Kid?”
I was surprised that he knew them.
“Kid. How do you know him?”
“I coordinate and promote the parties here.” He handed me his card and I placed it on the bar next to my clutch. I had no need for it but he didn’t have to know that.
“How do you know him?” he asked with flirtatious eyes. He was being a little forward. I noticed his chiseled chin. Very handsome.
“We have mutual friends.” That was true when you considered Chanell and Azmir.
“Oh, okay because I was hoping you weren’t a close friend of his and he didn’t properly inform you that his party would be in a VIP area.” His chin was tilted making it clear he was flirting.
Oh! That’s where they are? I wondered if Azmir had even arrived yet or was he up in the suite preparing to come down.
“Oh, no! We’re not that type of friends.” I shook my head again. I immediately realized that the more I shook my head and the less I used my words the more he thought he had a chance with me.
“That�
��s good to know.” He winked his eye and I laughed at his persistence.
“Ah! She laughs! Now, I’ll walk you up to the party if you promise that I won’t find out that you are a good friend of his and break my heart.”
“Pinky swear.” I wiggled my pinky finger at him.
He winked again. I pivoted to grab my clutch and suddenly smelled the most familiar and erotic scent. I turned my head completely to the left and found Azmir leaning on his side, into the bar flickering Aaron’s business card in between his fingers and wearing a cunning smirk. I gasped. He was dressed in a dark suit and I automatically wondered if he had even been up to the suite to change out of his business attire.
“Azmir! How long have you been standing here? I’ve been looking for you guys.” My heart rate had accelerated from his startling presence. He didn’t say anything or remove his smirk. He slowly tilted his head to get a sight of Aaron on the other side of me. I jumped, figuring I should do the honors. I scooted back enough to allow a clear view for them to see each other. “Aaron, this is—”
“Mr. Jacobs!” Aaron seemed to have been more shocked than I was to see him. “Is this…?” He couldn’t even complete his sentence. Wearing the same entertained expression, Azmir nodded in accession of Aaron’s summary of the situation. “Oh, man! I am sorry. I had no idea,” he tried to sound convincing.
Finally, Azmir rose from the bar and proffered his hand to Aaron, “Shit happens, Aaron. She’s a beauty. I can’t knock your ambitions—I have my own.” Azmir then took my right hand, kissed my fingers, and helped me to my feet. Aaron watched, still in shell shock.
“Errrr…I trust everything is to your expectations up there?” Aaron asked referring to the VIP section.
With his eyes surveying me from head to toe he replied, “It is now, Aaron. I had to find where she had lost her way.”
My face split a dorky smile and a giggle slipped. He could be so impassioned when he wanted to.
I turned to say, “Thanks, Aaron. Have a good evening.”
He nodded; I’m sure finding it best not to put his foot in his mouth any more than it seemed he just had. Azmir and I walked off with his hand gripping my waist, pulling my body into his. He whispered, “You look absolutely stunning, Ms. Brimm,” reaching down to kiss me behind my ear, causing me to shiver.
“Funny. That’s what Aaron said. See what the exuberate amount of money you had deposited into my account bought ya?” I teased.
He smiled as we took for the stairs leading to the VIP area and spoke even closer into my ear, “The only thing that I would spend more money on is peeling you out of this ensemble.” I puffed, shocked by his sensual wit in public. Then I heard bellowing and roars from Kid’s birthday guests. It was Petey, Kid, Chanell, and the crew, apparently relieved that I’d been located.
“There she go!” Kid yelled out clasping a bottle of champagne in his hand. He stood at our entering his arena. I could tell he was wasted already. Who could blame him, it was after all his day.
“Yo, Rayna!” Petey greeted. His short chunky frame and fluffy persona always warmed my heart. I saw Kim seated next to him waving excitedly and wearing a broad smile.
“Where was she?” Chanell howled over the loud music.
She was with a gang of slightly familiar faces that I’d seen over the past few months at local events. Some were friendly and others were down right rude and ghetto as all get out. They gawked and mumbled to each other, clearly talking about me. It never seemed to faze Azmir so I turned a blind eye to it as well. I greeted them all with hugs, one by one.
Kim was adamant that I sat next to her. I could see that she wasn’t close to Chanell and the other girls this particular night, which was a bit unusual. It also seemed clear that Azmir sat near Petey and Kim before taking off to find me. I adored Kim and didn’t mind at all being by her side. We started our girl chat right away.
Minutes later, Syn came into the section with about a half dozen girls. When she laid eyes on me she visibly grimaced. I had no idea why she didn’t like me. I thought we would have been past it by now. Kid didn’t seem to pay her much mind. He was soaking up the energy from the electrifying atmosphere. There were so many people in that place. I couldn’t count on one hand the amount of celebrities that walked through our VIP section or passed by us.
