Chapter Thirteen

Brace Up

Tastey awoke from the nap that she had taken when she got out the tub. Slipping on a soft pink sundress and a pair of sandals that showed off her perfectly polished toes, she stashed the bag containing the dope and pulled the door closed, hanging a DO NOT DISTURB sign. After stepping off the elevator, she made her way through the lobby feeling like she had life by the tail. All the men turned their heads to watch her ass bounce from side to side with each step. The cab ride was interesting, as she saw a lot of different sights. Dallas was a lot different from Detroit. Being in a brand-new environment made Kenya yearn for a change in her own.

As she entered the mall, the air conditioning in the building was on full blast and you could see her hardened nipples poking through the thin cloth of her dress. A seasoned veteran in shopping, Kenya went in and out of all of the stores in the mall and was soon loaded down with all sorts of bags. She had everything from True Religion, Prada, and Gucci to Armani and Ralph Lauren. Strolling like she owned the world, the diva born and raised in Detroit felt like she was reenacting a scene straight out of the movie Pretty Woman. Going into the Versace boutique, normally aware of her surroundings, she didn’t notice two guys on the men’s side of the shop staring at her. The brown-skinned taller man of the two was mesmerized by her swag.

Kenya took her time browsing through the rack and saw a navy blue suit that was calling her name. She struggled with her bags as she held the outfit up to her body, staring into a floor-length crystal-framed mirror.

“Hello, miss, I’m Nyasha. Would you like to try that on?” The saleslady was very polite and wanted nothing more than to make a commission on the sale of a $950 suit.

“Yes, please.” Tastey gave the salesgirl her other bags to put out of the way and entered the dressing room. After carefully fastening the buttons and zipping up the skirt, she exited the fitting room, hoping for a reaction. Once again, all eyes were on Kenya just as she thought. The two guys who had been watching her were both in awe, as well as several other customers.

“Wow, it fits you perfectly. Not everyone has the body shape to pull this suit off like you do.” Nyasha wanted to make the sale and nine out of ten times would lie to make it, but this time it was no lie. Kenya was killing it in the suit.

“It is pretty, isn’t it?” Tastey turned around in the mirror several times before returning into the fitting room to change back into her sundress. After looking at the price tag and realizing that it was way too much to pay for an outfit that she’d probably never get to wear, she felt sad. It was too much of a classy outfit for her lifestyle. Hesitantly, she handed it to the saleslady over the shuttered door to restock, and finished getting dressed. Making her way back up to the counter to get her other bags and thank the lady for being so helpful, all of a sudden the saleswoman asked her to sign the receipt.

“What are you talking about? I’m sorry. I’m not going to buy the suit today,” Kenya insisted, throwing her hand up. The saleslady giggled as she saw one of the guys who were watching her customer approach them.

“You don’t have to buy it, pretty lady. I already purchased it for you!” the handsome guy boldly interrupted.

Kenya, knowing you could never get something for nothing, was in shock and of course suspicious of his motives. “I’m sorry but you don’t even know me. Why would you do something so random like that? What’s the catch?”

“Well, I can easily fix that. My name is Tony Christian.” He reached out his hand to shake hers. “And it ain’t no catch. I just wanted you to have it! Is it wrong for a man to give a woman a gift? Is that a crime?”

It was then when she noticed his iced-out watch and ring. He had a linen outfit on and gator sandals to match. By the way the generous man’s clothes fit, it looked like he worked out every single day. Kenya was in a daze staring at him. She shook herself together and took his hand. “Hello, my name is . . . Kenya.” She decided that this wasn’t the club, so all that “Tastey” shit could be ceased for the time being.

“Listen, can we go have lunch and talk for a while? I noticed that you didn’t have a ring on your finger.”

Kenya was impressed with his smooth demeanor. “Yeah, I guess so. I am kinda hungry,” she blushingly accepted the invitation.

Tony helped Kenya with her bags, including her new suit, and the two left the store. He signaled for his boy to come over to where he and Kenya were standing. “Kenya, this is my little brother O.T.” After Tony made the introductions, they all walked toward the food court. He couldn’t take his eyes off her. “I would take you somewhere a little bit more upscale, but I know you might feel a little somewhat uneasy, seeing how we just met and all.” Storm was used to going first class or not going at all. He knew if given a chance he would really take Kenya out on the town and floss.

They talked for almost an hour before O.T. excused himself and left. He made sure to tell his brother to call him later because they had a meeting to attend. O.T. liked Kenya, she seemed cool, but he knew his brother was acting all in. O.T. could tell by the look in his eyes that he wasn’t going to let this female go. Shit, besides, Mr. Christian was already $950 in the hole being a cake.

“So listen, can I take you out for a real meal tonight?” Storm knew he was pressing his luck, but he felt like he’d known her forever.

Kenya, strange as it seemed, had the same vibe about him. She had flown to Dallas for strictly business, but in a matter of minutes, it got extremely personal. “Well, I think that can be arranged. After all, you are the only person I know in town.” Kenya told him a quick lie and led him to believe that she was in town to interview for a job.

Tony’s cell phone kept ringing. “I’m sorry, Kenya. I have an important meeting to attend and I can’t be late. Can I drop you off at your hotel? You have my word, I don’t bite.” He smiled and melted her young soul.

They gathered the bags and made their way through the mall and over to the valet entrance. Tony handed the guy his ticket, as he and Kenya both stared into one another’s eyes until the valet attendant pulled up with his car.

“This us, ma!” He put her bags in the back seat and like a real gentleman he held the door open for Kenya.

“Damn, what the fuck?” she whispered softly under her breath. “This nigga pushing a Benz CLK55, buying $950 hookups, and buying a bitch dinner later, this guy is straight up ballin’!”

After a short ride, she was in front of the hotel. Tony pulled out a big knot of money and peeled off a twenty, paying the doorman to make sure that all of Kenya’s bags were taken up to her room. He then smoothly leaned over, opened the glove compartment, and pulled out a card. “Take this number and call me when you get ready.”

Kenya scooted over and kissed him on his cheek like some old junior high bullshit. “Thanks again for the outfit.”

“Don’t thank me, just do the right thing and call me!” He winked his eye, blowing her a kiss.

As she walked away Kenya made sure to put a little bit extra in the way she moved her hips.

Damn, I got to have her! His dick immediately got hard as he drove away caught up in his emotions.