The Best Part of Me

by A'zayler

  Goody grinned. “Why Yummy?”

  “Because her personality is wild, so it would be expected.”

  “What about me?”

  “Your personality isn’t as wild as hers, but you’re an individual, so it fits you. You don’t care what people think of you, so multicolored hair matches your style. You have to be a strong and bold woman to go against the grain the way you do.” Jerrico grabbed the back of her neck. “Plus, you’re so pretty, you can do no wrong.”

  Butterflies, somersaults, rollercoasters, and anything else that made your stomach feel funny were in overdrive right then. Goody had been completely disarmed by his attentiveness and the fact that he was so comfortable expressing it to her. She wasn’t sure what to do or say, so she just smiled and looked away.

  “Anybody who makes you smile like that deserves a fair shot.” He lightly shook her. “And you just refuse to give me one.”

  Goody paused while eyeing the pictures on his wall. “I’ll give you one.”

  “For real?”

  She nodded.

  “Good, because I’m the best you ever had, never had, or whatever fits us at the moment.” Jerrico pulled Goody to him and pecked both of her cheeks with a large smile on his face. “I’ll be downstairs waiting for you.”

  He winked and walked away, leaving her in his office.

  Goody looked around, then went straight for his bathroom. She was happy to find a brush, washcloth, and even toothbrushes. Leave it to pretty boy Jerrico to have a fully stocked bathroom. She brushed the front of her lace wig and pulled it into a neater ponytail then brushed her teeth and washed her face.

  She ran her hand over her shirt, trying to make it look presentable before smiling at herself in the mirror. With no real effort, she looked cute enough. Goody slowly descended the stairs, unaware of what was waiting. She’d heard an array of voices and was kind of nervous about coming out in front of everybody. The last stair wasted no time putting her on display.

  It opened right into the kitchen, and everyone there working looked her way. Some looked longer than others, while some rendered smiles and got back to work. Thankfully, Jerrico was there and pulled her out into the dining area in no time. The small table with the roses standing tall in the center was covered with food.

  Eggs, yogurt, waffles, bacon, grits, oatmeal, rice, sausage, and a bunch of other stuff that Goody had never seen in her life sat cutely decorated on small platters all over the table. There was only one place setting, so she was obviously eating alone, which would have been fine somewhere else. However, eating in a restaurant filled with people working while she sat in their way wasn’t her first choice.

  “You’re not eating with me?” She turned to face Jerrico.

  “I hadn’t planned on it. I figured you might want some time to yourself.”

  Goody shook her head. “No, I want you to be with me, to keep me company,” she tried to fix it up.

  “Okay, let me grab a chair.” Jerrico pulled a chair from his other table and set it next to hers.

  After making sure she was seated and ready to eat, he took his seat as well. They held hands as he said grace. As soon as he said amen, he began to explain the dishes she wasn’t familiar with. All were desserts of some sort.

  “You must don’t like me being skinny?” Goody asked through a mouth full of yogurt and granola.

  A smile that she could dive into showed. “I love your body, but I also love to feed you.”

  Goody’s eyes closed as she chewed a spoonful of whatever Jerrico had just put into her mouth. She chewed slowly, changing the flavor.

  “Oh, my goodness. Is this cherry filling? I love cherries!”

  “I know. You told me the other night.”

  “You were cleaning the kitchen. I didn’t think you were listening.”

  Jerrico held a fork of waffles drenched in syrup up to her mouth. “You were talking. Why wouldn’t I listen?”

  Goody shrugged and grabbed his wrist, bringing the food to her mouth. His other hand came up and cupped her chin slightly to catch the syrup that had just dripped from her lips.

  “You’re getting spoiled.”

  “How?” Goody probably looked like a child talking with a mouth full of food, but Jerrico didn’t seem to mind.

  “I’m feeding you, catching your crumbs, and having a conversation with you, all because that’s what you said you wanted.”

  Goody looked around at all the food in appreciation before going to him. She touched the side of his face.

