Chapter 7 #2
To my left, a plush sofa and elegant armchairs were arranged around a shiny coffee table, inviting me to sit and relax.
A large flat-screen TV was mounted on the wall, but it was the view that truly captivated me the most. The balcony doors were slightly ajar, allowing the gentle sound of waves crashing against the shore to fill the room.
“Bitch! You see this place? O.M.G! And that view! I’m about to take hella pictures and post them on my IG. I appreciate you for inviting me, Nova. I’ve never been out of Melville besides visiting my aunt in Miami.”
“You don’t have to thank me, friend,” I said with a shrug.
“If anything, I owe you more than this. You have been my rock when I thought I was ready to jump off the ledge. Besides my parents, you were there for me when I needed you the most. For that, I love and appreciate you.” I was getting emotional as the reality of where we were hit me.
“Aw, boo! You know I will always have your back. I love you. We are locked in bitch! For life! Now enough of the mushy stuff… Let me go drop my bags off in my suite, then hit that bar in my room. I’m trying to get tipsy. What happens in Ibiza… Stays in Ibiza.”
“Nyala, that’s Vegas?”
“It’s wherever the hell I’m at! I like to have fun and turn up wherever I go.”
“I know that’s right.” We gave each other a high five.
“I’ll check in after I get settled. Give me one of your keycards, so I can get in when I’m done.”
I chuckled and handed her the extra gold card. “I’m going to put my clothes away and shower.”
“Okay. Later. And thanks again for this, Nova.” We shared a hug before she left.
I rolled my suitcase to the back of the suite and into the master bedroom, where a king-sized bed with crisp, white linens awaited.
The room was tastefully decorated in soothing tones, with subtle accents that spoke of understated elegance.
More fresh flowers sat in a vase on the bedside table, their fragrance mingling with the salty sea air.
There was also a tablet next to the beautiful arrangements, along with a “welcome” place card.
After finishing my exploration of the bedroom, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness, which made me smile. The suite was a haven of lavishness, and I couldn't wait to settle in and make it my own for the next few days. I walked over to the luggage stand and unzipped my suitcase to unpack.
Carefully, I began placing my clothes in the spacious walk-in closet.
The hangers were padded, perfect for keeping my dresses wrinkle-free.
I arranged my shoes neatly on the closet floor, making sure everything had its place.
The drawers were lined with soft fabric—my first time seeing anything of its kind.
With my unpacking complete, I turned my attention to the bathroom.
The deep soaking tub and walk-in shower beckoned me, promising a relaxing escape.
I might not want to leave this room outside of the actual reason I was here.
Everything was heavenly and so luxurious.
I gathered my toiletries and set them out on the marble countertop, as I admired the elegant design of the space.
I slipped out of my travel clothes and hooked my phone up to the Bluetooth speaker.
I put on Pandora before stepping into the shower.
Just as I turned on the water and let the warm water cascade envelop me, “Ruined Me” by Muni Long came blaring through the bathroom.
I tried not to let the lyrics of the song get to me, but it did.
The tears that fell from my eyes let me know it did.
I leaned against the cool, tiled wall. The lyrics echoed my feelings perfectly, describing the pain and betrayal I felt, even after a year had passed.
Each word seemed to cut deeper, reminding me of the nights I spent crying myself to sleep, wondering what I had done wrong.
My body shook with sobs as I thought about how Jerome had ruined me.
His betrayal had shattered my trust, my confidence, and my belief in love.
I slid down to sit on the shower floor, hugging my knees to my chest as the water continued to pour over me, but it couldn't wash away the heartache.
As the song reached its chorus, I let out a choked cry, feeling the weight of my emotions fully.
It was as if the song had unlocked a floodgate, and all the pain I had tried to suppress came rushing to the forefront.
I cried for the love I lost, for the dreams that were shattered, and for the person I used to be before Jerome tried to break me.
Eventually, the song ended, and the next song played.
It was my girl, Mary. “Enough Cryin’” filled the bathroom.
My girl never failed me. This was exactly what I needed to hear.
Standing up, I wiped my face and began singing as I washed up.
