by Lucinda John
“Looking hot, boo!” Shantika said, giving me a high five.
“Thank you, love.” I smiled, running my fingers through my hair.
I walked out of that salon a brand new woman, ready to take on the challenges of life. Shantika had a date with her boo, so she ended up dropping me off at home, with promises of checking up on me later on. When I got home, I didn’t have much to do, so I decided to take a spin on my motorcycle. I took a few lessons after buying it, but that was the only time I actually rode it.
Dressed in a green one-piece spandex suit, I slipped my feet in a pair of my black and green Jordan’s, before pulling my black and green biker jacket over my body. Grabbing my helmet and keys, I made my way out back where my bike was. The engine of my bike purred once it came to life. Placing the helmet over my head, I lifted the kick stand with my feet and sped down the street.
The feel of the wind beating against my body was thrilling. I was riding my bike like I’ve been doing it for years. Without a destination in mind, I decided to head over to the Las Olas strip. When I got to the strip, I parked my bike and placed coins in the parking meter. I walked the whole strip until I came to a tattoo shop. After making my way inside I decided to get a tattoo.
“Welcome to Dale’s, are you getting inked?” the sexy man asked.
I looked him over and he was covered in tattoos from his neck on down, but for some reason I found that shit sexy as fuck. He stood about 6’2 and was medium built. He was a deep tan color, which made me assume he was mixed with something. What took the cake was his piercing green eyes. He kind of reminded me of Kendrick Sampson, the guy that played Caleb from, How to Get Away with Murder.
“Yes, is the owner in?” I asked.
“You’re looking at him.” He smiled. “I’m Dale, how can I help you?”
“I wanted to get a tattoo, only by the owner, of course,” I replied, slightly embarrassed.
“Okay. What kind tattoo were you thinking about getting?” He asked.
“I don’t know, this was a type of spur of the moment thing,” I replied.
“Cool. Tell me your story.”
“What do you mean?”
“Tell me everything about you, I can draw up something for you real quick,” he said.
“Okay,” I said, taking a seat on the sofa. I removed my jacket and began spilling all my tea to the stranger.
“Wow,” was his only response, once I finished.
“Crazy, huh?”
“Yeah, but I’ve heard worse,” he said.
“Give me an hour to draw up something dope. Feel free to lounge around in the customer area, there’s a TV, computers, snacks, and drinks in there,” he said.
I walked over to the customer area and grabbed a bottle of water before taking a seat on one of the massage chairs. Everything in this shop was decked out. It was well put together with nothing but top of the line furniture and décor. I was watching a blank TV when Dale came over and handed me his sketch pad.
“This is dope.” I smiled, looking over the drawing.
“I was thinking we can do a half body sleeve on your right side. Start from your shoulder blade all the way down to your leg. We could start off with the flowers, then put the tattoo of Kareem on your side. Your father’s name can go around the prayer’s hand, then we can put the bible verse down your leg, and finish it off with more flowers,” he said, impressing me.
“I love it, let’s do it,” I beamed.
“It’s going to take me about six hours, seven at the most, so I hope your boyfriend doesn’t come looking for you,” he said.
“No boyfriend, so it’s no problem,” I said.
“Cool.” He smiled licking his lips. “In the back you’ll see some disposable robes, I need you completely undressed, so put one on.”
“Got damn!” He growled once I walked back in the room in nothing but a paper robe. “I’m sorry ma, but your body is amazing.”
“Thank you,” I blushed.
I laid on my left side and allowed him to get started. We had a full-blown conversation in an attempt to keep my mind off the pain. In a weird way I loved the way the needle pierced into my skin. When he finally finished my tattoo, it was one in the morning and I was sore as fuck. He gave me the run down on the proper way to take care of my tattoos, before sending me back to get dressed.
“How much do I owe you?” I asked, walking back in the room.
“Your number and a date.” He smirked.
“No, I’m serious.”
“I am, too.”
“I don’t feel right letting you put in all this work for free,” I said.
