Enough Of The Drama (12 page)

   “As ready as I’ll ever be,” Cassidy replied shaking her head. She wanted to laugh so bad she never imagined him riding around in a car like this.

   “A’ight, so what you wanna do?”

   “It doesn’t matter to me. I’m flexible.”

   “A’ight,” Antoine said nodding his head.

   “So what do you have in mind?” she asked nervously playing with her hands. She couldn’t believe she actually took this man up on his offer to take her out on a date. As she stared at him she couldn’t get over how fine he was. It took everything within her power not to reach out and rub his bald head.

   “Bowling.”

   “Bowling!” Cassidy said looking down at her attire wishing she had opted to wear something else. She could only imagine how comical she would look in her three piece Donna Karen suit and a pair of bowling shoes. She made a mental note to herself to get a makeover; she felt it was time and long over due. It was time for her to get her own identity and become her own person instead of the new identity Marcus created for her.

   “You don’t mind do you?”
   “
Ummm
. . . no not at all. I’m down for whatever.”

   Antoine chuckled at her choice of words. “Okay, just don’t get mad when I whoop that ass.”

   Cassidy jerked her neck and looked at him sideways. “Oh you talkin’ shit already.”

   “That’s what it sounds like and I can back it up too,” he said flexing his bicep and giving it a kiss.

   Cassidy laughed and rolled her eyes. “Okay then its on playboy.”

      The remainder of the ride to the bowling alley they laughed, cut jokes, and continued to talk smack.

*   *   *

   It was hard for Cassidy to accept but Antoine beat her three games to none. She put up a good fight but she was no match for Antoine, he could bowl his behind off.

   “You’re good, “Cassidy said putting on her heels.

   “You’re not so bad yourself,” he said admiring her blue eyes. “Damn, you’re beautiful,” he said as he continued to stare at her.

   Without skipping a beat Cassidy replied, “And you’re so damn sexy.” She didn’t know what it was about this man that had her gone. Once she got over her initial butterflies of this being their first date, she felt so at ease with him. She could be herself and not be reprimanded or criticized for every little thing she did like she was with Marcus. With Marcus she always had to be on her P’s and Q’s. He made her feel so self-conscious about every thing she did.

   Once Marcus established his career as a lawyer, he made her change a lot about herself. He wouldn’t allow her to wear jeans or tee shirts. She was only allowed to wear her hair down, he didn’t like for her to wear it up or in ponytails. He said professional women don’t wear ponytails. She rolled her eyes and shook her head as she thought back to all the bullshit she allowed Marcus to put in her head.

   “So you think I’m sexy, huh?” Antoine asked interrupting her thoughts.

   “That’s not the only thing I’m thinking,” Cassidy said seductively licking her lips. It’s been a long time since she felt the touch of a man, and just being in Antoine’s presence had her juices flowing.

   Antoine cleared his throat, she took him by surprise with that comment, and the gesture she made with her tongue had his manhood jumping in his pants.

   He smiled and shook his head. “Girl, you are something else. Are you ready to go?” he asked handing her, her jacket.

   “Ready and willing,” Cassidy replied.

   He shook his head and smiled again, advertising his deep dimples. “Girl wild, but you ain’t ready for all that yet,” he said with a wink as he picked up their bowling shoes.

   Cassidy watched him walk away with a confident swag, and she could only imagine the kind of swag he had in the bedroom.
Damn, he is too sexy
, she thought to herself.
But it’s too early to be thinking about sex
. She shook her head to relieve her herself of her own naughty thoughts. She took a few deep breaths as Antoine made his way back over to her.

   “I had a nice time,” Antoine said wrapping his arm around her neck.

   “Me too,” she replied wrapping her arm around his waist, getting lost in the scent of his cologne. Just his simple display of affection sent a warm spot to her heart.

   They walked out of the bowling alley, looking like the picture perfect couple.

*   *   *

   “So you have a little girl right?” Cassidy asked him as they neared her house.

   “Yep, she ‘s ten.”

    “And you and the mother aren’t together?”

   “Nope, she was something I got into when I was younger,” he laughed shaking his head as he thought about his baby mom.

   “Just something you got into?” Cassidy asked arching an eyebrow.

   Antoine sighed. “Well, I’m a be honest with you Cassidy. Remember when we first met, and you said we wouldn’t work because I was too thugged out.”

   “Yeah,” she said nodding her head.

   “Well, I’m not going to lie, I lived that life. I was out there in the streets heavy, but I had a plan also. I wasn’t breaking bricks for nothing. It helped put me through school and kept a roof over me and my mother’s head.”

   “I knew it,” Cassidy said laughing. He looked at her and smirked. “Is that how you got that scar on the side of your head?”

   Antoine burst out laughing. “No actually my mother did that when she found out I was working the streets,” Antoine laughed at the memory.

