Chapter 3
3
Esani
O ne Week Later…
It was July 4th, and my mom had the family over. It was crazy how we had a big family but rarely talked to one another unless there was an event such as this. I had cousins that I talked to from time to time, but we weren’t that close. That was crazy, considering my mom and her three sisters were thick as thieves. It could have been because all my girl cousins were either married or in a relationship. When they linked up, they either bashed their men or pretended as if everything was hearts and stars with their men, and I just couldn’t relate. They judged me because I preferred to remain single and play these men how they played us women. However, I still loved them. I just didn’t fuck with them. The only one of my cousins I could relate to was Miesha. She was just like me and loved to have her cake and eat it too.
“E, bring those ribs outside for me. I’m not trying to be on this grill all day,” my Aunt Jennifer said, sticking her head through the door.
“Okay. Here I come.”
I put my phone away and grabbed the ribs from the refrigerator then walked outside. The DJ was mixing the tunes as I stepped out into the hot sun. My boy cousins’ friends were ogling my goodies because I chose to wear my distressed jean shorts with a white crop top. I’ve always been voluptuous, so showing this much skin probably had them about to nut in their pants.
“There’s my showstopper,” my mother said, smiling at me. “Why are you carrying food out here? That’s what we have these men for.”
“Aunt Jen asked me to bring it out. It’s okay. I can handle it,”
“Yeah, Shan! She doesn’t have to be prissy about everything. Let the girl live,” Aunt Chandra scolded. She was the oldest out of my aunts and the mama bear to everyone. I joked with my family, calling her the Jennifer Lewis of the hood.
“Hush...this is my child. Mind your business,” my mom joked, while flipping her the bird.
I laughed and shook my head as my phone rang. I set the ribs down, and pulled it from my fanny pack, noticing an unknown number. Answering, I stepped away from my loud family to take the call.
“Esani speaking?”
“Now see, I gave you my number a week ago, and I never received a call from you. My feelings are kind of hurt,” the baritone voiced.
I looked at my phone confused for a moment before I remembered who this was on my line. That hint of a Latin accent couldn’t be forgotten.
“I’m sorry, love. I’ve been very busy at work and haven’t had time to call. How did you get my number?”
“Your friend, Tania, gave it to me when I went by your shop the other day. I hope it’s okay that I used it.”
“It’s totally fine. I’m actually glad that you called. I sort of lost your number.” I giggled as I sat down at one of the tables.
“Well, lucky me. I was hoping to see you there, but I’m kind of glad that you weren’t.”
“Why?”
“You make me nervous.”
“Oh, I do, huh? What is it about me that makes you so nervous?”
“Your beauty. It’s rare, and I’m nervous because you don’t seem like the type of woman that likes to eat from one plate.”
“Excuse me?” I asked, offended.
“I’m sorry, love. I don’t mean to sound offensive, but I am an honest man. I guess I was just wondering how you’re single.”
“Who says that I am?” My attitude was on full display at this point.
“Let me start over. I want to take you out tonight if that’s okay with you.”
“I don’t know. I kind of feel like you’re judging me before even knowing me—”
“Again, I do apologize, my love. That’s not who I am, and if you give me another chance, I promise I’ll make it right.”
I was silent for a moment. It was crazy how he called me on my bullshit and didn’t even know me. I guess my offense came from his truth, and like they always say, the truth hurts.
“Hello? Are you there?”
“Yes, I’m here...What time should I be ready?” I asked. I knew I shouldn’t add him to my roster, but I couldn’t let his fine ass get away.
“Seven, and wear something nice.”
“I’ll text you my address,” I told him.
“Perfect. See you soon.”
We disconnected the call as I sat with a smile on my face. Since Tania’s ass wanted to give out my phone number, I’d definitely be meeting up with him at her address.
I had to be honest, though. I was a little apprehensive about going out with him. He was…different. I could tell that much from our brief conversation. Something inside me was telling me that this was going to be a challenge that I had to make sure I came out victorious. I was going to make him pay for offending me.
Looking up, I saw my mom walking over to me, looking like a brown-skinned Barbie. I could tell from the look on her face that she was about to question me about something until her straight face turned into a smile. She sat next to me and crossed her legs then took a slow sip of her wine.
“You know…I’ve never been one to sugarcoat anything, right?”
“Of course.”
“Good. Now, with that being said, I think you’re putting a little too much on your plate.”
Damn, could she hear him on the phone or something?
“What do you mean?” I asked confused.