The more I sang, the more I could feel all the pent-up hurt leave my body, feeling a small sense of relief.
Perhaps this was the first step toward healing, toward finding myself again.
I’d gotten rid of the trash, and I needed to do precisely what Mary said.
I’d for damn sure done enough crying. It was time to do something for me.
When I finally stepped out, I felt refreshed and rejuvenated.
Wrapping myself in a plush towel, I dried my hair.
I was glad I let Nyala convince me to get some boho braids before we left because that shower would’ve definitely messed my natural hair up.
I walked into my room, and Nyala was sitting in the middle of my bed with the tablet in her lap.
“Hey, boo. Are you good? I heard you crying. I wanted to come in there, but I knew you needed that.”
“Thanks, friend. And I did. I feel so much better. I haven’t cried like that in such a long time.”
“Well, I’m glad you got it out instead of letting it fester. Now, I want you to make me promise, Nova…”
“Okay… What do you want me to promise you?” I sat down on the bed and began to moisturize my skin with my tropical fruit shea body butter.
“That you let your hair down on this trip. I want you to enjoy yourself.”
“I can do th—”
She cut me off, shaking her finger in my face.
“No, friend. For real. Whatever you want to do on this trip, do it. Don’t even think twice about it.
Just go with the flow. I know this is a business trip, but you have free days before and after the work.
Have a good time. Hell, find you a big dick, or three, to ride. ”
“Nyala!” I hollered and fell back on the bed, cackling at her last statement.
“What? I’m for real. Shidd! I’m telling the truth. I know your ass is tired of them damn toys, girl.” She scuffed and playfully rolled her eyes.
“Paul does me just fine, bitch. He never lets me down, and never cheats on me.” I spoke of my rose vibrator. And I left out that Samir blessed me with some dick not too long ago.
“Who the hell is Paul, bitch?” She looked confused.
“My rose toy.” I pursed my lips.
She sucked her teeth. “Girl, bye. All my vibrator does for me is make me want to either get licked or maybe stuffed with some dick.” We both fell out laughing.
“On the real, though. Can you do that for me? As a matter of fact, do it for yourself, Nova. You deserve to just be… free. No worrying about the bakery. No worrying about that no-good nigga. No worrying about when the house gonna sell. Nothing. We are making this trip all about you.”
Looking at Nyala, I struggle to produce a comeback. My friend was right. I couldn’t say shit to object to anything she’d just said. I was ready to let my hair down. Fuck it!
“Okay… I guess I can do that,” I agreed.
“Yesss!” This crazy-ass girl stood up and started jumping on the bed.
“Okay, so look. There’s a bonfire party out on the beach tonight.
They are going to have music and free liquor.
My type of party. Anddd!” She plopped back down on her butt.
“I signed us up for this meet-and-greet party. It’s the same night of the pre-opening gala, but we should be done with the desserts for the gala before then.
” She smiled widely, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
“Yes, I plan to be done early. Tanya is going to help me set up the table, and then the hotel staff will man it from there. Why are they having a meet and greet on the same night?” I was skeptical.
“Umm. You’ll just have to come and find out, friend. The guy did say there’s a twist…”
“No, Nyala… What kind of twist?” Knowing her, I’d have to get naked or some wild shit.
When she gave me a “Bitch, didn’t we just discuss this?” look, I closed my mouth. I guess I was about to be in these Ibiza skreets!
I stood in front of the full-length mirror, taking in the sight of my reflection.
The sheer dress clung to my curves in all the right places, accentuating my figure beautifully.
The fabric was delicate and almost ethereal, adding a touch of elegance and making me feel both sexy and sophisticated.
I let my braids hang loosely down my back and added some mousse to give them some shine.
As much as I loved the look, a wave of self-consciousness washed over me.
I haven’t worn anything this revealing in a long time, and the thought of stepping out in public like this made my heart race.
I’ve put on a few pounds over the months, and even though Nyala and my mom said the weight went to all the right places, I didn’t see it that way. The hot pink, two-piece bikini set I wore underneath could easily be seen due to the thin fabric. I felt exposed and visible.