I'll Be Good to You

by Christine Gray

  **

  “Have dinner with me.”

  I can tell that my request throws her for a bit. Rolling over to settle myself between her legs, once again, I nuzzle her neck. Yes, we actually made it to the hotel. From the moment we crossed the threshold we’ve been at it. I can tell she’s amazed at my stamina. I know Tia’s rocked my fucking world with her never go dry pussy, her bottomless throat action, and the shit she’s willing to do to get off.

  “I told you that I knew feeling you, tasting you, hearing you moan, and move on my dick was going to be a problem for me,” I pause to look into her eyes. “I need to know if that’s going to be an issue?”

  I search her face for an answer. I’m opening myself to this woman after just a few weeks of knowing her. A few would say I’m crazy…that the pussy must have messed with my mind. Those few are fucking fools because I’ve been catching feelings for Tia the second she shut me down during our first meeting. That rejection and the one in my house pissed me off, but it made me want to be better to prove to her that I can make her happy. Isn’t that what being in a relationship should make you want to do; be better, do better, want more?

  “Here or…”

  “Out, Tia,” I answer, slowly in hopes she understands what my answer means.

  Even if she doesn’t understand the weight of what I’m proposing, the rest of the world will. To date, I have never been photographed or attached to anyone in public.

  “I’ve worked hard not to bring men around Brit.”

  “I’m not any man, Tia. I’m the man…and I’m not talking about who am but what I want to be to you and Tia whenever you’re ready to let me,” I clarify.

  I see the flash of fear in the depths of her eyes. The fact that this is what she wanted, to have a man that would love her is a deep desire of hers and to finally having it laid at her feet is scary as hell. As for me, I have no fear. I know what I bring to the table. I know how to love a woman, cherish her, and make her the center of my universe. Have I done it a lot in the course of my life? Nope. That don’t mean I don’t know what to do.

  “We’ll take baby steps, okay. All you have to do is be willing,” I say.

  “Oh, I’m more than willing,” she moans as she reaches behind my ass to touch my nut sack.

  I brush my lips against hers. “I’m not talking about that, though. Are you willing to give this a chance?” I question, seriously

  I feel more than see her smile.

  “Yes,” she replies on an exhale of breath.

  **

  TIA

  I said, yes. I wasn’t agreeing to marry Johnny, I know, but it feels just as important. I want to consider calling Ryann to yell it in his ear. Yet, I want to hold onto the secret for a little longer. Then again, his smart mouth ass wouldn’t even be as excited as I am over the news. He and everyone saw us when we came back to the set after our restaurant foreplay. I’m sure the assistant that found us blabbed to everyone with ears the location of his finger, which were in my mouth at the time. Nah, all Ryann would want to know was how was the dick, and I’m not going to tell him about all of that.

  Who am I fooling? Of course, I’m going to tell him. Sex this good can’t be kept. Jesus, it was damn good. I always wondered why older women went for the younger catch. Although, every man isn’t created equal, but goddamn if Johnny just snatches every experience of dick out of my entire mind. The sheer size was enough to have me fighting to not run away. Then when he started to use it, shit I was close to forgetting my damn name. I know I curled his toes a few times, too but I didn’t think to the extent to warrant going out in the public. I mean, a selfie is one thing. Walking hand in hand is another.

  Coming out of the shower, I hear the voice downstairs. I mumble a curse under my breath. I was so hoping to be gone before my Mom came home from wherever she’s been in her failed attempt to punish Brit and I with her absent presence. I sit at my vanity, lotion up, then sit to look at my reflection. Tilting my head to the side, I focus on the new custom wig Ryann gave me, today. It’s not as blond as the one tucked in my closet. I actually like the honey brown highlights throughout the black, wet waves of the silky locs. The asymmetrical cut that stops a few inches below my right ear is a work of art.

  “Pride comes before a fall.”

  My gaze shifts to the person standing by my bed.

  “It’s not pride, Mom. I’m just trying to decide my makeup,” I sigh.

