Cinnamon

by ChaShiree M.

  “Bye baby.” He says to me. “Come on Casanova. Let’s go to lunch before you get into more trouble.”

  “Shut it Cinnamon. I don’t need your lecture, or you are frowning down your nose at me. Got it?”

  “Whatever Felicity. Your right. Not my business. Except for when you are in my house. So, how long do you plan on staying anyway?” For once she has the nerve to look contrite.

  “Well, I am not sure. I mean, I know I need to figure out my next move and I do sort of know what I want to do. And it just so happens to be here in Savannah. But, before I tell you what it is I want to see it through. While I am doing that, I was wondering if I could stay with you. I promise not to be slob, I don’t smoke or drink, and I won’t be in your way. I just cannot stay with mom and dad anymore. I love them. You know I do, but they are suffocating, and I need to find my way. So, what do you say?” Wow. This is the most I have heard her speak in well… a very long time. And if she has found her direction, no matter what that is I want to help.

  “Sure. No problem. But, you do not get to disrespect me in my home. Understand?”

  “Yes. I’m sorry.”

  “Ok. Fine. Listen my friends and I are going out tonight. Do you want to join?”

  “No offense, but your girls are definitely not my type of chicks. So, I will take a hard pass. But thanks for asking.” Is it bad that I wanted her to say no?

  THE REST OF THE DAY went off without a hitch. I finished going over the contracts we had on the table, I nixed a few, put some to the side to save for later to discuss with the girls, and signed the rest. Then I finally went to sleep. When I finally woke up, I felt renewed and eager to tell the girls about everything that happened.

  Getting ready to go out is literally my favorite part of the night. There is nothing I love more than walking into my bedroom sized closet and looking at the hundreds of power-driven shoes I have to pick from. Tonight though, I feel sexy and desirable, which is all thanks to Brad and I want to convey that in the way I dress.

  So, I grab my red bodycon dress and smile. I bought this dress on the one trip I took out of town without Jazz, as I was passing a little bitty boutique owned by this very nice Puerto Rican woman. She saw me walking down the street and literally grabbed my arm and drug me into her store. Grabbing this dress that was hanging on the rack, she thrust it at me and told me it was made for me. Now mind you, I barely had a chance to look at, but I figured she was hard up for a sale of something, so I paid her for it and said thanks. It wasn’t until I went back to the hotel that I ‘actually’ looked at it. Though my first instinct was to toss it, because it was so obviously wasn’t made for me; something told me to hold onto it, because somehow my life was going to be changed in such a way that a dress like this was fitting.

  Well tonight is that night. It’s a vixen red. Strapless with thick laces going across the back of it culminating into two strings for tying in the back. To say I am showing an obscene amount of skin is an understatement.

  When I put it on though, I feel more of a woman than ever before, and to be honest I have never felt more comfortable in my own skin. Being Latina, I am ‘definitely’ not lacking in the booty area and though Latinas are not necessarily chesty, I have those in abundance as well. But tonight, I feel like being that version of myself. So, I grab my gold J Lo door knockers, with a juicy couture necklace, three gold bangles, and some red lipstick. Walking into my shoe closet, I immediately know what shoes I want and go straight for them. A pair of BCBG gold stilettos. The straps are all gold glittery little strands that make my legs look as if they are decorated with gold and diamond anklets. With shoes on I am ready to go.

  Down at the car, I get in and all the girls are already inside.

  “Wow. Cinn. What the hell. You look hot! Holy shit. What the hell happened to you?” I chuckle at Lily.

  “You mean more like ‘who’ the hell happened to her.”

  “Jazz is right. I think Miss Cinn has a confession to make. Don’t you?

  “Rainee chill out. You know I am going to tell you ladies everything. Just give me a second.” I reach for the mimosa that is waiting on me in the limo and gulp it down. I need fortification for this conversation.

