6. Nyle Brown
The sound of me entering Hands of Gold had all heads turning toward the entrance. Immediately, whispers filled the room as I made my way to the receptionist’s desk. I could feel all eyes on me, but I ignored them. My sole reason for being there was to see my friend.
“Good morning, sir.” The young lady greeted me, rapidly blinking her eyelashes. “How may we help you?”
“Is Brittish here?”
“Uh, she is.” She directed her attention toward the computer and informed me, “She’s not taking any clients today.”
“Oh, I’m not a client. Just tell her a friend is here to see her.”
Skeptically, she looked me over, and I didn’t miss what seemed to be a subtle eye roll.
She held her finger up and walked toward the back.
I took that time to observe the place. It was nice as hell, decorated in gold and white, two of the most majestic colors.
The ceiling was covered in sheer, white material that loosely hung with gold stars hanging from them.
Low music and lights gave the place a comforting vibe.
I could see why women frequented there to relax.
After doing some digging on Brittish, her business popped up. I was intrigued, so I’d read up on Hands of Gold, and the reviews were good as hell. Brittish was doing the damn thing. I loved seeing other people being successful doing what they loved.
Brittish’s inviting scent greeted me before she came strutting from the back, dressed in an all-white body suit that clung to her curvy frame.
She looked beautiful with her hair pulled up into a messy bun with a few free strands framing her full face.
Gold jewelry set the look off, and I assumed she was matching the ambiance of the room.
Our eyes connected, and Brittish slightly swayed her head as she approached me. She leaned against the desk and looked me up and down.
“Nyle, what are you doing here?”
“I can’t come check in on a friend?” I asked, smirking. “You look pretty as hell, Brittish. And your place is dope. I love the calming aura it has.”
“Thank you. I had to make sure it fit the services we offer. You know, you could’ve called or texted before you stopped by.”
“Nah. That would’ve ruined the shock factor. You got time for me?”
Brittish straightened her posture with her hand on her hip.
She didn’t answer right away. Carefully, she studied me as she bit down on her bottom lip.
I could see that was a habit of hers, one I would happily take over for her.
See, Brittish had lips so plump and soft that I was surprised they didn’t melt away whenever we kissed.
She had the type of lips that some women paid for, the type of lips a man like me would go crazy over.
It was taking everything in me not to ask for permission to kiss her in front of everyone sitting in the waiting area, but we didn’t need any more attention than we were already receiving.
“Follow me,” was all Brittish said before turning around and leading me toward the back.
The way her ass jiggled with each step she took was mesmerizing.
She wore heels, so I figured it added extra to the recoil.
Being around Brittish was dangerous for me, but I enjoyed the thrill.
I enjoyed the thoughts of her love faces replaying in my mind, knowing she probably felt the same and was playing hard to get again.
“What can I do for you, Nyle?” Brittish stopped in the middle of the hallway and crossed her arms.
“You tell me. I was just coming by to kick it with you for a minute since I’m free today. You want to go grab some lunch or something?”
Brittish stepped into my personal space and brought her hands to my face. I closed my eyes and told my inner self it was fine. The type of touch she provided was one I would enjoy. She closely studied my face before taking my hand in hers and leading me into one of the rooms.
“Lie down,” she instructed while going over to a drawer and pulling out an apron.
“Do I need to stay dressed or . . .” Brittish threw the apron at me, and I chuckled. Tossing it back, I did as she asked. “What you about to do to me?”
“Give you a much-needed facial.”
“Damn. What you trying to say?”
She snickered and didn’t respond, so I watched her work the room. There were a few things she grabbed that I was familiar with because of Brielle. I’d seen her do skin-care routines all my life. The only thing I did was use witch hazel.
When Brittish made her way over to me and stood at my head, I licked my lips at her breasts being in my perfect view.
“Do your nipples stay hard, or is that just around me?”
“Nyle. I will make you leave if you keep messing with me,” Brittish fussed.
I held my palms up. “My bad. I’ll stop.”
“Now, close your eyes.”
I did as she asked and felt something wet on my face. I didn’t question it, because when she started rubbing it in, it felt heavenly. Whatever she was doing would easily put me to sleep.
“Are you allergic to anything?”
“Nah. What about you?”
“I asked so I know what I can and can’t put on your face.”
My eyes opened to peer up at her. “And I asked because I want to know more about you, so answer my question.”
“Strawberries. I’m allergic to the one fruit I absolutely love and can’t have.”