“Seven men, Esa? And from what I was trying not to hear when you were on the phone, there’s a potential eighth. Now, I’m not telling you how to do your shit, but baby, some men won’t stand for you being with other men. It’s okay to have two or three because it’ll be easier to cut them off if they step out of pocket, but seven? I can’t even imagine how you’re juggling these men.”
“I only talk and hang out with a few, so it’s not like that with us. The only ones who are serious about me are the ones you’ve met. You’re the one who told me to keep a couple on the side,” I said, smirking at her.
“A couple, not a village, Princess.”
“Everything’s good, Ma. Trust me.”
“Okay…because if you don’t slip…”
“They won’t fall.”
“And if you fall…”
“I’m doomed,” I finished. She winked at me and smiled as she stood.
“Oh, and wear that leopard number I bought you a few weeks ago. You’ll have him buying you a yacht next week,” she told me then walked away.
I shook my head as I went to play cards with my family and waited for the food to finish. Maybe Shania’s ass was right. Maybe I should cut off my loose ends—or maybe not. I needed them just in case my main courses wanted to act up. I would go out with Mr. Kwame, but I already knew from that phone call that he wasn’t going to make the team.
* * *
“Damn! You look good as hell, friend! You about to have that nigga licking yo’ damn toes tonight!” Tania yelled as I walked into her living room.
The leopard bandage dress my mom bought me for my birthday went well with the red open-toe pumps and clutch I was wearing. I opted to wear minimal jewelry—a diamond necklace, diamond ring, and a diamond bracelet. Tania’s behind was on glass number three of the D’Ussé, so her voice was extra loud. Judging by the Rihanna joint that was playing, she had a reason why she was getting turnt up this early, and I knew it was because of her no-good nigga, Primo.
Smiling, I winked at her. “That’s the plan.”
“You know Marc keeps calling here for you. You better stop ignoring him before his ass starts doing pop ups.”
“He can pop if he wants and get popped. He knows I don’t play that.”
“Mm hmm. Well, the next time he calls, I’m going to act like I’m Chinese and don’t speak a lick of English.”
We both laughed as I heard a knock on the door.
“That’s him. How do I look?”
“Like you’re about to break many hearts tonight, darling.”
I smiled.
“Thanks, toots.”
Grabbing my red clutch, I walked to the door and opened it. I swear if I was the type of woman to believe in fairytales, Kwame Wiles would definitely be my knight in shining armor. He was so damn fine that I knew I had to really be careful around him. He had the potential to try to make me fall.
“Whoa. I almost told you to call the EMS. You almost stopped my heart, baby. You look beautiful,” he said, holding out his arms.
I smirked as I stepped into his embrace.
“Thank you. You don’t look too bad yourself.”
“Thank you, my love. Shall we?”
“Yes. See you later, Nia.”
“See ya! Make her fall in love, Kwame!” she yelled out behind us.
I wanted to yell back and tell her to shut the hell up, but I just shook my head and kept walking.
“I plan to,” he told her.
You could try, but it’ll never happen, I thought as we got inside of his Porsche and pulled away.
Arriving at The Music Hall, Kwame took my hand and led me inside. The jazzy club was a beautiful setting and had the best food and music. We got a table by the stage as the waitress came to take our drink orders.
“So, Ms. Esa, tell me about yourself,” Kwame said once the waitress walked away.
“What is it that you want to know?”
“Everything, but let’s start with your favorite color or colors.”
“Red and Black.”
“Really? Those are mine as well.”
“Stop lying,” I said, chuckling and sipping my water.
“No lie, and that’s one thing that I hate the most—a liar. I will always be honest with anyone that I choose to share space with, and I’d expect the same in return.”
I nodded as the waitress returned with our drinks.
“Well, I expect the same. So, tell me. Why are you single? I know you have money. I can tell you’re smart, and you’re definitely a sight for sore eyes. What’s wrong with you?”
He chuckled.
“There’s absolutely nothing wrong with me. I had someone, but it didn’t work out. My father is a judge, and my mother is a doctor. Somehow, one of my father’s friends thought that me marrying his daughter would get her to settle down and be more...wholesome, I guess. Also to create generational wealth for our families. It turns out that we had nothing in common, and she never stopped sleeping around on me, so I had to let her go.”
“Did you love her at all?”
“I wanted to. Charlene was a beautiful woman, but her need to be with other men was overbearing. She would constantly lie to me and try to butter me up whenever I asked her if she was sleeping around on me. After a while, I just gave up and moved on with my life.”
I picked up my glass of wine and took a big gulp.
“I’m sorry to hear that. I’m sure you were hurt.”
“Not hurt. Just disappointed. But enough of that. Why are you single?”
