by Mz. Robinson
She hopped off the counter and stood with her feet shoulder-width apart. Then she grabbed me hastily by the shirt and pulled me closer. “Ruin? No,” she said as she unbuttoned my pants. “I think it will only enhance it.” Before I could move or jump, she had my pants and boxers down to my ankles.
“Damn.” I laughed, running my fingers through her hair. “I see you’re ready.”
“Well, yes I am. Are you?” she asked.
“I’ve been waiting all day for—” I never received the opportunity to finish my sentence. I was caught off guard when she quickly opened her mouth and swallowed my stick.
***
Three hours later, I lay stretched out on my stomach with Octavia straddling my waist, massaging my back. I’m man enough to admit that after an hour of engaging in straight sex and then devouring a feast of perfectly cooked steak, shrimp, and potatoes, I was exhausted.
Octavia’s hands were soft and smooth as she moved them across my skin, kneading and pounding the tension from my body like a trained expert. “How was your day, baby?” she asked.
“It was good.”
“Anything big happen?”
My conversation with Nadia replayed in my head. I knew it was the perfect opportunity for me to tell her about it—that was, if I’d have had any intention of telling her. “Same ol’, same ol’,” I said. “How was yours, boo?” I asked.
“It was good.” She laughed lightly. “Interesting, but good.”
“How did the interviews go?”
“After weeding through the crazies, I actually think I found a rose.”
“You gotta go through some good to get to the bad.” I laughed.
“I know, baby,” she whispered, kissing me on the back of my neck. “That’s what I did with you.”
“That goes both ways,” I said.
“I’m going to make the final decision after the background and drug tests come back,” she said, massaging the back of my biceps, “but I checked her references, and her former employer spoke highly of her.”
“That’s good, babe.”
“I know,” she said happily. “I also want to see how she interacts with Jasmine,” she added. “I’ll probably arrange a play date.”
“Sounds good to me,” I said, yawning lightly. I could feel my eyelids growing heavy, like they were made of lead. “You know I trust your judgment.”
“I know you do,” she smiled, “and that’s just another thing I love you for.”
“I love you more.”
Chapter 7
Damon
After my last visit to Los Angeles, my father advised me that he had made the decision to close Nomad’s West Coast office. He felt the company was strong enough that we could acquire and service our current clients in the West from our offices in the southern region. The decision was one my father had been toying with for years, and finally, after some coercing from my mother, he’d decided to go ahead with it. Although Nomad no longer had a working office in the city, I still had my own business to handle there. I owned three beachfront properties, along with four houses and six office buildings throughout the city. The properties were held under the name of my company, Gold Mortgage, and they were all occupied. Now that I had a family, I found myself spending less and less time in the state of California. In order to maintain the properties, keep my tenants happy, and make sure my money was always on time, I hired a licensed realtor by the name of Julian Franklin, a short, chubby, clean-cut, well-dressed brother who had the intellect and vocabulary of a college graduate and the hustle of a dope dealer. The two of us sat in the small beachfront office Julian used to conduct business, going over the profit and loss report for the second quarter.
“Everything looks good,” I said, nodding my head. “Good job.”
“It’s what I do,” he said, “and it’s why you pay me.”
“No doubt,” I said. “Well, J., I’ve got a lot of ground to cover before Sunday,” I said, looking at my watch.
We both stood and shook hands.
“Good seeing you again, boss,” Julian said. “I’m going to get out this afternoon and do some prospecting on some for-sale-by-owners.”
“Sounds good.”
“By the way,” Julian said as the two of us walked toward his office door, “I received a check for rent for a listing on Latitude Drive in Aliso Viejo. I don’t have that particular property on my books.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll take care of it,” I said. “Do you still have the check?”
“Yeah. It’s in the safe.”
“I’ll take it with me,” I said, shaking my head. “I’ll make a stop by there before I catch my flight out.”
***
Déjà Vu Salon and Day Spa was a full-service salon that occupied one of my buildings. The spa had only been open for a year, but it was already showing great returns. I knew it wouldn’t be long until the owner became one of my most profitable tenants. Instead of only being for the ladies like most spas, Déjà Vu catered to everyone: women, men, and children of all ages needing all sorts of beauty and pampering services. According to the latest reviews, the salon was considered to be one of the hottest one-stop shopping spots for hair-care and skincare needs. I pushed my way through the revolving doors, stepped into the salon waiting room, and smiled at what I saw. The waiting room was full to capacity, which meant the eight stations in the back were also full.
“How may I assist you?” greeted a tall, blonde female with ocean-blue eyes. She wore a hot pink shirt with the Déjà Vu logo embroidered on the front and a small name badge that read ‘Joni’.
“I’m here to see Lena,” I said.
“Do you have an appointment?” she asked, scanning over a list names on the pink clipboard in front of her.
“No, I do not,” I said.
“I apologize, sir, but Ms. Jasper doesn’t take walk-ins,” she said, smiling at me. “However, I’d be happy to schedule an appointment.”
I reached inside my suit jacket and removed one of my business cards to hand to her. “Give her this,” I said, “and I’m sure she’ll be able to squeeze me in.”