  “Ok Chica’s. Brad got me off in my office yesterday morning and then we went out to dinner. I spilled champagne on my dress, so we went back to his place instead, where he fucked the ever-living shit out of me. I mean holy hell it was amazing. He didn’t use a condom on purpose, because he said he wants to get me pregnant, so I can never leave him. Plus, he said we are going to be together forever. But of course, after, I begin having second thoughts and snuck out of his house while he was sleep. He came to the condo raised hell got me almost off and left me hanging as a punishment.” Phew. I slump back finally taking a deep breath after having rattled all of that. When I notice no one is saying anything I look over and all of them have their mouths open with wide eyes. Ha! For once I shocked them.

  “Guys? Aren’t you supposed to say something right now?” They all turn to look at one another and I start to sweat. Either they are happy for me and are just shocked at what I said, or they are shocked and trying to figure out how to tell me I am a dumbass.

  “Fuck, Cinn. When you go all in you go all in huh? I for one am ecstatic for you. This has been a long time coming. And if this man is able to bring you out of your shell with one night, I am so fucking excited to see what he does for you given forever.”

  “Thanks Lily. That’s means a lot to me.”

  “Don’t get me wrong, I am happy for you too, but…babies? Are you ready for that? That is a lifetime commitment to not only the child but him. Is that what you want?” My practical Jazz.

  “Jazz, I have always wanted to be a mom. You know this. I wanted to conquer the world and then get married and have babies. We pretty much have the conquer part down. And Bradley is everything I could ever want in a man. He is caring, dominant, pays attention to details, focuses solely on me when I am in the room, he makes me feel beautiful and desirable, and he makes me want…everything. But don’t worry. I am on the pill. He knows it. However, as soon as I am sure we are in this thing, I am going to let that sexy specimen of a man pump me full of his baby water.”

  “Well hell. Where can I find another one? Sign me up.”

  “Rainee, you’re crazy.” I say laughing. I look at my girls and feel immense gratitude that these ladies are in my life and will be on this journey with me.

  Walking into the club, Cardi B’s Bodak Yellow is playing and instantly all I want to do is dance. Typically, the ladies and I go to our section first, grab a drink, and then we weave our way onto the dance floor. But tonight, I just feel like shaking my booty.

  “Ladies you go on ahead to the table. This outfit is not meant for sitting Chica’s.”

  “You damn right Cinn. I’m with you. Let’s go.” With that, Jazz and I make our way to the dance floor. The music runs through me like it never has. Before you know it, Jazz and I have danced to 24k Magic by Bruno Mars, or Nah by Ty Dolla $ign, and Flawless Remix by Beyoncé and Nicki Minaj. I know I should feel out of breath and sweaty, but all I feel is invigorated and sexy.

  “You ready to go to the table? I could use a drink right now.” I want to say no but she is right. We should ‘definitely’ go and check on the other girls.

  “Yeah let’s go.” As we are walking back to the table some guy reaches out and grabs my hand.

  “Hey sexy!! Where you going so fast? How about you and I make a go of it on the dance floor and off. What do you say?”

  “Thanks, but no thanks.” I try to remove my hand from his grasp, but homeboy must have super glue on his palm.

  “Can you let me go please?”

  “Are you sure that’s what you want? Seems to me you were out here shaking that sexy teasing ass in my face asking for someone to come and grind on it. Tits hanging out and shit. So, you wanna be a tease and run off. I don’t think so. My dick has been hard ever since you walked in. Now, why
don’t we go somewhere, and you fix it. Babe.”

  Is he serious? I think he is serious, and I look behind me to see if Jazz is still there and much to my dismay she is not. She must have gotten ahead of me and now I am down here on this dance floor alone with this sleaze ball.

  “Listen buster. If you don’t let me go right this minute, I am going to scream down this place faster than your slimy hands can reach your dick.” To my dismay he laughs at me.

  “Go ahead sweetheart. No one in here would dare go against me. Do you know who I am? My father owns this place and everyone in it. So, do your worst.”

  Great. Now what? I am trying to remember the steps from the one self-defense class Rainee made us all take. I remember something about an instep and then a stomach and a nose. Or is it, the groin and a toe? A hell, I have no idea. But before I can try to put any of it into action, pretty boy douchebag is yanked away from me and suddenly standing in front of me and him is Brad.

