by Londyn Lenz
**
“Do you have experience in retail or customer service?”
“Well, I used to be a call girl.” Me and Bella just looked at the young woman we were talking to. “You know for a phone sex line, but I had a lot of satisfied customers. I figured selling glitter shit is pretty much the same thing.” I had to keep smiling to reframe from saying anything rude.
“Oh it’s most definitely the same.” Bella said with big smile and what I knew was her sarcastic tone. Then she had the nerve to look at me with the same big fake smile and ask. “Wouldn’t you say so Faye. Phone sex and selling glitter shit is the same?” I cleared my throat because I was a second away from bursting out in laughter.
“Ok um, Cîroc. We will keep you application on file for when we make our decision.” She got up popping her loud gum and walked out.
“I told you white girls can be ratchet to.” I cracked up telling Bella. “You can tell she has her a Eminem boyfriend.” Bella threw the girl application away.
“We have been at this since ten a.m. and still not one candidate. It’s like no one wants to sell glitter shit.” I fell out laughing.
“Stop saying that crazy, we do way more than that.” We started talking when the bell dinged that someone had came in.
“Oh goodness, a gothic chick.” I whispered to Bella.
“Good, she’ll probably like working for vampires.” The girl walking towards was gothic as far as her pale skin and dark makeup. Black lipstick, thick black eyeliner with a cat eye and her hair was long jet black. Looked like a guy’s kinky fantasy because no doubt was she beautiful.
“Hi, I’m here to interview for the sales associate position. I have a resume and I completed the application online.” Smiling at us she handed me her resume and me and Bella looked it over.
“Nice to meet you Luna. I’m Annabella and this is Faye. We are the owners of the store. I notice your jobs were all in Mississippi, is that where you’re from?”
“Yes it is. I wanted something knew and I went to school here for a year so I figured why not.” I know Bella felt the same as I. Finally, someone normal with some experience and not named after an acholic beverage.
“That’s awesome, change is always good. So are you looking for part-time or full-time work?”
“Either or but I would really prefer full-time.” Oh my goodness she was a breath of fresh air. We asked her a few more questions and she had some for us as well. We also discussed the pay and she showed us her portfolio. Turns out she is an art major which was perfect for our business. If you wanted shirts made, characters on shoes, business cards or any other merchandise made we could do it.
“Well Luna you seem to fit the criteria perfectly. Let us check your references and we will call you.” We both shook her hand.
“Perfect. It was nice meeting you Annabella and Faye.” After she walked out Bella took the help wanted sign out the window.
“I really like her, I think she will be great.”
‘Me too, she’s very talented as well.” The bell dinged again and a guy walked in with a jersey over his shoulder. He was so fine and but a little to bright for me. I love a chocolate guy with a black beard. Walking over to us his dark eyes went on me and I forgot about his color then. That blood filled my nostrils.
“Hello, you ladies do custom shirts right?”
“We sure do, how may we help you.” I watched him take the jersey from his shoulder and sit it on the counter. As he described what he wanted on it I was looking at his neck. He had a coat on because of the cold but it was open. Gosh that vein was thick and I couldn’t take it anymore.
“We have custom letters in the back, would you like me to show you?” I heard Bella snickering but she knew what was up.
“Sure, lead the way.” Oh I sure in the fuck will. I looked back at Bella and winked making her giggle.
Gabe
“Ok Lucile, be daddy’s good girl and let’s go in here and kill it.” I kissed my Yamaha gold saxophone. I got this handed down to me from my father who got it from his father. Lucile is her name and it was dear to my heart.
There’s so much to know about me but to start with the basics. I’m Gabe Angelo, I have a last name but it’s not important. I was born on a dark night where the sky was uneven in color. A thunderstorm was going on and I was pulled from my mother’s stomach. I’m a thirty-five-year old man with no children and unmarried. I love women, hell I fuck more than a dildo in a sorority house. I just haven’t found that one, I want a woman like how my mother. Not physically but all the other areas of a wife.
