“But why?” I whine. “I just want to keep it low-key. There’s so much going on.”
It’s been a crazy few weeks. I figured it would be better to stay in. My best friend disagrees.
“Uh-uh, you only turn eighteen once,” she rationalizes.
“Bitch, you only turn every age once,” I retort, screwing up my mouth at her moot point.
Throwing her hands up like I’m trying her patience, she admonishes, “You know what the fuck I mean. Stop being woefully ignorant. Eighteen is a milestone, and we’re celebrating it.” Rolling off my bed, she heads to my walk-in closet.
I still grapple with the fact I have a closet the size of my old bedroom.
“I found it,” Shay’s excited screech is heard before she makes her way back into the room holding a Balmain silver and copper bead-embroidered mini body-con dress.
When the stylist filled my closet with nothing but designer dresses, I wondered who she thought she was styling for. I’m a Docs, Chucks, and band tees type of girl. However, I can’t deny the beauty of the dress Shay is holding while she jumps up and down with childish glee.
Resigning myself to my fate, I get off my bed and head to the bathroom to shower.
“Fine, but you’re going to have to convince T to take us,” I say, in a last-ditch effort to save me from her tyrannical tactics.
The smirk on her face already tells me I’m done for. “Already freaking handled,” she bursts out, proud to have outwitted me. “You didn’t think I wouldn’t ask him first? Come now, Ry, you gotta be quicker than that.”
Turning at the door to the shower, I double-flip her the bird and snipe, “Fuck you, stupid ho,” I snipe, before hopping in the shower. Her cackles trail behind me.
Wait til I get my hands on Thomas.Freaking traitor.
* * *
We pull outside Ochi’s,a Jamaican restaurant that doubles as a club. Shay’s uncle owns it. So, we’ll be VIPs all night.
On the drive here, my mood improved immensely, and I’m glad we’re celebrating. Thomas has four other guards on duty, further easing my nerves about our safety.
The passenger side door opens, and a tall man with smooth, rich, umber skin and sharply defined features greets us.
“Shay, how’s Mummy?”
“Hi Uncle, she’s good.” She points in my direction. “This is my friend Ariah, and it’s her birthday. Suh, we come fi pahty.” She turns to me, and continues with her introductions, “Riah, this is my Uncle Elroy.”
I wave, and he does the same as he gives us the rundown for the night. “Irie, di room setup and unnuh will have yuh own servahs.”
“Who’s the sound tonight?” She asks. I could listen to them talk all night, but that’d probably be weird.
“Sparkles International, Platinum Kids, and Sonic.”
She turns to me, “Tonight is about to be lit.”
Thomas and three other men flank us as we walk inside.
“Just remember to have at least one of us in your sights all night,” he instructs.
Two massive men stand behind a podium, nodding to Shay’s uncle as we pass. Once we reach the ornate doors, two women in identical black dresses push them open.
“Welcome to Ochi’s. We’ll be your hostesses for the evening. I’m Abby, and this is Taylor.” Abby points to the other hostess, and we make our way inside.
“Please follow us. We’ll take the elevator to the fourth floor,” Abby says.
“Okay, yuh two haffi fun. Mi haffi to get back to di office. Shay, let mi know if yuh need anyting.” He hugs her and waves by before heading down a hall opposite the elevators.
Once seated, we place our order and talk until our food arrives.
