by nikki blaire
“Bruh, don’t I know it, but it doesn’t bother me. I’m actually thinking that maybe…”
“That maybe what?” He backed up in disbelief at the small smile that formed on Tremaine’s face. Davin already knew what he was thinking. “Ah, c’mon bruh. You can’t be thinking of settling down again? You just met her.”
“I know, but I like her. She’s got this way of making bad shit seem less...well, bad. She’s got her shit all the way together. Michelle light since I’m Obama light, right?” He flashed a cocky smile at Davin, using his own words against him. “I just want to see where it’s going.”
“So, no test runs? You’re just going to buy the product, sight unseen?”
“Davin, watch what the fuck you say.” Tremaine scowled. “Plus, once you meet her then you’ll see that’s not something to worry about.”
“Once I meet her? Wow. You’re gone and clearly there’s nothing I can say.” Tremaine walked back to the dressing room to change out of his suit and back into his basketball shorts and T-shirt. “Just be careful, bruh.” Davin said through the door. “I’m not tryna tell you what to do, but it didn’t go so well the last time that you did this. I just don’t wanna see you go through that again. Take it slow.”
Tremaine emerged with his fist out for Davin to dap. He appreciated his friend’s concern and he also didn’t want Davin to think that his advice was falling on deaf ears. Davin, of all people, knew what it took for Tremaine to get over his situation with Trinity. After that, he vowed that he wouldn’t blindly walk into another serious situation again. So, tonight would be the ultimate test. He would get to see Ayda in her element and meet her family. Admittedly, he was nervous and hoped that she would be just as great as she was when they were alone.
“I hear you, bruh. And I’m taking it slow. I’m going to see how tonight goes and get to know her outside of when it’s just us.”
He carried the suit to the counter for Mr. Brooks to place in a garment bag then paid before walking out.
“As long as you’re being smart about it.” Davin followed Tremaine to his car. “But it would be cool if y’all worked out.”
“What makes you say that? Just two seconds ago you were begging me to take it slow.” Tremaine climbed into the driver’s side.
“Because then you can move out of that dope ass apartment, so I can move in.” He rubbed his hands together and laughed as Tremaine pulled off.
He dropped Davin off at his hotel then raced home to get ready. He had dropped Sasha off at his sister’s before going to the tailor, so his house was completely empty. He reveled in the quiet for a moment, and then called out to his automated stereo system that sent music blasting through the apartment. He turned on the shower then let the hot water cascade over his body. Anticipation and anxiety battled inside of his chest, while he tried to wash away any doubts about how tonight would go. He didn’t want to be a disappointment as a date, and he also didn’t want Ayda to disappoint him.
He braced his hands against the shower wall, while the water splashed his back. He didn’t want tonight to shatter his perception of her, but he was very aware of the possibility. He swallowed down the rest of his emotions, finished his shower, and then went to the bathroom sink to wipe down the fogged mirror. His fingers traced over his freshly shaped goatee, then he grabbed his brush to run it over his waves.
“This is it.” He looked at himself. “Tonight is it and it’s not the same as before. Ayda’s on your level. She has her shit together and after tonight, you can open up forreal.”
The quick, self pep talk was exactly what he needed. He finished the rest of his hygiene ritual then went to his room to get dressed. An hour later, he was ready. He made it to Ayda’s with time to spare, parked his car, then made his way up to her apartment. Tremaine took one last deep breath to calm his nerves then knocked on her door. To his surprise, Renee pulled it open and let out a small gasp once she saw him.
“Um, I’m just finishing Ayda’s make up.” She took him in. “Y’all just may shut it down tonight. You can come in.” She moved out of the doorway and motioned for him to follow her inside.
“She’s almost ready.” She called over her shoulder then quickly rushed back to Ayda’s room before Tremaine could give her a compliment as well. Renee was pretty enough to catch any man’s eye, but she still had a young face and was obviously close to Julissa’s age. Ayda, on the contrary, was a grown woman. Everything about her exuded the confidence that only came from schooling life. He rubbed his hands together in anxiousness, while he walked to the wet bar. He needed a drink to douse the arousal that had just flared up in his groin from thinking about her. He poured himself a double to sip on while he waited, but it didn’t take long before Renee was calling out to him from the hallway.