The performances were great. Azmir was in his element, leading the conversations in his urban vernacular. It always struck me how he can go from boardroom to hood corner with his lingo. He would whisper things in my ear from time to time, being sure to give me attention. He said he liked my lipstick and how it matched my nails and toes. I appreciated the observation and it made the agony of selecting my colors well worth it. I guess he felt it was dutiful considering these were his friends, but truth be told, a handful of them were mine, too. Azmir ordered me a cocktail and did a playful toast with me. I could tell he’d really missed me and liked my look. I was so relieved.
I sat there for a while enjoying the energy and catching up with Kim, trying to adjust to all the camera flashes going on by people in the VIP section—candid and professional, and by those outside trying to see who was in. I noticed Syn’s girls that she sat and snickered with while pointing at me had taken a few shots of me, too. I thought that was rude but would never cause a scene at Kid’s party with his girl and her friends.
Eventually, Chanell motioned for me to come over to talk with her and I did. She caught me up on the latest gossip and inadvertently reminded me of Kim’s recent discovery of Petey’s co-ed lover, which answered why she played him so close that night. She had seemed to clock his every move all night. Apparently, Kim was salty with Chanell and some of the other girls there because they knew and didn’t inform her. I was just happy to see her out with Petey because that meant that she was still with him. I guess I overstayed my time with Chanell at some point because Azmir motioned for me to return to him. It appeared a little possessive but I didn’t care. I was in Vegas to be with him.
A performer was being announced and Azmir pushed me into his pelvic area as he stood against the railing that overlooked the stage and the crowd. Seconds later, Kid generously and forcefully invited us to sit closer to the front of the VIP section where we’d have a clear view of the stage. It was a white leather sofa chair, but it seated just one. Azmir sat and gestured for me to sit on his lap. I didn’t know how that would fare considering I had on such a short dress, but Azmir’s legs were so long that the stoop wasn’t very low. My position didn’t allow for snuggling but that was fine considering Azmir and I weren’t in the habit of PDA anyway. Or so I thought. We sat and watched the performance.
When the songs were over the crowd went bananas. I clapped with approval along with nearly everyone else. Kid got a few birthday shout-outs from the performers, making him smile and slowly nod in his drunken state. The patrons below settled back onto the dance floor while the D.J. spun the latest tunes. Azmir pulled out his pocket watch for the time, which I found odd. Why does the time matter at club in Vegas? I looked up for Chanell, but didn’t see her. I figured she’d made a potty run.
I then turned to Azmir and chatted about the latest performer and he agreed that it was awesome and told me a story of the first time he’d met her and the work he did with her people. He didn’t fail to continue sharing his salacious thoughts when he said, “I can’t wait to smear that lipstick off your lips. You should refresh it first. The heavier, the more on me when I wake in the morning.” My panties began to become drenched from my liquefied libido. I smiled at him with slanted eyes approving of his sensual talk.
Abruptly, I saw dark nails gripping his round shoulder, trying to get his attention. My eyes slowly trailed the arm up to find a tall, beautiful woman with dark chocolate skin, wearing an azure blue fitted, one shoulder, mini dress with silver sandals and matching silver and diamond accessories. Her hair was full with bouncy curls that stopped just above her shoulders. I could quickly tell she was about her diva. Her eyes beamed in excitement at
the sight of Azmir. Initially, she didn’t even look at me, she was so caught up in him.
“Ms. Taylor. Wow! It’s good to see you.” He seemed surprised by her presence. He flashed her a coochie creaming smile that I’d become accustomed to sharing with other women. I still hadn’t decided if it was his charisma or just simple good looks that caused it to be so alluring.
“Hey! We thought we’d fly out and chill. Thanks for putting us on. This place is popping!” she exclaimed, sounding like a valley girl.
She gave clear view of her nicely whitened teeth under her dark red lipstick and alluringly lined eyes. And I could tell immediately she was completely taken by Azmir and all his glory. Could I blame her?
I could find reasons to!
“What a surprise. I thought you guys had had enough of me. Where’s Shayna?” Azmir asked quizzically.
I noticed that he referred to her as Ms. Taylor but her friend by her first name. So this was the woman with the familiar “touch” that I’d picked up over the phone…hmmmmmm. I stood to get a better view and he rose from the chair and remained next to me. That’s when she finally acknowledged me and gave me a once over. I realized I was squinting my eyes in reaction to it.
Azmir must have taken notice to her gaping at me and said, “Ms. Brimm, this is Dawn Taylor. Dawn, this is Rayna Brimm.”
She offered up a snobbish half a smile and I gave a slight nod not knowing how much more I should have given providing she was not happy with having to share Azmir’s air with me.
In that instance another woman joined sides with her with her. This one a lot shorter with straight hair horribly styled, wearing a figure-fitting red dress. She didn’t look as put together as Dawn at all, but she was more pleasant when we were introduced.
“Azmeeeeeeeeeeeeeer!” she sang in anticipation of him being surprised by her being there.
“Hey, Shayna. You two sure do get around the country, don’t you?”
“It’s our job and you better know it!” She acknowledged me right away unlike her friend who still was mesmerized by the Adonis of Azmir. Foolish girl!