Page 24 of Not About That Life
Eight
“Dahling, dahling!” Michael seemingly does a pirouette as he greets me and Adrienne at his jewelry shop, Milana, on Rodeo. Billed – according to Michael – as the more high-end version of Tiffany’s (there’s a high-end version of that?), the store offers a wide range of jewelry that costs so much, it makes the devil himself shook.
We’re here to get my giant engagement ring appraised and insured, and look at something…ahem,cheaperso I won’t get mugged in West L.A. at night.
“You’re here to get that hunk of jewelry appraised and insured?” He asks and I nod. “I’m surprised Ian didn’t. I would think he would’ve.”
“He probably did but I want to have a second opinion.” I state. “I also want to make sure it’s worth what the insurance company says it is.”
“Well, good for you!” Michael nods. “I’m glad to see you take some control. Adrienne also told me you were interested in cheaper pieces?”
“Yes, because I don’t want to be wearing this and get mugged,” I reply.
“Fair enough,” he gestures to the other rings and we follow his lead, “what was your price range?”
“One hundred,” I answer and Adrienne almost chokes on her spit.
“Girl, you better put some extra zeroes on that shit,” she chides.
I’m not used to this lifestyle and I don’t think I ever will be. “Fine. Ten thousand.”
“That’s a goodstart,” Adrienne says to Michael, who agrees.
I take off my ring and hand it over to the appraiser who quickly takes it and starts her work. “Did you want the same style?” Michael asks.
“Sure, I think that works.” Just as I was admiring some jewelry, from my peripheral, I see two Suge Knight-looking bodyguards enter the store followed by a smaller, but muscular man.
Be still my heart.
He’s dressed in all white like he’s about to go a party hosted by Puffy, P. Diddy or whatever the hell he’s calling himself these days. His beard looks moisturized with the best shea butter on God’s green earth.
His complexion…it was his complexion that made my heart lurch. He was the color of dark chocolate and suddenly I’m hungry to take a bite.
“Kwesi!” Michael shrieks and rushes over to him and gives him a big hug and two air kisses like he does for everyone. “I’m so glad to see you today! I have your piece ready!”
“All right, cool.” Kwesi nods. “I can’t wait to see it.”
“Make yourself comfortable!” Michael gesticulates, “and I’ll be right back!” He then traipses to the back.
I go back to looking at the other pieces of jewelry and hope it’ll distract me from the big glass of water that I’m suddenly thirsting for. I feel a weird battle in my body – my brain folds her arms and sucks her teeth; kinda like when you messed up and your mama caught you in a lie?
My heart is leaning forward and batting her eyelashes, and getting ready to blow kisses. While my loins are looking through the Sex Me Up playlist and wondering which Trey Songz record she should put on because she’s getting ready to blowhim.
“Lord have mercy,” Adrienne finally looks up and sees what I see, “so that’s what Michelangelo looks like when he’s dipped in dark chocolate.”
“Shh…” I try to quiet her and not make a scene. I’m trying very hard not to stare and I hope if I concentrate at this gaudy-ass piece of clear rock in front of me, I won’t pay any more attention to him.
“You know what? I think I see some other pieces I want to look at,” Adrienne mentions, “I’ll be over there if you need me.”
I watch Adrienne walk away and wonder what all that was about. “Oh okay, sis.” Weird. I turn back to the jewelry when I’m stricken by Kwesi’s appearance.
Right. Next. To. Me.
“See anything you like?” His voice is deep like the ocean and smooth like molasses. Now I’m hungry for sugar.
Hell, yeah, I see something I like. I want to see how your dark chocolate looks next to my milk chocolate. “Um…” I swallow and blow out a small breath. “…just browsing. I’m waiting for my ring to be appraised.”
“Your ring?” He looks down at the noticeable tan line around my ring finger and I follow his lead. “Lucky man.”
