I used some of my savings to pay movers to help relocate our things. The shit came up to 4 g’s to move everything because of all the new furniture I had. Although the townhouse was in a different location, it was identical to the townhouse we moved out of so we settled in rather quickly. Every day, I chose a different route home just in case Paul was laying somewhere in the cut following me. I hid my car blocks away from the rental office each day. I was lucky not to have run into his paint crew around the neighborhood. We had a contract with them for two more months, so I knew he was somewhere around. The more I thought about Paul, the madder I got. I couldn’t believe how crazy that nigga was. To make matters worse I had to prepare for my court date which approached sooner than I wanted it to.
My face had to be hot pepper red as I sat in the large court hallway waiting for my case to be called. Dozens of criminals, lawyers and judges filled the court house. I wore a black skirt suit with a purple silk blouse, trying to appear professional for the judge. I grew more pissed by the minute because I didn’t belong there. I kept my arms folded and my legs crossed hoping that I could just get the day over with. A very pretty girl sat across from me on the bench beside the courtroom door. She had a caramel complexion, chinky cat eyes and a slender figure. She kept staring at me the whole time. I was about to ask her if she had a problem, then she stood up and came over and sat next to me. “Are you Tiara?” she asked.
“Yeah, who are you?”
“I’m Valerie.” she revealed.
“Oh, you’re the one that filed these charges against me.” I said flashing my papers at her.
She nodded. “Yes, I did. But now that I see you, I know exactly what’s going on. You’re a beautiful girl, you are definitely Paul’s type, so I’m sure he conned you in some way to use my card. Am I right?” she asked.
I nodded. “Honey, he used to volunteer “his” credit card to me all the time and told me to use it at my leisure. He would ask me if I wanted something to eat and told me that I could use it whenever. I would have never thought that the damn card wasn’t his. Trust me. I wouldn’t have ever used it if I knew that it was yours. I’m not that type of chick, I have my own money.”
“Say no more. I’m dropping the charges. Now, as far as Paul is concerned, I’m not letting this go. Something is seriously wrong with him.” She said with a face full of fear. She leaned in closer to whisper to me. “My friend called and told me the he got locked up yesterday. Apparently, he busted the windows out of some girl’s car, flattened all of her tires and put sugar in her tank. She had him arrested on the spot. That nigga is truly crazy. You don’t understand what I’ve been through.” She said shaking her head.
“Oh, I already know he’s crazy and you know what? I seriously couldn’t put my finger on what it was, but I knew that he was full of shit from the very beginning. It was that charm that kept me around.”
She chuckled. “I wish I was that perceptive and able to discern his trickery. I believed everything he told me. I let him have his way with me and he sucked me dry. He took my money and my nookie girl. That’s why I sent out the emails. I had to let girls know what kind of man he is. He needs to be stopped.”
“Oh that was you who sent the email?” I asked and she nodded. “Well, I thank you for all of that info. It pushed me to cut his ass off. And I appreciate you for dropping the charges. I don’t need any new drama in my life.”
“You’re welcome.” She said.
The clerk came into the hallway and called out our case. Just before we entered, Valerie turned around and said. “Tiara, he may be locked up right now but it’s only some simple harassment shit, so he’ll be out soon. Just make sure you are careful, he’s dangerous.” She said.
“I’m not worried about him.” I told her. Little did she know, I had something for his ass if he ever tried me again. I didn’t feel the need to tell her that I’d already had an altercation with him trespassing in my crib. Hell, I didn’t know that bitch. Shit, where I’m from you had to keep new people at arm’s length. I didn’t know if that bitch was working with him or what, so I kept shit short and sweet and hoped that she’d keep her word about dropping the charges.
I followed her into the court room. I was still nervous and my palms were sweaty as I awaited the outcome.
Valerie whispered to her attorney and he presented her statements to the judge. A few questions were asked and ultimately what really mattered to me was hearing the judge bang on the gravel and say “case dismissed!” I was so happy! I didn’t need a dent in my record, especially not for no shit that I didn’t do willingly. I was thanking God over and over. I couldn’t believe what I was going through over a nigga I didn’t even want. He made me not want to give any new nigga a chance. And once again I blamed Tony for treating me the way that he did because I wouldn’t have had to date anyone else if his ass would’ve remained faithful.
__________
Ebony’s face was full of worry when I explained the whole Paul situation. She actually cried and apologized that I had to go through that shit. She always expressed that she wanted the best for me. She felt that it was her duty to impress me with what the DMV had to offer, including showing me some good men.
Aunty was still without Smitty and she begged me to bring Shayonna over every weekend since she was lonely. Finally I agreed. I dropped my baby off and this time, I was going to use my free time to hang with Eb and see what was good with the DC life. She was always bragging about the city having so much to offer, so it was now time for me to see. But first, I warned her not to bring her wack ass friend Sheena. I was totally not in the mood for her.