“She’s ready.” She strolled into the living room with a Cheshire cat grin spreading across her face. “I feel like a proud mom before prom. I should take pictures.” She giggled, as Ayda came in behind her. Tremaine stopped mid-sip once his eyes fell on her.
Being with Ayda had always made him feel like a blessed man, but in this moment, he felt that she had been made just for him. Tonight, everything about her pushed all of his buttons. Her brown skin and her natural hair, which was pinned up with just a few loose hanging curls. Her undeniable curves, and the tasteful bit of cleavage that peeped over the neckline. He clenched his fists then flexed his fingers trying to dull the ache of wanting to touch her. The dress flowed over her seamlessly and her makeup was understated, but still managed to accent her eyes and pouty lips.
A jolt of possessiveness surged through him, but he kept his cool...until she smiled. That smile made him unravel.
“We match.” She gave a small yelp of satisfaction, as she came towards him.
“I don’t even come close to you.” He whispered in her ear, and then bit his bottom lip while he spun her around.
“Tremaine, stop, you look just as nice. I just have to grab my clutch and then I’m ready.” She leaned in for a small peck on his cheek. “Thanks again, Renee. I’d look like a troll without you.” She hugged her then rushed to her room.
He and Renee shot each other a quick glance, to which she just shook her head. She must have read the illicit thoughts crossing through his mind right now.
“Shall we? A car’s waiting downstairs.” Ayda reappeared then led the way, while Tremaine intentionally hung back to watch her.
****
Ayda tried to make small talk in the car, but it was useless. Each of her attempts ended in awkward laughter or fragmented sentences. The sexual tension between her and Tremaine was thick and tangible. It also made Renee visibly uncomfortable.
Who the hell does he think he is? Coming here looking so damn fine.
She had wanted a date that would upstage Aaron, but hadn’t considered that Tremaine would upstage every single man that she had ever seen. His suit was perfect for spring and his skin tone. The man could dress, but she had known that. So, she should not have been so taken aback by how handsome he was. She was also feeling fluttery because he had taken her wishes into consideration by subtly matching her dress. Her fingers twitched, itching for something to grab since she couldn’t grab him, so she clung to the hand rest and looked out of the window.
“We’re here.” Renee was the first to move for the door once the chauffeured car came to a stop. “Thank goodness.” Ayda heard her grumble as she let the driver help her to the sidewalk.
“Well, here we go.” She turned to face Tremaine for the first time since he walked into her apartment. “You ready?”
“Definitely.” His dimples appeared. “Let me help you out.” He climbed out to get the door for her, despite the driver already standing there waiting. “I would’ve helped Renee, but she seemed to be in a hurry to get out.” He chuckled after grabbing her hand.
“Do you think it’s something we said?” Ayda let him lead her to the entrance, where Renee stood waiting.
“Or maybe what we didn’
t say.” He lifted her hand to brush a soft kiss against it.
“Maybe.” She couldn’t fight her grin or the confidence she felt standing next to him. It was obvious that he was stealing all of the guests’ attention, but Tremaine was so focused on her that she felt like the most beautiful woman in the world. This was a new feeling that she could definitely get used to.
They reached Renee, then the three of them strolled inside. The walls of the country club were draped with lattices of spring flowers and bright green shrubbery, while the sounds of classical music carried from the orchestra. Waiters and waitresses carried silver trays of intricate hor d'oeuvres and champagne, while each table featured a bottle of rare and expensive wine that would be served with dinner. Her mother had gone all out and spared no expense, per usual.
Most of the people that Ayda passed by only nodded and smiled. She figured it was because few people recognized her. She bore very little resemblance to the lovesick woman who allowed Aaron to patronize her, or the brooding workaholic they had been told of most recently.