  “Thank you, I’ll pay you back. Tell me what you want.”

  She’d thought he was about to answer her, but he grabbed her hand, surveying the long purple, yellow, and Nipsey blue nails instead. Rhinestones and different designs decorated each nail. Goody’s defenses rose. Her loud nails were another sore spot for her. Kayson’s annoying comments were never ending when it came to her nails.

  “These are nice. I like the little diamonds.” His chocolate lips pressed against the back of her fingers. “You should have gotten a J on this one instead of a G.” He winked and let her hand go.

  Goody looked at the personalized nail with the G and a sparkling mic on it before looking up at him. Jerrico looked at her nails once more before grabbing the plate of sausage and picking one up with her fork.

  “My fault for getting distracted, but I don’t want nothing. Just a fair chance, that’s all. I can handle the rest.”

  “It’s cool. I appreciate the distraction.” She opened her mouth for the meat. “But you don’t need anything? There’s nothing that comes to mind when I say I’ll do anything?”

  Jerrico shook his head but stopped and began to nod it instead. “There’s this party I have to attend. You should be my date.”

  Goody’s eyebrows rose. “That’s it?”

  He nodded.

  “What’s the catch?” She squinted at him.

  Jerrico sat back in his chair and stretched his legs out around her chair. “It’s not one. I just need a date. I was going alone, but since you’re being so generous this morning, offering me whatever I want and what not, I might as well make the night worth it.” The big smile on his face made Goody skeptical, so she tilted her head and just looked at him without saying anything. “What you looking at me like that for?” Laughter accompanied Jerrico’s question.

  “Because something about the way you’re smiling is making me think you’re up to something.”

  “I promise I’m not. I’m just happy you agreed.”

  Full and about to pop, Goody wiped her mouth and scooted back in her seat. “What kind of party is this?”

  “Nothing major, just some family stuff.”

  Family?

  “What kind of family stuff?”

  “It’s my cousin’s birthday, and she’s having a party.”

  Goody wasn’t really feeling the family thing, but she’d already put her foot into her mouth, so she chilled while waiting for the rest of the details.

  “When is it?”

  “Tomorrow night.”

  Goody covered her mouth when she burped quietly. “Dang, that’s short notice.”

  “I had planned to ask you sooner, but I didn’t really think you would agree.”

  “What makes you so sure that I’m agreeing now?”

  Jerrico smiled. “You just told me that you owe me. I know you’re not going to back out on your debt.”

  “You don’t know me very well then,” Goody sassed.

  Jerrico’s smile grew. “Stop being a baby, it’ll be fun.”

  “You better be glad that food was good.” She reached out and stuck the tip of one of her nail up his nose.

  Jerrico jumped back and covered his nose with laughter. Goody joined in. The boyish laughter he released was well worth that little playful jab.

  “You nasty as hell for sticking your finger up my nose.”

  Goody shrugged and smiled at him. “You just better not have no boogers on my nail, I know that.” She held her nail up
playfully and inspected it.

  Jerrico stood and hovered over her, rubbing his nose all over her face and mouth. “If I do, it’s your own fault.”

  Goody’s bashful laughter came along with a couple of swats to his arms and back before pushing him away.

  “Move, crazy ass.” Her palm to his forehead kept Jerrico’s lip away from hers.

  He moved her hand and pecked her lips faster than she could stop him. The natural smile that had been on her face all morning grew wider as she watched him take his seat again.

  “Excuse me, Mr. Blake, I’m sorry to interrupt your date.”

  Jerrico looked over his shoulder. “It’s not a date, London. What’s going on, sweetie?”

  Goody turned her nose up at the sweetie that he so effortlessly directed at his employee. She wanted to be mad and catty about it, but she checked herself before scooting her chair from the table.

  Jerrico looked back at her quickly and grabbed her wrist to hold her in place, then looked back at his sweetie.

