Chapter 15
Fatima
“What’s wrong? Why are you looking like that?” I asked Isabella when she walked into the warehouse. Today we were doing the shoot for Autumn’s boutique, and I thought she’d come in excited, but she had a long face and looked like she was on the verge of tears.
I sat my camera down on the table in front of me and gave Isabella my attention. She sat across from me and laid her head down on the table with a heavy sigh.
“Seriously, Bella, what’s wrong?” She lifted her head and tears were now running down her face.
“I woke up this morning and was getting dressed to come here. Well, Charles asked me where I was going. I told him today was my photoshoot, and I thought he’d give me some encouraging words.
Instead, he told me to make sure I sucked my stomach in because I was looking bloated.
So, I went and stepped on the scale and realized I gained almost ten pounds. ”
My blood boiled, and my hands balled into fists on the table.
Isabella crying over Charles’ no-good ass, again, made me want to find him and rip him a new one.
For the life of me, I didn’t get why she was even still dealing with him.
He was no good for her and she could do ten times better.
I know she was still battling depression and self-esteem issues, but I didn’t think it would make her stay with someone that obviously didn’t give a fuck about her.
“Isabella, stop crying!” I told her sternly.
She looked at me with sad eyes while tears silently ran down her face.
“There is nothing wrong with your damn weight! If anything, I’m trying to get where you’re at.
My little ass is a size away from looking like a damn twelve-year-old, but do you see me complaining?
No, I embrace myself, and you should, too!
You are beautiful and you need to stop doubting that!
Most women pay thousands of dollars to get a body like yours.
Instead of crying about it, be happy that yours is natural.
You need to let Charles’ no-good ass go. ”
Isabella sniffled back tears and used the back of her hand to wipe her eyes. “I just wish he treated me like he did when we first got together. When he actually showed he loved me.”
I chewed on the inside of my jaw and began tapping my fingertips on the table, trying to remain calm. The truth was, Charles showed Isabella love until she started loving herself again then he would knock her back down. He didn’t want her to do better for herself because he was a damn loser.
“Bella, I’m trying not to go off but you’re pissing me off. Charles is a loser who doesn’t want you to do better so he can keep this stupid ass hold on you. You need to let him go!”
She tucked her bottom lip in her mouth and looked down. “I know,” she whispered.
Shaking my head, I picked up my camera again to finish adjusting it.
“Hey boos!” Autumn’s voice sounded behind us.
She walked in smiling with a team of people behind her. “Through those doors is where you guys can get set up,” she pointed and walked over to us.
“I’m so excited about this. A few other girls are coming to model as well. They’re likely going to be in the fashion show at my one-year party too,” she bragged.
I beamed. “I’m excited, too! This is my first real photoshoot.”
Autumn looked at Isabella then frowned. “Aht, aht. Why is she crying?” Placing her hands on her small hips, she waited for an answer.
“Her stupid boyfriend,” I mumbled.
“Girl, this is what we are not going to do. I don’t need puffy red eyes in my photos and neither do you. Now I know all about being in love, and I fully support it, but from what y’all have told me about this guy, he is not worth these tears.”
Isabella took a deep breath. “I know, I know!” She wiped her eyes again.
I shook my head, picked my camera up, and looked through the lens to ensure the settings were good.
“Autumn, where am I setting up?” A person approaching voiced.
“I’m surprised your ass is even on time.” Autumn walked up to the girl and hugged her. “Y’all, this is my best friend, Ashleigh. Ashleigh, these are the girls I was telling you about, Fatima and Isabella. Ashleigh is going to be doing the makeup, too.”
Ashleigh smiled at us as I looked her over.
She was a cute girl with a round face. Her hair was colored pink and cut in a pixie cut that fit her face.
Her eyes were light brown, and her lips were medium size but pink.
She was light-skinned and looked around Isabella’s size, except her breasts were smaller.
“Hey!” We both waved at her. I had to give it to her, her makeup was done flawlessly.
“Hey, I’ve heard a lot about you guys!”
I peeked at Isabella, who was now forcing a smile on her face.
“You both follow me. I’ll show you the clothes you’ll be wearing, and Ashleigh, I’ll show you where to get set up.”
Isabella got up and both she and Ashleigh followed Autumn.
My phone vibrated on the table next to me.