Today, she was Ayda Forde, the assertive, self-loving marketing executive who had helped make this event a success. Her social media push for the event had done so well that it had already brought in donations, a first.
“Ayda. You’re right on time. Our table is right over here. Your brothers are already seated and your father...is...on...his...way.” Her mother’s sentence dragged as she came closer. “You must be Mr. Tremaine Henley.” Her mouth was practically on the floor, which was a true rarity for Ayda’s mother. She was never caught off guard, but it seemed that Tremaine’s overt handsomeness had managed to even ruffle the pruned and coiffed feathers of Claudette Forde.
“I’m Ayda’s mother.” She stuck out a dainty hand for him to shake, but he brought it to his lips instead. “Oh my.” Claudette breathed. “Well, I wish I could say that I’ve heard so much about you, but my daughter’s kept you to herself it seems.”
Her disapproving glance landed on Ayda, but she was too busy enjoying her mother’s dissolving composure to care.
“Well, that was downright selfish of her, but we’ll most definitely rectify that this evening won’t we?” He winked, which turned Claudette’s cheeks a shade of rose.
“Are you blushing, mother?” Ayda couldn’t help herself, but Claudette didn’t take the bait. She simply cast another downward glance her daughter’s way before having them escorted to their table. It felt as if the entire room’s eyes were on them while they were shown to their seats. Last night, she had been a fit of nerves worrying about feeling self conscious, but now, in the moment, she seemed to be floating on Tremaine’s arm.
“Ayda, Renee, and...the Good Samaritan. Glad you got here. I was getting tired of pretending like I care about anything Marc says. You both look beautiful.” Her brother Dwele was the first to greet them. He hugged her and Renee first then attempted to dap Tremaine, as if he were really that cool.
“It’s Tremaine.” He corrected, and then moved to pull out Ayda’s chair, but the escort beat him to it. Still, the small gesture didn’t go unnoticed. If she were keeping score, Tremaine’s manners tonight had beaten out Aaron during their entire relationship.
“Right, right. Dwele.” He reintroduced himself. “And nice suit, man. Is that custom Armani?” He closely admired the material.
“Custom, yes. Armani, no.” Tremaine’s response oozed self-assurance that seemed to command her brother’s respect. Dwele gave him an understanding nod then moved aside to introduce him to Marcus.
Here comes the shit show.
Ayda gulped, knowing that Dwele was the “easy” brother. Marcus prided himself on being protective and ramped it up when their father was absent. He stood, trying to seem taller, but it was no use. Tremaine was clearly the winner, which also made Ayda giggle. Tonight was already off to a good start, with two members of her family having already been put in their place.
“Marcus Forde, Jr. Marc for short.” He held out his hand for Tremaine to shake. After a moment of eye contact, Tremaine grabbed it firmly.
“Tremaine Henley.”
“Nice to meet you.” All three men sat down, but Ayda knew Marcus wasn’t done. He hadn’t managed to put his privileged foot into his pretentious mouth yet. They all admired the scene. Her mother had undoubtedly outdone herself this year.
“The turnout is more mixed this year. A lot more in our age group. I guess we owe that breath of fresh air to you, Sis.” Dwele grinned at her.
“I helped too.” Renee interjected. “And I deserve some champagne for my hard work. Will one of you show me to the libations?” She eyed Marcus, obviously wanting to stop the drama before it started, but he ignored her.
“I’ll show you, Renee.” Dwele held out his hand to her. “Plus, maybe I can get a dance?” He eyed the empty dance floor.
“I’ll need two glasses before I do that.” She laughed then turned to Ayda to mouth that she would be right back.
As soon as the two were gone, Marcus dove in.
“So, I guess my brother’s met you before, but I surely haven’t.” He adjusted his suit jacket. “And the last name Henley isn’t familiar.”
“It shouldn’t be.” Tremaine grinned, unscathed.
“Huh. Is that so? Well, the Forde name surely is, but I gather you know that.”