  “We’ve overbooked for the Sofia section this evening. Rodney scheduled a party of twenty in the same section that I scheduled a party of thirty.”

  “Same time?” Jerrico questioned, still holding Goody’s hand.

  “My reservation is at eight, and his is at seven. There’s no way we can accommodate both so close together. I was going to move them to the Evelyn section, but it’s booked for a few smaller parties as well.”

  Jerrico paused for a moment and scratched his head. The stress of the situation was obvious in his movement. Goody thought it was cute. He was a creator who was serious about his craft. She could relate.

  “The Jaslynn section is full too?”

  “Aww, that’s so cute. You name your tables?” Goody interrupted.

  London smiled with a nod. “It’s easier to keep track of our size and availability like that.”

  Jerrico nodded while mumbling vaguely to himself.

  “All women, I see.” Goody’s insecurities surfaced.

  Jerrico looked completely at her. “All the black women that I love.” He winked and turned back to London. “Is the terrace filled?”

  “No, but it’s supposed to be hot tonight.”

  “I know.” He stood with one hand rubbing his bottom lip and the other still gripping Goody’s wrist. Naturally, when he began to move, so did she. “Pull the curtains and turn on all of the fans. That should keep it cool enough for the party at eight. The sun will have set by then.”

  Goody followed Jerrico as he walked toward the kitchen. London fell into step with him. Goody looked her over. She was a pretty, mixed girl with long hair and big legs. Not much butt, but her shape was cute enough.

  “What if it’s not cooled by then?”

  “It should be fine. If we have any complaints, I’ll take care of the bill.”

  London and Goody both stopped walking and looked at him. Jerrico kept moving until he felt the resistance from Goody. He turned and faced both women with a bewildered expression.

  “What?” he asked perplexed.

  “It’s a party of thirty, Mr. Blake.”

  He shrugged. “And?”

  “Thirty people, Jerrico, really? You’re going to cook and feed thirty people for free?”

  He nodded with assurance while London sighed, and Goody shook her head.

  “Oh, no, sir. You are not about to do that.” Goody was adamant about that; her tone was proof.

  London pointed at Goody with her thumb. “I agree with her. That’s not a good alternative.”

  Jerrico smiled at her. “Have you two realized that this is my establishment, and I can do what I want?”

  Goody didn’t say anything, but the look she gave was not letting up.

  “Satisfied customers produce successful businesses.”

  “I get that, but thirty people is ridiculous.”

  “What should I do then, Paradise?”

  “Give them free appetizers or something, but the whole meal is absurd.”

  Jerrico looked at London and smiled. “Go make those arrangements and inform everyone of the changes, please.”

  Goody and Jerrico watched London walk away before he looked back at Goody. He closed the distance between them and wrapped one arm around her small waist. Her little body went to him with no problem.

  “I appreciate the way you care.” He smiled, but Goody didn’t. “It’s a turn on.”

  Goody looked away, avoiding eye contact.

  “You busy today?”

  She shook her head. “Not really.”

  “I want to see you some more, can I?”

  She nodded.

  “You’re not going to talk to me?” Jerrico got into her face, so close that their noses touched. “You mad?”

  “I’m not mad.” She sighed, recollecting what Heather had just told her about him upstairs. “I just want to make sure you’re good, that’s all.”

  “I’m good.” He kissed her mouth twice. “You good?”

  She nodded, this time with a smile. When Jerrico grabbed her butt in both hands and rubbed softly, she wrapped her arms around his neck.

  “Better than I’ve been in a long time.”

  He hugged her up, making her close her eyes. Goody needed to run away from that man as fast as she could, whether she wanted to or not. She could sense the feelings stirring up in her gut, and she needed to jet before her emotions started spiraling out of control.

  Chapter Six

  Do You Mind?

  Music loud enough to serenade a party but not loud enough to cause a disruption played from a strategically placed speaker. Beer kegs, red plastic cups, beer pong tables, and a multitude of drinking tubes and party games surrounded the partiers as they moved around, socializing with each other. The bright pink and teal banner that read HAPPY BIRTHDAY JASLYNN hung just above everyone’s head, shining light on the birthday girl.