“I make good money, so I’m not sweating it,” he said.
“Well, can I at least give you a tip?”
“Nope, your number and a date will do,” he replied.
I read him off my number before grabbing my keys to leave. On my way out, I spotted a tip jar in which I placed three hundred dollar bills inside. He did a beautiful job on my tattoos and he deserved to get paid for his work. When I got to my bike, I had a two hundred dollar ticket for exceeding the meter time, attached to it. Stuffing the ticket in my pocket I said a quick prayer before riding my bike into the night.
,
*****
Today was Thanksgiving and I had a lot to be thankful for. Although, I loss the two most important people in my life, I was getting the hang of coping with the pain. Time was starting to heal my wounds because I haven’t even thought of Geek once, since the night I turned him away. Every night he would try his luck by knocking on my bedroom window. He was wasting his time because I switched rooms and was now sleeping in the upstairs bedroom.
I was becoming really fond of Dale. We haven’t been on our date yet, but we talked and texted every second of the day. He would make a joke about coming over and kidnapping me, but I paid him no mind. I wanted things to move slowly between us; I was in no rush to jump into anything.
Since I wanted to show off my new ink, I decided to wear a mini olive halter dress to dinner. I wrapped a brown belt around my waist, lifting my bust up more. I paired my outfit off with a pair of brown gladiator sandals. I decided to do a bare face, with the exception of some nude lipstick. The only jewelry I wore was the necklace and the bracelet Smoke got me. I was really nervous about seeing him since we haven’t shared any words after the day he left my house. Today I was going to apologize and smooth things out, because I really missed having him around.
Once I was dressed and satisfied with my look, I sprayed myself down with my Alien perfume then made my way over to the Michael’s. When I arrived, everyone, including Smoke’s girlfriend was there. I was hurt seeing them hugged up on the couch as if they were the only ones in the room. If Smoke saw her fit enough to bring around his family, then that meant things between them was serious.
“Hey everybody,” I smiled.
“Hey, Karrueche, it is so nice to see you,” Zana, said giving me a hug. “You look beautiful as always.”
“Thanks ma,” I smiled.
“Damn girl, you killing them. Ink my body up, I don’t give a fudge,” Shantika smiled, smacking me on the ass.
“I love this look on you,” Journi, complimented me.
“I appreciate that bruh,” I replied, grabbing his cup out his hand. I took a sip of his drink, before handing it back to him.
“Now that my baby is here, we can eat,” Mr. Michael said, pinching me on the cheeks.
I sat next to Shantika, who was cracking jokes on Tangi on the sly, causing me to laugh. Mrs. Michael said grace and we all dived in. The food, like always was delicious; Mrs. Michael and Zana outdid themselves in the kitchen. When it came time for dessert, Mrs. Michael allowed the fellas to watch the game while we sipped wine in the kitchen. Since Shantika has been giving Tangi the side eye all day, she decided to go watch the game with them.
“I like you so much better for my son,” Zana said.
“Let the church say Amen,” Shantika added.
“
I messed up,” I shrugged, recalling the day Smoke went off on me.
“I see the way my son looks at you, it’s fixable, trust me. Just talk to him,” Zana said.
The fact that I had Smoke’s mother on my side put me up one against Tangi. I was really feeling Smoke and felt that it should be me hugged up on the couch with him, but I screwed up. This whole time Smoke was dropping hints to me, and I was too stupid to see them because I was stuck on stupid for Geek.
When Smoke came in the kitchen for a second piece of Patti’s pie, everyone excused themselves, leaving us alone.
“You look good,” Smoke said, giving me the once over.
“You don’t look too bad yourself,” I replied.
“New ink and haircut, I see ya.”
“Yeah I needed a change,” I said.
“Well, this change looks good on you.”
“Thanks. Listen Smoke, I’m sorry about the way I went off on you a few weeks ago. You had my best interest at heart, but I was too stupid to see it.”
“It’s cool, we are straight, no hard feelings.” He smiled.
