We finally were able to go back inside and see that the shop was getting empty. I escorted him outside and told him that I would wait for him in the backyard for tonight. He nodded his head and kissed my cheek before leaving out the door.
I smirked at the thought of him coming back to the shop and giving me that same look from our session earlier. By turning around slowly on my heels, I stopped in my tracks when I saw that everyone was huddled around me, wanting to know when and why did Prince show up here and how come I didn't tell anyone?
"Prince shows up and you're acting like it's no big deal?! Are you crazy?!" Coco asked.
"And why did he kiss you on the cheek?" Justin interjected.
"He was just being nice." I mentioned.
"That's it?" Coco asked.
"So, this was the mystery man that was here a few days ago?" Natalia interjected.
Justin gasped, "He was here? When?"
"Yes, he was here." I replied.
"For what?"
"For business, obviously."
"Just business?" Natalia asked before sitting down in her chair.
"Yes. Now will you please get back to-" I was cut off by the saying, "Back to work!, we know." by everyone in unison.
With everyone getting back to there to their stations, Jennifer said that she needed to talk to me before I would have to leave. So we went back to my office to talk.
"Is everything alright?" I asked concerned. Jennifer locked the door before saying what seemed to be the obvious.
"Yeah, I'm fine. I finally took your advice and confronted my mother with the whole boyfriend situation. And, we finally came to the conclusion that it would be better if I leave the shop." Oh wow. That was not what I was expecting, I mean, I knew eventually that someone would leave but I didn't think that it would be so soon.
"Wow," I coughed. "um, I wasn't expecting that. Jen, are you sure about this?"
"It's for the best." Unable to control myself, I couldn't help but feel like I was losing a little sister or a niece of my own. But I can't help but be supportive of her and her family's decision. I got up from my seat and gave her a hug before saying her goodbyes.
We pulled apart from each other and I said, "I'm gonna miss you."
Lord, protect her on this new journey.
****
A knock came from the door, "Raye, the client list for that bachelorette party is here. And it's an emergency. " Coco said while in the doorway.
"Okay, how bad of an emergency?
"Girl, does it matter?! It's still an emergency!"
"Okay, what is it and who is the bride?"
"Her name is Kelly Tiller."
"And what is she here for?"
" Bath Coma, Vanilla and Lavender."
"And her party?"
"Manicures, pedicures, body and eyebrow waxing, and body scrubs."
"So, in total that's?"
"Seven for the customers and 319.00 dollars in total for checkout ."
"Okay, where is everybody else?!"
"Justin is taking care of the front, Natalia already has two customers before them, Ashanti is doing massages, Aubrey is a little held back from earlier but, she'll pull through." Dang, is it really that bad? "she's already getting the bath started. I don't how we're going to do that plus them, in less than a day."
"Hold on, a day? Well, when is she getting married?"
"Saturday."
"Okay well, what are you doing?"
"Eyebrow and body waxing for two, before the party, as well. Listen, I don't mean to be rude but, I think we need more employees. It's only going to get worse from here, especially if Jennifer is leaving sometime next week."
I admit, she is not wrong. We do need more people but, like I said before, it's my pride and stubbornness that always gets in the way. Like why need more, when we have good enough?
"Listen Coco, I understand where you're coming from, I do. it's just that-"
"I know, you want to save money."
Okay, I never said that I needed to save money. "Uh, where did you hear that from? I never said anything to you."
"Girl, these walls are not that thick. How do you think I know when Justin's birthday is?"
I swear, everybody in this building is so super curious.
"Look, if..." she sat down in the chair in front of me, "you need...some money, just say the word and I will help-"
"No Coco, alright? I can't ask you to do that for me. This is a mess that I need to get myself out of. besides, you need the money more than I do, you got a baby to raise. "
"Wait, are you in some kind of trouble? 'Cause you know I can handle things for you, you know I got sisters that can come over and-"
"No! Coco, I'm good. Don't worry."
She got up and said, "Okay but...." she motioned for me to get up, "just know that we're here for you." She hugged me and walked out with me to deal with the day of marital bliss.
***
"Hello ladies, I'm Raynella, the owner of this establishment. Now, which one of you are the bride?"
"I am." The white girl with brunette hair and dark brown eyes raised her hand. She looked like something straight out of a Victoria's Secret campaign. Just gorgeous.
