by Tiana Laveen
“You’re welcome.” He tilted her chin up and made her look him in the eye. “Anything for my baby.”
He kissed her forehead, wrapped his arm back around her, and led her to their seats. Time went past faster than he realized. Much to his surprise, he was loving the show. They sat holding hands, staring at one another for extended spells of time, kissing, then concentrating on the beauty before their eyes. Lovely dancers contorted their bodies in the most amazing ways. It was spellbinding. He’d seen his baby do similar moves—she practiced every day from the moment she woke up. She did it so effortlessly, with so much grace. He got easily aroused from watching her move like that. Rarely was she allowed to leave his abode without a morning quickie if she dared to let him watch…
Shoving the thoughts out of his mind, he shifted in his seat to get more comfortable. Before long, the show was over and her exuberance thrilled him to no end.
“That was… incredible!” she squealed as they made their way out of Lincoln Center, the crowd spilling all around them. She fanned herself with her program, and if her smile were any bigger, her face might have cracked.
“It was, right? Thanks. I definitely owe you a ‘thank you’ because if it weren’t for you, I doubt I would’ve gone on my own… wouldn’t think I would’ve liked it but I really did.” He glanced down at his watch and cleared his throat. “So, uh, before we leave, did ya wanna walk over to the water fountain? They have it all lit up at night… it’s nice.”
“Yeah, I’d like that.”
She laid her head against his shoulder and wrapped her hands around his arm, squeezing tight. Before long, they stood in front of the fountain, the water glowing with hues of gold. He stood there, entranced, thinking…
“You know, when I was a little boy, my father used to take me and my sister to this restaurant, some Chinese joint, I forget the name of it. It was a long time ago and it’s closed now; something else is there. A clothing store I think… Anyway, this place had a little water fountain with koi fish ’nd shit in it.” Sky listened, her expression curious. “He would mostly take us there sometimes after picking us up from school. Sometimes we’d eat in, but most times, he’d get carry-out and then all four of us would sit down as a family and eat dinner together.
“Eliza liked to look at the fish, and she’d beg Dad for one. He’d always say ‘no’, but I remember staring down at the coins, thinkin’, ‘Wow! That’s a lot of money!’ One time, my dad told me that the money itself wasn’t important—what mattered was what it symbolized. He went on to explain that it was in there because people had made wishes. Some people just tossed it in because it seemed like the thing to do. Others did it because they saw other coins in there and thought, ‘why the hell not?’ Some though had dreams, and they were so desperate that they tossed their little bit of money into a koi fish pond beneath a battery-operated waterfall, hoping that God would see that and help them out. They’d never admit this to anyone, but somewhere deep inside, they really hoped their luck would change. At that time, me and my sister were just a couple of rich kids who didn’t know what struggle meant… yet.” He laughed dismally as he cocked his head to the side. “But yeah, I never forgot that… wishin’ on a star, ya know?”
Sky’s hand warmed his back as she rubbed it, soothing him.
“I see love kinda the same way, baby.” He turned away from the alluring lights of the fountain and looked at her, holding her close. “Some people do it because it seems like the right thing to do. Others do it because they just wanna be like everyone else… that relationship goals type shit we see posted everywhere… and it isn’t even realistic. Every couple has problems, bumps in the road.”
Sky nodded in agreement. “But then, there are some people who are hoping and praying that they find their better half… that in this crazy city, hell, in this fucked up world, they manage to run into the guy or the girl that just turns their life completely around. It’s not the penny, nickel, dime, or quarter that means much. It’s what it means to the person who tossed it into a little aquatic oasis filled with fish. I was all of those people at various times in my life, Sky. When I married my first wife, it just seemed like the right thing to do because I loved her and she wanted to get married… and I wanted to make ’er happy.
