Chapter Eleven
The remainder of week flew by in no time, and I was in Detroit before I knew it. The four-hour ride was nothing because we talked and laughed all the way. Noel had been to Detroit with me and Trina several times before. Nonetheless, she acted like a tourist every time. “What’s the name of that beautiful bridge that connects you guys to Canada?” She pointed as we passed the Ambassador Bridge.
Trina answered her question as I sat up in my seat and pulled down the visor. The sight of my city always boosted my adrenaline. It was usually during this point in the trip that I began reapplying makeup and fixing my hair. I never knew who I would run into. Therefore, I had to make sure I was presentable at all times.
After a quick stop at the liquor store to grab a bottle of Cîroc for the room, we grabbed a bite to eat at Erica’s Place, a local soul food joint. Trina got a rib tip dinner, Noel got a BBQ lasagna, and I opted for a small Caesar salad. These bitches could grub all they wanted. I, on the other hand, wanted to look as slim as possible all weekend.
Just like old times, after eating and showering we were dressed to the nines and ready to party. It was about 10:40 p.m., and we were on our way to the MGM casino. I decided to wear a beige halter top with ruffles. My gold metallic leggings looked as if they were painted on, and my beige and gold chunky Michael Kors wedge pumps were to die for. Trina looked fierce in a pink snakeskin dress with the matching shoes and jewelry. Noel was sexy yet modest in a black catsuit with parachute legs that gathered at the ankles.
We pulled up to valet parking, bumping Moneybagg Yo. After handing over the keys, we walked inside and ventured around the casino until we found some machines that called our names. Within thirty minutes, the $20 I initially played was up to $180. Things were going great until Trina said she was ready to go to the club. Noel was losing her money, so she was ready to quit too. Reluctantly I grabbed my ticket and cashed out.
As we made our way to the club inside the casino, all eyes were on us, and we were enjoying every minute of it. “Wassup, Chanel!”
I turned to see my boy Rock from back in the day. Everybody in the city knew me. “What’s up, big homie?” I embraced him into a tight hug. He and I went to high school together, and he used to date my sister.
“You’re what’s up. What’s good, my baby? Can I get you and your girls a drink?”
“Yeah, you can get us a bottle of Möet Rosé.” I wasted no time because I knew Rock was and would forever be a hustler, unlike Dom. His paper game was never anorexic, and I was glad he was my friend.
“Damn, a whole bottle, huh?” He smirked.
“You know how I roll, and besides, it’s my post-birthday celebration!” I flashed a smile and he nodded.
While he placed the order at the bar, I signaled for my girls to follow me. I pressed through the thick crowd to find a seat near the dance floor. Everybody was out tonight, and I was loving it. For some reason, the casinos were the hot spot in Detroit. They were always packed, and tonight was no different.
“Girl, there are some fine-ass niggas up in here,” Trina said as she sat down next to me.
“I see them, but a fine nigga can’t do shit for me. Remember, it’s the ballers I’m after.” I scanned the crowd and added up the sum total of what people were rocking, to weed out the real niggas with money from the ones pretending.
“Engaged people shouldn’t be looking at all,” Noel interjected.
“I know, but Chanel can be single for the night. I mean, damn, it is her post-birthday!” Trina responded, and Noel rolled her eyes. She was definitely a party pooper, and I was beginning to question why she’d come in the first place.
“You can’t be engaged and single. Birthday or not, it’s unfair to Dominic,” she added.
“OMG, would you freaking relax? I know I’m engaged, but it’s my post-birthday celebration, and I’m going to have fun. I can look. I’m not dead,” I said, and that was that. I was a grown-ass woman. I knew what I could and couldn’t do. I’d been handling myself for twenty-seven years without her help, and today was no different.
Just then a light-skinned dude walked up and dropped game. “You three are the finest ladies in the building tonight,” he said and sat on the arm of Trina’s chair. He was fine and all, but I wasn’t really attracted to light-skinned men, so I was glad he was all up in Trina’s face.
“Thank you,” she said, and they continued to hold small talk. Rock spotted us in the dim lighting and brought over the champagne bottle and three glasses.
“Thanks, Rock!” I said and wasted no time pouring my drink.
“For sho’, Chanel. You know it’s always like that for you.” He stood and observed the club through his triple-black stunner shades. I never understood why people wore sunglasses in the club, but to each his own.
“You’re so sweet, and I’ll make sure to tell Kristian hello for you.” Winking, I reached for the bottle and poured a drink for Trina and Noel. We participated in small talk and caught up for about five minutes before Rock said he would be right back. I began to search the crowd for someone else from my youth I might recognize who would buy us another bottle.
After a few moments or so of straining my eyes in the dim light, I gave up on my search. My girls and I bobbed our heads and swayed to a few songs while sipping our drinks. More people had entered the club, and the air became so hot and muggy, sweat was gathering on my nose. I reached into my bag for a tissue to wipe my face when I saw my phone light up. It was Dominic and I groaned inwardly. Honestly, I didn’t know why I was so frustrated with him. It wasn’t like he chose to be unemployed. Nonetheless, I was very irritated when I answered the call. “Yes, Dom.”
“Hey, baby, are you having fun?” He spoke lovingly to me, and I didn’t know why, but I rolled my eyes. I wanted to tell him I’d have more fun if he quit calling, but I didn’t want to piss him off.
“Yeah, baby, I’m having a blast!”
“That’s good. I’m not gon’ hold you. I just wanted to wish you a happy anniversary,” he said, and I stared at the phone.