It was a beautiful day out so Eb insisted on bringing me to Georgetown to a spot called Sequoia’s on the waterfront. The scene was off the hook! Boston didn’t have any place to compare to how dope the scenery was. People were scattered everywhere like they were at the beach, but of course the water wasn’t fit for people to swim in. It was just for viewing or sailing. Everyone wandered about on the fancy boardwalk, carefree. There were benches along the breezeway for people to sit and enjoy the DC scenery at the water line and I was taking it all in.
When we first entered the boardwalk, the first thing I noticed was this large human like sculpture in the middle of a platform with an enormous waterfall. Eb and I took advantage of the Kodak moment and took turns posing in front of the sculpture. There were seafood restaurants, outside bars and everyone who was anyone was out. It was like a daytime outside club hang out. Now I knew why Ebony kept trying to get me there.
Young black people had their yachts docked at the bay and we strolled along the boardwalk with our martinis, watching everyone mingle. I had on black leggings with a white top that hung off one shoulder and Ebony sported her round Jackie-O style Chanel glasses with a cute blue and black trimmed dress. I was taking in the whole scene. My homegirls back home wouldn’t have known how to act in an environment like this. Honestly, I didn’t either at first. Chicks that I felt were staring at me too hard ended up smiling at me and some even said hello. It was weird how everyone was so friendly.
“Get off your Boston shit.” Ebony said watching my screw faces.
“People out here are not like that. There is no need to be so mean, Tiara.”
I laughed and sipped my drink because she was right. I really had to get it together and realize that this wasn’t back home and I didn’t have to be on that tough shit. But I couldn’t help it, it was who I was.
“Excuse me, excuse me! Would you two beautiful young ladies like to join two single brothers on our yacht? We are grilling hot dogs, steaks and hamburgers. We just thought we’d offer.”
Ebony and I glanced at each other. We were both now familiar with each other’s taste. We had turned niggas down left and right since we’d been there, but these two niggas were dope. I was sure that Ebony was thinking what I was thinking.
I found myself courageously stepping up first, “sure, we’ll join you.” I said.
Ebony trailed behi
nd me and whispered under her breath, “check you out girl.”
I smiled in her direction and then stepped up to the white yacht trying not to fall into the water.
“I’m Jeff and this is my brother Jonathan.”
I shook Jeff and Jonathan’s hand and introduced them to Ebony.
“I’m Tiara and this is my cousin Ebony.”
“Nice to meet you.” She greeted with a smile.
“Have a seat ladies. We saw you walking and we couldn’t help but to ask two beautiful ladies such as yourselves to come chill.” Jeff stated with a playful smile.
Right away I liked his personality, he was friendly yet ultra-masculine and his swag was mean.
“Thank you, that was nice of you.” I said.
I was immediately more interested in Jeff than Jonathan because the muscles that was on display through Jeff’s wife beater were impeccable. The nigga had to hit up the gym on the reg. He had absolutely no body fat. His biceps and triceps were profoundly sculpted and clearly he took good care of himself. He was tall, lean and cut. He was dressed in long shorts which showed a hint of his calves and a white wife beater.
Jonathan was equally fly. He resembled the actor Morris Chestnut. He had the same build as Morris, same complexion and everything, but I liked my men a little more lean. Ebony loved them meatier type niggas, but in fairness, both of our requirements had been met with these two dudes.
Jonathan took Ebony on a tour of the yacht while I sat on the built in white bench near the grill where Jeff was chefing it up.
“You come out here often?” I asked.
Jeff flipped a thin cut blade steak and turned over the chicken. It smelled delicious.
“Yeah, sometimes. I like coming out here on Saturdays when I’m in town because it’s a great way to relax and take my mind off things before I start my week. What about you?” he asked.
I peered off the boat, looking at all the people cruising the boardwalk. “This is my first time here. I’m still getting familiar with DC.”
“Oh really, where you from?” he asked.
“Boston.” I answered.
“Boston? There are black people in Boston?” he asked.
I giggled, “If I hear one more person ask me that.”
He laughed and closed the grill taking a seat next to me. “Nah I’m just playing, I have friends in Boston, in the Dorchester area.”
“Oh you do?” I asked. “I’m actually from Dorchester.” I revealed.
“Oh that’s what’s up.” he said. “Isn’t that where the singer Bobby Brown is from and the group New Edition?”
“No, they’re from Roxbury,” I smiled.
“Oh, I heard about Roxbury. I hear that’s a really rough area.”
“Yeah, it’s crazy out there.” I admitted.
“Is that why you left?” he asked.
I hated explaining to people the real reason I left Boston, so I just answered him with a yes.
He picked up my left hand, “Okay so I see there is no ring on your finger. What’s a pretty girl like you doing single?” he asked.
“It’s complicated.” I told him.
“It’s complicated?” He repeated. “Do I look like Facebook?” he joked.
