Chapter 24
In preparation for the double date, Nina let me borrow a dress, and Aaliyah suggested the shoes.
So, on Tuesday, immediately after work, I pulled on the dark burgundy dress with the flared hemline.
It looked like a minidress on Nina, but since I was significantly shorter than her, the dress came to my knees.
I looked good, but I wanted to look sexy.
If it weren’t for the sweetheart neckline subtly showing off my cleavage, the dress would look work appropriate.
I sent a picture of myself to the group chat.
Jazmyn Payne: This looked sexier on Nina. I look like I’m Teacher of the Year.
Nina Ford: More like the first lady of the church.
I laughed, but I was also freaking out. I had to leave in ten minutes to get to Lamar’s place on time, and I was kicking myself for not trying the dress on sooner.
Jazmyn Payne: Omggggggggggggg! This isn’t funny!
Nina Ford: I’m just playing! It looks just as sexy on you. It was just shorter on me. But turn around. What y’all couldn’t see in my photo was the view from the back. It’s the hips and ass that carry the outfit.
I read the text and then looked at myself in the mirror again. Turning around, I saw how my ass was almost emphasized by the hem.
Ohhh, okay. I nodded appreciatively. I see the vision.
Aaliyah James: You look so pretty! And you’re going to Ember and Flame, not King of Diamonds! Why would you need your dress to be as short as Nina’s was in that picture?!
Nina Ford: First of all Aaliyah, I have long legs. Second of all, you’re not wrong.
Aaliyah James: I know your legs are long but long legs don’t automatically mean your labia is gonna be on display.
Jazmyn Payne: Not labia!
My head fell back, and I laughed with my mouth wide open.
Nina Ford: On display is wild! You took Ahmad shopping and now you’re the fashion police.
Aaliyah James: If I was the fashion police, I’d tell Jazz that the reason she doesn’t feel sexy is because she doesn’t have on the shoes yet. Once you put those shoes on, they’re gonna take it to the next level.
Jazmyn Payne: Is the next level the upper room? Because I told you I would break my neck in those!
Aaliyah James: The upper room! I’m weak!
Nina Ford: I’m still on Aaliyah saying labia. I’m not ready to move on.
Aaliyah James: I didn’t say it in a judgmental way! You know I would never judge you! I was saying it in a “I have eyes, and I can see your coochie” kind of way.
Nina Ford: Name one time you’ve seen my coochie this year!
Aaliyah James: This summer when we went to see India Davis at The Lyric Lounge, and you had that sexy little two-piece number on!
Nina Ford: Okay, name another time!
Jazmyn Payne: I’m so weak! What is wrong with y’all?
Cackling, I put on a pair of strappy sandals with a chunkier heel instead of the shoes Aaliyah had suggested, and I felt sexy. After changing into a sensible pair of flats for the drive to Baltimore, I grabbed my overnight bag and rushed to my car.
Traffic was fine at first but then got thick as I approached my destination. Fortunately, I was pulling up to Lamar’s house right on time.
Jazmyn Payne: Hi! I’m outside! On time!
I switched my shoes and then grabbed my clutch. When I looked up, I saw him.
Wearing navy-blue pants and a blue-and-white button-up, Lamar was so handsome. The closer he came to me, the bigger the smile stretched across my face.
“Wow,” he breathed, looking me up and down as he approached.
He reached for my hand and pulled me close.
“Wow to you, too,” I complimented him back.
Tipping my chin with his free hand, he leaned down and kissed me softly. “I’m glad you’re here.”
“I’m glad to be here.”
A bundle of nerves fluttered my belly as he escorted me to his SUV. Seeing him for the first time since I’d told him I wanted to be with him was slightly awkward. I didn’t feel uncomfortable around him, but I felt exposed.
I know I said to act like it never happened, but damn.
Part of me wanted acknowledgement and the other part of me wanted to forget I said anything.
“What’s on your mind?” he asked as he opened the passenger-side door for me.
“What’s on yours?” I returned, unnerved by the way he seemed to read my thoughts.
His hand gripped my ass as he helped me into my seat.
“You.” Reaching over me, his fingers skated over the extra fat on my belly as he hooked my seat belt for me.
“You in this dress.” His hand gripped my hip.
“You out of this dress.” He leaned forward and pressed his lips against mine. “You look beautiful.”
Before I could respond, he took a step back and closed my door. I settled into the buttery leather seats and waited for him to get in.
“Are you ready for the best wings you ever tasted?” he asked as he started the engine.
“You’ve been talking about these wings since we met. They better live up to the hype.”