  “I believe the lady, my lady, asked you to let her go? Right baby?” He turns those eyes on me and all I can do is nod my head and whisper a yes. I am in total shock to see him here, but also more than relieved and turned on that he is protecting me. Swoon.

  “Bitches are all the same. They say one thing and their body says something else.”

  Did he just call me a bitch? Oh no he didn’t. I go to reach around Brad, but he nudges me back behind him and though the move should annoy me, I find it endearing. I put my forehead on his back and inhale him. Feeling him tense at my touch initially and then soften almost immediately, I put one hand on his back and continue to lean into him. With each breath I take, I am seconds away from telling him to forget all of this and take me home with him. Suddenly, the thong I am wearing feels like nothing but a wet handkerchief between my legs. There is certainly nothing substantial enough about them to provide any type of support against the moisture running down my leg. I am so glad I am standing up. The journey of my thoughts are interrupted by the sound of a curse, punch, sickening crack, and a shout. Peeking from behind him, I see my would-be assailant laying on the ground holding a blood gushing nose and whining like a baby. Feeling a little bit petty and bratty I give him the best I got.

  “Who’s the bitch now?” Realizing what I just said, I ooze embarrassment and duck my head back behind Brad. He turns to me chuckling.

  “Baby you are so fucking cute.” He leans in to kiss me, but of course instead of being smart and staying down, bitch boy gets up squeaking like a little girl.

  “You have just made a big mistake. Do you know who my father is?”

  “Yes, Donald Albas Jr. I know exactly who your father is.”

  “Oh. Well good. Cause you should know…”

  “No. How about YOU should know he may ‘own’ this club, but that is because I allow him too and he makes his payments to me on time. But, since I put up the capital for it, if i called it in it would be mine. So technically, I own you and your father. Maybe I should call him and tell him about our little…altercation?” Brad moves like he is reaching for his phone.

  “No. No. No… we don’t have to be so hasty. It’s just a little misunderstanding. I am so sorry for upsetting you miss. And you as well sir. You both enjoy yourselves and have anything you want on the house tonight.”

  Brad turns me to him and wraps his arms around my waist. I find myself snuggling into his chest and it feels… right. I feel safe and loved.

  “You ok baby?

  “Yea I’m fine. Thanks to you. What are you doing here?” I give him the look. You know the one that says, ‘you’re in trouble mister’, while secretly feeling giddy and happy about it.

  “Are you crashing girls’ night?” He leans down and kisses my nose. Then my lips.

  “No baby. I just wanted to be here in case you needed me. I had no intentions of you even knowing I was here. And though there were a few times, while you were dancing and shaking my ass on the dance floor. I wanted to come and snatch you off the floor and fuck you right inside the lady’s room, I refrained. You and your friend were having a good time and I didn’t want to intrude. But, it turns out it was lucky I did come. Huh?”

  “Yea. I’m glad you did. Hey, you want to meet the girls? Formally I mean.”

  “I would love nothing more baby. But, I meant what I said. You go on up to VIP. I am going to head home now. I trust you have drivers for the night?”

  “Yep. They are outside.”

  “Excellent. I will talk to you when you make it home. Kiss me.”

  On my tiptoes, wrapping my arms around his neck in the middle of the dance floor, with our tongues sucking and reaching for each other, I hear and see no one, but him and me.

  “Bye little Cinn.”

  “Bye.” I walk into VIP and before I can utter a single word to say what happened, Lily pounces.

  “What the hell happened to you? Jazz has been up here forever now. Explain woman.”

  “Well, if you would shut up Lil I can tell you.” When I am done telling them everything, they look at me as if I am nuts and for the second time tonight, I might add.

  “Girl why the hell didn’t you go home with that man?”

  “Seriously. You are mental. He came here, played your Knight, and then you let him leave. Have we taught you nothing?”

  “Well… I mean…I’m here with you guys. We never get out as it is hardly, soooooo…”

  “That’s true. I must admit, your devotion to your girls is to be imitated. Love you girlie.”

  “Thank you, Jazz. Love you too Chica. Now where are the drinks? I thought this was a girl’s night.”

  “Yea well Mazie is being extra bitchy tonight and the drinks are slow coming. Fucking skank.”