Without my permission, a smile formed on my face.
“Hey!” I answered the phone.
“What’s up? My bad about not texting you back. The shop’s been full all morning.”
“No, it’s fine. I’ve been busy myself.” I reached behind me and grabbed my AirPods. Placing them in my ears, I placed the phone back on the table.
“You guys get started yet?” he asked me.
“Nope, everything is getting set up now.”
Suddenly, a request for FaceTime came over the phone. The smile on my face grew before I answered.
Ever since the day I went to Ahmad’s house and basically spent the night, things have been good.
We hadn’t said we were together or even exclusive, but we’ve been talking almost every day.
He got approved for the second shop, so he’s been spending time with contractors trying to get that together, and his shop has been busy too.
I’ve been trying to get ready for today, as well as look for a spot to rent out to turn into a studio, so we haven’t seen each other outside of FaceTime.
“My sister driving you crazy yet?” he asked, smiling at me.
I shook my head. “Nope, she just got here and is in the back with the models and stuff.”
He nodded. “I’m glad you’re doing this for her. She’s been talking about it for the past two weeks.”
“Hell, I’m glad she asked me to do it. It’s great for my portfolio and will help get my name out there.”
“I can’t wait to see them. I know they’re going to be good as hell.”
I blushed. “Did you have any complicated pieces today?”
“Man,” he started and ran his hand over his face. “Most of my appointments this morning were filled with females trying to get my attention.” I frowned, causing him to chuckle.
“Is that right?”
He licked his lips. “Yeah, they come in here from time to time thinking they gone catch my eye.”
“And do they?” I raised an eyebrow. I’d never been jealous before, but I didn’t like the thought of other women trying to get Ahmad’s attention. Even if we hadn’t established any titles between us, it still didn’t sit well with me.
“I don’t be thinking about they asses. I do their tattoos then send them on their way.” He grinned at me, and I playfully rolled my eyes. “Trust me, can’t none of their asses get what you getting from me.”
He tucked his bottom lip between his teeth and gave me a seductive look that caused my stomach to flutter.
“And what am I getting from you?” A smirk appeared on his face.
“My time.” Those two simple words caused my body to heat up and my heart to start beating faster.
I still didn’t know the full story of Ahmad and his ex, but I knew it messed him up.
For him to push those feelings aside for me made me want to do the same.
He hadn’t given me any indication that he was on any bullshit with me, nor did I get any feelings that he would hurt me, but a part of me was still guarded.
“Fatima, are you ready?” Autumn questioned. I had been so into my conversation that I didn’t even hear her come back into the room.
“Yeah, hang on,” I told her before picking up the phone.
“We’re about to get started. Am I going to see you soon?”
He lowered his eyes and nodded. “I’ll be by your house later if that’s cool with you.”
My heart skipped. “I’ll text you when I get home.”
“Alright, go kill that shit.” I grinned and hung the phone up. Taking the AirPods out of my ear, I placed them back in the case and looked at Autumn.
“Why are you looking like that?” She was staring at me with a huge smile on her face, so big that her eyes were damn near closed.
“Was that my brother?”
My cheeks grew warm. “Yes, it was.”
Just when I thought her smile was big already, it seemed to get wider. “You two hit it off, didn’t you?” Her voice grew higher.
I snickered. “I guess you can say that. We’re hanging out, getting to know each other.”
“I knew you two would be a good match!”
I shook my head. “Whatever. Come on, so we can get started,” I laughed and stood up.
Autumn hooked her arm through mine, and we walked over to my tripod. “I think you and my brother are cute together. Just don’t hurt him, Fatima.” Her face was now serious.
“Me and your brother have established nothing serious with us, but I don’t plan on hurting anyone. I just hope he has the same intentions.”
“My brother is loyal to those who are loyal to him. If he’s with you, then he’s with you. It was how we were raised. You don’t have to worry about anything.” I swallowed hard but took her words in.
I wasn’t sure if things were as deep as Autumn was making them sound. I know I was slowly falling for him on my end, and that scared me. I just wasn’t sure if the feelings were mutual.
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“Damn, I feel like I ain’t seen you in forever.” Ahmad wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me into him. Our tongues found each other and intertwined.
I snaked my arms around his neck and my body pressed against his.
“It’s been too long,” I mumbled and kissed him again.