“Baby, you good?” Tangi asked, walking in the kitchen.
“Yes, bae, I was just chopping it up with Karrueche,” he said, wrapping his arms around her waist. I got sick to my stomach and I could feel the piece of pie I ate threatening to come back up.
“I missed you,” she said, turning around to kiss him on the lips.
“Damn, girl.” He smiled. “Listen CheChe, I’ll check you later so we can finish up this conversation,” he said, walking out of the kitchen holding hands with Tangi.
Crushed, I quickly wiped my tears before they could fall.
“Ahhhh, CheChe, it’s going to be okay,” Shantika said, walking in the kitchen.
“I’m not feeling it, I’m about to go home,” I said.
“Wait, let me walk with you.”
“It’s cool, enjoy your man, I’m good.”
After saying my goodbyes to everybody, I grabbed my to-go plate and headed home. It was starting to get chilly, so I powered walked. Once I was away from the Michael’s home, I allowed my tears to fall freely. Smoke moved on and it was all my fault. I wasted my time on a bad man when I had a good one in my face this whole time.
“Hey pretty girl,” I heard a guy say, slowing down his car to call out to me.
I wasn’t in the mood to be bothered, so I ignored the person as I walked towards my door.
“Damn, Karrueche, it’s like that?” The voice asked.
I turned around and saw Dale looking sexy, reclined in his all black Lexus Coupe.
“You stalker,” I said, cracking a smile.
“Naw, never that. I just came by to see if you were ready to give me a date. I don’t feel like going to the Dade County Fair alone.”
“Fine, I’ll go, only because you drove over here. Let me change first.”
“Bet,” he said, pulling into my driveway.
I rushed to my room and changed into a Chanel jogging suit. I slipped my Chanel sneakers on my feet and grabbed my coat, just in case it got any cooler out. I made sure my security system was activated, before walking out to Dale’s car.
“You look nice,” he said, backing out of my driveway.
“Thank you, why aren’t you with your family?” I asked.
“Well, my mother and sister went to England to visit my grandparents.”
“Why didn’t you go?” I asked.
“Because they’re racist, they take to my sister well, but treat me like shit because I’m mixed with black,” he said.
“I’m sorry to hear that.”
“Naw, it’s cool. My mother tries to tell me my grandparents are standoffish because of my tattoos and career choice, but I’m not stupid,” he vented.
“Wow, against their own blood though?”
“Yes, you’d be surprised, racism is very much alive.”
When we arrived at the fair everything was in full swing. I could hear loud screams from the people riding the rollercoasters, while Kent Jones’ newest single ‘Don’t Mind’, boomed from the speakers, as kids begged their parents to win them stuffed animals. The last time I went to the fair was prior to my father getting married to that evil bitch, Elaine.
Dale and I got on every ride, ate deep fried Oreos, and played numerous games. The time I spent with him took my mind off of everything. I was enjoying my time and was happy I decided to take him up on his offer. We were sitting on the benches watching people get on the stage and embarrass themselves, doing karaoke.
“I’m glad you came out with me,” Dale said.
“I’m glad I did too,” I replied.
“I hope I get a second date.”
“I can see a second one in the near future,” I said.
“That’s what’s up. I bet you won’t get up on stage,” he challenged.
“I will, if you get up there with me.”
“Deal,” he said, grabbing my hand.
“What song?” The DJ asked.
“Mary J Blige ft. Method Man, ‘You’re All I Need’,” Dale said, shocking the hell out of me. He didn’t peg me as the type that listened to that type of music.
The beat started and I started off. I was a horrible singer and Dale was even worse, but that was the beauty of karaoke. Folks wanted to watch other folks make a fool of themselves. We had some bad vocals, but our dancing made up for that. We grooved our bodies to the beat of the music and did old school dances that had the crowd hype. When he finished, the audience, which had now doubled, was screaming for an encore. Shrugging my shoulders, Dale gave the DJ the ok and we did the show again, this time better now that we had people cheering us on.
