“You might be scared to see that guy again, but I been wanting to see Death Row for the longest. He's doing a show there tonight, and I’m not missing it just because you forgot how to have fun,” Crystal informed me.
“OK, go see him then. What does that have to do with me?”
“We can’t get in the door without you,” she mentioned.
“Girl, it’s not like he asked for my last name. He just said he would leave the passes at the desk for Jameela. Just tell the folks you’re Jameela, crazy.”
“No, ma’am, we’re not doing that. You are going.”
I didn’t even know why I bothered trying to put up a fight in the first place. My girls ignored my protest as they got my hair and makeup together and squeezed me in a dress that showed too much cleavage. I couldn’t deny it. When I looked at my reflection in the mirror, I kinda felt like the old Jameela. My girls hyping me up didn’t help.
I had to agree that I looked pretty good in the dress. Childbirth and medical leave had allowed me to pack a fewextra pounds onto my already plus-size frame. Most days, I wore loungewear and pajamas for fear of how I would look when I tried to get cute. It had been too long since I’d put on clothes with the intention of looking good. I was pleasantly surprised at how my curves melded into the dress that had been in my closet for over a year.
The casino was in a remote area outside the city, so it took about thirty-five minutes for us to get there. That was enough time for me to get used to the idea. Once we finally found a parking spot, we got out and headed inside.
“I don’t care what you say, baby. That dress is doing numbers.” Sade raved as we crossed the parking lot of the casino.
I was sure she was proud of herself for convincing me to wear the sluttiest thing she could pull from my closet.
“For real! There is no reason that all three of us can’t bag a baller tonight. Sounds like Jameela already got one,” Crystal added.
“Speak for yourself, thirsty. I don't have anything, and I’m absolutely fine with that. I’m just here for the free drinks and the vibes.”
“Whatever. You been cooped up in that house with Bella watching cartoons for too long. It’s time for some adult activity.”
As much as I objected my friends’ attempts to get me to go on a man hunt with them, it felt good to get out of the house. As I strutted into the casino, already tipsy from one of the canned cocktails Crystal’s wild ass pulled out of her oversized purse, I vowed to have a great night. The pregaming warmed me up, but after getting settled in our room, I planned to make a beeline to the nearest bar.
Since I was already out of the house against my will, the least that I could do was enjoy myself. I couldn’t remember the last time I just went out to have a good time. It was way before Iwent on my last undercover job. I had been grinding and trying to prove myself to get the job in the first place.
The check-in process was seamless. I gave my name at the counter and was actually surprised when the girl gave me keycards to a honeymoon suite and four tickets for Death Row’s show that was in a couple of hours.
“Complimentary drinks and meals will be provided; just use the card to pay for whatever you want,” the woman stated.
“Thank you,” Sade said, plucking the card from the lady’s hand. She turned to me and smiled. “Make sure you tell your knight in shining armor I said thank you.”
“Girl, I hope I don't see any sign of him here tonight.”
“Why would the man invite you here if he didn’t plan on showing up?” Crystal asked as we headed to the elevators.
“Why didn’t you ask me that before I let y’all drag me up here?”
“Because your scary ass wouldn’t have come,” Sade replied.
I shook my head, watching the numbers as the elevator climbed to our floor. “I don’t know how I ended up here with y’all hood rats.”
Crystal bumped me with her shoulder, causing me to look at her. I tried to force a frown, but it wasn’t working. I was really glad to be spending time with my girls.”
“Stop trying to pretend like you don’t know how to have fun anymore. We know you, MeMe. We aren’t your stuck-up work friends. We know you can have a good time. Loosen up, mommy. Your baby girl is safe and sound, and you are out being a big girl tonight.”
“That’s right. This is adult time.” Sade chimed in.
“Y’all are right. That’s the only reason I’m here.”
“Now let’s check this room out,” Sade stated, swiping the key card once she made it to our designated door.
As we stepped into the room, I was in awe of how gorgeous the room was. Shades of navy-blue and gold wrapped around the room in intricate designs and throw pillows. There were two full-sized beds positioned behind a dark blue sectional with gold pillows. Crystal walked ahead of us and disappeared through a door that led to another bedroom that housed a king-sized bed with a bucket of champagne on ice, surrounded by rose petals.
“Ooo, Jameela, I think ol’ boy wanted you to come alone. This is so romantic.” She cooed as she looked around the room at the gigantic vases of blue roses on each of the nightstands.
