Quarantine and Chill (AMBW standalone Romance)

by Kenya Wright

  “It appears with this pandemic my anime craze came in handy.” For some reason, a silly grin spread across my face. “I already had a huge collection of masks in my apartment. When I took the plane for the wedding, I wore this one.”

  “Others had on masks?”

  “Not many.”

  “I bet. When you head back, others will.”

  “That’s if I get to go back to Cali anytime soon.”

  “That’s right.” He grimaced. “I didn’t think about that. You may not be able to take a plane out of here.”

  “Oh and I forgot to mention this, but your sister and Corey are stuck in the Maldives. The island canceled all flights until further notice.”

  “Are you serious?”

  “Yes.”

  “Does she need any money?”

  “I don’t know.”

  “I’ll have to call her.”

  Yep. And you should probably mention that you’re also staying at her apartment.

  He tapped his finger on the steering wheel. “This virus is affecting everybody.”

  “Yep.” I gazed out of the window. Cars whipped by. I was surprised to see so many. I almost expected a ghost town. “So, we’re going to your friend’s clothing shop?”

  “Yeah. I knew him from UCLA. We both moved to New York together. We were even roommates for a few years.” Kamal cleared his throat. “You met Ross at the wedding.”

  “Oh.” I blushed. “Yes. Ross.”

  Kamal glanced my way. “He said he kissed you.”

  “Yes, but it was a small one that came out of surprise with no tongue. Just a smack on the lips and he grabbed my butt.”

  He turned back to the highway in front of him. A serious expression covered his face. “Did you enjoy it?”

  I laughed.

  “I’m serious.”

  “It was barely a few seconds and came out of nowhere. We were on the dancefloor doing all the moves to Beyoncé’s Drunk in Love and then right at the end, he screamed, pulled me to him, and gave me a big smack on the lips.”

  “And the ass grab?”

  “During the kiss. It was no big deal. We had been partying and drinking the whole time. It’s hard to find proper single buddies at a wedding. Almost everyone has a date.”

  “I’m glad you didn’t feel violated.”

  “No. We had been partying for a good couple of hours before it happened. I was so drunk, I probably had been handsy with him too. He is a good-looking guy even though he’s clearly not interested in women.”

  “You found him handsome?”

  “And fun.”

  “Interesting.” Kamal maneuvered us into another lane. “Beyoncé makes him crazy. He’s an official member of the Beyoncé’s fan group—the beehive.”

  “That was clear.”

  “So. . .what moves?”

  “Huh?”

  “You said you two were doing all the moves to Drunk in Love.”

  “Oh yeah. There’s a whole dance set during certain parts of the song.”

  “And you know this because?”

  “Buzz buzz, baby.”

  He looked at me. “You’re part of the beehive too?”

  I winked at him.

  “Not a bad musician to like.”

  “Over eighty-four hits and counting.” I shrugged. “Got to love Queen B.”

  He chuckled. “No wonder Ross kissed you.”

  I cringed a little. “Would you stop saying that?”

  “Why? You’re embarrassed by the intimate moment?”

  “It wasn’t intimate.”

  “Hmmm.”

  I rolled my eyes. “Jealous?”

  His serious expression cracked.

  I widened my eyes. “I was. . .just joking.”

  He gripped the steering wheel tighter. “I know, but maybe you had a point. You got more action than me on Zora’s wedding night?”

  “No kissing Amber?”

  The serious expression returned. “No kissing Amber.”

  “Why not?”

  “Because I didn’t feel like it.”

  “Why not?”

  “Just didn’t.” He placed the mask back over his mouth and turned on the radio.

  I guess we’re done talking.

  Classic Hip Hop played through the car. Long ago, Kamal had thought he would be a rapper. Once his mother heard, that dream lasted no more than a week. She demanded he keep his head in the books, instead of filled with dreams of freestyling into a microphone. That being said, every time I visited Zora, hip hop blasted from Kamal’s room. It was cool that he still kept that love alive.

  My phone vibrated in my jeans.