“That was the shit,” Dale said, as we got off the stage.
“I haven’t had that much fun in a long time,” I confessed.
“Good, I just keep on winning,” he smiled, displaying perfect, straight, white teeth.
“I guess so.”
It was getting late, and the crowd started to disperse at the sound of the sirens, indicating that there was fifteen minutes until the fair closed. We made our way to the car hand in hand. Both of us enjoyed a final round of deep fried Oreos. With the amount of food I ate today, I was sure a detox would be needed to clean out my system.
It was strange, but when we made it to my house, I didn’t want the night to end. I wasn’t foolish enough to invite him inside for a nightcap, I just didn’t want our night to be over. I had the feeling he felt the same way by the way he kept stalling.
“When does your classes start back up?” He asked.
“Next week.”
“So, you have a full week of uninterrupted time?”
“I do, most likely I’ll be reading through ‘rate me professor’ doing research.”
“How old are you again?”
“Eighteen,” I said.
“Wow, when I was eighteen, they didn’t make them like you.”
“Old head, you were born too soon,” I giggled.
Dale was twenty-nine years old, but his age didn’t matter to me. There was a big age gap between Geek and I as well, so I’ve already concluded that age was nothing but a number. Thinking back to the magazine I read the other day, it stated that by age thirty most men started to mature, making Dale one year away from being perfect.
After we sat in the car and made an hour’s worth of small talk, I finally decided to go inside. Being the gentleman that he was, Dale got out then proceeded to walk me to the door, even though it was only a few feet away. When we made it to my front door, we were at a loss for words, I mean an hour’s worth of conversation, and now the cat had our tongues.
“Call me to let me know you got home safely,” I finally said.
“I will,” he replied, pinning me against the door.
My breath got caught in my throat as he reached in and kissed me. At first I was too numb to do anything, but when the warmth of his lips made my body tingle, I opened my mouth and accepted his tongue’s submission. Our
tongues danced, just as we did on stage a few moments ago. I heard a faint cry leave my lips as my other set of lips began to purr. It was something about his kiss that was so magical. It was the type of kiss that made your left leg pop up like in one of the fairy tale movies. Just as my leg was about to pop, he pulled away.
“Damn, you taste good,” he said, causing me to blush.
“You’re a great kisser,” I complimented.
“I’ve done my share of kissing.” He smirked. “Go inside, and lock the door behind you,” he said, giving me one last hug and a kiss that had my lips burning for more.
I walked, well more like floated, in the house like I was Aladdin on the magic carpet. I made it to my room and stripped out of my clothes. My panties were so moist that they were stuck to my skin. After peeling them off I threw them in my laundry basket and decided to throw the load of clothes in the washer. I was still hot and bothered, so I opted for a cold shower with my rabbit. Three orgasms later, I decided to put the toy down and proceeded with lathering my body with the Dove body wash. Wrapping my body in an oversized pink robe, I walked in my room where I climbed in my bed, and called Dale.
“Hey, pretty lady,” he answered, causing me to blush.
“Hey, did you make it home?” I asked.
“I just pulled up now.”
“Do you want to get settled and call me back?”
“No, you are good,” he replied.
Like high school lovers, we stayed on the phone for hours, talking about everything under the sun. Our conversation was so good, that I was fighting my sleep, just to stay on the phone with him. He would tell me to go to bed when he heard yawns escape my lips, but I would assure him that I wasn’t tired. My body finally won and I started drifting off to sleep. I could hear his ‘hellos’, but I was too tired to respond. He finally wished me a goodnight, telling me to stay pretty and sleep tight, before hanging up the phone. With a huge smile plastered on my face, I was in La-La land, finally content in the way things were going.
Chapter Sixteen
Smoke
“Ohhh fuckkkkkkk!” I groaned, feeling Tangi’s head bob up and down on my dick. I was in a deep slumber when I felt her warm tongue play with the tip of my dick, before she swallowed my shit, balls and all.
