Chapter 3
Chapter
Three
PHOENIX
“Those jeans make your ass look fat Nix, let me borrow them,” Asha said. Now she knows her thick behind cannot fit into my clothes. She made some time in her busy schedule to video chat with us.
“Girl, why are you playing around like that? You know those thighs are too thick to fit into these jeans. Now I’m glad, but what about the top? Is it too much for a second date?” The wide-leg jeans with the tan ribbed turtleneck sweater crop top made me feel exposed in a way that I wasn’t used to. The workaholic in me is used to wearing black slacks and my chef coat.
“No babe, it looks perfect. You need to show your body off more, Nix, because I would kill for it, shoot, both of yall can hand me over some thighs and boobs.” Kay Kay said from her spot on the floor.
“Kay, my Godbaby has thickened you up some, so you should be good to go for now. What shoes are you wearing, Nix?” Asha asked while stuffing her face with what looked like popcorn.
“I have some brown booties on; I want to look good enough to eat!” My hair was in a pineapple, with a few pieces framing my face.
“Hold on, you tryna get your back broke tonight?” Makayla started grinning at me.
“Yes, Phoenix, it’s about time, girl. You have been on your it-needs-to-be-special shit for quite some time now; what made you change your mind?” Asha did have a point, but the embarrassment of the other night with my daydream of Kendrix in the shower with me had me ready to get up under someone else.
“Umm, no reason.” I said, not looking directly at either of them but staring down at my shoes.
“Are you blushing? Makayla, is she blushing because the tips of her ears are red? I know she is trying to hide something!” Asha, overly observant behind, said.
“She sure is.”
“Fine! I had a sex daydream/nightmare about Kendrix the other night after he made sure I got home. It’s his fault because one minute, he’s barely talking to me; next, he’s everywhere all the time. This man sucked barbecue sauce off my fingers and then had the nerve to say he could sleep better at night when he was sure that I was safe and sound. What kind of nonsense is that?! It’s like I can’t escape him no matter what.” I huffed out and fanned my hot face.
They didn’t say anything for a few seconds before they started cracking up in laughter. It is not funny at all; this whole thing has been stressing me out.
“Wait, wait, please break down the sex daydream for me because what does that even mean?!” Asha laughed at my frown.
“It means I came home and got in the shower like I always do and started blowing off some of my pent-up aggression by having an orgasm. When I closed my eyes though, I promise you I felt his hand guiding my steps. His locs were on my neck, and the warmth of Ken’s body was on my back. Now I know I sound crazy, but I promise you I could hear his voice in my ear talking me through it. My orgasm came hard and fast, but when I opened my eyes, it was just me in the room.”
“Damn!” They both said at the same time.
“That’s hot Phoenix, here’s an idea how about you just have sex with him to get it out of your system?” Makayla whispered as if she was scared of what my answer would be .
“You might have cracked the code, Kay Kay. Shoot, if it were me, I would get my fill and then leave that man alone,” Asha’s answer didn’t surprise me.
“I don’t know about that; I think that’s a recipe for disaster. What if I get all in my feelings about it?”
Makayla chimed in. “You are already in love with the man; how deeper can your feelings go at this point?”
True.
“I will think about it, but wait. I’m dating Cameron. What about him?” It isn’t in me to date multiple people at a time. There isn’t anything wrong with it, but I can’t keep up with everyone’s favorite color and pet peeves.
“Are you two dating exclusively or not? If you are, then I would say forget the plan, but if not, then go for it. You can date two men at a time. Do you plan to have sex with both of them?” Makayla pondered.
“That’s too much dick to keep up with, so no. We’re not dating exclusively, it’s only our fourth date. You know what, let me see what Cameron is working with; if it’s trash, then I will see if Ken will fulfill my needs. Does that sound like a plan?”
“Yes.” My crazy best friends said in unison.
My doorbell went off, and Cameron insisted on picking me up. I said yes because who wants to drive?
“He’s early. I will get the door so you can finish getting ready.” Makayla happily volunteered.
“Wait, take me with you. I wanna see him too.” Asha yelled from the phone.
Makayla grabbed the phone and winked at me before leaving the room. My skin has been breaking out lately, so I opted out of makeup except for mascara and lipstick. I grabbed my bag with the taser Brian insisted on me carrying at all times and went downstairs to meet Cameron.
“I was so inspired by your story, Makayla, when I saw it on the news a few years ago, it was—” Cameron stopped talking mid-sentence when I came down the last stair.
“Wow, Phoenix, you look amazing. I remember you said you liked panda bears on one of our previous dates, so I got you one.” He smiled at me. The panda bear was so cute; it was one of those bears you win at the fair.
Cameron looked good, too; his hair was styled in an Afro with a hair pick comb sticking out of it, and its maroon color matched his corduroy jacket. He wore a cream shirt underneath paired with black jeans and white air forces.
“Thank you, you look good too. Are you ready to go?” I asked, turning to look at Makayla, who was smiling a little too hard during our exchange.
