TWO
I feel immense pride while scoping out the packed club from VIP. Given my roots as the son of a pimp and a prostitute, it still marvels me how much I’ve accomplished.
“Bruh!” Cairo’s light punch on my arm confirms I’m not dreaming. “Look at this. I’m happy for you, man.”
“Thanks, bro.” We reach in for a quick hug. “Appreciate the support as always. Where’s Iree?”
“Caught up at work, but she’ll be here soon.”
“Cool.”
He perches against the railing with his drink. “Gran wanted to come through like she’s a young girl. She promises to cook your favorite on Sunday.”
“Mama G’s the best. Can’t wait.”
“Sup, fellas?” Preston cheers as he approaches with a petite cocoa baddie, his shoulder-length locs looking retwisted. “Place is popping, bro. I see you.”
“Thanks, man.” I dap him up and motion to his lady. “Who’s this?”
“My boo.” He beams at her. “Meet Ashley.”
Her smile vanishes. She whips her head back and glares at him. “It’s Moya . Who the hell is Ashley?”
“Oh shit,” Cairo coughs into his fist.
Preston tries to laugh it off. “My bad, baby. I thought you said Ashley was your middle name.”
“I don’t have a middle name!” she snaps. “You’re a damn liar. You said it was only me.”
“You are the only one,” he insists.
“Boy, bye.” Moya storms for the stairs with him chasing her.
“Baby, wait!”
Cairo and I burst out laughing. “I told Pres to stop playing around. He switches women so damn fast.”
“Pretty sure Ashley is a chick from last week.”
“He was with two Ashleys last week,” he corrects.
“Damn.” I cut my gaze to the main floor to observe the drama, losing interest as a strikingly gorgeous woman enters the club. She’s one of a few wearing curly hair, and I find that so sexy. My jaw drops when she removes her black coat, revealing a dangerous mini-dress that hugs her curves. Her cinnamon tone appears luminous under the lights. Every woman here is beautiful, but there’s something about her .
My eyes follow the goddess as she hands her coat to my employee at the entrance, collects a tag, and sashays to the bar, ignoring every attempt from men.
“I’ll catch you in a bit, Cai.” I hurry to the stairs, my focus locked on the intriguing beauty.
“Congratulations,” comes my way while weaving through the patrons. I thank everyone and keep pushing.
Finally reaching the black queen, I pause to bask in her exquisite vanilla scent before moving to the vacant stool. “Saving this for someone?”
She turns, and my breath catches as I connect with her piercing, dark, sepia eyes. “No, I’m not.”
Even her sultry voice enthralls me. It takes a second to function again. “How you doing, beautiful? Want to come to VIP? There’s more room.”
She snorts at the offer. “I’m good. I have a man.”
“Then he’s slipping.” I trail my gaze over her and lick my lips. “Baby, you are too damn fine to be sitting here alone on a Friday night.”
“Baby?” She rolls her eyes. “Try someone else. I’m not interested. I’m only here to check out the vibe.”
“What’s the verdict? Any suggestions would be appreciated.”
Her eyes narrow to slits. “Why would that matter?”
“I’m the owner.” I extend my hand to her, adding, “Kross Krueger.”
“Congratulations,” she replies as she shakes my hand. “Place looks good.”
The softness of her palm incites comforting warmth. I almost don’t want to let go. “Thank you, and thanks for coming to opening night.”
“I like it so far. Doesn’t feel crowded. I’m into the modern look, grassy accent walls, and the purple lights. Cool design.”
“Appreciate it.” I smile at her, becoming more fascinated by the second. “You haven’t told me your name. Or should I call you Ms. Fine?”
That causes a soft chuckle. “It’s Davia.”
“Of course, you have a sexy name.”
“Pfft.” She shakes her head and drinks her martini.
“It’s nice to meet you, Davia.” I signal my bartender for a whiskey sour before asking her, “How did you hear about Krossfire ? Social media?”
“Iree mentioned it. She said y’all are friends.”
“Ah.” I sip some of my drink. “That’s little sis. Why have we never met when I’ve met all her friends?”
“She just started at La Monte , so we’re still learning about each other.” She looks around briefly. “I thought she’d be here.”
“Her big bro says she’s finishing some stuff,” I inform her.
She bobs in understanding. “Iree’s a hard worker.”
“Always been.” I’m about to invite her to VIP again when the music stops.
“Can I have your attention, please,” Troy speaks into the mic, luring all eyes to the small stage. “Let’s give it up for Kross.”
A humble feeling runs through me as everyone claps, including Davia.
“Come on up here,” Troy urges.
I stride toward the stage, cheers buzzing in my ears until I’m at the microphone. “Good evening.”