  I watch her take in the two-piece Greek style, satin dress that ties high on my hip and the high heels. She shakes her head as if she’s pitying my dumbass. Since I don’t ask for her opinion, she gives it. No shock there.

  “Still biting off more than you can chew. I’m gonna enjoy watching you fall on your ass with this one.”

  I don’t speak. Instead, I go on with doing my make- up.

  “You actually think you’re better than a younger woman that he can get. The man is rich, Tia. You have nothing in common with him, but you like to get fucked, and he doesn’t mind fuckin’ you up and over.” She laughs. “You’re a joke,” she chuckles.

  I hope she can’t see me strangling my makeup brush. I refuse to let her know she’s getting to me.

  I shrug. “Well, I’ll be ready for you to tell me how I couldn’t keep him satisfied when it all comes crumbling down,” I smile while I get to my feet.

  “Yes, I well. I guess Brit is old enough to finally know her Mom isn’t the saint, but is a mediocre slut,” she sneers.

  “You know, I hate that you have to watch me pimp myself out. So, why don’t you leave.”

  She freezes. A weak laugh trickles through her twisted smile.

  “Oh, I see. All of this show and attention really has you thinking you’re all that, huh?”

  “No,” I remark as I shimmy into the skirt. “I’m just sick and tired of putting up with your shit. Why are you still here? I have no more money. I mean, that is what you were hanging on for. Oh, yeah, the show, right?” I mock with a snap of my fingers. “No, Mom…you’re not sharing in that either. All you’ve done is talk shit and made it hard for me every damn step of the way.”

  “You are a spoiled bitch,” she hisses. “And Brittany is following in your stank ass footsteps.”

  “Why am I spoiled?” I ask, swinging around to face my Mom. “Because Granny and Papa left me everything? They did it because they knew you would have fucked it all up on your then friends and other stupid bullshit. I would have never benefited from any of it.”

  “Sure, you benefited. Your gullible ass got knocked up.”

  “I was raped!” I shriek.

  “Yeah, right? Changing your mind after he puts it in isn’t rape, girl. Lying about it later to cover it up is-“

  “If you weren’t my Mom, I would bust you in the face,” I growl. “I was raped coming home from the library. I know you were hoping I was throwing leg and spreading it wide, but-“

  “It just took you a little longer to embrace that side, huh?”

  I clamp my mouth shut, suddenly. “Get the fuck out,” I snap. Now,” I stress.

  She frowns. “I was tired of waiting for a crumb to drop while putting up with your nerdy, ugly girl. Fuck you, Tia. I hope that boy wrecks you up and gives you the clap,” she grunts as she strolls from the room.

  I’m on her heels. I won’t give her the chance to stop my Brit’s room to slang her hurtful goodbyes at her. My plan to get Mom out without too much drama fell flat. Her raise voice brought Brit outside of her room anyway. She watches from the step as Mom gets a few things off her chest about me and Brit, her own granddaughter. It was then that I totally forget this was the woman that birthed me but never wanted to care for me. My hand draws back to deliver a stinging slap across her face. I take advantage of her dumfounded reaction to push her out the door.

  Panting, I plaster my back onto the front door.

  “I’m so sorry,” I plead as I look up at the second level.

  “It’s nothing I didn’t know already,” mumbles B
rit.

  I can see through her brave smile. I’ve seen it enough to know she’s hurt.

  “I’ll stay in tonight. We’ll watch Netflicks or a cheesy Hallmark Christmas movie,” I suggest while walking towards the stairs.

  “No, you aren’t. Why are you going to make Granny happy by staying home? That’s what she wants. I’m fine. I promise,” she replies.

  I stop on the landing. I’m torn. I want to go out, but not if it means leaving Brit alone and heart sore. I shake my head.

  “Johnny will understand,” I remark as I glide by her to walk into my room.

  “Ma, please, …go. I’m fine. I promise.”

  I narrow my eyes. Why is Brit so pressed for me to leave? She scoops up my heels from the floor to hand them to me.

  “I’ll wait up to hear all about your date,” she beams.

