“Me and Bentley are…”Dammit. What are we?
“You don’t even know what you and that man is. Look, go to dinner, enjoy the conversation, feel him out a lil’ more, and make a decision. He seems really nice.”
“He is. At least, that’s the impression he’s given. Royce hates that he’s checking for me. You should’ve seen the way he hounded me when I got home. He’ll get on somebody nerves, I swear,” I said dabbing small increments of glitter onto my body.
“I forgot all about yo’ seeing eye dog. Girl, I just know he’s foaming at the mouth right now knowing you’re on your way to see that man. What I can say is I’ve never known for Bentley to take too kind to threats. If that’s the type of person Royce is, he might want to tread lightly,” she warned.
“Bitch, you ain’t saying nothing I don’t already know. Neither one of them gon’ back down from the other. I’m not trying to be in the middle of that shit.”
Standing, I walked over to my wall of mirrors and assessed my fit. I settled on a black maxi dress that hugged my curves like a glove. I was petite but thick in all the right places. The body I carried mimicked Teyana Taylor’s. It was indeed sculpted to the Gods.
“You look good friend. The question is, are you gon’ be comfortable with the many compliments he’s gon’ throw yo’ way? Bentley looks like a gentleman, so I’m sure he’s going to tell you how beautiful you are and all that good shit. With you being a touch-me-not, can you handle all that?”
My face screwed up as my head quickly fell to the side. I was confused by her last statement. “When the hell did I become a touch-me-not? Is that what people label me as?”
“Heidi, that’s what you are. You’re a woman that doesn’t want to be touched by anyone. Therefore, I’m perplexed as hellon how you and Bentley are supposed to form a relationship. He’s gon’ want to touch his lady,” she ranted.
“For the umpteenth time, I am not his lady. Me and that man are barely on a first name basis,” I lied.
Bentley and I had developed a connection that I was up in the air for a title. We were more than pen pals, damned sure more than friends, but wasn’t anywhere near being a couple… in my eyes. I didn’t know what to call us, but I wasn’t just Heidi to him. I felt that every time his gaze rested on my frame.
He did something to me. Besides making me naturally nervous, I couldn’t quite specify what it was. It was like he made it to where if I was to be comfortable with anybody, it would be with him. It felt different with Bentley because absolutely nothing between us was forced. His vibe was much like the rest of the Atkins men believe it or not. That could’ve played a factor in why I allowed him to get so close.
“Girl please. Tell that to a bitch that don’t know you. Oh, I wanted to see if you could come down here in a few weeks for Qwan’s album release party. He asked me to ask you. Apparently, he wants you there to support me support him.”
“Yeah, I’ll come down. Just send me the info, and I’ll make sure I’m there in time. Which album is this?”
“The hell if I know. All I hear is,Bae, this new album gon’ slap. I can’t wait to drop this bitch. It’s aggy as hell. So please, come down so I don’t have to suffer through this by myself,” she whined.
I cackled at her semi sobbing. She was the cutest when she didn’t know how to deal with things. Niyani put on this act as if she had it all together but there were times where she wanted her friend. I didn’t mind traveling to Florida and showing my girl some love.
“Calm down Niyani. I said I was coming, didn’t I?” I had plans to show my girl some love, as well asruninto Bentley if our dinner went well.
I’d never been in so much turmoil over a man in my life. I’d always been so definite about my decisions behind men for the past eight years almost. Here I was trying to find ways to see him before sitting down and eating a single grain of rice. I was starting to behave like a woman that wanted to be wanted again. If there was complete honesty, I was starting to scare myself.
“Okay, okay. Well, you look cute as ever. I like that you put your hair up too. It shows off your neckline. I hope your date with Mr. Man goes well. Wait. Did you call Dr. Wright to get her input on this?” she inquired.
“Nope. I wanted this to be done without influence. He’s an Atkins. I think I can handle another delusional man from their bloodline. I’ll be fine,” I assured her. All the Atkins men were just a call away if things went south.
“Aight. You know you better than we do. I’m here for you always bestie.”
“Thank you, baby boo. I’ll call as soon as I’m back home. I love you shawty,” I said before walking back over to the phone.
“Love you too,” she said with the call disconnecting directly after.
Giving myself the finishing touches, I grabbed up my clutch, phone, and keys. I was out the door moments later hopping into my Range Rover. The drive from the compound to The Gilded Fork was approximately twenty minutes away. It was late in the evening so the traffic wouldn’t be as bad.
I hit the main road shortly after making sure to cruise and not rush. This was to get my thoughts together and not overthink things. This was a casual dinner. Nothing could go wrong… right?
By the time I made it to The Gilded Fork, the sun had set, and the night life was falling upon us. However, I felt like I was in the wrong place or something. There wasn’t many vehicles in the parking lot that I was used to. When he threw the name of the restaurant at me, I knew exactly what it was about. TGF prepared the most upscaled French cuisine. Royce hosted family dinners there often.
I spotted a black Bentley and assumed it was his. If he was anything like the other Atkins men, he fell right in line with driving the car he was named after. His was really nice. I had to give him that.
“Okay God, I’m going to try this dinner thing. If this isn’t where I’m supposed to be, cover me in the blood. I’m just trying to get my life back, not cause any friction in your plans. I’m asking for your grace and guidance during this dinner. Thank you and Amen,” I voiced aloud. That silent prayer needed to be heard by us both.
Stepping out my automobile, I shut the door behind me and scanned the lot. I’d grown accustomed to checking my surroundings. Once I was in the clear, I made my way inside. It lowkey threw me off that it was dead silent.
I was greeted by a slim light skinned woman wearing a casual smile. “Welcome to The Gilded Fork, I am Roxanne Gibbs, owner of this fine establishment. I have your awaiting party already seated. Follow me.”
