Page 5 of Finesse
“And that’s why I have straight A’s.” I counter. “When I study, I’m in those books and not in someone’s pants.”
Hayley walked up to the counter. “It doesn’t matter if you get all C’s in college, neither. No one cares about that stuff when you’re hired and you’re doing whatever the hell you want to do.”
“Well, I care. I’m trying to take over Daddy’s business one day so he doesn’t have to work so hard.” I know I don’t need a college degree for that, but it doesn’t hurt to have one. “That’s important to me.”
“Your daddy will be fine.” Hayley replied as two cocktails were placed in front of us. “And we didn’t order this.”
“No,” the bartender nodded behind us. “They did.”
We turned around and saw several men hold up their glasses. I recognized the lone one who didn’t; the white boy who was eyeballing me like an accountant going over final receipts.
“Well, shit, let us say thank you.” Hayley picked up her drink and sashayed her way over to the men. When she noticed I wasn’t following her, she stayed still. “I’m. Going. Over. To. Say. Thank. You.”
I reluctantly picked up my drink and joined her. “We’re saying thank you and leaving.”
“We’re saying thank you and bitch, don’t kill my vibe.” She said through gritted teeth as we approached the men.
“Ladies,” a tall, chocolate brotha stood up. He had dark skin, beautiful smile, and smelled wonderful. “Thank you for joining us.”
“Thank you for buying our underage asses some drinks,” Hayley smiled. “I’m Hayley, by the way.” She looked over at me and gave a wink. “And this is my friend, Taylor. Those are our real names, by the way.”
“Pleasure to meet you. I’m Que.” He took Hayley’s hand and kissed it. I strained not to roll my eyes. “As long as you’re 18, it’s all good, baby girl.”
“Mmm….” Hayley moaned and I’m starting to count down when I can finally hurry up and leave. “….it will be.” She sat down next to Que and they began to converse. Notconversate,butconverse.
I’m still standing with my drink and I’m contemplating if I should even take a sip. I don’t know these dudes. And I’ve watched too many indie Netflix movies about a man slipping something into a woman’s drink and the next thing she knows, she’s in a bathtub with a warning not to get up.
“Yo, baby girl!” Que directs me to a seat as he scoots out of the way. “Come sit with us.”
I really don’t want to but I don’t want to look like a stuck-up bitch who thinks she’s too good for the hood. I sit down between Que and the White boy who doesn’t look like he quite belongs in a hip-hop club. Come to think of it, I’m not sure why he’s even here and not at some rock concert.
“Good evening,” the white boy talks to me, “I’m Cameron.”
“Hi Cameron,” I don’t want to be here but I’m not going to be rude, “I’m Taylor.”
“Nice to meet you, Taylor.” He flashes this dazzling smile at me and I feel slightly weak.Slightly.His voice is deep and he smells just so damn wonderful. A combination of soap, wood, and just plain man.“Are you having a good time tonight?”
“Yes.” I smile back at him, while I take another deep inhale of his scent. My body responds like it was meant for him. “Are you?”
“Better now that you’re here with me.” He smiled. Cheesy pick-up line but I do appreciate the effort.
There was a small silence between us we enjoyed the music. Hayley already made friends with Que and the other women in the group. And then there was me, sipping my drink and looking all sorts of out of place like the weird member of Destiny’s Child.
“You don’t talk very much,” Cameron noted.
“Observant.” I nodded.
“It’s when you’re quiet that’s when you have the most power. Everyone is constantly wondering what you’re doing, what you’re up to, what you’re planning next. You’re always keeping someone guessing with your moves.” He smooth baritone brought a shiver to me. “If you’re going to be loud, don’t be wrong.”
“Duly noted.” I nodded. “Are you always the quiet type?”
“Sometimes.” He replied with a wink. “But only when it’s necessary.”
I would later discover that was how Cameron talked. He said just enough but never revealed anything. “And when is it necessary?”
“When I’m listening to a beautiful woman.” His eyes swept over my appearance. “Then I always keep my mouth shut.”
A tingle courses through my body and I ignore it. The last thing I need is to be some bumbling fool with some guy I don’t even know and he’ll feel because he told me I looked pretty, that’s his cue to get in my pants.