  Maybe it’s because I’m going out with Johnny. Brit has been over the moon lately. I can only assume it’s because her plan for him and I to get together was working.

  “Alright,” I chuckle. Bending over, I slip on my heels. “I promise not to be out too late. I brought home pizza. It’s in the oven.”

  “Okay! Have fun. Tell Johnny I said, Hi.”

  A quick hug and we’re walking out of my room. I glance over my shoulder at the top of the stairs to watch her heading towards her room. There’s a strange smirk on her lips as she reads a text on her cell. I open my mouth to ask her who she’s texting with, but then she was gone.

  **

  JOHNNY

  I’m determined to keep my comments to myself. A person doesn’t always want you to fix their problems or tell them what to do. At times, all they want is a listening ear. Besides, I don’t want to start talking on this one. Even if Tia and I were dating heavy, I wouldn’t touch this one with a ten-foot pole. Speaking against a parent, sibling, or best friend is a danger zone.

  All I keep thinking is, ‘What a fucking bitch.’ I got the feeling from what I heard about Tia’s Mom that she was cold-hearted, but never did I think she was like this.

  “You got everything alright at home? Didn’t your Mom pick Brit up, a lot?”

  “You know the games she’s been playing, lately. I couldn’t count on her, so I’ve been using a carpooling serves for kids.”

  I nod. I want to offer to step in, but I also didn’t want to make Tia feel as if I’m pushing her or rushing things.

  “I think Brit has a boyfriend.”

  That news doesn’t sit well with me. I shift in my chair, take a sip from my glass, and remind myself not to overstep.

  “Is that a good thing?”

  I try unsuccessfully to keep my voice void of feelings.

  “She is in the ninth grade,” Tia points out.

  “And?”

  She tilts her head. “I wanna know who he is.”

  “Yeah, cuz we already know what he wants,” I grumble.

  Tia sighs. “I know. I mean, you and I start up, kids at the school finds out, and now she has a guy all up in her face.”

  “I was thinking the fuck boy wants sex, but that too,” I growl. “You have to be careful, though. I’m sure you know not to come off as if a guy could never like her for just her,” I warn.

  “I know. I know. Maybe, we’re off base. I don’t think so, but there is a chance.”

  I pick up the hopefulness in her tone. Yet the expression on her face is as doubtful as mine.

  “We’ll find out who he is first.”

  Shit! I used, we. She catches the use of the pronoun, but she doesn’t call me on it. Tia nods with a smile. With a wave of my hand, I call for the check.

  “I want you home by 10pm. No need to give Brit too much time to invite the son of a bitch over.”

  My comment causes Tia to freeze. “Maybe that’s what the goofy grin on her face was about.

  Leaning down, she grabs her purse to fish out her cell.

  “Hi Brit, I’m just checking in.”

  She pauses to listen.

  “You don’t have cameras in the house?” I whisper.

  Tia shakes her head.

  “Call me crazy, but um…you don’t have anybody over, do you?”

  I roll my eyes. What kids admits to their parents they are fucking in their house?

  “Yeah, I am used to you not being home alone. Yeah, you’re right that I need to get used to you being there alone. Okay, right. Of course, I trust you. You never gave me cause not to. Okay, baby. I’ll be back soon. Love you.”

  Tia wiggles her eyebrows as she puts the cell down on the table. Like I said, I’m going to keep my comments to myself. Stupid, I am not. Brit got herself a little jit, for sure. He might not be at the house, but the asshole is lurking. See the way she played Tia by making Tia feel bad for questioning her. Nah, that’s some shit I’ve pulled to skate around what I was really doing.

  “Ready to go? We’ll take the beach route to your house,” I say.

  On the way out, leading Tia by the hand, a few cameras flash.

  “Johnny, Johnny want to give a comment? Did you two meet on set? Or were you two already dating?”

  I don’t respond. A picture is a thousand words. I don’t need to add to it. Once in the limo, I roll up the petition, fill our glasses with wine, and entwine my fingers in hers. I smile when she places her head on my shoulder after taking a big sip.