“Dom, have you been drinking?” I didn’t wait for a response. “It’s May thirtieth. Our anniversary is next month,” I reminded him in the slow tone one might use for a mentally challenged person.
“I know what today is, but obviously you don’t. Today is the anniversary of the day we met in Sociology 101. I remember shit like that, but I guess you don’t.” Now he was irritated with me. “Anyway, I was thinking about you and just wanted to make you feel special. Talk to you later. Have fun and be safe,” he added.
I felt dumb and bad for hurting his feelings with my sarcasm. I was about to call him back and smooth things over when someone tapped my shoulder. Turning to see who was touching me, I was caught off guard by the handsome stranger.
“Wassup, gorgeous.” He smiled a perfect smile. “I’m Rico, and you are?”
“Hey, Rico, I’m Chanel,” I replied while straining to hear him.
“Are you here with anybody?”
“Yeah, my girls.” I nodded to my crew. Trina was still flirting with light-skinned, and Noel was nursing her champagne glass while giving me the evil eye.
“Okay, okay.” He rubbed his goatee. “I see y’all looking fly and shit. What’s the special occasion?”
“It’s my birthday,” I lied. I could tell Rico had a little dough and he was willing to share some with the birthday girl. There was no need to tell the truth. Hell, I wanted to see how generous he was.
“Aw shit!” He smiled, exposing a platinum grill. I knew then that he wasn’t originally from the D, because we don’t rock grills, but his was still hot. “How old are you?” he asked.
“I’m legal.” I threw the catchy comeback out there, and Rico smiled again, exposing the dimples on his chocolate face.
“Do you and your girls want to kick it with me and my niggas up in VIP?” He nodded his waved head toward an area in the back.
“Yeah, that’s cool.” I smiled but was cut off just as my favorite Beyoncé song came on. This boy and his VIP offer would have to wait, because it was time to do my thang. Trina looked at me and was up out of her seat in a flash. I grabbed Noel, and we hit the dance floor like three women on a mission.
We worked it out on the floor as B sang, Getting bodied, getting bodied, a little sweat ain’t never hurt nobody
It must have lasted forever, because by the time it ended and we got back to our seats, I saw Rico and a few of his dudes approaching us. They were being followed by a few waitresses carrying bottles of champagne with sparklers sparkling everywhere. “Happy birthday, baby girl,” he said and gave me a hug like he knew me.
“Thank you,” I said and grabbed a napkin off the table to wipe the sweat off my forehead. I was sure by now the natural curl in my hair was returning and the straightness from the flat iron was wearing off, but I didn’t care.
“Follow me,” he said. We followed him and his guys to a VIP area that was set up like a cabana.
“This is what’s up,” Trina exclaimed.
“Yeah, this is pretty fly,” Noel added. I was glad she was starting to loosen up and have fun.
“I know, right?” I said back.
“Y’all were working it on the dance floor.” Rico took a seat on the black leather sofa. He looked good as hell in his tan linen ’fit and matching Mauri gators.
“Y’all look like y’all came together with those matching ’fits,” Trina pointed out, and I agreed.
“Great minds think alike, I guess,” Rico admitted while pouring everyone drinks. He introduced his crew, and I introduced my girls.
After several rounds of shots, we partied so hard that I hadn’t realized that it was almost two o’clock in the morning. We all were faded, and the pictures we’d snapped on our cell phones showed it. I went to the bathroom and splashed a little cold water on my face to prepare for the ride home to sober up. When I returned, I saw Rico over at the DJ booth.
“On the count of three, I want you all to wish Ms. Chanel a happy birthday.”
“Aw, you requested a shout-out for my birthday.” I gave Rico a hug when he returned.
“I just wanted to make the evening more special.” He shrugged. “So what’s next? Where we headed?”
“I’m a little hungry. Do you want to grab something to eat?” As I asked the question, I spotted a girl staring so hard in our direction that I could actually feel it. Knowing this girl had to know Rico or someone up in this cabana booth, I nudged him and put him up on game to her appearance.
“Damn!” he cursed, which let me know the two definitely knew each other.
“Go ahead and handle yours, baby.” I played it cool because I knew the deal. I’d played this position several times in my younger days. He looked relieved that I wasn’t pressing him or trying to start shit with his girl. Hell, I had gotten what I wanted, and I was content. Rico and his friends showed me a damn good time on my special day, and they were gentlemen about it. For that I was grateful. He stood and kissed me on my cheek, sliding some money in my bra.
“Take a cab, baby. You’re bent,” he said, referring to how drunk we were.
“Don’t worry, Rico. I got this. You just go and handle your girl,” I said, and he walked away. “Are y’all ready?” I asked my girls.
“Yeah, if you are,” Noel answered. Trina was so wasted she didn’t say anything.
“Let’s roll.” I grabbed my bag, then we proceeded to exit the club. I walked right past Rico like I didn’t know him, and I could tell he appreciated it. The girl was still staring at me, but she didn’t say anything.
As we found our way to the car, I fumbled through my purse to find the keys. “Chanel, you sure you’re straight?” Noel asked.
“I’m cool, girl. You know I wouldn’t drive if I thought I would fuck something up.” I smirked, pretending to be cooler than I felt.
“You better get us home in one piece,” Trina said and got in.
“I had so much fun, girls. Thanks for the good time.” I was elated. The little time away from Dominic had done me some good. My friends knew I was going through something and went out of their way to make my day special, and I appreciated that.
“You know you’re my bitch until the world blows up,” Noel, who rarely cursed, said, and we pulled off laughing all the way back to the hotel.