“The second time I did it because everyone thought I was the luckiest guy in the world to catch the eye of a big time ex-porn star. Mimi garnered a lot of attention. She’s known practically wherever she goes… and I did love her, Sky, but not with the kind of love that warranted a marriage. I did it because, well, I wanted to do what I thought people expected me to do… get me a gorgeous woman who everyone wanted. But she was hollow on the inside, and I couldn’t connect with her. Not because of her past job, but because of her past, period… You were right, Sky. She does hate herself, and she had it rough.
“No excuse for the shit she pulled, but I know where it came from. Regardless, I made a mistake, a big one because that marriage should’ve never happened. Even up until the wedding day, I contemplated callin’ it off. But my ego…” He shrugged and turned away. “I just couldn’t… I couldn’t stand to look bad by doin’ something like that. I had a lot to learn, the hard way. But I’ve learned my lesson now… and now, I am finally experiencing the third reason why people toss their money into the pond…”
He dropped down on one knee before her and took her hand.
“Lazarist… Lazarist! Oh my God…” Her voice cracked as her eyes welled up with tears. And so did his…
“I’ve wanted to be at this stage in my life and meet someone like you, Sky, for a long ass time. I’ll be honest and humble myself for ya. I never thought a woman like you really existed, and if she did, I wasn’t always so certain I’d deserve her. I love your personality, and you’re fuckin’ beautiful, too. You’re funny, you’re tough, witty, soft when it counts… you’re a wonderful lover and you’re my friend. I can trust ya, and that’s real important to me, baby. I’ve got thousands of associates, but only a handful of true friends because I don’t trust easily anymore. I’ve been through too much, Sky. I’m damaged.”
“We all are, baby…”
“I’m a handful, but you managed to hang in there anyway. You love me…”
“I do! I love you so much, Laz.”
“I know that you do. I can always see it in your eyes, even when you’re sick of my shit.” They both chuckled at his words. “I can hear your love for me when we speak to one another… I can feel your love for me when we make love—you give me all of you, never holding back… I am… I am totally in awe of you. This time, I will toss my coins in the small fountain not because I need to be like everyone else, not because of public approval or what’s expected of me, but because I want to experience love… true, passionate love for a change. The kind that is filled with give and take. No pressure… it’s not forced. It just comes naturally.”
He swiped a tear from his cheek and removed a blue Tiffany box from his pocket. By now he could see that people had gathered around them, watching. Sky gasped, her tears flowing softly down her face. He opened the box and showed her the ring he’d painstakingly selected—a platinum French cut halo diamond band engagement ring, with a four carat cushion center stone.
“Sky Jordan, love of my life… I have an important question for you. Will you marry me?”
She nodded, her smile bright and big as she continued to cry. “Yes! I will marry you, Lazarist.” Her voice quivered.
Standing, he removed the ring from the box and slid it down her finger. The people around them clapped loudly and he heard a few whistles. He wrapped his arms tightly around her, rocking her back and forth, unable to imagine any better feeling than this…
Pulling out a coin from his pocket, he tossed a quarter into the fountain.
Once for the past, two times for the present, and three times for their future…
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Write a Check Yo’ Ass Can’t Cash
“YEAH… SO IT only seem
s fair.”
Rubbing on his chin, Lazarist leaned back in the white Porsche’s car seat. Chronixx’ ‘Skankin’ Sweet’ played through the car speakers. As of late, his love of Reggae music had become stronger. Once upon a time, that was all he listened to, though he’d rather forget the brief spell he’d gone through at age twenty when he’d tried to grow dreads. What a disaster. He credited his love for reggae to its healing powers. He’d had so many breakdowns and hard times in life, the music helped him get through those rough patches. When he heard it, he imagined swaying palm trees, fresh coconut juice, and beautiful bronze women walking in sheer, colorful sundresses along sandy shores. It relaxed him like peppermint incense, long stiletto shaped nails slicing into his back, Sky’s open thighs, and money stacking in his account.
“Hmmm, glad you had a change of heart and understand that this is best… for both of us,” Mimi stated on the other end, dragging him out of his deliberations.