Joni looked down at the card, then back at me. A small pink flush ran across her face as she nodded her head. Handing me my card back, she smiled. “That won’t be necessary. Right this way, Mr. Whitmore, and I do apologize.”
I followed Joni down a long corridor, past the shampoo bowl areas and the large room that housed the stylists and styling stations. We stopped in front of the closed door marked ‘Office’.
Joni turned to face me. “I’ll just let Ms. Jasper know you’re here.”
“That won’t be necessary,” I said, reaching down into my pants pocket. I pulled out my platinum money clip and slipped out a crisp twenty-dollar bill. I handed it to Joni then slightly nodded my head, a nonverbal message that her services were no longer required.
She smiled and walked away with her tip in hand.
Knock-knock.
“Come in,” Lena spoke from the other side of the door.
I opened the door to the office and found myself doing a double-take. It had been a very long minute since I had seen her, and I must admit that time had been good to Lena.
She sat behind the glass desk, staring at the laptop screen in front of her. “What can I do for you?” she asked without bothering to look and see who she was talking to.
“You can start by telling me why this was mailed to my property manager,” I said, holding up her check.
A huge smile crept across Lena’s face as she recognized my voice and looked up at me. “Damon!” She smiled. The tone in her voice was full of surprise and what I could only assume was happiness. She stood and walked around her desk to the place where I was standing. Giving me a friendly hug she said, “It’s so good to see you.”
“You as well,” I said. I took a step back and looked her over. She was wearing a nice fitted two-piece suit that accentuated her curves perfectly. Her hair, which she had once worn long, was short, with
highlighted layers. I’ve always preferred long to medium lengths of hair on women, but Lena’s cut complemented her face, and she was rocking the hell out of it. I would like to say I didn’t notice that her breasts, which used to be C-cups at best, were now at least D’s, high and perky, right where they should be—but I can’t. “You’re looking good,” I said, and I sincerely meant it.
“Thank you.” She smiled, walking back around the desk. “So are you, as always.”
Sitting down in the leather armchair across from her, I nodded my head. “I appreciate that,” I said. I dropped the check on the desk and stared at her. “I would also appreciate it if you would refrain from sending me money.”
“I owe you that,” she said softly, “and a whole lot more.”
I had allowed Lena to move into the townhouse on Latitude and completely furnished the unit for her until she found a home of her choice. I had also provided her with a multitude of other little things, such as the money she needed to open Déjà Vu. Not once had I ever considered it a loan or felt like she owed me. Lena was loyal, and if I needed her for anything—and I do mean anything—she was always ready and willing to give it to me, no questions asked. That form of loyalty is hard to come by, so I considered everything I did for her to be nothing more than a token of my appreciation for her loyalty and friendship. “I’m not taking your check,” I told her.
“I can’t live there rent-free,” she said, shaking her head.
“This isn’t up for discussion,” I said firmly.
Lena reclined in her chair while shaking her head. There was silence between us as she stared at me. She knew I was standing firm on my decision to refuse payment from her, and there was no way to change my mind. “Let me buy the place from you then,” she finally said.
“Okay, if you insist. Make me an offer.”
She smiled and folded her hands together. “I’ll have the place appraised, and I’ll pay you the value,” she said.
“Do me a favor,” I said, standing.
“Anything.”
“You have a dollar on you?”
“Yeah.” Lena frowned but immediately reached for her purse. She pulled out a crisp one-dollar bill and handed it to me. “All you need is one?” she asked.
“Just one,” I said, slipping the dollar in my pocket. “I’ll have an attorney draw up the paperwork for the townhouse. The deed will be transferred over to you within a week.”
“Maybe we should hold off,” she said. “I’m not sure how long the appraisal will take.”
“It doesn’t matter,” I said, walking to the door. “The property is yours.” I reached in my pocket, pulled out the dollar, and waved it at her. “You just bought it,” I said.
Lena sat with her mouth open and a look of sheer disbelief on her face. Exhaling deeply, she shook her head. “You are amazing,” she said. “Thank you, Damon.”
“You’re welcome.”
“If you won’t let me pay you properly,” she said, “at least let me cook you dinner.”
I paused, considering her offer. I was hesitant not because I was afraid something would take place between the two of us, as Lena and I were old friends, and the only feelings I had for her were platonic. I give credit where credit is due, and Lena had pulled her looks together since we had last seen each other, but I still only wanted her as a friend. My wife was more than enough woman for me, the only woman I wanted.
Lena must have sensed my apprehension. “Please, Damon?” she begged. “From one friend to another? It’s just a little innocent dinner. Besides, I know you’re curious about what I’ve done with the place, and Nae Nae would love to see her Uncle Damon.” Lena’s offer seemed harmless enough.
“Seven o’clock?” I asked.
“Seven would be perfect.” Her sweet smile seemed to radiate across her face, illuminating the entire room.