"Okay, well we have everything ready for you and-"
"Excuse me?!" I looked past her to see the UPS guy. Ugh, what is it now? "I'm looking for Ms. Raynella....Raynella Carter?!" Wait, could it possibly be from them? Hesitantly, I signal him by saying, "Yes, that's me."
"Ladies, follow me." Aubrey said. See, that's why she's my best friend. Always ready to take over when times feel strained. I should really apologize to her for yelling but, it doesn't seem like the right time.
I went over to the guy and signed off for the package, "Thank you but, I didn't order anything."
"Yes but, someone ordered you something." He hands over the package to me and sends his 'congratulations'. I ignored him unconsciously and saw that Aubrey came back to check up on me and said that the bride needed to speak to me. I stopped Aubrey and apologized for my behavior, "Aubrey, I'm sorry. I had no right to come at you like that. I was just-"
"I know. I was just taken aback about your reaction. It's understandable what you're going through. But you know me, I don't hold grudges. I accept your apology but, try not to be so dramatic."
I scoffed, "I'm dramatic?!"
"Very." She giggled. We hugged it out and decided that we bury the hatchet at least until our shifts are over.
***
We arrived in the bath house and asked Ms Tiller what was the issue or if she needed anything and surprisingly, she said that she needed to talk to me about renting out my shop for her and her soon to be husband, Greg.
"Well, I..."
"How much? It must cost a lot, right?"
"Yes. Actually, the cost would cost a heavy penny."
"Alright. So, how much would $1000 dollars sound?"
Oh wow. $1000 dollars? Her husband must got it made.
Stunned. I couldn't help but not speak. Hell, the mortgage didn't even cost that much on this place. But then again, it's better than no money, so I'll take what I can get.
"Sounds good."
"Great! Oh, And another thing. It's kind of personal." I looked back over at Aubrey, motioned for her to leave but before then, I gave her the package. Kelly motioned for me to come closer to her so, I kneeled down in my heels, to listen to what she had to say.
"Would you....join me?"
I'm sorry, what?
"Excuse me?"
"Join me. Y'know, in the bath."
"Wait a minute, hold on! I appreciate the offer but that would be very unprofessional-"
"Oh come on, it's just a one time thing. Besides I could really use a little company."
"Then why don't you ask one of your friends out there?"
She chuckled lightly, "They might be my bridal party. But we aren't friends. Most of them are my friends because our husbands know each other. They're either married to NBA players, lawyers, doctors, even stock brokers. And plus, we just don't click."
"Well, don't you have anything in common with them? Like, favorite place to shop, favorite nail polish, or even favorite... Halloween costume?" I asked sarcastically.
"More like favorite plastic surgeon" she said jokingly. We ended up laughing and sharing ideas of what to do when her next appointment comes.
"So, if you don't like them, why hang together? Don't you have friends back home?"
"I used to. My high school friends and I split up during our college days. I met George my junior year of college, dropped out, moved into his house and....you can fill in the blanks from there."
"Hmm, understandable."
"George's image is everything to him and I don't wanna ruin that for him, he doesn't deserve that."
I shook my head. I already know where this is going to go and it doesn't seem like it's going to last. But then again, it's her life, not mine.
"Well, don't ruin it."
"What?! You're supposed to say the opposite!"
"I was going to but-"
"Forget it. I couldn't even try to get him to understand me."
"Wow, well, why stay?"
"Because, it's better that way."
"Do you really want to marry him?"
"Yes," she seemed hesitant at first, "but..."
"But? But what?"
"But, I'm scared that it'll just be a phase, not a memory that I will remember years from now."
Wow, that makes sense.
She sighed and said that she just doesn't know if getting married so soon will be a good thing. But I try to get her to understand that if she doesn't want to marry him, then don't. But she insists that she has to because of her financial situation and her husband's image.
I have a feeling that this will not end well.
***
After hours of working, I stayed behind and waited for Prince to show up. With everyone gone, I figured I'd go and get ready for tonight. I initially walked outside and try to go to the nearest store for clothes. By opening the entrance door of the store, I scanned the room and suddenly went over to where the accessories were. I approached the glass case and saw this beautiful necklace. Mesmerized by the jewels and silver, I just knew that I had to get it. But the price tag was what got me. Over 900 dollars plus tax for a necklace? My rent doesn't even cost that much. I slowly backed away from the accessories and went to go look in the clothing section for something more fit for tonight's event. I eventually found something that would help me be more myself than that night at the restaurant. I just felt that this specific night didn't set the tone for me or the table session, it felt forced.
