2. Zaire
Zaire
“ C ome on Zaire, it’s going to be fun,” Nadia pleaded with me. She leaned against the desk. “You keep saying you wanted to check out The Grotto but never come along. Have you even been yet?”
“No, and you know this.” I put the last of the books on the cart that I needed to reshelve. It was a slow day considering it was Friday. I wasn’t one to complain about having slow days at the library because lately it’s been a mad house. “I’ve been too busy to go out.”
“No, you’ve been wallowing in self-pity. Trust me—Nico was not worth all this wallowing.”
“I’m not wallowing. I just can’t believe I let myself get close to another man and all they did for me was waste my time. I’m not getting any younger you know. Why is it so hard to find a decent dude out here who wants to be all about me?”
“Girl… Nico was an asshole. I was there that night. Remember, he called you fat, and you had to pull me off him. He deserved that throat punch and kick to the balls.”
“He may have deserved it, but he wasn’t lying. I have picked up a few pounds. I am fat.”
Nadia let out a heavy sigh. “Girl if you don’t stop that then I am going to bust your head wide open. You are not fat. You are beautiful. Curvy and perfectly shaped. You’re what… a size twelve, fourteen?”
“Fourteen,” I answered.
“That’s a good size, woman. You really don’t be paying attention to these men when you walk in a room don’t you? All eyes are on you, Zaire. You better own that shit. Menfolk like some meat on the bone. More cushion for all that delicious and yummy pushing they do.”
I rolled my eyes, but my friend had a point. Nico was an asshole at the end of our relationship. Especially when I picked up a few extra pounds. I was never a skinny chic; I’ve always been thick. He knew that coming into this two years ago. Just lately, family troubles had been stressing me out and then dealing with his bullshit. Plus, he was cheating on me. Honestly, not a shocker, but it still hurt like hell.
I thought we had something good going on and didn’t get suspicious when Nico had started asking questions about my family. But I messed up leaving a tab with my bank account statement opened on my laptop. I thought I had closed it when I went to a different room. Boy was I wrong. Apparently, he couldn’t resist and got a glimpse of my bank account balance. That was when he realized I really didn’t have to work if I didn’t want to. I just chose to work because I loved being a librarian. Everything went downhill after that. He didn’t say anything then, but after he realized I had some change in my bank account, a week later, that dick of a man child quit his job without conferring with me and expected me to take care of him.
Um, no, I don’t roll that way, but what was a girl supposed to do?
He really was a scrub.
Still… my heart fell for his old dumb ass and no matter how hard I tried; I still couldn’t get over him. Not like he was even giving good dick. It was mediocre at best… but he knew how to eat a peach and that was probably why I survived the mediocre in everything else he did.
Ugh.
“I’ll try my best to own this, but I’m not looking for another man. I’m doing fine all by myself.”
“Mmhm… sure you are. You haven’t gone out with us in over a month. As the saying goes… ‘ the best way to get over a man is to get under another. ’ Now… the band playing tonight-”
Cutting her off with a laugh, “I really can’t believe you just said that.”
“It’s the truth and you know it.” Nadia reached for my hand and squeezed. “I promise Zaire, it’s going to be a good night. Asher is coming. You can invite your cousin Malik. He’s still in town, isn’t he?”
I eyed her suspiciously. “Yes, Malik is still in town.”
She smiled wistfully. “Awesome. Make sure he comes, too.”
“How do you know he’s still in town, Nadia?”
It was her turn to smile. The kind that said she knew something but wasn’t going to tell.
“Anyway,” she said, changing the subject. “The band tonight is going to be really good. This place has fantastic drinks. The pool and sand volleyball court are a total vibe and the food is fantastic. It’s totally authentic to the culture here.”
“I guess,” I said while rolling my eyes. “Fine, I’ll go. But you’re driving. I plan on turning up.”
“Yes!” Nadia raised a hand, and I gave her a high five. “Dress in one of those cute as hell sundresses that looks bomb on you. It’s a casual vibe. Nothing fancy. It’s summertime and we’re going to have a good time. If you’re lucky… hell, If I’m lucky, we may find a hottie and get a little sumthin’ sumthin’.”
Making sure everything I needed was on the cart, I began to move it so I could go put the books up. “Nadia, I’ll be looking good. Trust me. Pick me up from my house and we can ride together. I’ll have Malik meet us there.”
