Page 35 of Finesse
Cameron and I look to where the noise is and he quickly rolls off me. He gets off the bed and straightens his clothing. He has a charming, boyish grin on his face to the older, Black woman in his room. “Tesh, I would like you to meet my girlfriend, Taylor.”
I quickly get off the bed and climb down the steps. Running a finger through my hair, I extend a hand out. “Hi,” I greet the older medium-complected Black woman. She has short hair and a manicure that suggest she doesn’t waste time with the press-on nails I currently have on. She looks at me up and down with an unimpressed look. “I’m Taylor.”
“Child, I know who you are.” The woman has a twinkle in her eyes. She’s dressed in jeans and a nice shirt that suggested it wasn’t from Wal-Mart or Target. Her makeup looks equally expensive. Her short, black hair, framed her nude makeup. “I’m Tesh. I run everything in this home.” Her voice is gentle, yet without remorse. “You need food, drink, or clothing, I’m the person you contact.”
I wouldn’t go to Cameron for anything and it was clear I wasn’t suppose to roam around the home unless it was necessary. This was a level of wealth I don’t think I would ever get used to.
“I’ll leave you ladies alone.” Cameron leaves me alone and I’m about to slap the taste out of his mouth. Did he just feed me to a lion?
Tesh looks me up and down with a smirk on her face. I’m not the first woman Cameron has brought home and it’s clear to both of us. She’s probably wondering how long this one – me – is going to last.
I blink in surprise. It makes sense that Cameron would have a house manager because of his busy schedule, but I’m still shocked to see one in the home. “How many people are here?”
“The maid, the butler, and security. There’s about ten of us here at any given time.” She speaks with an authority that tells me I better not even think about questioning her. She beckons me to leave the room and follow her. “Victoria is the maid. Maria is head of security.” She walks as she speaks and it’s silently suggested I keep up. “The kitchen is 24 hours so if there’s anything you want, you can just summon Ayesha and she’ll cook you up something.”
Cameron has nothing but women to run the home. He has men, however, as bodyguards. “That’s good to know.”
“You are the lady of the home and will be treated as such by everyone here. You don’t need to ask for permission, but you also don’t need to bark orders. Cameron is still our boss.” Tesh makes it very clear who she reports to. “If there’s anything you need, just let anyone know and they’ll help you.” She pats my hand. “Welcome home.” She leaves.
I’m left alone with my thoughts and wondering what the hell just happened. The speed I went from being Cameron’s girlfriend to lady of the home doesn’t escape me, but rather, terrifies the living crap out of me.
What did I just get myself into?
After taking a short nap in the most luxurious bed ever, I decide to explore the home on my own. I saw a library with a ton of books I’m pretty sure Cameron has read. There were two kitchens – an industrial one for parties and a smaller one (if I could call it small; it’s about the size of a house) for intimate gatherings.
There is a huge swimming pool with waterfall and hot tub in the backyard. Every bedroom with the exception of Cameron’s has the same layout with the same bedspread in different colors.
There is a quiet opulence in this home. From the various Laliques to some paintings that I know are worth a pretty penny, Cameron wants everyone to know how much money he has.Money is loud when emotions are silent.
I don’t know how long I am going to date Cameron but it was clear to everyone there was something different about our relationship. There was already a privilege of being Cameron’s girlfriend –the lady of the house –and it wasn’t something I took lightly.
I also wondered how many other women have had the same treatment. I know I’m not his first girlfriend and I’m sure the number of conquests he’s had is mind-boggling. It’s like I know he’s never did this with any other woman, but I can’t help to think why I’m the special one.
Why me?
I guess it doesn’t matter. I’m here and Cameron wants me here. Our parents hit it off very well. If things go well, maybe I’ll move in with him sometime after graduation and see what happens from there. Everything is perfect.
Soon, I’ll find out that the smoke and mirrors in Cameron’s life fully came to mine.
Sixteen
“So, you’re spending the night with Cameron, huh?” Hayley giggles over the phone. “It sounds serious.”
“Spending the night with a guy is hardly what I would call serious,” I counter as I look out the bedroom window. After we had dinner, Cameron retreated into his office and I again was left alone. I know I should get used to him doing this but it still doesn’t sit well with me.
I feel like I’m alone in a relationship but I’m not alone. I could have everything I want at my fingertips as long as I know my place. I wonder if that’s the relationship his parents have; Heather seemed to know how to present herself at any given moment.
I know that’s how the wealthy are – present one way publicly and act completely different behind closed doors. A lot of behavior they would criticize others for being uncouth and the racist favorite –ghetto– are the same behaviors they exhibit themselves.
It seemed Cameron had a reputation both in public and in private. Nothing andno onewas going to ruin that.
“I think it’s pretty serious,” Hayley replies, “a trip to New York and now you’re at his home and you’re being treated as if y’all are married. I think he’s pretty serious about you, Tay.”
“If you say so.” I cautiously reply as I stare down at a photo of Cameron and his family. It seems they were at his brother’s wedding. Only the parents have genuine smiles. Everyone else seems to be baring their teeth. Wealthy families are so damn weird.
“So, what are your plans? Coming back tomorrow?” Hayley asks. “Or you living there for the rest of the school year?”
“Ha-ha, funny. No, I’ll be back tomorrow. I’m just spending the night.” I look around and see more family pictures. There’s a clear contrast between Cameron and his siblings. Robert seems more old Southern wealth. Jamie seems to be the rebel of the bunch with a nose piercing and hidden tattoos under a long-sleeved silk blouse.