But isn't everything feeling forced in my life so, why am I worried?
So after finding me the perfect outfit, I go up to the register to pay for it. I give the cashier my card after receiving the total for my clothes, which was $31.46. And she tells me that, after swiping my card, that it has been declined. I tell her that there must be a mistake and that she should try it again and she does just that and again, it pulls the same thing on me again. So, without hesitation, I call my bank and after having a little bit of a conversation with them, they informed me that as of today and because of my recent IRS shenanigans, they have canceled my credit card and are no longer associating with me as a bank.
In frustration, I leave the store and head back to the shop. Yes, I'm frustrated right now but, I'm not going to let this ruin my night. I guess I'll just wear what I have on and freshen myself up before he gets here.
**
So after freshening myself up, I headed to front to see that he was outside with an umbrella. I go to open up the door to let him in and he is inside with little droplets of rain on him.
"Hello. Are you okay?"
He fixed himself and said, "Hi, I'm wet but I'm fine. Are you okay?"
"Good and I'm fine." I scanned with my eyes and saw that he seemed uncomfortable in his wet clothes. "Why don't I take your coat and put it up somewhere to dry?" I asked. He was hesitant at first but he slowly took of his coat and gave it to me.
"Thank you. Now, what did you want to see me for?"
"I wanted to see if I could have one more session with you."
"So, does that let me know that you enjoyed last time?"
"No. It just let me know that I was right."
"Right about what?"
"Right about what I said from that night."
"What did you say?"
"Ohhhh, you don't remember?"
"I would, if you would give me a hint."
"Okay. 'Let's pretend that we're married'?"
"Ohhhh, that?"
"Yes. I'm still waiting for you to say yes, by the way."
"Well, it looks like you're going to wait a long time because, I don't marry men I just met."
"But, you know me already."
"No, I don't."
"Yes, you do. Your soul met mine before it ever became physical."
Okay, that kind of caught me off guard.
"So, is this going to be some type riddle thing with you? I mean, come on, you don't really like me or know me."
"And what makes you think that?"
I scoffed, "You're you, obviously! I mean, I'm not your type. You're a celebrity, you obviously like the white, light skin or exotic ones, I'm not dumb."
"I do but, I love all types of women. And, I know that I like you based off of what you and God said."
"And what did I say?"
"The story of Esther."
I smirked and asked him to pay me the money after the session. He said that he wanted to try 'Dark Midnight Madness' and honestly, I don't know how he's going to react because, for one, it's for the eyes. And I don't want to get sued. So he followed me to the yellow door with a sign on it saying:
In the dark of midnight, only the eyes see the light of the sun through the madness
We went inside and the scenery was just how you would picture it. Dark but sensual. With only a candle and a blindfold. We stood in front of each other and I advised him to put on the blindfold.
"Could you please help me?" He asked. I helped him put it on and there he is caressing my hands as I traced my hands on his chest unconsciously. I suddenly felt myself slipping away and got myself together.
I took off my shoes slowly and went to give the candle a flame.
"Hold on now, what's going on? Please don't tell me you're a serial killer?" He joked.
I smiled and said, "No. Now, listen to my voice and follow the instructions."
He nodded his head and I began the session. "Can you see the light?" I asked while picking up the candle to start demonstrating. "No." He replied. I slowly but quietly walked to the other side of the room, "How about now?" He said no yet again.
I went to put the candle on the table and slowly started to loosen the grip on the blindfold but, he turned around too quickly and it felt to the ground.
He smirked at me and said, "I see it now." My senses started to feel alive and couldn't help but feel like I was ice melting on a hot sunny day. "Good." We started to stare at each other and in the lustful gaze, we kissed each other and with every deepening kiss, our hands felt so good on our bodies.
We suddenly stopped and then I walked away from him to give him the next portion of the session but, he couldn't help but kiss me again.
I pulled away and asked him, "What was that for? "
"For your halo, my Angel."
The smile on my face felt different. It was like I needed to feel different. I do feel different with him and I can finally admit that to myself.
"Thank you, my...."
"My what?"
"My,...I-I don't know."
Shoot, what is going on with me?
****
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Part 2 of Dark Midnight Madness is coming soon!
Love you to infinity, Cammy!