  “Well tell us how you really feel, Rainee.” I chuckle. It is true though. Ever since she started working here she has been extremely obstinate and unfriendly. Which is really crazy, because we are more than generous tippers and she must make a month’s salary on our tab and tips alone. So, you would think she would get a hint.

  “Your right Lavender. She acts like one of us fucked her man or something.” And of course, she would pick that moment to come back with a tray full of drinks.

  “Why, thank you Maizie. We haven’t been waiting 20 minutes or anything.” Oh boy. When Lil gets started.

  “Well sorry the Queens of Savannah had to wait. But I have other VIPs other than you. So, what the hell do you want me to do.”

  “Are you, serious right now? First, you knock-kneed hoochie, if you weren’t practically selling your goodies, that I am sure most clients in this club have sampled for the past 20 minutes at the same table, I might have disregarded your blatant disrespect and lack of decorum.” Aaaaand, she made Lily use a proper word. She is in for it now.

  “But, since half the club can see up and down the inside of your dress, I am going to wage a guess and say you hate us because we don’t’ need to prostitute ourselves to feel important and live this life. Well neither would you if you would get your tits out of your nasty skank hole. Now, please take these drinks back and ask the manager to come to our table. I don’t trust you and frankly it’s time for a change of shift.” Well…Damn!!!

  “Shit Lily. Remind me not to piss you off.” We all laugh and high five each other. The rest of the night is pretty much drinks and laughter. By the time we make it home, I am exhausted and so happy to be in my pjs in less than five minutes. I lie in bed and remember I need to text Brad.

  Me: Made it home. Exhausted. Thank you again for being there. Talk to you tomorrow. Wish you were here. Going to bed.

  My finger lingers over the send button, because I am wondering if I revealed too much in this text? Overplayed my hand. I press send anyway because one thing I have learned in business and I use it to this day is ‘Nothing wagered, nothing gained.’ Seems love would be the same. I go to put my phone down when it buzzes in my hand. Holy cow. He messaged me back. Is it crazy that I am doing the Ally McBeal dance in my head?

  Brad: I am
glad you are home safe. Thanks for letting me know. It helps to keep me calm knowing you are safe. I missed you too. Which is why you should come to your door and let me in.

  He’s here? Oh my gosh! I am standing in my bedroom like a lunatic looking around, and then I realize he is there now.

  When I open the door and see him standing there in his pajamas looking every bit the sinfully sexy man he is, I don’t think. I take a flying leap into his arms and hold on for dear life.

  “Happy to see me, baby?” He says in his sexy laugh. Kissing him all over his face, I say yes and hug his neck as if I never want him to leave. I don’t.

  “Come on baby. Let’s go to sleep.” He lays me gently on the bed and removes his sweater. Walking to the other side of my bed with nothing but his boxers on, my body begins to squirm of its own volition in anticipation of what is to come. Ever since he left me hanging earlier today, I have been but a hair trigger away from detonating.

  I bite my lip as he slides in beside me and when he grabs me and brings me flush against him, I feel almost as if I am being rocked to sleep.

  “Sleep baby. I will love you awake in the morning.” Mmmmmm… that sounds like a delicious wake-up call.

  WATCHING MY WOMAN DANCE AROUND that floor half naked was the hardest thing I have ever had to do. Both literally and figuratively. When she walked in the door of the lounge and I saw what she had on, my dick went on full attack. He poked right through my boxers and was fighting with my zipper to get out. Though she was only dancing with her friend, I clocked about five different dirtbags drooling over my woman. But it was the knowledge that she is MINE that kept me from losing my shit. Until, that asshole grabbed her. I tried to wait a second to give her a chance to handle it, but when that didn’t work I couldn’t stand back any longer. It goes against every instinct in me that demands I protect my woman.

  Lying here next to her and watching her sleep as the morning sun surrounds her like the angel she is. She has no idea how much light she has brought to my life. She is so pure, genuine, and has a heart of gold. Laying here next to me with her hair surrounding her and the sheet having been pushed down throughout the night as her night shirt is pushed up, she looks every bit the wicked nymph she really is. And judging by the wood standing at salute under the sheet, he is done being patient.