**
Okay, Nadia had a very good point. It was my first time at The Grotto, and it was a total vibe. I’ve been in New Orleans for a few years now and nothing, I mean nothing compared to this place. There was a little bit of something for everyone. If you wanted grub, the food was on point. If you were here for drinks and music, the band tonight was amazing. They were a cover band and the music for tonight was a great mix of everything. From the 70s right up to the hottest songs on the billboard right now. If you wanted to swim or play on the volleyball court, the pool was open and you could kick off your shoes and have fun in the sand.
From the front of the place when we arrived, it didn’t look all that big. But like the magical blue police box, everything was bigger on the inside. Tonight was very much needed, and I profusely thanked Nadia, Asher, and even my cousin Malik for convincing me to get out.
I leaned closer to Nadia. She and Malik were doing some heavy flirting and I had to make a mental note for later to see what’s up with all that. “I gotta make a run to the ladies’ room. You staying or coming?”
“No, I’m good babe. I’ll be here when you come back.”
I shrugged. “Suit yourself.”
We were close, but not the kind of friends that went to the restroom in groups. The place seemed safe enough to do things on my own without my girl. So I got up and did my best not to do the gotta pee dance. All the alcohol hit me and once I stood, I really had to go. I prayed there wasn’t a line to the restroom because I may just have to shove some women out of my way to get to a free stall first.
We had a table outside. The weather wasn’t too hot, and we were lucky enough to have an unusual cool breeze constantly brushing against us. Totally unusual for the Big Easy. I made my way through the maze of tables outside and went inside the restaurant. Searching for the signs leading me to relief, I spotted them and screamed a silent ‘yes’!
The restrooms were not too far from where the bar was, but off it a way. There was a little line, but it was moving fast and for that, I was extremely grateful. By the time it was my turn, I rushed in, did my business and hurried out to wash and dry my hands.
When I left the bathroom, I thought I'd grab another drink and didn't feel like waiting for the server at the table, so I found a spot at the bar. There was one empty barstool at the end, so I grabbed it and sat my butt down. It was a busy night, and the bartenders were busting their asses getting the drinks made for the customers. I didn’t mind waiting. I could use a breather away from my little group. Asher was out there flirting with some guy he thought was hot and my cousin Malik was doing some heavy flirting with Nadia. They seemed a little too close, and I was starting to get the feeling this wasn’t a first for them. They looked super comfortable together.
I leaned against the polished wooden counter, my fingers idly tracing the patterns in the grain as I waited for a bartender to notice me and take my order. Like I said, I didn’t mind waiting. It was good to people watch and see what concoctions the mix masters were coming up with. Despite the crowd, I was glad for the escape and mad that I didn’t get out of the house much earlier. I needed this. Nadia was right about that much.
A few moments had gone by and still hadn’t had my order made. I was there before quite a few people who showed up and got their drinks. I was about to get mad and make a small scene about not being helped when a tall, bear of man went behind the counter and started fussing at the bartenders working. He had this mysterious confidence that you couldn't help but notice. It definitely got my attention. Curiosity was totally piqued, and I couldn’t help but stare at the man. He wasn’t my normal type, but there was something about him that made him handsome. There was this rugged charm about him that I was digging.
“Girl, what are you doing? You’re not here looking for a man,” I whispered to myself when I realized what I was doing. But I couldn’t help it. He had tattoos on his arms that lent some edginess to his rugged style. He wore a short-sleeved black and red plaid shirt. He had two full black and gray inked sleeves. His neck and his scalp were inked as well. The man had long hair that was pulled back into a ponytail, but the sides were faded razor cut to perfection. He had a trim beard that framed his face and gaged ear piercings. He looked nothing like the other employees, and I instantly wondered who he was. Especially to come in here and yell at these folks like he was their boss or something.
The man didn’t even notice me in the corner until the moment he did. When his gaze pierced mine, it felt like something shot between us. His stormy gray eyes looked me over, causing me to fidget where I sat. There was so much intensity in that gaze that it made my breath hitch.
What the hell….
I quickly composed myself as the man focused his attention on me and made his way towards where I sat. I couldn’t stop staring at him and his broad shoulders. My mind was moving a mile a minute, and that said a lot for me. I never got worked up like this for a man. Especially one that wasn’t even the same ethnicity as me. I dated outside my race before, but I don’t recall ever hooking up with a white guy. Especially not one who looked like he did.
The man stopped just before me and stared before speaking. “You’ve been helped yet?”
His voice was deep, kind of rough. It was like sex, sin, and a glass of smooth, smokey whiskey, wrapped up all in one and I’m not going to lie, that shit had me squeezing my thighs tightly because whew chile. I liked it and didn’t even want to.