“Yes, it was a pleasure to meet you ladies. I will remember everything you said and make sure she has a great time tonight.” Makayla nodded at him and ushered us out the door promising to clean up and lock up for me.
When we got to his jeep, which is one of my dream cars, I wanted to know what they had told him, but he wouldn’t say a word.
“Where are we going?” He was tight-lipped about it over the phone.
“It is a surprise, but I know you will enjoy it. How was your day?” He placed his hand on my knee, and I let him because why not?
I rambled about my day and elaborated on stuff I couldn’t care less about because I wanted to know if he would still listen. Sometimes, men will ask you a question because they think it’s the right thing to do, but they don’t really care about your answer.
“Wait a minute. So you spent twenty minutes deciding on a nail color only to change your mind and leave the salon?” He laughed at me, and I couldn’t even be mad because it was ridiculous.
“Yes, I know. Don’t tease me, Cam.” I giggled, and he squeezed my knee, and my body tingled.
“Cam, huh? Are we in the nickname phase now?” He drove us to our destination, looked at me, and patiently waited for my answer.
“We might be. Will that be a problem for you?” His clean scent was nice, not too much or overpowering compared to Kendrix’s .
Stop thinking about him, Phoenix!
I leaned over the middle console, putting my face a few inches from his. He didn’t move an inch, but I could feel his breath on my lips.
“Nope.” My lips lightly brushed his, but he never moved. Cameron flashed me a wicked grin and backed up to get out of the car.
“Come on, beautiful. Let’s get in here before we miss our reservation.” He grabbed my hand and led me to the front doors. We walked into the space, which reminded me of all my high school art studio days.
“Hi, welcome to SplashUp, a pottery and art studio that opened over the summer and is looking to build buzz around this space. My name is Carli, and I will be your instructor today. We have two options available for you: the first is for you two to share for a more intimate experience, or you can have your own wheel.”
The old me would have shied away and picked the last option, but the new and approved wants to get closer to Cameron so I can get over Kendrix. Is it pretty crappy to only date someone to get over the last person that broke your heart? Yes, but it is necessary.
“We would love the more intimate one; it is date night, after all,” Carli smirked at me. Then, we discussed the logistics of using the wheel and clay to create something beautiful.
Carli left us alone after Cameron explained that he’d been to several pottery classes and planned to show me the ropes.
“Phoenix, you want to put pressure on the peddle and softly mold the clay to the shape you want; dip your hand in the water and get it wet.” He laced his fingers through mine and swiped it through the water.
“Then we have to mold them together to make something special; you want to use your hands and caress the mold. Don’t be afraid to get in there and make it feel something.” My heart started beating faster because I didn’t know if we were still discussing the clay here. But I will play along.
“Oh really?” His chest on my back felt nice, though; something felt off. It didn’t feel familiar, but that’s okay. Maybe it is time for something new.
“ All I’m saying is women shouldn’t wear outfits like that if they don’t want men to stare. I know how to take a hint, but how am I supposed to know the difference between you flirting with me all night one minute and then the next you are cursing me out for catching the bait that you threw out.” I take back everything I said earlier about wanting something new, fuck that.
We made it over to Lucy’s Lounge, an upscale restaurant that Brian also owned because I wanted something familiar for dinner tonight. We broached the conversation about boundaries once he asked me how he was supposed to perceive our night ending. He said he couldn’t get a good read on my outfit, which, of course, I asked him what the hell that meant, and now here we are. Cameron was very much a gentleman, or so I thought with our first two dates, but the way he is talking now, he’s lucky he even gets to look at me. Everything about this conversation is messed up.
“I’m sure that women either dress for a man or themselves, but the only hint you should be taking is her directly telling you how the night will end. It doesn’t matter if she has on a mini dress that shows her kitty whenever she bends over unless she gives you permission to sniff it. That should be the only way you get close to it. I can’t believe we even have to have this conversation in this day and age. Let me make this clear to you, Cameron; this will be our last date because I am uncomfortable with how this conversation went. Now, if you will excuse me, I am going to head to the ladies room, and then you can either take me home or I can catch a ride.” I got up out of my seat to do just that.
I didn’t have to use the restroom, but now my comfort level is nonexistent with him after that conversation. Maybe I don’t need to get back in the car with him. Fuck, this is why I should have driven my car, he insisted on picking me up. Claiming chivalry, but now I knew he was lying; on our previous dates, I met him at the location.
The two women in the bathroom smiled at me and then walked out, giggling. I checked my reflection in the mirror and went to force myself to pee in case I needed a little extra push. I heard the door open, and the locks engage.
Something in my spirit told me not to make a sound, “Phoenix, are you in here? I figured all that talk out there was some bullshit to get me fired up so we could get a little rough.” I said a quick prayer and sent an SOS text out to the guys, Levi, Brian, and Kendrix, praying some of them were close to the restaurant.
Help, I’m at Lucy’s Lounge on a date, and he’s in the restroom with me! I’m scared, guys.
I put my phone on Do Not Disturb and grabbed my weapon out of my purse. Thankfully, Brian always told me I couldn’t leave home without it.