With a chuckle, he reached over and rested his hand on my thigh. “I’m glad you were able to come tonight. And I’m glad my friends get to meet you.”
My stomach fluttered. “I’m glad I get to meet them, too.”
We arrived at Ember and Flame seven minutes before our reservation. Lamar dropped me off in front of the restaurant, and then he went to park in the parking garage down the street. Waiting for him, I noticed a mural on the building next door.
Oh wow.
“Damn,” Lamar said flirtatiously as he approached.
I spun around, grinning. “You like what you see?” I teased, allowing him to wrap his arms around me. “Before we go in, I want to get a picture of this.” It was a huge colorful display of a phoenix rising from the ashes. “I love it.” I pulled out my phone and snapped a picture.
“You want one with you in it?” Lamar asked.
I handed him my phone. “Yes, please.”
I posed and smiled as he snapped one photo. When I realized he was done, I put my hand on my hip. “Did you take only one?” I laughed. “Take more, I need options!”
“Okay, okay, I got you,” he said as he held the phone up and took more. When he handed me my phone, he smiled. “You’re beautiful.”
“Thank you.” I rose up on my toes and puckered my lips. It took only half a second for him to lean down and kiss me. “Let’s take one together,” I murmured against his lips.
He got behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist, and I snapped a few selfies with the phoenix in the background.
“This is cute,” I said of the picture.
He kissed my cheek. “Send it to me.”
“Done.”
He slid his arm around my shoulders, and we walked into the opulent restaurant. My eyes widened. From the marble flooring, to the chandeliers, and the mood lighting, the place was impressive. The place was filled with diners speaking quietly over white tablecloths.
“Welcome. Your name please?” a formally dressed man greeted us in a low tone. Lamar gave his name for the reservation, and then we were led to a table toward the front.
Lamar pulled my chair out for me, and then he took his seat. We were given our menus and then left on our own.
“You come to this place for wings?” I asked in a hushed tone across the candle in the middle of the table. Looking down at the menu, I didn’t even see chicken wings. “I see frog legs but not wings.”
He chuckled. “It’s on the menu at the bar.”
I followed his finger to the immaculate bar in the back. “Are we allowed to order them here?”
“Yeah. I wouldn’t have picked this place if we couldn’t get the wings. What do you have a taste for?”
“The filet mignon and thick-cut chargrilled vegetables,” I answered, scanning the menu one more time. “What about you?”
“I’ll get that, too. Medium.”
“Ah yes.” I nodded. “You like your protein alive and well.”
He chuckled. “Medium is medium. You’re acting like I’m ordering it rare!”
We were still snickering when a deep voice broke through the quiet atmosphere. “Sorry we’re late.”
“Yo!” Lamar rose to his feet and took a step away from the table.
A tall, brawny, light-skinned man with locs and a beautiful dark-skinned woman with a vibrant orange dress embraced Lamar. After greeting them, he took a step back and reached out for me. I put my hand in his, and he helped me to my feet.
“Jazz, this is Erickson and Tara,” he started the introduction. “E, Tara, I’d like you to meet Jazmyn.”
“Hi, it’s nice to meet you,” I said, extending my hand to shake.
“Nice to meet you, too,” Erickson returned with a warm smile and an enthusiastic handshake. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”
“It’s so good to finally meet you,” Tara squealed excitedly. Waving my hand away, she threw her arms around me. “I’m a hugger.”
I gave her a squeeze. “It’s so good to meet you, too.”
Lamar pulled out my chair, so when the hug ended, I sat.
“You trying to make me look bad,” Erickson joked as he rushed to pull out Tara’s chair.
She looked at me. “He’s not quite the gentleman Lamar is, but E has his moments.”
Erickson sucked his teeth comically. “Lamar learned that shit from me!”
Tara pursed her lips and gave a side eye.
We all laughed.
The waiter came to take our drink orders, and then we fell into easy conversation.
“I’m going to order these wings Lamar keeps talking about,” Erickson announced.
“And they better live up to the hype,” Tara chimed in.
My smile grew. “I said the same thing!”
Lamar rubbed his hands together. “Y’all gonna eat those words.”
The conversation flowed easily, stopping only when we placed our orders. It was beautiful to watch the dynamic between the two men. They were truly brothers, and it was evident in how they interacted.
“I’m so proud of you, bro,” Erickson stated.
“We had a party and invited everybody over to watch your first game with us,” Tara added. “We know you said not to say anything, so we just invited people over to watch.”
“And then you showed up and showed out, and we couldn’t stop bragging on you,” Erickson chimed in.
Lamar grinned. “I appreciate that support.”
Tara looked at me. “He’s so modest!”