   “
Humph
, tough woman.”

   “You have no idea,” Antoine said as he pulled up in front of Cassidy’s house.

   Antoine walked Cassidy to the door, while she self-consciously played in her hair. She could feel Antoine staring at her.  He just couldn’t help himself, it was hard for him to be this close to her and not be able to taste her full lips.

   “We definitely have to do this again,” he said breaking the uncomfortable silence that had decided to invade their chemistry.

   Cassidy nodded her head yes. “You know it; just remember pay back is a mother.”

   They both shared a laugh, followed by an awkward silence. Antoine suddenly found himself feeling nervous and at a loss for words. This was a first, he was usually always in control, but right now he felt like the passenger and Cassidy was the driver.

   “I guess this is goodnight,” Cassidy said standing on the step, waiting for Antoine to kiss her. She knew he wanted to, she could see it in his eyes, and she wanted the same thing. But for some reason he was holding back.

   “Yeah, I guess it is,” Antoine said stuffing his hands inside of his pockets.
Antoine what the fuck is you doin’?
he asked himself.

   It was April, but a cool breeze calmly blew by as the two stood outside awkwardly. It was the perfect night up until that point. Antoine looked into Cassidy’s eyes, and he couldn’t deny what she was asking for. He took a step closer to her and placed his hand on the back of her neck, drawing her lips to his and kissed her ever so gently. Cassidy allowed a slight moan to escape her lips as their tongues did a slight dance. No one has ever kissed her so passionately before. The passion between them was louder than fireworks on the Fourth of July.

   They switched positions as Cassidy wrapped her arms around his neck, and he placed his arms around her waist, pulling her closer to him. Cassidy nearly lost her breath, feeling his manhood pressed firmly against her stomach. She didn’t want this moment to end; she wanted to get lost in the comfort of his strong arms. She thought Antoine was too good to be true, she wanted to exhale and give this man a chance, but she couldn’t shake the doubt that started to creep in the back of her mind. The thought of being hurt again was just too much.

  
Maybe I’m moving too fast
, she thought abruptly pulling out of his embrace.

   “Did I do something wrong?” Antoine asked when Cassidy pulled away from him.

   “No,” Cassidy said shaking her head. “I just have to get up early tomorrow morning,” she lied. “Ill talk to you later and I really had a nice time,” she said taking a few steps back to put some space between them. She could feel the heartbeat in the center of her pussy as she fumbled around in her purse for her keys. She quickly pulled them out avoiding eye contact with Antoine; she unlocked the door and walked in the house.

   Antoine stood there, with a hard dick and a look of confusion as Cassidy slammed the door in his face. He was at a loss for words on what just happened. The look in her eyes and the slick comments she said earlier made him believe that it was okay to kiss her good night, and from her initial response when he did he assumed right. But as he stood there with a dumb look on his face apparently he was wrong. He stood there for what seemed like eternity trying to figure out what the hell just happened before calling it a night. He hopped in his car and went home.

   Cassidy stood in her bedroom window and watched Antoine leave. She wasn’t sure of what to make of her emotions or actions. One minute she wanted Antoine the next she was pushing him away. She pulled off her clothes and lay down on the bed staring up at the ceiling as she contemplated what her future looked like with Antoine. She had to wonder if she was truly over her husband, and could she fully allow herself to love another man. That kiss alone stirred up emotions that she thought she’d buried. It felt so good to be able to talk to someone, to laugh and have a good time. It felt good to be touched. A long sigh escaped her lips as she rolled over on her side and grabbed her pillow hugging it tightly. She closed her eyes replaying that first kiss over and over in her mind until she finally fell asleep.

Chapter 21

      China wasn’t ready to leave Cali, she had so much fun. Clay lived the life of a movie star, and that’s the kind of living she could use to. He down played everything about his lifestyle, including his house down in Cali, which he called his playhouse. It was a beautiful two level, with five bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms. He had an indoor Jacuzzi and outdoor pool. He was living it up, every where they went they were chauffeured and everybody and their mama knew him from famous actors, producers and directors. China had to admit that she was impressed, and of course she acted just like a groupie asking for autographs and pictures.

   She met a few celebrities along the way while Clay was handling business down in LA. They bumped into Nia Long, Boris Kojoe, and Tiny from the former group Xscape, just to name a few. She was so ecstatic she couldn’t wait to tell Cassidy and Ciara.

   Clay showed her a good time while they were there, but she could tell he was definitely about his business. She loved how when he stepped on the set, he commanded everyone’s attention and took charge. It made her somewhat happy that Dre hadn’t passed in vain; it looked as though Clay finally decided to get his act together. He was doing something constructive with his life. She knew Dre would have been proud.

   “You have fun?” Clay asked holding the limo door open for her.