“Dang. How did you figure out?”
“It’s actually something that developed when I got older.
I used to eat them always, then one day, my ex got me some chocolate covered ones, and I thought I was about to meet God from the way my throat closed up.
I assumed it was from the type of chocolate used, but when I ate strawberries by themselves, the same thing happened.
” She started pouting. “I’m still mad about it. ”
“That’s crazy. Our bodies can do some wild things.”
“Tell me about it. It makes me cautious of what I give AJ, but he loves to eat everything. So far, no allergic reactions to anything. Now, close your eyes again.”
“So demanding,” I joked but obliged.
Her fingers detangled my beard before she started massaging it, going up and down my neck as well. I groaned from how good it felt. Brittish had me ready to add her services to my self-care days. I’d never received a facial, and she was changing my life with it.
Slowly, her hands went to my head, and she quizzed, “Do you mind?”
“Go ahead.”
My hair fell out of the bun I had it in, and Brittish ran her hands through it.
“You have beautiful hair, Nyle. Who did you inherit it from?”
“Renee.”
“Who is she?”
I swallowed. “The woman who gave birth to me.”
“Oh . . . Well, it’s gorgeous. I could play in it all day. I noticed your brother’s hair was the same. Do you have any other siblings?”
“Yeah, an older sister. Her hair is like ours too. She’s the one who takes care of it because Naheem and I don’t know what the hell we’re doing. It’s one reason I either keep it in a bun or just leave it down.”
“I’m jealous. So, are you a middle child?”
“I am. What about you? Do you have any siblings?”
“Two brothers who act like they’re my father. I’m the middle child too. My younger brother was a surprise to us all, but we wouldn’t trade him for anything in the world.”
I could hear the smile in her voice as she talked about them. Sibling bonds were everything, so I understood. Brielle and Naheem were all I had outside of Nannie. They were the two people I could rely on for anything, the two people who would set the world on fire behind me.
As if she knew we were talking about her, my phone vibrated in my pocket to see it was Brielle calling. I silenced it before sending her a text, letting her know I’d call her back in a little, but she said we needed to talk right then.
Sitting up, I said to Brittish, “Let me call my sister right quick. Something’s wrong.”
“No worries. Do you need me to step out?”
“Nah, you can stay.” I pressed Brielle’s contact, and she answered on the first ring. “You good, Bri?”
“I am. I’m here with Nannie, and . . .”
“And what? Spit it out before I come over there. Matter of fact, I’m on my way.” I got off the chair and was about to walk out until Brielle demanded I don’t.
“No, no. Stay where you are, Nyle. We’re good, but she showed up here.”
“Who is she?”
“Renee.”
My entire world stopped. I could feel myself instantly start drawing into a shell I’d been able to stay out of for years.
Renee hadn’t come around since I turned twenty-one.
She showed up at Nannie’s trying to see me, but Nannie almost beat her ass again.
We hadn’t heard from her since, so what was she doing in Maven Falls?
“Nyle? Nyle, are you okay?” Brittish’s gentle touch to my arm startled me. I snatched away, almost knocking over her stand. She stepped back with her hand over her heart. “I’m sorry.”
“No, no. My bad. You just caught me off guard.” I ran my hand through my hair and expelled a breath. “Can I touch you?”
Brittish nodded, and I laced my fingers with hers. Instantly, my heart stopped racing. My breathing evened. My nervous system was regulating from a simple touch. Her simple touch. Only my family could do that for me, so it spoke volumes.
“Are you okay?” she asked again.
Brielle interrogated, “Who is that, Nyle?”
“It’s my friend, Brittish,” I replied to Brielle, then gazed at Brittish. “And yes, I’m okay.”
“Is she only a friend?” Nannie yelled, and I chuckled.
“Yes, she is. Her son is actually on my travel ball team. Are you okay, Nannie?”
Nannie kissed her teeth. “Now, you know I’m good. I’m just worried about you.”
“As long as I don’t see or hear from her, I’ll be fine. Did she say what she wanted?”
There was an awkward silence before Brielle responded. “She was looking for you.”
“Of course, she was.” I released my hand from Brittish’s and dragged it down my face. My chest was beginning to tighten, so I had to take slow, deep breaths.
Brittish stepped in front of me, eyes filled with concern as she studied my face. “Do you want to talk about it? You know, since we’re friends getting to know one another.”
I chuckled. “That worked on me.”
“I’m glad it did.” She winked. “But seriously, I’m here if you need me.”