  Men and women of all colors hung together doing one thing or another. Some were dancing and drinking while others were eating and swimming. The large pool area was crazy packed with people and definitely a vibe Jerrico could get with. Everyone was in their swimsuits and actually enjoying the festivities without any unnecessary commotion.

  In a pair of navy swim trunks, flips flops, and no shirt, Jerrico blended in with the majority of the other men. With nothing but a gold chain around his neck and a red hat hanging off the back of his head, Jerrico fixed the black shades on his face and breathed in the atmosphere.

  There were half-naked people everywhere, fine half-naked women, but he kept his looking to a minimum. He already had what he needed. The long-legged beauty in the red, navy, and gold bikini next to him was smashing shit. The two-piece she sported was made for her. That was the best way Jerrico could describe how perfect she looked in it.

  Her hair was black and wavy. He wasn’t sure how she’d changed it that fast, but it was sexy. The big hair was a good look for her, just like the heeled sandals she wore. Half of her pretty face was covered by a pair of clear sunglasses that still allowed people to see her eyes.

  “Paradise? You good, baby?” Jerrico grabbed the small of her back and pulled her closer to him before grabbing her hand.

  “Fine.” She nodded while sidestepping out of the way of some drunken white boy who had just climbed out of the pool.

  He turned to apologize immediately. “Holy fucking crap, you’re hot!” he yelled. “Sorry for stepping on your foot.”

  Jerrico was about to correct the man, but Goody’s smile stopped him.

  “You’re fine, love.”

  He smiled at her again before diving back into the water. Jerrico pulled her away from the pool, so she didn’t get the aftermath of the large splash he’d created. Her body on his warmed him up. Instinctively, he cupped her waist and held her in place.

  “You feel so good to me,” he spoke against her ear.

  Goody looked at him over her shoulder but didn’t say anything. The sexy look she gave did so much for him that she d
idn’t need to.

  “You shouldn’t look at men like that,” he told her with his chest touching her shoulder. “Might have him giving you the world.”

  Goody blushed and turned her head away from him. Jerrico enjoyed her smile until he grabbed her hand so that they could move through the people again. Marcellus and Calvary were already there and had been waiting for him to arrive.

  “Yo, what’s up!” a girl yelled in Goody’s face while tapping her friends. “It’s Slim Goody, y’all, look.” The rest of her friends began crowding Goody’s space.

  Jerrico looked to her to see what to do next. He didn’t want to act as a bodyguard if that wasn’t what she was on, so he just stood close and watched her hug and converse with the girls. Before long, they turned into over half of the party stopping to talk to her.

  “What’s all the commotion about? Who’s over here stealing my spotlight?” Jaslynn pushed the crowd with a small frown but smiled when she saw Jerrico. “Cousin!” she yelled and jumped on him.

  He laughed and put her back on her feet. She looked from him to Goody. Her smile grew, and she snapped while pointing her finger.

  “You’re that rapper chick, right?”

  Goody’s body language disapproved of Jaslynn’s approach as she looked her up and down. Goody looked from Jaslynn to Jerrico with her nose turned up.

  “This your people?” she questioned, not bothering to respond to Jaslynn.

  “Yes,” Jaslynn said with a bunch of unnecessary attitude. She’d even placed her hand on her hip while mugging Goody.

  Goody raised her eyebrows at Jerrico. “Tell me now before I slap her to the ground.”

  “Slap me to the ground? You’ve got the right one today,” Jaslynn countered as Jerrico stood between the two.

  Goody’s long arm reached right over his shoulder and palmed Jaslynn’s face. “Get back and enjoy your party, hoe.”

  Jerrico’s eyes bucked as he tried to simmer the women down. “Calm down, Goody, she didn’t mean it how it sounded. Jaslynn, chill, baby.”