“I don’t know. I guess I haven’t found Mr. Right yet. Just a bunch of Mr. Right for the Moments.” I lied. I was still on the fence about him, so I kept my reply vague.
“Well, I’m hoping to change that,” he said as he stared at me with those beautiful bedroom eyes. I cleared my throat and diverted my eyes to the stage at the woman with the guitar in her hands.
“We shall see,” I all but whispered.
The music began to play as the woman, who I now knew as Kindred, began to serenade us with her sultry voice.
“I’m going to be honest with you, Esa. I’m not looking for a cheap thrill. I want a love that will last a lifetime and stay solid so that our children and grandchildren can look at us and admire the love that we exude. I may be speaking too soon, but I see that with you. I’m not trying to scare you off, so I hope that this won’t be the last time I see you. I’m just trying to paint the image of what I want.”
“That sounds beautiful, Kwame, but how do you know you want that with me? Do you see something in me that gives you that type of vibe?” I asked.
He was starting to scare me, but for some reason, I started to entertain the picture he had painted. It was one of the most beautiful paintings I had ever seen.
“I see a woman who is afraid to love. I don’t know who hurt you, but I’m willing to put in overtime to fix what he’s broken. I’ll take the broken parts of you and create a masterpiece for the world to see what a gem you are. Don’t ever believe you’re unworthy of having love, Esa. The person that I see beyond that wall you have built up is just a gentle lion deserving of love.”
I was speechless. I knew Kwame was a different breed, and being the woman that I was, I wanted to see just how far I could go with him. Smiling, I turned my attention back to the stage.
For the rest of the evening, we had good conversation with him finding some kind of way to touch me. By the end of our date, we headed back to his place.
“This house is beautiful. Do you own it?” I asked once he pulled into the long driveway.
“Everything I have I own. God blessed me with parents who could afford to give me a legacy. Although I own everything, I’m very humble and appreciative of my wealth.”
“I love that.”
He smiled at me then turned off the engine.
“Come on. Let me give you a tour.”
He got out of the car and came around to my side to open my door. I stepped out and followed him, looking around at the green pastures of his property. Marc’s home was similar to this, but clearly, Kwame’s was bigger. We walked inside, and I was in total awe of the place. It looked like something that belonged in Better Homes magazine with its high ceilings and modern décor.
“Wow. It looks even better inside. One day, I want to own a home like this.”
“I’m sure you will. I have faith in you.”
I blushed slightly as he led me into the sitting room. Kwame poured us some Casamigos then took a seat next to me on the couch.
“So, what is it that you do exactly?” I asked.
“Mostly investments. I have shares in our home team, McDonald’s, and a few nightclubs with Tropicana being one of them. I like to invest in things I know will bring a return.”
“Tropicana is nice. I like the vibe of it.”
“My best friend owns Tropicana, and although he has a little gambling problem, I know he will make sure I have my money at the end of the day.”
“Do you really believe that? People with addictions tend to fall short. Can you trust him?”
“Of course, I can, and if there ever comes a time when I can’t, I have no problem with pulling out.”
“Pulling out, huh?” I gave him a mischievous grin.
“You better watch that shit, Ms. Esa. I’m trying to remain respectful.”
“Why?” I asked him, pulling my arms out the straps of my dress.
I didn’t want to talk anymore. It was clear why he brought me to his home. It was past midnight, so I wasn’t looking for much more dialogue. The smirk on Kwame’s face let me know that he liked what he saw.
“Well, since you don’t like talking, let’s see if that pussy will talk to me.”
He snatched me up and made me straddle his lap. His tongue swiped across my right nipple, and I moaned from the feeling. His lips went from my breasts to my neck as he lifted my dress and tore my thong from my body. Kwame then placed me on the couch, pushed my legs back, and dove headfirst into my oasis.
“Mmm…Yes, baby,” I moaned, grabbing his head and rolling my hips in his face.
“That’s right. Put that shit in my face.”
My whole body tingled…a feeling I had never felt. I felt myself exploding within minutes as my moans echoed off the walls. Kwame then eased between my legs, and before I could protest, his lips were on mine. He drove his tongue into my mouth, and it was sad to say that he was my first real kiss…and I enjoyed it.
“You’re so fucking beautiful, Esa. Can I have you, baby?” he asked, roving his thumb over my clit.
“Mmm, yes. Fuck me, Kwame,” I found myself saying.
This shit was dangerous. I knew after tonight, I couldn’t do this with him again. Kwame slipped on a condom and slid inside of me. My head fell back as I allowed this man to do ungodly things to me. The night ended with his tongue in my mouth while I rode him until the sun greeted us.