  “Congrats on your award nominations.”

  “Thank you. It’s nice having someone not my sister or music fam tell me that.”

  “You think you’ll win?”

  Her head moves when I shrug my shoulder. “The producing and collaboration awards, I have a good chance. The Best Rap Song of The Year, not a chance up against those other artists. As for the Album of The Year, not holding my breath, either,” I explain.

  “Being mentioned is still an honor. It’s not like you haven’t won others.”

  “What color is your dress going to be for the awards show?”

  My question takes her off guard. She lifts her head to meet my gaze. Tia laughs.

  “Well, since it’s close to fall, I want a rustic, autumn orange,” she jokingly laughs.

  I smile. She thinks I’m playing. Yet, I’m already envisioning the cut of the custom made dress draping her body in two weeks. When I walk the red carpet, it will be with Chana and Tia.

  “You think we’ll win the reality show?” I question, flipping it around on her.

  “Even if we don’t the producers are going to feature our team heavily, now that you’ve gotten your way and we’re actually doing this.”

  “Has business picked up?”

  “Well, the phone has been ringing. Don’t know if the callers are interested in my skills or they are calling for a comment,” she answers.

  “Just in case you don’t know, Yosef and Ryann are back on.”

  This time, Tia shifts to sit up to face me. I frown at the loss of her body leaning on mine.

  “I thought Ryann didn’t like being undercover.”

  “Yosef hasn’t told me, but I’ve heard Ryann’s voice through his cell. They’re at least talking, which means my boy isn’t going to let up till he’s back with Ryann.”

  Tia downs her drink to reach for the bottle for a refill.

  “They love each other. I see both sides of the coin, but I would be willing to not go public to keep my relationship safe from prying eyes. This time around, I think Ryann won’t push it,” she remarks.

  Ingesting half of her glass, she licks her lips. “Are you going to sign off on Chana and Richey?”

  I sigh as I run my fingers through my hair.

  “I’m going to have to fire him.”

  “No!” exclaims Tia.

  “Richey won’t come clean while he’s employed by me. Me wanting Chana to be happy is more important than Richey having my back. Now, he won’t feel like he’s fucking the boss’ sister to line his pockets. He’s been smart with his money while he’s been with me. A few years back, I secretly invested in his little brother’s re
staurant. That place has a waiting list a month deep. When I let Richey go, I’ve made his brother promise to bring him on as a partner in exchange for my money. As you can see, I’ve been planning this move for a while.”

  I’m wondering what was behind Tia look when she leans in to give me a kiss.

  “You are so amazing,” she whispers. “People have no idea.”

  “I don’t care if people know. All I care about is you knowing who I really am.”

  I run my thumb over her bottom lip. Suddenly her mouth opens to nibble on the tip. Finishing her drink, she sits the long stem crystal down. Seeing her intentions, I make room for her as she maneuvers to straddle my hips. For a moment, all I do is gaze at her. She is so goddamn breathtaking. In slow motion…or maybe I think she’s moving her lips to mine too damn slow, I wait to feel the touch. Once the contact is made, we’re gone.

  I’ll never get enough of this woman. I don’t want to get enough. I need everything Tia is, and I want to be a part of everything she’s going to be. I use my touch to communicate my feelings. Soft, slow, and intense are my kisses.

  “It’s too early for that?” She moans into my mouth.

  “It’s never early when I’ve been waiting for years to experience it again.”

  **

  TIA

  I should put a stop to this. I should run away. It really is too soon for all of this. Yet, what Johnny is speaking to me in his kiss, in his touch is making me feel all the things I have been secretly longing for. Reaching up, I push the button that cause the roof to retract to allow the night sky above to be seen. Pushing another button causes the moon roof to crack open to let the ocean breeze in. He takes advantage of my craned neck to nibble on my sensitive flesh. This man’s, yes, I’ve come to realize Johnny is far from the boy I thought him to be. His touch is so gentle when he pulls down my dress to expose my breasts.