Bitch A New Beginning

by King, Deja

  “You get no argument from me.”

  “And to only think, we could’ve partied with him personally if you hadn’t fucked it up.”

  “I didn’t fuck anything up.”

  “We’re here, and there’s no Sway Stone. I call that a fuck up.”

  “Call it whatever you like,” I said before answering my phone. “Hello.”

  “Hey, Aaliyah, did I catch you at a bad time?”

  “Umm, who is this?”

  “Sorry, about that. It’s me Nichelle. Amir gave me your number.”

  “Hi, Nichelle. I didn’t recognize your voice. What’s going on?”

  “That’s what I’m calling to find out from you.”

  “Really.” I eyed Justina letting her know that I was completely perplexed by this phone call from Nichelle.

  “What does she want?” I hit the mute button so Nichelle couldn’t hear my response.

  “I’m trying to figure that out,” I said then hit the mute button again so I could wrap this phone call up with Nichelle and get back to drinking my Bellini. “Well, I’m at my dad’s house relaxing by the pool with Justina. Did you want to join us or something?”

  I extended the invite because I didn’t understand what the hell she was calling me for and I didn’t know what else to say. Nichelle no doubt seemed like a cool chick but I all I really knew about her was she used to be a model, had a fine ass husband named Renny and she had a little boy. It was really her husband’s son that he had with her dead best friend but she was raising him like he was her own. I think I had the story right but Amir told me what sounded like a soap opera street tale so long ago I might have it wrong, The point was I really didn’t know what she would want to talk to me about.

  “That’s sweet of you to ask, maybe another time.”

  “No problem. But I’m about to take a dip in the pool so I’ll call you back later, Nichelle.”

  “Aaliyah wait!” She yelled out as I was about to end the call.

  “Yes, Nichelle.” I was trying to keep my patience because this was Amir’s aunt and I did remember her babysitting us a couple times when we were little, although she didn’t seem to be too much older than us. But this phone call was starting to make me think she had some weirdo tendencies.

  “I was calling because I wanted to see if you were interested in doing some modeling this summer before you started school.”

  “Gosh, Nichelle, why didn’t you just say that when you first called. I was starting to think you were strange.”

  “No need to think that. So are you interested?”

  “It depends. Do I have to go audition or do you already have something lined up?”

  “I have something already on the table for you.” I wasn’t expecting that answer from Nichelle. I figured she would tell me about a few potential gigs that I would have to interview for and I was going to then politely decline. I had no desire to spend my entire summer on the east coast going on one ‘go see’ after another and being turned down. I had better things to do like shop, drink, party and flirt with cute boys. So since she had something already lined up I assumed it wasn’t paying and again I would decline. Yes, I was technically a trust fund baby with access to plenty of money but I wasn’t doing shit for free.

  “So what you have on the table is it paying?” I made a bubble with my gum waiting for Nichelle to drop the magic deal killer word, ‘no’.

  “Definitely! I would never offer you a gig that wasn’t paying. If there’s no money being made it’s not a job it’s a hobby.”

  “So what gig is it?” I was curious to know now that Nichelle had my full attention.

  “Sway Stone wants you to replace one of the models for the series of commercials he’s doing.”

  “Really, and when would I start?”

  “Immediately. So I would need your answer now.”

  “Yes, I’ll do it.”

  “Great! I’ll have a car pick you up from your dad’s house in an hour. Can you be ready?”

  “Definitely.” When I hung up with Nichelle, I couldn’t stop laughing.

  “What is so funny? What did Nichelle say?”

  “Guess who personally requested me to replace one of the models in the series of commercial he’s doing.”

  “Don’t fuckin’ play with me right now.”

  “You ruined your opportunity with Sway Stone,” I whined in an annoying voice mimicking Justina.

  “You’re gonna be in a commercial with Sway Stone! You lucky bitch! I so hate you right now!”

  “Don’t hate…appreciate,” I started clapping, singing and playing with the words turning it into a little song.

  “So when do you start?”

  “Nichelle will have a car here to pick me up in an hour. So this lucky bitch needs to get up and get ready.”

  “Can I come with you?”

  “I don’t think it would be a good idea for you to come with me on my first official day at work. But let me vibe everything out and see if I can bring you from now on. Maybe I can tell them you’re my personal assistant.”

  “It didn’t take you long to turn into a diva.”

  “I was trying to find a way to fit you in. But fine, you can figure out what’s going on by the pics I send you through my phone. Talk to you later.”

  ***

  When I arrived to the closed set in Time Square where they were about to film a scene for the commercial, everything seemed to be in full swing. There were a couple models, including the girl I saw at the concert last night getting their makeup touched up, I noticed a group of dancers practicing their choreography and then there was a large entourage and I assumed that was Sway and his people.

  “Aaliyah, you made it,” Nichelle said excitedly, greeting me with a hug. “Follow me, hair, makeup and wardrobe awaits you.” Before I even had time to think or ask a question there were three different people working on me.

  “This is a bit much,” I grumbled.

  “I know. But with everything happening so fast with you being a last minute replacement we’re tight on time.”

  “I get that.”