  I pulled it out. Karen delivered an image. I pressed on it. A large meme displayed a nude white woman with a short blonde haircut. Her expression looked like she was constipated. The words under the image read, “When Karen didn’t orgasm and wants to speak to the manager.”

  Karen: I have to change my hairstyle. It’s so close to the meme Karen's.

  Me: You’re black! And your hair is black! Ignore the memes.

  Karen: Girl, you never called me back.

  Me: I have an unexpected guest.

  Karen: Who?

  Me: You may not remember him. Zora’s older brother.

  Karen: That fine ass motherfucker!! Tell him Karen said hi!

  Me: lol

  Karen: Don’t laugh. I’m serious. Tell him that Single Karen said hello.

  Me: That’ll be at the top of my list. Talk to you later.

  Laughing to myself, I put my phone up.

  A familiar song came on. I bobbed my head. Kamal followed. And soon we kept the same rhythm rolling through NYC as if no crisis existed within the world.

  I think I needed this break from the house, even if we were going out into danger.

  Thirty minutes later, we made it to T& T. Kamal parked us in an empty spot.

  When we left the car, Kamal led me to the store. “Welcome to SoHo. Have you been before now?”

  “No.”

  “SoHo is short for South of Houston Street. It’s the eclectic part of lower Manhattan.”

  “Lots of artsy people?”

  “Yes. You would love it here.”

  I drank in the cobblestone streets, charming boutiques, and restaurants lining the neighborhood. “In all fairness, this looks well over my budget.”

  “I’ve seen your sculptures. You’ll be able to afford this soon.”

  Nervousness filled me. “You’ve seen them?”

  “Yeah.” He stopped us in front of a designer boutique and held the door open for me. “I have two big ones in my living room.”

  Not walking inside, I opened my mouth and closed it.

  “What?”

  “How did you. . .” I shook my head. “How did you get two of them?”

  “Zora helped me decorate. She bought them for my living room. They go quite well too. It’s all white and—”

  “I know what your living room looks like. She sent me pictures, but my sculptures weren’t in the photos.”

  “Then she must’ve bought them after she took the picture.” He gave me a wicked smile. “If I remember correctly, they’re from your Questioning Minds series. Copper faces shaped into question marks. They blew me away. Plus, the copper against the white is dazzling. You’re talented. I plan to buy more.”

  “T-thank you.”

  “Not used to getting compliments?”

  “I’m getting there.”

  He gestured for me to go inside. “Let’s go. We can’t forget about Ganesha’s date with Madonna.”

  “They’re just platonic. He’s saving himself for the right furry one.” I headed inside.

  As soon as I entered, I was transported into an enticing space designed to delightfully engage the senses with sights, sounds, colors, and shapes. Where there wasn’t edgy art on the wall, there were flowers and gold mannequins draped in diamonds. The racks weren’t typically low and in a circle. Instead, clothes hung on a string of
gems dangling from the walls.

  Had I not known it was a boutique, I may have thought it was an eccentric art gallery.

  “Navi? Is that you?” Ross appeared from the back, holding a bottle of vodka and three glasses. “And there’s my Jade.”

  “Hey.” I waved.

  Ross stopped five feet from me and kissed the air. “Jade, I’m so happy to see you. It’s a bright, sexy face for a dark and depressing day. How do you take your quarantini?”

  “My what?”

  “Quarantini. It’s a martini cocktail that we drank during the apocalypse brought on by that dreaded bitch Miss Rona.” He set the glasses and bottle of vodka down by a sleek cash register. “Dirty? Dry? Shaken? Stirred?”

  I smiled. “You pick and I’m sure I’ll love it.”

  “Good. I’ve got some dry vermouth in the back with some green olives and lemon peels.” He clapped. “It’s a celebration, Jade.”

  I laughed.

  He left.

  Frowning, Kamal called after him. “Nice seeing you too, by the way!”

  “You just get that platinum card out, Navi, while Jade and I drink our worries away. I’m about to put on Mrs. Beyoncé.”