I shook my head. “No, even though I’ve been sitting here for a long minute.”
“Hmm, that’s unacceptable,” he said in that deliciously sinful voice of his. “Let me rectify that for you. What are you having tonight?”
“You’re a bartender? You don’t look like the others behind the bar?” I was curious to figure out who he was.
“I’m whatever I want to be,” he said with a smirk on his lips. “So, if I want to be back here and serve you, then you’re going to sit there, look sexy as hell, and let me serve you. Got that?”
“Excuse me,” I said, shocked by his abrasive tone. how he said what he just said. A hint of anger coiled within me.
“You heard me. Now, what do you want?”
“They let you talk to your customers like that and get away with it?”
“I can get away with whatever I want. Talk to whoever how I want.” He canted his head to the side and looked me up and down again, and instantly my thoughts went to the dark side. “Especially when you’re the boss.”
“You’re the manager?” I said, surprised. No wonder he was dressed differently. Had bad customer service skills and didn’t fear any repercussions.
He leaned in closer to me. Our faces were mere inches away. “No sugar lips, I’m not just the manager. I’m the owner of this lovely establishment.”
I quickly pulled away from being in his orbit. First and foremost, sugar lips . What in the actual hell? Who says that type of stuff nowadays? Secondly, he was the owner. Holy shit! I was sitting here and could swear this man, the owner of The Grotto, was flirting with me. What in the world was I getting myself into? I could see this going wrong already, yet I didn’t care about playing with the fire. If he was flirting, it would be nice to have some attention from someone not named Nicco.
“The owner… well, damn. I feel special. Being served by such a gentleman .” I hoped my sarcasm had hit its mark.
He barked out a laugh and stood straighter. “Naw, sweets, I’m far from being a gentleman. But I can guarantee you would enjoy the benefits that a gentleman could never offer.”
I swallowed. He really was flirting with me. “I bet you say that to all the women here.”
A faint smile played at the corner of his lips. “Nope.”
Words fled from my tongue. I needed to get up from here and go back to my table before I did something terribly stupid. “I would like a whiskey sour,” I finally said.
He nodded, his smile still playing on his lips. “Coming right up.”
As he turned to prepare my drink, I couldn’t help but let my eyes wander as they soaked up the image before me. There was some definite heat going on between us. The flirtation wasn’t over the top but just enough to make me think I should’ve been out having a good time a long time ago. He didn’t take long before he came back with the short, glass tumbler. The pale amber color reflected off the low light at the bar. The drink was garnished with a maraschino cherry and a twist of lemon. It was perfect looking.
As he handed me the drink, our fingers brushed momentarily, sending a jolt of electricity through me.
“I hope you enjoy,” he said, his voice a low rumble that made my pulse quicken and my insides do a round of flips.
“Thanks…” I said in barely a whisper, letting my words trail off because I never caught his name.
“Wraith,” he responded.
What kind of name was Wraith? I didn’t question it because, if anything; I needed to get away from this man. “Well, thanks Wraith.” I took a sip and nearly moaned. It was the best whiskey sour I’ve ever had. I caught his expression as I moaned, and his eyes darkened. Well, that was my cue to go back to my little group because I had a feeling, I knew what he was thinking just by the expression on his face.
I pushed back from the bar and stood, careful not to spill my drink. “How much do I owe you?”
“Nothing. It’s on the house,” he said.
Surprised. “Are you sure?”
“Actually, you can pay by telling me your name, beautiful.”
My lips curved into a wide grin. “That I can do. It’s Zaire.”
He repeated my name and damn, did it sound good coming off his tongue and lips. “I like it,” he said. “Well, Zaire, I hope you have a wonderful time tonight. If you need another drink, you know where you can find me. I’ll be here all night.”
The encounter left me feeling good about myself. Empowered. I still had this. Nicco was not even a spec of a thought in my head. I sauntered away from the bar, deliberately adding a little extra sway to my hips. I already knew his eyes were on me. A delicious thrill made my heart race. As I neared the patio doors to go back outside, I couldn’t resist the urge to glance back. Sure enough, I found Wraith’s stormy gray eyes watching me, a sexy as hell smile played on his lips. He gave me a slow, deliberate wink before turning away to attend another bar patron.
There was something about that man, something I couldn’t quite put a finger on, but I knew one thing for sure: the night had taken an interesting turn. I was excited and a bit curious about the man, but was I brave enough to go back to the bar? Probably not. If he found his way out here or we meet again, then maybe I would do something. For now, I was going to enjoy the night out with my friends and keep this interaction with Wraith to myself.