I came here to Detroit because it’s where music started in my eyes. What luck do I have when I saw on a Detroit Instagram page that a night club was hiring for new talent. I looked the club up online and my luck increased with the information I learned. The outside of the joint was nice as hell but the inside had me speechless. Leather booths, red velvet curtains all over and the stage was bigger than what I assumed. It looked as if when you were on it everyone could see everything on you.
Confidence, insecurities and your fears were for the crowd to see. My talent and how I looked always made me so confident. Solid build chocolate brother with a black beard I’ve had way before it was a thing. Low haircut with waves and I stood 6’3. I dressed nice all the time and I don’t mean none of that Lil Wayne tight shit. I wore slacks, designer loafers, dress shirts and expensive sweaters. I have money to spend because of my music. I’ve been on tour with Baby Face, Kenny G, Jodeci, Stevie Wonder and a few more.
“Name and time of audition?”
Gabe Angelo audition at one o’clock.” The woman looked on her clipboard and then back at me. Her thoughts were as loud as her strong perfume she had on. Looks wise she was pretty though so I might get her number once I’m hired, depends on my mood.
“Go ahead and set up, the owner will be in shortly.” There was a stool on stage next to a microphone. Moving it out my way I set myself up.
“I’m Duke the owner of this establishment.” I shook his hand and introduced myself.
“My name is Gabe, you have a nice place here. Hopefully once I play we can come into a partnership.” He nodded his head at me.
“Let’s see what you got.” I sat down on the stool and began to play. I was so good at my music. I played Lucile as easy as I breathed every second. The sound was smooth, sexy and it was as if there were lyrics to follow. When I play, my eyes are always closed and I am alone.
No one is in the room with me. Any stress I have, sexual tension, anger, happiness whatever I feel comes out when I play. I could hit high notes with Lucile and set any mood I wanted my audience to be in. I’ve been hired for all kinds of parties and events, but my favorite was always proposals. The women’s reactions are always stunned. Even the men to, I don’t discriminate when it comes to money. How you live is how you live but I didn’t see color or sexual orientation.
“Damn, that was really good. How long have you been playing?” Duke asked me as soon as I finished.
“All my life, kind of a family talent.”
“Respect man.” We went over all the details including the pay. I told him I didn’t mind shuffling from this location to the downtown location. He explained to me that my first night playing would be the grand opening next week. I couldn’t wait. Walking out the lounge I felt accomplished in what I came to do. This was just the start of me making my presence known.
**
“I’m glad you called Gabe. Seems like a perfect way to celebrate your new gig.” I decided after all to get the woman who worked at Spoken number. I didn’t feel like going out, meeting a girl and finessing her back to my condo. Virginia, I learned her name was, wanted me to bring her home from when I first walked in. I ordered us dinner and opened a bottle of wine. Nothing expensive, but enough to create a buzz.
“Well I appreciate you being available. More wine?” I asked her as I already was filling her glass up.
“Thank you. So, I take it you really love you j
azz.” Looking round at my framed pictures of famous jazz singers I had hanging up she admired them. Bet all my money she didn’t know who any of them were.
“Absolutely, it’s a sound in its own. There is nothing more satisfying.” She stood in front of me and dropped her long skirt she had on.
“I can think of something a bit more satisfying.” Her wide hips and perfect skin looked good enough for me. When she took her top off along with her bra her breast called my name. Walking over to her she tried to kiss me but I roughly turned her around and slapped her big booty. My dick was yelling to be free so I undid my slacks and got completely naked. I had already took a condom out my pocket and was putting it on.
“You’re wet already for me.” I noticed as I rubbing the tip of me between her ass cheeks.