Cameron’s footsteps got closer to my stall, my heels were planted on the toilet seat, and one hand was stuck on the button to send shocks to his dick as soon as he kicked this door open like he did the other ones.
A loud boom came from the bathroom door; it went off again before I heard the door slam against the wall. “What the fuck are you doing in here?” A familiar voice said, making me finally breathe again.
“Man get the fuck —.” Cam wait, no, Cameron started to say, we were off that nickname shit.
Flesh against flesh could be heard, making me cringe at the ass-whooping someone was getting, hopefully, Cameron. I peeped through the crack in the door as best as I could but only saw Cameron with a boot to his face coming down hard and fast. His once flawless skin had blood coming out of every corner.
“Alright, that’s enough,” another voice said, and the stomping continued for another five seconds.
“I’m not bailing you out of jail tonight; I have a movie night with my girl to get home to! Where the hell is Phoenix? Did you check on her yet? He ain’t getting up you knocked his ass out.” Brian said with steel in his voice. My cousin does not play when it comes to me.
I should have felt safe to come out of the stall, but my bones were frozen in place. I shut my eyes when I heard footsteps coming closer because even though I knew it wasn’t Cameron, my body wasn’t listening to that fact.
“Come out, baby. It’s okay now,” Ken’s soothing voice said, contrary to the anger I knew he felt.
“I can’t move.” I squeaked out because it was the truth. My legs literally refused to move from the toilet seat .
Kendrix didn’t say anything else; he reached his long arm under the door to unlock it. It opened to reveal him standing here, chest heaving with his fist tight enough to strain his shoulders. His locs were free of their usual bun and hung down like a lion’s mane. Those dark brown eyes were worried, tracing over every inch of my body like he was searching for any damage done to me. I shook my head no to assure them that physically I was fine, but mentally I didn’t have the words for that yet.
“Let’s go, Jewel; I got you.” He stepped into the stall and opened his arms for me to go to him. I wanted to go, but my body still hesitated for a millisecond.
“I promise,” Kendrix whispered, coaxing me to trust him.
So I did.
He pried the taser out of my hand and put it in his pocket before grabbing me by the hips and wrapping my legs around his waist. Kendrix stared at me a little longer before walking us out of the stall.
Brian stood on the side with his gun out against Cameron’s forehead. He smacked the shit out of him with the butt of the gun. He groaned a bit and tried to open both eyes, but the left one was swollen shut with blood dripping down from his eyebrow.
“Wake up before I shoot you in the leg; I’m sure that’ll get you going.” Brian hissed out with the gun now under Cameron’s chin.
“Fuc-fuck, what happened?” He had the nerve to ask that question as if he didn’t almost ruin my life.
“You fucked with the wrong bitch.” I said, pushing back from Ken to get in Cameron’s face.
My fight, flight, or freeze senses were over, and now I wanted revenge. I grabbed the gun from Brian and shoved it into Cameron’s mouth. Thanks to Kendrix, I'm sure his bloody mouth was all bruised up, but it was my turn now.
“I am going to ask you a question, and all you need to do is nod yes or shake your head for no. Do you understand?” He started talking, well, trying to, but the gun prevented him from saying anything.
Kendrix came over to squat down next to us, “Give me the gun, Jewel, and take this instead.” He tried to hand me the taser, but I didn’t want that.
“No, Kendrix. He…he almost.” My resolve was breaking, and I didn’t like how that made me feel.
“I know what he tried to do, mama, but listen to me.” He lightly grasped my chin to turn my face into his eye view so that I wasn’t looking at Cameron anymore.
“He will be sorry for what he tried to do to you, and I know you want to get back at him, but I can’t let you shoot him, well at least not here. Now, take this taser so you can get your anger out for now, and we’ll revisit this at another time. Do you trust me?” His eyes were burning into mine, and everything in me wanted to say no because sometimes I don’t trust him. But I know that I could trust him with this.
“Sometimes.” I chose to respond with.
“That’s fair for now. Here, take this, and I will still hold the gun how you want it, okay?” He promised.
“Okay.” I took the taser and thought about where I could make him regret the day that he ever stepped foot into my life.
“Bry Bry, can you pull his pants down to show his boxers.” It is up to me to make sure he can’t do this to another woman.
Brian took out a blade and cut straight through his jeans. His boxers were on display, and the barely noticeable bulge that I’m sure would have been an even bigger disappointment made me more pissed off and equally disgusted.
“It’s crazy that we both want to end the world by dismantling one asshole at a time, baby cousin; I remember being in a similar situation protecting Makayla,” Brian said, shaking his head; I forgot about that incident with Makayla when they first reconnected. Brian didn’t give me many details, but Makayla told me some creep hurt her, and Brian made him pay for it.
I took my taser and pressed the button for every minute that he had me scared out of my mind in the bathroom.
“You worthless son of a bitch, I pray you never get to use this again.” I kept pressing the button, blocking out everything but the feeling of my heart breaking at what could have happened to me.
“Phoenix!” Brian shouted at me, but my heart was moving faster than I could keep up with, and my eyes closed at the same time.