“Wooo!”
“All right now.” The abrupt screams from the women have me laughing. “I can’t thank y’all enough for coming tonight. I hope Krossfire becomes your go-to spot to chill. Thanks again, and enjoy yourselves.”
As I step off the stage, Troy resumes his DJ gig, starting a hip-hop song that gets the crowd hyped.
Despite all the ladies attempting to lure me, my attention stays fixed on Davia until reaching the bar.
“I hope you’re sticking around,” I say, smiling.
“Maybe. Don’t you want to mingle?” She glances behind me. “I’m sure those women who screamed would love that.”
“I’m keeping you company.”
“Kross—”
“You have a man,” I finish. “I respect that. I’m only being friendly. So instead of sitting here turning down all the men, come to VIP. Nothing inappropriate, I swear.”
Seconds pass with her staring into my eyes, and then she picks up her drink and stands. “Okay.”
“After you.” I walk behind her, admiring the swing of her hips, thick thighs, and toned legs. Her plump booty jiggles a tad in the sexy dress as she climbs the stairs. She has me biting my lip. Her man’s lucky. If I were on some bullshit, I’d try to snatch her.
“Damn, who’s this?” Cairo sputters as we reach the top. “Respectfully, of course.”
I’m surprised to see Moya on Preston’s lap. Noticing he’s gawking at the masterpiece beside me, she purses her lips and shifts onto the seat.
“This is Davia,” I introduce. “She works with Iree. Davia, these are the homies: Cairo, Iree’s big bro, and Preston. And his girl, Mo—”
“I’m not his girl,” Moya interrupts me with attitude.
Preston clicks his tongue. “Chill, baby. You are.”
“Yeah, sure.” She hisses and chugs her drink.
“Okay then,” I drone.
“Nice to meet you, Davia,” Cairo says politely.
“You too.” She shakes their hands. “How’s it going?”
“Not bad, shorty,” Preston replies, grinning too damn much. “Not bad at a—uhh.” He flinches as Moya slaps his arm. Noticing her pout, he shrugs innocently.
“We’re hanging over there.” I shoot Preston a hard look before ushering Davia to a private spot with cozy blue velvet seats and a black marble table in the center.
“Ooh, this is nice,” she gushes, setting her martini on the table. “Fancy. How does one gain access to your VIP section?”
“Don’t worry, baby girl. You’ll always have access.”
“Is that so?” It’s a fight to avoid staring at her sexy, moisturized legs as she crosses them. “What did I do for that?”
“Aside from knowing Iree, something about you intrigues me.”
“Hmm. Need I remind you I’m in a relationship?”
“My memory’s good,” I chuckle and drink a bit. “So, what do you do at La Monte ?”
“I’m a fashion designer,” she replies with unmistakable joy in her mahogany eyes.
“That’s what’s up.”
“Mostly dresses, but I do other fits here and there.” She picks at her dress, adding, “I created this with the founder and creative director, Chavonne La Monte.”
“Damn, girl.” I take in her stylish attire again, liking how it flatters her frame. “It looks dope. You’re wearing the hell out of it.”
“Thank you.” She touches her neck modestly.
I’m curious to learn more. “How long have you been designing?”
“For as long as I can remember. I’ve been at La Monte for over seven years, though. Chavonne hired me fresh out of fashion school. Today, she agreed to allow me to launch a line. I’m sort of here celebrating.”
The magnitude of delight emitting from her is so entrancing. “Okay, Queen. Congratulations.”
“Thank you,” she giggles. “So, this your only club?”
“Yeah. I was initially nervous, but the location is perfect, and not many clubs here have different themes every night.”
“That is a great idea,” she applauds. “It offers something for everybody. I’m looking forward to Dancehall night on Wednesday. My cousin will like it.”
“Nice. Will your man be with you next time?”
I catch a speck of uncertainty in her gaze before she cuts to her drink. “Probably.”
“I’m here!” Iree announces from the stairs in dark green sparkly tights, a matching halter top, a black blazer, and high heels. She crumples her brows when she sees Davia. “Oh, hey, D. You made it.” She seems surprised, continuing over for an embrace. “Congrats, Kross. The place looks so good. You did your thing.”
“Thanks, sis.”
“The jewelry department had you working late,” Davia remarks, eyeing Iree’s outfit.
“Yeah, but I love sorting pieces, so.” She passes a look between us and refocuses on Davia. “Didn’t think you’d be here. You said you had plans with your man.”
“He had work,” she replies. “Figured I’d check out the club.” He’s definitely slipping. She clearly wanted to celebrate tonight.
“I’m glad you came.”
“Hm.” Davia regards her attire again. “Nice outfit.”