He swallowed a chuckle. He could hear her inhaling and exhaling, imagining her hookah in her hand. Her pussy was probably flooding from the excitement his words conjured up. After all, bringing a motherfucker like him down would be a feather in her cap for certain. “So, you’ll be over with the check when, my love?”
“I can be over right now actually. Give me about thirty minutes.”
“Okay, great.” He could hear the satisfaction in her tone. “I’ll be waiting, baby.”
And then she disconnected the call. He leaned forward and turned up the music. An uncontrollable smile creased his face. He looked down at his tattooed fingers as he worked the steering wheel, making his way to Manhattan. They symbolized the craziness of his youth, not something he’d do at his current age. Yet, they showed a path he’d taken, one he’d travelled while wearing blinders, living by the seat of his pants.
Dollar signs, skulls, hearts, his zodiac sign, Charity’s initials, they were all there… In fact, all the tattoos on his body told a story, too. He’d thought about getting some cover up work, but right then, he appreciated them. They showed he was captain of his own ship, doing his own damn thing…
…It was great to be king…
SKY GOT OUT of the Uber and walked right up to Mr. Palsy, the realtor. He’d been referred to her by Lazarist, and for what it was worth, she could see why the man was so good at his job—he had the gift of gab, made her feel comfortable and showed her some of the most gorgeous properties in Manhattan, some of which she had no idea were even up for grabs.
It was evening rush hour in Manhattan, and this was the last property she was scheduled to see. They’d parted ways earlier, but then he got a call about another property and told her it was a must see. She felt close to exhausted; they’d been out for over two hours already, but it was now or never. Located on 36th Street, the building had been renovated and had just come up for lease. This was the opportunity of a lifetime.
Mr. Palsy extended his hand for a shake. “Nice to see you again, Ms. Jordan.”
“Nice to see you, too! So, here it is, huh?” She looked up at the towering place, loving it already.
There is no way this place is in my budget!
“Yes, here it is! I think you’ll find it quite nice and though it is a bit smaller than your current studio, there are some upgrades you may find too enticing to resist!”
He winked at her and they made their way inside. Ten minutes later, she was practically salivating. The mirrored walls were gorgeous, the windows huge and let in so much light. There were built in speakers in the walls and a restroom right inside, so no need to go out into a hallway or another floor to relieve oneself. The floors were in incredible condition and though it was slightly smaller in floorspace, the ceilings were higher, making it feel and look massive.
“This is incredible. I can’t even deny it. This is the best property I have seen thus far.”
The agent nodded in agreement as he handed her a paper with all of the information.
“I knew you’d like it. That’s why, despite the inconvenience of coming back out tonight, I realized I had to show you right away. It just went on the market this afternoon and with this location, it will be snapped up quickly. It meets most of your expectations.” He shoved his hand in his pocket, his shoes echoing against the floor as he slowly paced about. “Also, the couch and chairs stay.” He pointed to the modern furnishings. “They were bought to stage the place but it was made clear that they are thrown into the price. There’s central air… no window units required. As you can see, there’s even a water fountain, a small dressing room area, and a unisex restroom with a lock that has a full shower, toilet, and vanity sink.
“It’s… it’s perfect.” She sighed, feeling lost and sorry she’d ever laid eyes on it now. “I saw the asking price though.” She breathed deeply and looked at the piece of paper he’d handed her with all the specifications.
“Well, you can always submit an offer that isn’t the asking price, Ms. Jordan, but I will be frank with you. This spot is going to go fast and there are probably plenty of people willing to pay the asking price and then some. Why don’t you ask your fiancé to—”
“No.” She looked at him sternly and shook her head. “I refuse to have Lazarist foot the bill for this. I know that he’s your friend and he had probably told you to show me anything that I like, but I have to figure out a way to do it on my own.”
She took another deep breath and spun around the place as excitement and sadness merged within her, dancing inside her brain. “I think that I’ll, uh, I’ll make a trip to the bank first thing in the morning… see what they say. I will review all of my assets again. I want this place. It would be perfect for my classes; the new students I’d get from this central location would make sure it more than pays for itself over a short period of time. I’ll figure it out…” She was speaking more for herself than for him. “I’m going to do my best. And I’m going to do it… on my own.”