***
I was impressed and pleased with what Lena had done with the townhouse. The ecru color that had once graced the walls of the living and dining rooms had been painted over. The living room was now covered in burnt orange, and the dining room walls were two-toned, with chocolate and cappuccino colored paint. Lena had tastefully decorated her home with black art, leather, and wood furnishings. I had fun being schooled by Lena’s daughter on the Xbox 360 and then the three of us enjoyed the baked tilapia and seasoned vegetables Nae Nae’s mother had prepared. When little Nae Nae headed upstairs for bed, Lena and I sat on the leather sofa in her living room, talking and enjoying glasses of chardonnay.
“Nae Nae is getting big,” I said.
“She sure is.” Lena smiled. “She is already asking for her own cell phone.”
“They start early, huh?” I chuckled.
“They do. It’s what you have to look forward to with Jasmine.”
“If I could forever keep that child at the size and age she is now, I would.” I said, shaking my head. “I am not looking forward to bustin’ some young buck’s head when he tries to lay a finger or anything else on my baby girl.”
Laughing, Lena ran her fingers through her hair. “Sorry to tell you this, Daddy, but it’s coming. It’s inevitable. They grow up whether we like it or not.”
“I know, I know.”
“How is Octavia?” she asked, changing the subject.
I smiled, thinking about my wife sitting on our kitchen island in nothing but those sexy heels, waiting for me to get home. “She is great,” I said, slightly bragging. “Unbelievable in fact.”
“That’s good.” Lena pulled her eyes from mine, staring across the room with a look of reflection and meditation.
“You okay?”
Lena blinked several times, as if she was suddenly pulled out of a mind trip, jolted back to reality. “Yes, yes, I’m fine.” She studdered, giving me a slight smile. She took a sip from her glass then looked at me with a straight face. “I was just wondering if I will ever have that.”
“Have what?” I asked.
“A man to love me the way you love her,” she said softly. “When you mention her, your face lights up, and your joy is undeniable. I want that, Damon,” she said. Her voice quivered slightly as she spoke.
“You will have that someday,” I reassured her. “Just be patient. And when the right man comes along,” I said soothingly, “he will be extremely lucky.”
Lena smiled shyly. “Thank you.”
After I had Lena show me to the restroom, I rejoined her in the living room and slipped my jacket back on. “I better get going,” I said.
“Do you have to?” Lena’s voice oozed with disappointment.
“I do,” I replied.
She cast a smirk in my direction as she stood. “I’m disappointed that you have to go so soon,” she said gloomily, “but I have truly enjoyed your company tonight.”
“I enjoyed yours as well,” I said, walking toward the door, “and thank you for dinner.”
“You’re more than welcome. When will we see you again?” she asked as we stepped out her front door.
“I’m not sure, but I will be checking on the two of you,” I advised her. “Call me if you need anything. I’ll e-mail you about the deed.”
“Thank you again.” She smiled. “I love you, Damon.”
“You’re very welcome,” I said, smiling. “And I love you too.”
Chapter 8
Octavia
Damon was going to be out of town for a week. After he left L.A., he was going straight to ATL. With the high volume week I had projected at the restaurants, I desperately needed a helping hand. When the results came back for Contessa’s criminal and drug tests, I felt like I was on Cloud 9. She passed both with flying colors, just like she said she would, and it was beginning to look more and more like she was going to officially be the caretaker of our daughter. I knew just because she looked good on paper, that didn’t necessarily mean she would click with our daughter, so I decided the true test would be to see how she interacted with Jasmine. To my delight, Jasmine latched on to her like s
he had been a part of her life from birth.
Contessa had a Madea style, minus the ghetto, with a Mary Poppins swag, minus the I’m-perfect bullshit. After introducing her to Jazz, I took her over to meet my parents. My parents gave her the thumbs-up, and Mama even suggested that the two of them should do lunch sometime. Everything was falling into place with Contessa, and although I was clueless as to how she found out I was hiring, I was thankful someone had sent her my way.
We agreed that she would come over every morning at six and stay until I made it home from work. For the most part, I was fine with our arrangement. The only problem we were running into was that Contessa didn’t have access to a vehicle because her nephew needed to have use of her car. It wasn’t too big of a deal because Damon and I planned to make sure Jasmine made it to any appointments she might have. However, I did want Contessa to have transportation in the event of an emergency or if she just wanted to take Jasmine out for some fresh air.
Another concern I had was that I knew Contessa was struggling and stressing, trying to maintain her bills and pay her rent. This bothered me because I could not have the person who was looking after our daughter stressed out and distracted. In addition to that, in the short time I had known Contessa, I’d already grown fond of her. I came up with a plan that I felt would solve the transportation issue and Contessa’s problem with her bills. In my opinion, the plan would be beneficial for both of us. After running my idea by my husband, I sat down with Contessa to discuss other arrangements. “How would you feel about living here?” I asked. The two of us sat poolside sipping ice tea while Jasmine lay next to us in her playpen sleeping. I had taken the day off to do some bonding with Contessa and to spend some mommy-daughter time with Jasmine.
“What you mean, how would I feel?” she asked. “I would love it!” Contessa laughed. “Who wouldn’t? Look at this place! It’s like being on a vacation,” she commented. “I ought to be paying you for letting me share your home.”
I smiled and looked over at her. “You’re a joy to have around,” I said.