Page 31 of Sweetest Temptation
I laughed, shaking my head at my friend. “Girl, stop embarrassing me and come on. Let’s get checked in. I need some food and a nap.”
My staff had gotten here this morning, so they were checked in already. As Nyala and I walked to the desk to check in, I spotted Modesty approaching. Just like the day we met at my bakery, she was dressed to the nines and iced the fuck out.
“Hi, Zanova… Nyala. I’m so glad you guys made it.” She greeted us with a friendly hug.
“Thank you for having us and choosing Zanova’s Tasty Treats.”
“My pleasure. Oh, and I have your keys right here.” She handed me two gold key cards, and Nyala two silver ones. “These can be used to get into the casino, the private beach out back, and almost anything that is offered to our elite guests. I know how that long flight could be, so I’ll let y’all get up to your suites. If you need anything, there is a tablet in the suites, along with afully stocked bar in the kitchens. Also, I made sure to have my head chef make a space for you and your staff in the kitchen. Sorry… I’m rambling. I have so much to do. If you have any questions, you have my cell. I need to greet a few more guests, then get off my feet before my husband comes and drags me back to the room.” She cackled. “Any questions?”
Damn. She was talking so fast, I’m sure I missed a few things, but I still shook my head. “Nope. I think I’m good. Thanks again. See you tomorrow.”
“Perfect! We have other events throughout the weekend too. Enjoy all you can.” She gave me another quick hug before scurrying off.
When Nyala and I walked into the suite labeled “luxury presidential,” my breath got caught in my throat. I was immediately struck by the sheer opulence of my surroundings. The door closed softly behind us, sealing us inside this luxury oasis. The suite looked expansive, with a spacious living area that opened up to floor-to-ceiling windows offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the ocean. The sun cast a warm, golden light across the room, making everything glow with a sense of serene extravagance.
To my left, a plush sofa and elegant armchairs were arranged around a shiny coffee table, inviting me to sit and relax. A large flat-screen TV was mounted on the wall, but it was the view that truly captivated me the most. The balcony doors were slightly ajar, allowing the gentle sound of waves crashing against the shore to fill the room.
“Bitch! You see this place? O.M.G! And that view! I’m about to take hella pictures and post them on my IG. I appreciate you for inviting me, Nova. I’ve never been out of Melville besides visiting my aunt in Miami.”
“You don’t have to thank me, friend,” I said with a shrug. “If anything, I owe you more than this. You have been my rockwhen I thought I was ready to jump off the ledge. Besides my parents, you were there for me when I needed you the most. For that, I love and appreciate you.” I was getting emotional as the reality of where we were hit me.
“Aw, boo! You know I will always have your back. I love you. We are locked in bitch! For life! Now enough of the mushy stuff… Let me go drop my bags off in my suite, then hit that bar in my room. I’m trying to get tipsy. What happens in Ibiza… Stays in Ibiza.”
“Nyala, that’s Vegas?”
“It’s wherever the hell I’m at! I like to have fun and turn up wherever I go.”
“I know that’s right.” We gave each other a high five.
“I’ll check in after I get settled. Give me one of your keycards, so I can get in when I’m done.”
I chuckled and handed her the extra gold card. “I’m going to put my clothes away and shower.”
“Okay. Later. And thanks again for this, Nova.” We shared a hug before she left.
I rolled my suitcase to the back of the suite and into the master bedroom, where a king-sized bed with crisp, white linens awaited. The room was tastefully decorated in soothing tones, with subtle accents that spoke of understated elegance. More fresh flowers sat in a vase on the bedside table, their fragrance mingling with the salty sea air. There was also a tablet next to the beautiful arrangements, along with a “welcome” place card.
After finishing my exploration of the bedroom, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness, which made me smile. The suite was a haven of lavishness, and I couldn't wait to settle in and make it my own for the next few days. I walked over to the luggage stand and unzipped my suitcase to unpack.
Carefully, I began placing my clothes in the spacious walk-in closet. The hangers were padded, perfect for keeping my dresseswrinkle-free. I arranged my shoes neatly on the closet floor, making sure everything had its place. The drawers were lined with soft fabric—my first time seeing anything of its kind.
With my unpacking complete, I turned my attention to the bathroom. The deep soaking tub and walk-in shower beckoned me, promising a relaxing escape. I might not want to leave this room outside of the actual reason I was here. Everything was heavenly and so luxurious. I gathered my toiletries and set them out on the marble countertop, as I admired the elegant design of the space.
I slipped out of my travel clothes and hooked my phone up to the Bluetooth speaker. I put on Pandora before stepping into the shower. Just as I turned on the water and let the warm water cascade envelop me, “Ruined Me” by Muni Long came blaring through the bathroom. I tried not to let the lyrics of the song get to me, but it did. The tears that fell from my eyes let me know it did.
I leaned against the cool, tiled wall. The lyrics echoed my feelings perfectly, describing the pain and betrayal I felt, even after a year had passed. Each word seemed to cut deeper, reminding me of the nights I spent crying myself to sleep, wondering what I had done wrong. My body shook with sobs as I thought about how Jerome had ruined me. His betrayal had shattered my trust, my confidence, and my belief in love. I slid down to sit on the shower floor, hugging my knees to my chest as the water continued to pour over me, but it couldn't wash away the heartache. As the song reached its chorus, I let out a choked cry, feeling the weight of my emotions fully.
It was as if the song had unlocked a floodgate, and all the pain I had tried to suppress came rushing to the forefront. I cried for the love I lost, for the dreams that were shattered, and for the person I used to be before Jerome tried to break me. Eventually, the song ended, and the next song played. It was my girl, Mary.“Enough Cryin’”filled the bathroom. My girl never failed me. This was exactly what I needed to hear.
Standing up, I wiped my face and began singing as I washed up. The more I sang, the more I could feel all the pent-up hurt leave my body, feeling a small sense of relief. Perhaps this was the first step toward healing, toward finding myself again. I’d gotten rid of the trash, and I needed to do precisely what Mary said. I’d for damn sure done enough crying. It was time to do something for me.
When I finally stepped out, I felt refreshed and rejuvenated. Wrapping myself in a plush towel, I dried my hair. I was glad I let Nyala convince me to get some boho braids before we left because that shower would’ve definitely messed my natural hair up. I walked into my room, and Nyala was sitting in the middle of my bed with the tablet in her lap.
“Hey, boo. Are you good? I heard you crying. I wanted to come in there, but I knew you needed that.”
“Thanks, friend. And I did. I feel so much better. I haven’t cried like that in such a long time.”
“Well, I’m glad you got it out instead of letting it fester. Now, I want you to make me promise, Nova…”
