Page 19 of Finesse
I shake my head in frustration. “Every birthday, my dad threw me a huge party. Every time it came to blow out the candles, I wished for her to reappear and stay. She promised me she would be around for my sixteenth birthday, only to never show up. She made another promise for the eighteenth with the same results. She briefly said something like she was going to pay for a ticket for me to go to London for my 21stbecause I guess that’s where she’s at now or going to be.” Tears threaten my eyes and I blink them back. “So, I’m not really a fan of birthdays.”
There’s silence between us and my mind goes into overdrive about my diarrhea mouth. I spoke too much. I ruined a good afternoon and turned it into a ‘woe is me’ fest that I was trying to avoid. Next time I’ll just shut up when Cameron asks about my birthday plans, if he does ask again.
He stands in front of me and lifts my eyes to his gaze. “I’m going to do something nice for your birthday.” He declares it without argument.
My heart warms and I try not to smile too hard. “And what are you going to do?”
He caresses my face and cups it. I kiss the inside of his wrist and he moans his reaction. “I know a spot.”
Seven
“HE’S TAKING YOU TO NEW YORK?!”
I shrug and calmly look at the bag to see what I’m going to wear. The spot that Cameron knew was a whole-ass ‘nother state. We’re only going to be in Harlem for three days, but I feel like I need a different outfit for every meal we’re going to have, if that makes sense to anyone but me.
“Yeah,” I stare down at my suitcase and wonder if I really need ten pairs of underwear for a three-day trip. You can never have enough panties. “I’m excited. I’ve never been to New York before!”
Hayley folds her arms and stares down at my suitcase. “You’ll need your hair wrap. Don’t forget all of your skincare. Pack light makeup if you can.”
“And that’s why you’re my bestie.” I quickly rush to the bathroom and gather the items, packing them neatly in the suitcase. “We’re staying in a suite but separate rooms. His suggestion.” I hastily added.
“Separate rooms, huh?” Hayley folded her arms. “I don’t see the point of that, but it’s your life.”
Hayley has been getting her back blown out on a regular basis by Que. I’m glad they’ve finally moved their business to his brownstone instead of taking up sleep time in my bedroom. It’s bad enough Hayley comes home all bowlegged and shit.
“He respects my space,” I defended Cameron, “and I think it’s a sweet gesture.”
“I think it’s a gay one, but what do I know?” Hayley blinks. “So, I guess you’re bringing no lingerie or any of that?”
I didn’t think to bring lingerie. Well, let me be honest – I don’t own any. So, why would I bring some? “I don’t have any.”
“Um, you need some lingerie, missy.” Hayley sat on the bed as I finished packing. “Isn’t there a spot you could go to while you’re out there?”
“I’m sure there is. I’m not worried about it.” I sat next to her and lean my head on her shoulder. “What if I say no and he dumps me? How am I going to get home?”
“I’m sure he won’t dump you because he’ll respect you. Gay Man got you two separate rooms.” Hayley snickered and I roll my eyes. “Real talk, it’ll be fine. As long as you two are communicating, ain’t no thang.”
“It ain’t no thang.” I get a notification from my cell and see it’s Cameron telling me he’s on his way. “He’s coming soon.” I pause for a beat. “Has Que ever told you how he and Cameron know each other?”
“They grew up together,” Hayley shrugs, “and they have the same stuff in common but that’s the extent of it. Why you ask?”
I shake my head. “I get the feeling Cam isn’t being completely honest with what he does but I don’t know for sure.”
Hayley chuckles. “Well, what do you think he does?”
“I have no clue.” My voice is soft and full of uncertainty. “But I just get the feeling there’s more to him than he’s willing to admit.”
“And now you have an entire weekend to drill him on that between the times he drills you.” Hayley laughs and I shrug off the sexual innuendo. “Nah, but for real, just ask him. He’ll be legit with you. What does he have to hide? Everyone knows who his daddy is!”
That was the problem. Everyone knew who Cameron’s father was. That would be the main reason why Cameron wouldn’t be completely honest.
~~~~~~
There’s rich and then there’s wealth. Cameron and his family are definitely wealthy. As I lay down in the bed, my only thought is how I didn’t know private jets could have bedrooms.
Cameron and Que greeted me and Hayley at our apartment and they took us to the airport, where a private jet awaited us. Que and Hayley drove the Rolls Royce back after we said goodbyes and promised to pick us up on Sunday.
Cameron said he had to take care of some boring business and I left him to go lay down in the back. I know he told me he owned several businesses but I just feel there was more to it. Were all of the businesses legit? Or was he just telling me something to leave him alone?