We continued to indulge in pretty decent conversation. I learned that he really didn’t like going out to clubs because he was low key type of dude. He said that he would sometimes hit up some of the happy hour spots. I had learned that the happy hours in DC were really popular, but he said he was was mainly a homebody.
I liked what I was hearing. I didn’t like niggas who went out all the time. He kept a low profile and was an all-around chill type nigga like myself, and I was feeling it.
Jonathan and Ebony walked back over toward the grill. Ebony was all smiles and I could tell that she was feeling Jonathan too.
“Nigga, are you burning the food?” Jonathan blurted.
“Nah the shit ain’t burnt.” Jeff answered as he stood up to open the grill.
He shook his head turning over the burnt meat. “Man I don’t eat this shit anyway. You good my nigga it ain’t that burnt, you can still eat it.” He said to Jonathan.
Some of the chicken was a bit blackened, but I didn’t mind. His conversation was worth a couple burnt pieces of chicken. Ebony and I chatted and ate with the brothers for about an hour then we thanked them for the good time and exchanged numbers.
“I’ll call you.” I said to Jeff as he took my hand to help me step off the yacht and back onto the boardwalk.
“I hope so.” He said lifting his baseball cap off his head and turning it to the back. He had killer swag. He reminded me of niggas from my hood, plus we had great conversation. I was definitely going to keep in touch with him.
“Girl do you know who that was that you were talking to?” Ebony asked as we were leaving.
“What do you mean?” I asked.
“Girl that’s Jeff Brunsman, he plays for the Washington Wizards.”
“He does?” I asked clueless. Jeff hadn’t mentioned that he was a professional athlete. Part of me knew that he had to be twirking with a lot of cash. He told me that he owned the yacht and that he had just purchased it recently, but I didn’t put it all together.
“Bitch you are talking to the number one draft pick, he is a winner! I wish my cousin Tony could see this shit Tiara. Nigga was too busy putting his hands on you and cheating, not knowing that he would eventually lose a good girl and that you could get snatched up by a baller just like that.” She snapped her fingers.
“Wow.” I said, still shocked.
Before I had known that he was an athlete, I was already feeling him. Now his points with me had just tripled. If only my old friends back in Boston knew that I was talking to a millionaire. Little Tiara from the hood had come out to DC and locked shit down. I had picked the perfect place to relocate. It gave me that push that I needed to get over my fear of dating and start a new chapter. With the Paul shit behind me, I was on my way to bigger and better.
Chapter 10
Jeff and I spoke frequently but we hadn’t gone out on a date yet. Every time he asked me out I rejected him. I mean I just went through all that cheating shit with Tony, dating an athlete would be like the same shit. Plus, after going through that shit with Paul, I had to really be on my game. But Jeff was relentless, he called me every day and I finally caved in.
I was nervous as shit on our first date because I knew he was probably used to dating beautiful, educated women. I wanted to make a good impression. Plus, the nigga wanted me to meet him at a sushi bar. I never even ate that shit before, I didn’t know what I was in for. I wore a form fitting light gray dress with black ruffles at the cleavage complimented by black Armani stilettos. I parted my hair down the middle and let it fall in soft curls and painted eye liner on my lids for added glam.
“Damn, look at you!” he complimented as I walked up to him in front of the restaurant. I told him that I’d meet him there because I didn’t want him to know where I lived just yet.
I smiled, “Thank you.” I was impressed at his presentation as well. His swag was on a trillion. He had on dark blue jeans that weren’t too baggy, definitely not that skinny leg shit that I saw a lot of the niggas in DC rocking. His jeans were appropriately fitting with light jean patch designs on the front of his jean legs with a plain white button up polo shirt. He matched it up with some fresh blue and white Prada sneakers. He looked tasty.
“You all dipped out yourself.” I said.
“Thanks mama.”
He took me by my hand and we made our way inside.
There was a slight line in the restaurant, but two waiters rushed over and brought us to the front of the line. “Mr. Brunsman, we have your usual table ready in the back.”
I felt like I was a celebrity. People in line were screwing their faces up at us since we didn’t have to wait. Once they recognized who Jeff was, most of them smiled and some even asked for his autograph.
Heading to our table, I gl
anced around at the oriental décor. I couldn’t believe I was about to eat some raw damn fish. Although I’m sure the restaurant was a five star joint, it wasn’t the most spectacular looking place. Judging from all the crowded round tables and the line at the front door, the food must be what attracted everyone.
“Thank you.” Jeff said slipping both waiters $20 as we were seated in a private leather booth in the back of the restaurant. “Wow you must come here a lot.” I said smiling and making myself comfortable in my seat.
“This is my spot, I fuck with this place. I don’t really like eating out, I usually cook. So this is one of the main joints I like hitting up.” He said.
The waiter approached our table.
“Water for me.” He said pointing at himself.
A Hood Chick's Story pt. 3: The Final Chapter Page 8