  “I know with all the hoopla going on it won’t be easy to do but try to relax and enjoy the moment,” Nichelle suggested. “I have to go check on some other things but I’ll be back.”

  “Take your time.” I was hoping she never came back, I didn’t need a babysitter. As I sat in the chair all I kept saying to myself was damn these motherfuckers fast. They were transforming me into a model within a matter of minutes. While relishing in my supermodel treatment I realized that Sway hadn’t said anything to me since I arrived. I found it odd since the only reason I was here was because of him.

  “Here, put this on and you’re all set,” a bubbly blonde said handing me an itty bitty bikini. I was all for showing off some skin but these pieces of thread she handed me was intimidatingly tiny. I took a deep breath, headed to the dressing room and put it on. When I came out, they had me put on some nude leather peep-toe, silver-tone stud embellishment Louboutin, add a collar pendant necklace with a rhinestone spike stretch bracelet. The jewelry and shoes turned the stripper bikini to a stylish ensemble. I was impressed.

  “Aaliyah, I’m speechless. You were always a beautiful girl but you look simply breathtaking,” Nichelle said shaking her head in astonishment.

  As I looked at myself in the mirror I had to admit that makeup chick beat my face like I stole her man. My hair and everything was nothing less than perfection. A bitch was flawless and I loved every minute of it.

  “Yeah, everybody did a great job.”

  “True, but if you didn’t have that face and body to work with I don’t care how great they are, they couldn’t have created this.”

  “You do have a point,” I laughed.

  “Now come on, they’re waiting for you.”

  When I came out everyone was in their allotted position and they all stared at me like where the hell is this bitch supposed to gontupposedo. I followed Nichelle and she stuck
me next to the model I saw yesterday and some Asian chick which was fine with me. I was looking hot, that’s all I cared about.

  “Okay, everybody get ready, we’re about to start,” the set director announced and I simply duplicated what the other two models were doing.

  “Wait.”

  “Yes, Sway,” the director said as if he was used to Sway interrupting him.

  “I want her next to me,” he said pointing to me. Everybody stared in my direction like who, what and where did she come from, especially the model that was already standing right next to Sway.

  “Are you sure that’s what you want, Sway?”

  “Positive.”

  “Okay, you two switch places.”

  “What are you talking about?” the model stood there with her arms folded like she was puzzled by the switch.

  “You go over there,” the director clarified by moving both arms in my direction, “and she’s coming over here,” he then moved his arms back to the position she was standing in.

  “But I’m a real supermodel. I’m supposed to be in the front.”

  “I’m the only super anything here,” Sway stressed incase the model had any misconceptions. “This is my commercial. So either take yo’ bony ass over there or get the fuck off the set. It’s your call but make it quick because we need to keep this moving.” The girl came over with the most mortified expression on her face. I didn’t need him to explain it to me. I went and took my position.

  “I see you missed your flight to LA.”

  “You got jokes,” I smirked.

  “We’re going to have a lot of fun together, Aaliyah. And by the way, you look fuckin’ incredible.”

  “You mean that don’t you.”

  “Damn right, or you wouldn’t be standing next to me. You’re going to be mine and you’ll enjoy every second of it.”

  “What if I don’t want to be yours?”

  “That’s not even a possibility. Now stand there and make the world fall in love with you, that’s what you’re getting paid for.”

  I moved my body, posing trying to emulate what the other models were doing but only better. I didn’t know what I had gotten myself into by willingly becoming a participant in this game with Sway. It was exciting and scary at the same time. So I did what any eighteen year old would do, sat back and got ready to enjoy the ride.

  ***

  For the next few weeks I stayed up under Sway. He wouldn’t let me move without him and because I was getting paid handsomely he didn’t get an argument from me. But we both knew it went beyond money, I was falling fast for him. Or maybe I was falling for his fast paced superstar lifestyle. It didn’t make a difference it was all intoxicating. From the parties, traveling and simply being in his presence, Sway was the personification of the overindulgent icon.

  “Tomorrow is the last day of shooting for the commercials.”

  “I know, Nichelle told me.”

  “But I want to keep you with me. What do I need to do to make sure that happens?”

  “I don’t want to go anywhere. I like being with you.”

  “I know but I like to keep things that I have developed an attachment for under contract.”

  “That’s different.”

  “I’m different. So how much does it cost for me to keep you under contract?”

  “I’m puzzled by why you want me so bad.”

  “Because you remind me of my last girlfriend,” he said caressing the side of my cheek. “The only difference is you still have this sweet innocence about you. She was a whore and drug addict but I still loved her all the same.”

  “What happened to her?”

  “She died from a drug overdose.”

  “That’s so sad.”

  “Life is sad that’s why you have to embrace the moment,” he said sprinkling my neck with kisses. Sway’s touch instantly got me aroused. When his lips touched mine and then his tongue circulated inside my mouth, my pussy got wet and I wanted to step out of my panties and have him slide inside of me.

  “Don’t stop,” I whispered as his tongue made its way to my hardened nipples. We were in a cabana at the W South Beach and right when I was ready to go all the way with Sway, Amir’s face flashed in my mind. I opened my eyes and closed them back quickly trying to erase his image but it kept popping back up. “Wait!”