I KNEW THIS mothafucka would come around…
He kept playing those words in his mind, knowing that that was exactly what the demonic woman was thinking. Mimi certainly believed she had him by the balls. Starting lawsuit after lawsuit had to be exhausting, and she was determined to keep stirring the pot, causing trouble in his private and professional life. Despite losing in court, she undoubtedly still believed she had the upper hand.
Time to make the truth do what it do…
Lazarist stood at Mimi’s apartment door in Manhattan and rang the bell once again. He seethed as he reminded himself that this was the extravagant place he’d paid for.
The door swung open and there she stood, half naked. Mimi’s long, ebony hair was tucked behind one ear and she donned black, lacey lingerie that reminded him of a sheer swimming suit. She’d paired it with a matching, ankle-length robe she’d left untied for his viewing pleasure. Her 40DD breasts were hanging out, the pierced light brown nipples standing erect and at full attention. Lazarist twirled his white cane and winked at her.
“Come on in,” she said in a flirty tone.
He entered, and she closed and locked the door behind him. To his left, the fire was roaring and some soft jazz music was playing, all the trappings for a fuck-a-thon. By the fire lay a white bearskin rug, with a bowl of strawberries and two glasses of white wine next to it.
“Have a seat.” Mimi’s voice sounded so sweet, just like it used to when they first met. Her facial expression was soft, and she smelled nice; the rich, aromatic perfume hit him as soon as he walked past her. He made a few steps towards the fire and sat on the couch, still twirling his cane. Mimi, however, sat on the bearskin rug, her knees far apart, exposing a glistening pussy. She leisurely picked up her glass of wine and brought it to her ruby red lips. Taking a cutesy sip, she placed it down, green and gold greed dancing in her light amber eyes. With a slow hand running down the length of her leg, she patted the rug.
“Why don’t you come on over here and sit next to me, Lazarist?” She cocked her head to the side and smiled. He slowl
y got to his feet, then sat on the bearskin rug, his back poker straight and his ankles crossed. He smiled at her, then removed his checkbook from inside his blazer. He placed it to his left and her eyes landed on it, her lips curled in a grin. Then, reaching back inside his blazer, he removed a packet. She looked surprised, curious even.
“Thanks for letting me stop by at such late notice.”
He picked up the glass of wine, looked at it, then placed it back down. There was no way in hell he was drinking anything offered from her. The woman might have slipped a drug in it, something to get him drunk, zoned out of his damn mind. He’d be lucky if the only thing he did after landing in that position would be snorting cocaine off the crack of some whore’s ass.
“What’s that?” She pointed to the folder that was sealed closed.
“Oh, this?” He pointed to it and chuckled. “Just a little surprise.” He grabbed the checkbook. “Oh, damn, I forgot my pen. Do you have one handy, baby?”
“Yeah, of course.” She got to her feet, a big smile on her face, and sauntered off. As he sat there alone, he looked about at all the luxury items she had…
My money bought that vase… My money bought that painting, that chair, that table… It bought all of this shit! She had money when we met, but she never could’ve afforded to live here or have any of these furnishings. She deserves nothing that’s in here!
He swallowed down his rage when she returned to him, offering him a sleek gold pen, one fit for a king.
She lay down, running her hands along her breasts and licking her lower lip.
“You wanna fuck, Lazzy baby? One more time for old time’s sake?”
He smiled and focused on his checkbook, opening it up and finding a blank one to make out to her.
“Nah, I think I’m good, Mimi.”
“You sure, baby? All this good, juicy, yummy pussy… this tight ass that you love to suck and shove your big, fat dick inside?” She inserted her finger within herself, working it in slow circles. She pulled it out and sucked it, then gave him a hooded glance, her lips curved enticingly. “I won’t tell your little girlfriend with the funny shaped breasts, I promise.” She cackled.