“I’ve been wet since earlier today. Ssssss my goodness you are big.” She moaned out and grabbed the arm of my couch when I slid in her. I almost broke this poor woman back in half as I went through three condoms. Her oral sex was good and she swallowed all I had to give. We stayed in the living room because she wasn’t of value to me to put in my bed. We passed out on my couch when my loud phone started ringing. I got up picking my cell up off the floor and headed to my bedroom.
“Hello.”
“I’ve called you five times Gabe. You said you would let me know how it went at Spoken.” Lifting my toilet seat up I started taking a piss.
“I know I was supposed to call you but I got wrapped up.” I flushed the toilet and put some toothpaste on my toothbrush.
“You mean you got wrapped up in between some legs.” I was about to laugh but my mouth was filled. “Just tell me how it went.”
“You already know it went well. I got the job and ready to get everything rolling.” Putting my toothbrush back I turned the shower on.
“That’s good. I need you to stay focused and not lose sight on what we came to do. None of this will work if we don’t do everything together.”
“I know this and trust me when I see Annabella I know what needs to be done.”
“One handshake and everything she feels for Andreas she will feel for you. Act like you want revenge for your mother’s death.” I was so tired of hearing this shit.
“For the hundredth time, I know. I’m about to take a shower, I’ll see you at the grand opening.” I hung up and climbed inside the hot water. Thing is, I knew my true objective of being here. Everything has to line up perfect so I can destroy what needs to be from within.
The Grand Opening
I looked myself over in the mirror and I was pleased with my look. The attire was grown and sexy. I wore some cream silk slacks with a long sleeve Burberry button up. With my tan Giuseppe loafers on I lined my beard up and put my diamond gold link bracelet on. I wasn’t really a jewelry person, my ears weren’t pierced and I damn sure didn’t own a chain. Grabbing Lucile and my car keys I headed out to my Benz.
The turn out was upscale and really nice. Expensive cars being valet parked, women in furs were lined up and men dressed in their finest were showing out. A small red carpet was in front and some local new stations. My name was on the backdrop along with the other performers tonight. Poets, singers, some playing an instrument like myself. I know I was ready to try some of this good food I had read reviews about. I watched the red carpet hard just waiting even after I walked it.
“Finally.” I said low to myself when Duke and I’m assuming his woman Faye hit the red carpet. A brotha dating a white girl, what a sellout. Then she got the nerve to be slim with a round ass and some full lips. Probably cost a grip for some Hollywood doctor to do. Following behind them was Andreas and Annabella.
“Oh shit.” I’d seen many and many of pictures of Annabella so I knew what to expect. But this wasn’t it. The woman I was looking at made the pictures seems like a catfish. I mean from head to toe she was perfection. Her dress was simple, sleek and sexy. The golden color matched her golden burning eyes. Her jet-black curly hair was up high with some pieces fallen around her face. That skin, my damn that skin I wanted to swim in. Andreas had his hand on her lower back and I wanted to break it off. What was happening to me? I needed to stay focus and remember what needed to be destroyed.
I was here for a reason and one reason only. My mind was saying that but my heart and groin was saying something different and louder. I was told they were in love but I don’t think that was the best word for it. Even with the few minutes I was watching them. I knew he lived for her and she lived for him. I became even more anxious because all I had to do was shake her hand. One harmless encounter was going to shake their world upside down. Then I can make the move to kill.
“Good evening Duke.” I spoke and all four of them turned around.
“How you doing Gabe, you ready for your set?” I made sure my eyes didn’t wonder as much as they wanted to.
“Indeed I am ready.” Putting on a fake smile he began introducing me.
“Gabe this is my wife Faye.” I didn’t care but I politely shook her hand. Just as he was about to introduce me to Andreas and Annabella someone came up and whispered something to them and they excused themselves. Damn it.
“Well that was my uncle and his wife Annabella. I’m sure you will meet them before the night is over.” He said to me and I continued playing nice. It was funny how they called these women their wife. You see for the undead once they find their mate. Turning her automatically makes her his wife. But we live in the human world and unless that mess is on legal documents. It wasn’t valid in my eyes.