  Kamal headed off to the right of the store. “Make sure you keep your lips to yourself, Ross!”

  “Of course. It’s a virus going on. I’ll have to kiss her again another time.”

  Following him, I chuckled.

  Kamal turned my way and frowned.

  I shrugged. “What?”

  “Don’t encourage this craziness.”

  “I can’t imagine you two being roommates.”

  “Why not?”

  “He’s crazy fun and you’re. . .”

  He leaned his head to the side. “Boring as fuck?”

  “You have more of a chill demeanor.”

  “Hmmm.” He checked out a pair of black jeans hanging from the stringed lights. “By the way, get whatever you want.”

  I gazed at the women’s section. “I probably won’t. It’s not like I’m going a lot of places this month.”

  “Get something. Especially some new pajamas.”

  “What is up with your hate for Hello Kitty?”

  “I don’t hate Hello Kitty. I dislike the thin material of the top and the tiny length of the shorts.”

  I paused from what I was doing.

  Not noticing my reaction, he continued, “No complaining on the beautiful view of your legs, but they will be a distraction from work this upcoming week.”

  I can be a distraction for him? That’s news to me.

  “Okay!” Ross returned with a bowl of lemons, a jar of olives, and plastic gloves on his hands. “It’s Quarantini Time!”

  Kamal grabbed several jeans. “Have fun. I’ll be in the back trying on clothes.”

  “Sounds good.” I walked over to Ross, but I still couldn’t get his small admission out of my head.

  My legs are a distraction. That’s an interesting turn of events.

  Ross stood on the other side of the counter stirring up two glasses. “Navi doesn’t get a quarnatini since he’s driving.”

  “How did you know he drove?”

  “He just bought the Beast. Of course he drove.”

  I chuckled. “That’s what he named his car?”

  Ross nodded and pointed to the glass closest to me. “That’s yours.”

  “Thanks.” I grabbed it.

  “And Navi is a perfect gentleman. He would feel weird letting a woman drive.” Ross picked up his own glass took a few steps back and sipped his.

  “You’re drinking with me, so you don’t have to drive?”

  “No. I live a few blocks down.”

  “Lucky you.”

  “He said you’re shopping too.” Ross sized me up. “I have some nice suits that will fit you perfectly.”

  “I’m actually looking for some pajamas.”

  “Hmmm.” Ross looked up at the ceiling as if in deep thought. “I have a few things that could be pajamas. I’ll bring them out after we finish. I just needed some alcohol.”

  “I get it.”

  “This drink is not the best for the immune system, but after a few glasses who cares anymore?”

  “That’s facts.” I took another sip.

  Ross checked the back.

  I looked in that direction and didn’t see Kamal.

  “So. . .” Ross lowered his voice. “What happened with Amber and him?”

  “I was hoping you knew.”

  “Damn it. He didn’t tell you either?”

  I shook my head and drank some more.

  “I wonder what she did.”

  I leaned forward. “You don’t think he did anything?”

  “No. Kamal stepped into 2020 on some Luke-Skywalker-building-his-empire sort of deal. He was thinking of marriage and kids.”

  I wasn’t sure if that metaphor worked, but I nodded.

  “Amber totally did something. She’s a hot mess. Glamorous on the outside, but horrific on the inside. He said she was popping pills like it was candy and being all hysterical, throwing shit around like she was getting a check for it.” Ross wagged his finger. “If I didn’t have a penis, I would have gone over there and wrung her neck. I knew if I told Zora, she would have.”

  “More facts. I’m glad you didn’t tell her.”

  “Zora doesn’t play when it comes to her brother.”

  “Not at all.”

  Kamal appeared from the back. “I need a bigger size. Do you have anything in the back here?”

  Ross and I turned his way.

  Damn.

  Kamal stepped forward, barefoot and without a shirt. I almost choked on my drink. The top of the jeans hung under perfect abs. His chest was more chiseled than I had imagined.

  Ross snapped. “Baby, you don’t need a bigger size. You need a saddle attached to the front and a sign saying, ‘Twenty dollars for a ride.’”