   China stepped out with her Channel glasses and rocking the hell out of her three-piece Vera Wang suit Clay purchased for her. Clay stood back and nodded his head in appreciation. “Did I? We definitely have to do this again. I didn’t want to come home,” she said yawning. It was the middle of the afternoon but she was tired from their long flight.

   “I could tell,” Clay laughed. “If you’re a good girl we can go again.” He had a blast down in Cali with China as well. She helped him relax and even gave him ideas for some up and coming productions he was working on. He tried to talk her into doing a demo but she declined. He shook his head because she had such a beautiful and powerful voice. He hated to see her let her talents go to waste.

   “Negro please, I’m always on my best behavior.”

   “I’ll have my man carry your bags into the house for you.”

   “You’re not coming up?” China pouted.

   “Nah, think I’m going to head home. I got a few things I need to handle.”

   “You mean some bitch to handle,” China snapped out of nowhere. Jealousy pinched her heart, at the mere thought of Clay being with another woman.

   “What? You jealous?” Clay asked, giving her a sexy smile.

   “Boy, please,” China said rolling her eyes, refusing to admit that she was. She couldn’t understand why, he wasn’t her man.

   “No, I really do have some bizness to handle at the house. Just keep your phone on because I’m going to call and check on you later.”

   He kind of felt bad because some of what China said was true. Kena his long term freak called him and said she was going to be in town. Being around China for the past two weeks had him sexually frustrated, especially when they were on the beach. She was killing the black bikini she wore, the memory of her tanned oiled body almost made him stand to attention.

   “A’ight,” China said sucking her teeth.

   “Stay up and remain positive. If you need me don’t hesitate to call. And China.”

   “Yes, Clay.”

   “Promise me you won’t touch that shit again,” he said grabbing her hands and looking deep into her eyes. Just looking at her made his heart rate quicken. He could feel himself starting to catch feelings for China, that’s another reason he figured he should stay away for awhile, to give himself some time to cool off. It just didn’t seem right for him to have feelings for his home boy’s girl.

   “I promise.”

   “Good, that’s what I wanted to hear,” he smiled.

   “Well, be safe and stay out of trouble,” she sighed.

   Reluctantly she walked Clay to his Range Rover and watched him drive off. She hated to see him leave. The last two weeks they had so much fun together, just like old times, only without Dre. Having Clay around has been a blessing. He was her knight in shining armor when she obviously had given up. Thinking about him put a smile on her face.

   She could feel the feelings she held for Clay growing stronger beyond a friendship. When around him she started feeling self-conscious of her appearance. She didn’t want to act on them though, she couldn’t help but to think she’d be betraying Dre if she did.

   She walked into her silent house, thanked the limo driver and handed him a nice tip for bringing in her bags. With nothing else to do she decided to unpack. She came back with more than she’d left with, thanks to Clay. He obviously had major paper and didn’t mind sharing the wealth. She laughed and shook her head as she checked out her designer labels and price tags. She knew Pearl would have a fit.

   After putting all her things away China lay on her bed and day dreamed about Clay. A warm spot began to circulate in between her thighs. She shook her head and willed the feelings out of her head.

   “This is wrong China,” she said out loud to herself.

   She rolled over on her side and grabbed her pillow and squeezed it tightly before drifting off into a peaceful sleep. Her dreams took her to a place she didn’t want to go as she dreamt about Clay.

*   *   *

  
There’s a right and a wrong way to love somebody
, China’s cell phone began to sing.

   “Who the hell is calling me?” she snapped, as she grabbed her cell phone. She was pissed because her dream was rudely interrupted. She and Clay were about to kiss until her loud cell phone rocked her out of her dream. “What Cas.”

   “Hmmmm . .  . Good morning, to you too.”

   “I’m sorry,” China yawned as she sat up and stretched. “I’m still a little tired, just got back from California yesterday.” She glanced at her clock it was a little after eight. She couldn’t believe she slept all that time.

   “You have fun?”

   “Girl yes, Clay definitely knows how to show a girl a good time. And he is definitely about his business. I’m so glad he decided to go legit.”

   “That’s good, what is it that he does now?”

   “He has his own production company and he writes and produces movies. And guess who I met while down there.”

   “Who?”

   “Guess.”

   Cassidy loudly smacked her lips annoyed with China and her childish antics. “
Ummmm
George Bush.”

   “
Gurl, please!
Do you not hear the excitement in my voice?”

   Cassidy laughed, “I don’t know shit, just tell me.”

   “Okay, I got to meet Nia Long, Boris Kojoe, and
Tiny
from Xscape.”

   “Not huh, China you lyin.”

   “I swear to beans.”

   “You still say that corny shit,” Cassidy laughed.

   “Whatever and listen to you. That’s two cuss words in the same conversation.”

   “Whatever. China please tell me you at least got an autograph, a picture or something.”

   “Damn calm down! And yes all of the above.”