“Oh bae there goes me and Bella’s new employee.” Me and Duke looked as Faye called the girl to us.
“Thanks so much for inviting me, this place is really nice.”
“No problem, Luna this is Duke my husband and this is Gabe he plays the saxophone here.”
As we greeted each other my eyes went looking for Annabella. Duke, Faye and Luna were talking and it took all of me to pay attention and engage in what they were saying. I wanted to see Annabella again, I needed to see her again. Eventually we broke off and went to enjoy the grand opening. I had a little time before I was due on stage. I had finally spotted her in the VIP section up under him of course. The good thing is, I can play it off because technically we weren’t properly introduced. I’m sure after my set the both will want to meet me.
“Ok Spoken, please help me welcome Gabe to the stage.” Virginia introduced me and I knew she was coming home with me tonight. The dress she had on was sexy and I’m sure she would take my mind off Annabella. I walked up on stage with Lucile and my confidence grew as I spoke some small words.
“Good evening ladies and gentlemen. I’ve always believed music started in Motown so I’m honored to play for y’all.” My eyes somehow found Annabella and to my surprise, she was looking at me to.
I know that look, I’ve been told about those looks vampires give you when they can smell your blood. The expression in my eyes were different from hers but at least it was a moment. As I began playing, I grabbed each and every woman attention through Lucile. Even with my eyes open I swear me and Annabella were still in our moment. I had her mouth slightly ajar and that black heart she had was beating uncontrollably.
But that was nothing compared to how she had me. That hair, those eyes, that skin and the way she wore that dress was embedded in my mind. The more I played the more I saw her through closed eyes. That had never happened before, it was as if we were making love through my music. For the life of me I can’t understand how me studying her and seeing her pictures didn’t have me. But the moment I saw her in person I was in a spell, cursed under Annabella Stacks beauty.
Luna
My goodness that shower felt sensational. Stepping out and into the steam filled bathroom I grabbed my long robe and put it on. Then I grabbed my towel so I could wrap my wet long black hair in it. I had work in a few and I was so excited. My artistic background drew more cliental to the store. I found myself doing more characters from cartoons on clothes.
> What really made me more anxious about working was seeing Faye. As I got dressed and listened to Evanescence, I lined my lips up with black eyeliner and then put my matte black lipstick on. My style was unique, some call it gothic or emo, but I called it Luna I loved black, red, dark purple or dark blue. My skin was a pale white but I loved it because it was natural. My jet-black hair made it pop and I had a gorgeous face.
Putting my contacts on I put my chucky heel army boots on with my ripped black jeggings. I had on a plaid red and black button-up with my choker and black watch. I grabbed a banana and water from my fridge and headed out. My apartment was in Oak Park and I was driving my 2018 Honda Sonata. I loved this car so much that it was my second home.
Easy on gas, great space since it’s just me and it was a gift from my dad. I drove to work with the same music playing from when I was getting ready for work. It was thirty degrees outside so my heat was on high. I hated being cold and Michigan wasn’t shy about it’s low temps. Pulling into the store I smiled big when I saw Faye car parked outside.
“Hey Luna, good morning.” Faye greeted me as soon as I walked in.
“Good morning to you to, I brought you a caramel frappe from Starbucks like you like. I got Annabella her mocha one as well.”
“Thank you girl, I probably will finish Bella’s because she doesn’t come in till noon.” I was glad to hear that because that meant I got to have alone time with Faye. Walking to the back I put my coat and purse up and clocked in. Once I got back out front I sat up so I can finish my order from last night. A customer was coming in later to pick up a denim jacket with the Tommy and Chuckie from the RugRats drawn on the back.
“So did you enjoy the grand opening?” Faye asked me.
“I did, that place as gained a new loyal customer.” Smiling at me she asked.
“What about the food, did you like it?”