  Kamal scowled. “Let’s say I don’t want to be an amusement park ride. Do you have any other sizes?”

  Ross pouted, put his glass down, and marched off. “Fine. I’ll check, but it’s going to be a half-hearted search. You were born to wear tight jeans.”

  “Thank you. I think.” Kamal ran his fingers through his hair and then looked at me. “Your thoughts on these jeans?”

  I forced myself to not lick my lips. “I agree with what Ross said. The only difference is I think the rides should be at least a hundred dollars. We can’t just let anybody hop on.”

  A grin cracked through his dark expression. “I like your train of thought. If I ever need a pimp, I’ll pick you over him.”

  “Can I get that in writing?”

  He chuckled and headed off.

  And I watched him in pure satisfaction. There was nothing like a muscular man, shirtless and in good fitting jeans. And with the way he stalked off, I yearned to tear those gorgeous jeans away.

  Ummmhmm. I hope you don’t plan on wearing those jeans around the apartment. And if you do, please have a shirt on.

  This morning I woke up alone in the apartment with no one, but Ganesha to keep me company. By tonight, I would have my best friend’s hot brother prowling the space, looking sexy as hell and completely single.

  Wait a minute. What the hell is the sleeping arrangement? We never talked about that?

  I sipped more of my quarantini.

  Clearly, Kamal would take the couch. That was the type of guy he would be. And I would feel completely guilty while he stayed out there. Zora’s couch was small. His legs would hang off the sides. His big body would crowd it up. He’d be better sleeping on the floor.

  But. . .I can’t sleep in the bed with him. Do I take the couch?

  I would probably be more comfortable than him.

  If I do sleep out there, that shit is going to be murder on my back.

  I frowned and finished my drink.

  We’ll have to figure something out.

  I considered other alternatives.

  Maybe
an air mattress. That might solve it. Either way, we can’t sleep in the bed together.

  The last time I had sex with my ex-boyfriend it was a week before New Year’s Eve. It was completely uneventful. Afterward, I decided I wouldn’t be bringing him into 2020. Now it was March and my body was overdue for a good session of hot sex. Lately, I’d been overworking the shit out of my vibrator.

  Shit. How am I going to masturbate with him in the other room?

  So loud, my damn vibrator sounded like a motorcycle starting up. Back in LA, I lived alone so I didn’t think much of the sound. Now. . .he would totally hear the buzzing.

  Damn. This is going to be an awkward seven days.

  I set my empty glass on the counter.

  “Jade!” Ross yelled for me. “I found some nice pajamas for you and a couple of skirts for that great ass of yours. It’s so big and soft.”

  Kamal groaned from the dressing room.

  I giggled and headed back there.

  “Oh, and you have to check out these new thongs that arrived last week. Crotchless and silk. They’re perfect for you.”

  Kamal cleared his throat. “Let’s just focus on the pajamas, Ross.”

  “She’s single and sexy. She has all her life to wear boring pajamas. She needs silk and lace.”

  Kamal groaned again, confirming that I wouldn’t be the only one doing a little drooling this week.

  He and I stuck together. This is going to be crazy! Either way. . .we’ll both behave. It wouldn’t make any sense to. . .do anything out of character.

  Chapter 4

  Kamal

  Flattening the Curve

  I told Ross to pick out proper clothes for Jade to cover her body. Somewhere in between his two quarantinis, he sent her home with fitted skirts, tons of lace panties, and silk tops with revealing cleavage. Ross added some other outfits for her to the pile. I hoped they appropriately covered everything. At the cash register, she tried to pull out her card. I slung mine down and Ross took it. According to him, cash carried germs, but platinum only brought joy.

  We made it home in time to walk Ganesha.

  It had been a long day. After the wine and quarantinis, Jade giggled more. She must’ve been tipsy, but kept her composure well. Instead of unpacking all my new clothes and settling everything, I kept my mask and gloves on and then went with Jade and Ganesha to Prospect Park. It was fun hanging with her, and I didn’t want to be alone.