I bit my bottom lip to keep from responding recklessly.He doesn’t have time for a relationship, I reminded myself.
“Mm-hmm,” I intoned.
“I’m serious. We’re still on for Tuesday, right?”
“Yeah.” I grinned. “Seven o’clock at Ember and Flame.”
“Come to my place at six thirty. I’ll drive us.”
“I’m looking forward to it.”
“Me, too. If you get here early, maybe we can— Oh shit, they’re asking for me. Let me see what’s going on and give you a call back. If it’s after we land, I’ll text you.”
The call disconnected, and I sighed happily.
24
In preparation for the double date, Nina let me borrow a dress, and Aaliyah suggested the shoes. So, on Tuesday, immediately after work, I pulled on the dark burgundy dress with the flared hemline. It looked like a minidress on Nina, but since I was significantly shorter than her, the dress came to my knees. I looked good, but I wanted to look sexy. If it weren’t for the sweetheart neckline subtly showing off my cleavage, the dress would look work appropriate.
I sent a picture of myself to the group chat.
Jazmyn Payne:This looked sexier on Nina. I look like I’m Teacher of the Year.
Nina Ford:More like the first lady of the church.
I laughed, but I was also freaking out. I had to leave in ten minutes to get to Lamar’s place on time, and I was kicking myself for not trying the dress on sooner.
Jazmyn Payne:Omggggggggggggg! This isn’t funny!
Nina Ford:I’m just playing! It looks just as sexy on you. It was just shorter on me. But turn around. What y’all couldn’t see in my photo was the view from the back. It’s the hips and ass that carry the outfit.
I read the text and then looked at myself in the mirror again. Turning around, I saw how my ass was almost emphasized by the hem.
Ohhh, okay.I nodded appreciatively.I see the vision.
Aaliyah James:You look so pretty! And you’re going to Ember and Flame, not King of Diamonds! Why would you need your dress to be as short as Nina’s was in that picture?!
Nina Ford:First of all Aaliyah, I have long legs. Second of all, you’re not wrong.
Aaliyah James:I know your legs are long but long legs don’t automatically mean your labia is gonna be on display.
Jazmyn Payne:Not labia!
My head fell back, and I laughed with my mouth wide open.
Nina Ford:On display is wild! You took Ahmad shopping and now you’re the fashion police.
Aaliyah James:If I was the fashion police, I’d tell Jazz that the reason she doesn’t feel sexy is because she doesn’t have on the shoes yet. Once you put those shoes on, they’re gonna take it to the next level.
Jazmyn Payne:Is the next level the upper room? Because I told you I would break my neck in those!
Aaliyah James:The upper room! I’m weak!
Nina Ford:I’m still on Aaliyah saying labia. I’m not ready to move on.
Aaliyah James:I didn’t say it in a judgmental way! You know I would never judge you! I was saying it in a “I have eyes, and I can see your coochie” kind of way.
Nina Ford:Name one time you’ve seen my coochie this year!