   “Dang who knew Clay was doing it big like that.”

   “I know right and Oh, HAPPY MUTHA FUCKIN BIRTHDAY!” China yelled. “It’s time to pop a forty.”

   “Already did.”

   “Yeah right, so what are we doing tonight?”

   “
Um
you just got back and besides I don’t feel like doing anything. I’m getting to old to be celebrating my birthday anyway.”

   “What? Come on Cas take the stick out of your ass.”

   “What stick, ain’t nothing been in this ass but the pointer and middle finger.”

   “Oh . . . my . . . humph I don’t even know how to respond to that,” China laughed. “But any fuckin’ way on to something else. Soooo how was your date?”

   “You would have known if you answered your phone and stopped playing phone tag.”

   “My bad you know the time zone is different.”

   “Well, everything went good. We had so much fun, the chemistry was there, we talked and joked like we always do at work. But then, he bought me home and things got a little awkward after he kissed me good night.”

   “And?”

   “Well, I got nervous and pulled away in mid kiss. I said goodnight and slammed the door in his face.”

   “
Cas
.”

   “I know, but I couldn’t help it. It’s just that China the night was perfect, he was perfect, too perfect. I just don’t want to get hurt again.”

   “I’m done with you Cas. Just don’t come crying to me when some other woman comes and snatches his ass up.”

   “I won’t,” Cassidy lied, China’s comment starting to get under her skin already.

   “Cassidy I know you can smell your own bullshit. Won’t you let Marcus go?”

   “Mannn. I am so over that dude.
Hellooooo
, did I not mention that he had a sudden change of heart and tried to convince me to move back in with him.”

   “And your point is? You are still not over him Cassidy, if you’re comparing your relationship with you and Antoine, to you and his.  You need to let go of that hurt.”

   “I am so over Marcus China.”

   “If you were over him then you wouldn’t let him control your future relationships with other men.”

   “China what are you talking about? Antoine and I have only gone out once. I wouldn’t call that a relationship.”

   “Cassidy you know what I mean. Just let Marcus go and move on with your life,” China said a little annoyed because she knew she sounded like a broken record. “If you keep looking for every man that you go out with to hurt you then that’s exactly what you are going to get. Don’t give Marcus the satisfaction of tainting your views of all men. I’m not saying fall over heels in love with the man, just give him a chance and if something isn’t right go with your instincts.”

   Cassidy digested her sister’s words. “Yeah you’re right.”

   “I know I am that’s why you called.”

   Cassidy laughed. “Yeah it is.”

   “Well, if you know all of this then why do you do the things you do?”

   “I don’t know it just sounds better coming from you.”

   “I know right.”

   “Whatever chick.”

   “I’m just sayin’.”

   “Thanks sis.”

   “You’re welcome, but please make this the last time we have this conversation.”

   “Okay.”

   “Love you.”

   “Love you too.”

   “Hey meet me at Turning Heads so we can get our hair did and then go get our nails done. Call Pam and tell her to come along.”

   “What time?”

   “What time is it now?” China asked, checking the clock on her night stand it read 8:45. “Let’s meet around ten. I don’t want to be in there all day.”

   “Okay twelve sounds good.”

   “I said ten.”

   “Everybody knows that means twelve.”

   “Whateva, just make sure you dere.”

   “A’ight yo one.”

   China laughed. “No boo boo please stick to what you know, because that is not for you.”

   “Bye girl.”

   China stood up, stretched and wiped some sleep out of her eyes. After making her bed she stood in front of her now full closet with her arms folded across her chest.

   “What to wear?” she asked herself.

   After what seemed like minutes she opted on a cream colored blouse, a pair of black True Religion Skinny jeans and a pair of Michael Kors high tops. After showering she dressed and pulled her hair back into a ponytail. She applied eye liner and Mac lip gloss. She loved Mac lip gloss it made her lips feel so soft. She grabbed her jacket off the bed and studied herself in the mirror admiring her curves.

   “Damn, I look good,” she said admiring her full hips.

   Hearing her stomach rumble she decided to fix herself something to eat before heading to the salon. She checked her watch, it was a little past ten.
Oh well, I won’t be that late
she thought to herself as she happily skipped to the kitchen. She was happy and couldn’t understand why. She figured maybe it was because things were finally looking up for her. She made a promise to herself to never fall off again.

   China searched through her refrigerator and found nothing, so she decided she would make a quick stop to get something to eat before going to the salon.

  “Damn it,” she muttered once she realized she left her purse upstairs.

   After making that dreaded trip back upstairs, she checked her appearance once more ready to head out the door. When she opened her front door Nene was standing outside on the step playing on her cell phone. Nene was the last person she expected or wanted to see.

   “Hey bitch,” Nene squealed, tucking her cell phone in her back pocket. “Where are you on your way too?”