  “What’s wrong?”

  “I’m a virgin. I’m not ready for this this to be my first time.”

  “Are you really about to play the virgin card? I like you. You don’t have to do that.”

  “I’m not,” I said, pushing him away. “I’m not telling you I’m a virgin so you’ll like me. I’m telling you because it’s true. And this doesn’t feel right.”

  “You’re serious?”

  “Yes, I’m serious! Why the hell would I lie to you about something like that?”

  “Because that’s what a lot of women do. Thinking I’ll like them more if they can get me to fall for their bullshit which they hope will enable them to get more out of me.”

  “You must not know who my people are. My father is Supreme also known as Xavier Mills. The original hip hop superstar turned music mogul. I drive a Lamborghini that my grandfather bought me as a birthday present. When I get back home I’ll be staying at my other dad’s estate in New Jersey. Let’s not get this twisted. I enjoy your company but I don’t need anything from you but a good time.”

  “Interesting, so you’re one of those rich girls. No wonder you haven’t asked me to pay any bills or take you shopping. And I thought it was all part of your MO to impress me.”

  “I’m going back to my room.”

  “Why?”

  “Because I’m not in the mood for your analytical bullshit.”

  “You’re so feisty.”

  ht="0emiv> “And you’re so…” I yawned.

  “Are you calling me boring?”

  “Not you but this conversation is.”

  “I really like you, Aaliyah.”

  “You told me that already.”

  “This is a different, stronger feeling; but nothing has changed. I still want you. Even rich girls want to be taken care of. That’s how they stay rich.”

  “I’m not ready yet to be with you like that.”

  “There’s no rush for us to have sex. When we make love I need you to want to give me your body. If I can’t have it like that then I don’t want it.” I found myself going right back to Sway but this time I was initiating the kisses. Something about him turned me on so much and it went beyond his celebrity good looks. His deep dark eyes seduced you with only a slight glance.

  “I do want you,” I admitted between kisses.

  “What I’m not going to do is let you tease me. When you’re ready for this dick, you’ll give it up to me without hesitation until then we’ll wait.” Now Sway was pushing me away and it only made me want him more. This was one ride I should’ve gotten off a long time ago but now it was too late, I was already addicted.

  Amir

  Pandemonium

  When I saw my dad and Nico come out the police station, I got out my car so I could find out once and for all what happened. “What did you find out?” I wasted no time in asking when they reached me.

  “It’s much more complicated than we thought.” My dad’s gravely tone sent a chill up my spine.

  “What does that mean?”

  “I’ll let Nico explain.” As Nico began to tell me what he found out from the police officers, my legs buckled and I almost fell to the ground but my car held me up. I heard what he was saying but I didn’t want to believe it. My mind drifted back to what happened earlier that day.

  ***

  “I can’t decide what I’m wearing tonight to Sway’s party. But I know I have to look extra cute.”

  “Justina, it’s a party not the Inaugural Ball.”

  “It’s not just a party. He’s having it at that brand new hotel in the city.”

  “What is he getting some suite?”

&nb
sp; “No it’s in the ballroom. I’m sure the after party will be in his suite and Aaliyah will be there no doubt. I still can’t believe she’s dating him.”

  “What are you talking ‘bout? Aaliyah isn’t dating Sway. She just did that modeling campaign with him and that was a one time deal.”

  “She swore me to secrecy but you’re my boyfriend so I know you won’t say anything.”

  “Say what?”

  “Aaliyah doesn’t want anybody to know. Her and Sway are dating and they have been for the last month. They’re keeping it on the super low. The other day when we were at Nico’s he sent her like a shit load of beautiful flowers. She showed me the card and they were from him.”

  “Aaliyah knows what type of nigga Sway is, she would never take him seriously.”

  “Are you kidding me! Sway Stone is rich, famous and hot looking why wouldn’t she take him seriously. What girl in her right mind would turn him down!”

  “Why do you always act like a fuckin’ groupie when it comes to him!”

  “Maybe because I’m a fan of his.”

  “Whatever, Justina. You go have fun at that little party you’re dying to attend.”

  “You’re not coming with me?”

  “Nope.”

  “Why not?”

  “Because I don’t give a fuck about a Sway Stone party. Go have a good time. I’ll be here when you gem"> when yt back.”

  “Amir, you have to go.”

  “Why?”

  “Because I’m not going to have anybody to talk to if you’re not there.”

  “Aaliyah will be there.”

  “Yeah, all up under Sway.”

  “I’m sure Nichelle and Courtney will be there too.”

  “It’s not the same. Amir, pleeeeeeease come with me. You’re my boyfriend, you’re supposed to be with me at things like this.”

  “Fine,” I said reluctantly.

  “Thank you, baby.” Justina wrapped her arms around me and gave me a kiss. I kissed her back but my mind wasn’t in it. I was too busy pondering what she said about Aaliyah and Sway. It fucked me up how my insides felt like they were about to explode knowing what was going on between them. I was wishing Lorenzo had killed him a long time ago but I had to get my emotions in check because I didn’t want Justina to know that my feelings towards Aaliyah ran much deeper than just a friendship.