“I do now.” Tremaine retorted just as casually. Ayda reached for him underneath the table and ran her fingers along his thigh until she found his hand. She intertwined them in an effort to show solidarity. She hadn’t brought him here to be grilled and she hoped he didn’t think that she would sit idly by and let it happen. She squeezed his hand, but he acted as if he didn’t feel it. Tremaine seemed determine to stand his ground.
“What do you do?” The question rolled out of Marcus’ mouth so easily, as if it weren’t rude as hell. But then again, everyone asked that question in Washington, D.C. these days. Knowing a person’s profession was as common as knowing their name in these circles.
“I’m the regional property manager for the company that owns Ayda’s building. That’s sorta how we met.”
Ayda could see the negative quip brewing in Marcus’ mind and she didn’t want to have to set him straight so early into the evening. So, she squeezed Tremaine’s hand again before leaning in to interrupt.
“Tremaine.” She cooed in his ear. “I think I need a glass of wine. Come with me. I need to find an hor d'oeuvres tray too.”
He glanced at her a moment before obliging.
“Sure. I guess we’ll have to put a pin in our conversation, Marc.”
“I guess so.” He sipped from his own drink, while Ayda and Tremaine stood to dismiss themselves. They moved over to the nearest bartender for Ayda to order, while Tremaine leaned against the counter.
“You don’t want anything?” She eyed him.
“Not to drink.” He grinned, the intensity of his stare made her squirm a little. “But, I guess I’ll take a scotch, just to have, so I don’t look out of place. Every man in here has a glass in his hand.”
“That’s how my mom makes sure they write checks.” Ayda grinned. “This event doesn’t pay for itself you know.”
“I thought this was for charity?”
“It is. It benefits a literacy program, but this event is expensive, which is why my mother raises so much money. She never wants the kids to get shorted because of her expensive taste, as she puts it. If they don’t raise enough, then my parents kick in whatever is needed.”
“Wow. So, y’all are quite the philanthropists.” The bartender placed a glass of wine in Ayda’s hand.
“It sounds like we are, doesn’t it.” Her smile was coy, yet very telling. Her parents were generous people, but their motives were...their motives.
Once they both had their drinks, Ayda grabbed Tremaine’s hand and led him to one of the waiters carrying trays of food. She needed something on her stomach if she was going to squelch the growing lust that burned right underneath her skin. She took se
veral then continued to linger with her eye on her parents’ table. Her father still hadn’t arrived, which was odd for him. She was sure that her mother was frazzled internally by it, but she would never let anyone know. It was another trait that they shared.
“You know that we don’t have to avoid your brother.” Tremaine wrapped his arm around her from behind. “If that’s what you’re doing. I appreciate it, but I ain’t no punk and your brother doesn’t bother me. I’m a big brother too. I know the playbook.” He left a small peck on her earlobe that sent a wave of heat through her.
“I just don’t like him.” She managed to get her words out, despite the distraction of having Tremaine pressed against her. “My whole family is so critical of everything I do. I should’ve warned you before inviting you. I feel terrible about it now.” She sighed. She had unintentionally led him into the lion’s den.
“Ayda, they’re not that bad.” He laughed in her ear. “They’re just asking questions. That’s to be expected when a new man comes around. I’m guessing from their reaction that it’s been awhile since one’s come around.” His hand slipped to her side then he spun her around to face him.
“Am I right?”
She nodded sheepishly.
“And he’s here, isn’t he?” His revelation made her gasp slightly.
“It’s okay.” He pulled her closer. “No one wants to face an ex alone. I got you.”
“No, but you shouldn’t though. You should leave because it seems like I set you up. I didn’t though. I promise,” She had started to ramble as her anxiety about tonight returned.
“I just haven’t seen these people in so long and I wanted to make a good impression.”
She buried her embarrassed face into his chest, while he ran a hand down her back.
“And that’s exactly what we’re gonna do, aight?” He put space between them to look her in the eye.
“Alright?” He repeated until she nodded her understanding.
“Now, let’s get back to it.” He took her hand then led her back to their seats.