Reverting to the innocent tactic used on us over the years, Iree pastes on a puppy look and tucks her bob behind her ears. “I thought I could wear this tonight and put it back in the drafts closet.”
“Keep it,” Davia insists. “Just don’t tell anyone it’s La Monte since Chavonne turned it down.”
Iree bounces happily and touches her shoulder. “Thanks, D.”
“Sis!” Cairo calls out. “Come try these bomb wings!”
She flashes us another look before walking to her brother’s table.
“Is it really cool?” I check with Davia. “Iree’s spoiled and has a way of getting what she wants.”
“It’s fine,” she assures me. “She can keep it.”
“Okay. You want to eat?”
She shakes her head. “I had dinner before coming. I’ll try something next time since you have plant-based options, which aren’t always available for me.”
“You’re vegan?”
“Since I was a kid. Aside from being allergic to dairy, I’d fallen ill time and again after eating all types of meat, so my grandma made me go plant-based.” She snorts. “She got sick of my ass.”
I chuckle. “That’s why I included vegan options. It’s still a short menu, though. I’ll extend it over time.”
“Great,” she cheers and finishes her martini.
“Would you like another?” I offer. “Anything you want. It’s on me.”
The way she shifts on the seat lets me know she’s about to protest. “I can buy my own drinks.”
“Nah, baby girl, it’s on me. What would you like?”
Her body relaxes again. “Okay. Another apple martini, please.”
“Sure thing.” I head to the VIP bar and observe Davia as the bartender makes the drinks, damn near rushing him until he finishes, and I return to her.
“Thank you,” she says. With a graceful tilt, she downs a little and sets the glass on the table. “You own any other business?”
“A car wash and two rental properties,” I reveal.
Her head goes up and down slowly. “Good for you.”
“I’m trying to elevate and build generational wealth. I have so much I want to accomplish.”
“That is the dream. At least you’re not in the streets doing stuff.”
“Stuff?” I repeat, squinting at her.
“You know what I mean,” she says, drinking.
I wonder how she’d react to hearing about my past. Would she judge me? It shouldn’t matter since she’s with someone. Yet, oddly, I’d hate to turn her off.
“Y’all looking cozy,” Iree remarks as she walks up. “Don’t get D in trouble with her man, Kross.”
“It’s cool,” Davia insists. “We’re only chilling.”
“Yeah, I’m being respectful.” She’s like an annoying sister. I want to keep talking to Davia alone and dwell in her warm energy.
“My friends arrived, so I’m going to dance and have a good time. Coming, D?”
“Um—”
“We’re still talking,” I state before Davia responds, making both look at me. “I’m curious about your industry.”
“Since when?” Iree quips in a sarcastic tone.
I click my tongue. “Since tonight.”
Davia cuts back to her and says, “It’s okay. Next time.”
“Oh, okay.” After another glance between us, Iree shimmies off down the stairs.
“ Did you want to dance?” I check when Davia refocuses on me.
She angles her head. “Honestly, I’m enjoying our conversation.”
I smile at that. “Me too. So, tell me more about your career.”
Her face brightens with every detail she shares, from awarded design projects in school to the first time her looks made it to a store and the runway.
The conversations continue nonstop, flowing so naturally with spells of laughter. Whenever the adorable sounds leave her, a warm sensation spreads in me.
Our little bubble deflates as Davia slides her phone from her clutch. “It’s past midnight. I should request an Uber and head home.”
“I could drive you,” I rush to offer.
She hikes her brows. “Think I want you to know where I live? You seem cool, but we just met. Besides, shouldn’t you hang back with your employees and friends to wrap up?”
“Right. I almost forgot it’s the first night.”
“Hmm,” she hums. “There’s a car three minutes away.”
“I’ll walk you out.”
We stand at the same time and descend the stairs. I glimpse Preston in a corner, whispering in the ear of a giggling Moya while Cairo’s chilling with Iree and her friends at the bar.
Once Davia retrieves her coat, I accompany her into the chilly late February air.
“Man, I can’t wait for it to warm up,” I rasp.
“You don’t have to stand with me,” she says, pulling her coat tighter. “The car’s almost here.”
“Nah, I need to see you off. I’d ask you to text when you reach home, but you won’t give me your number.”
“You’re right,” she says with a sly smirk.
We hold eye contact until a car pulls up by the sidewalk. After confirming with the driver, she says, “Congrats again, Kross. And thanks for the drinks and good conversations.”
“Congrats to you as well. You’re a lovely woman, Davia. Hope we can become friends.”
She waves and slips into the back of the car. I close the door, watch until the vehicle disappears down the road, and return inside, still smiling.
What a woman. I wish we could have kept talking all night.