After securing several items, we left the same way we came in. Kier headed toward a discreet hallway near the back, and the associate held the door open as if this happened every day. Hell, it probably did. We stepped into a quiet corridor that led out to the next storefront.
Rodeo Drive looked very different when you experienced it this way. I remembered being here once for work with a coworker. All we did was window shop and laugh about the prices. Now I was getting a real taste of the luxury I once longed for.
We stepped into two more boutiques. I didn’t even realize they were Jimmy Choo and Louis Vuitton until the associates began bringing out options for me. I slipped into pair after pair, enjoying the way the leather fit snug and smooth against my feet. Kier leaned forward , nodding in approval while watching me walk across the carpet. If I didn’t know any better, I’d swear hewas enjoying the shopping spree more than I was. Hell, the way he watched my feet, I started wondering if the man had a little foot fetish. I walked out of both stores with three pairs each. Our final stop was Tiffany’s. I left with two beautiful pairs of earrings, a bracelet, and a breathtaking necklace Kier practically had to insist I take.
When we got back to his house in Malibu, everything happened quickly. Treasure had previously arrived and claimed the room next to mine, but she wasn’t there. She had gone ahead of us to start networking, which was why Kier urged me to get dressed. We had to get ready for his new artist Kaori’s listening party.
By the time we reached the party, the sun was melting toward the horizon. String lights hung from palm trees and along the balcony rails, forming warm pools of light across linen couches and low tables. The air smelled like salt, grilled seafood, and perfume mixed with the ocean breeze. Soft R&B floated from hidden speakers while laughter carried across the patio.
I spotted Treasure in the middle of it all, with her phone in her hand. When she spotted me, she did a quick little bounce, doing a terrible job at containing her excitement. As she made her way toward me, Kier excused himself, assuring me he’d be right back.
“Bitch,” she whispered in my ear when she hugged me. “This is some cool shit. Thank you for inviting me.” She then leaned back to check me out, zoning in on my neck. We communicated with our eyes for a moment, then I smiled. “Oh, he on that.”
“On it, girl!” I hissed, though my cheeks warmed.
Kier greeted a few people with calm nods. I watched him and felt something stir within me. It wasn’t just an attraction; it was respect and admiration. I considered myself a music connoisseur. The fact that I didn’t know who Kier was told me one thing: if he wanted to be noticed, he would be.
Kaori, his up-and-coming artist, performed a few tracks in the main room. Her voice was beautiful, but her swagger is what stood out. She wasn’t half naked, and her music wasn’t all about sex. She sang about being loved correctly and immediately made a fan of me.
Legacee arrived later, and when all the attention landed on him, he diverted it back to Kaori. He shook up with Kier, who looked and pointed in my direction. Soon after, Legacee made his way over to me.
“Marketing lady,” he said with a grin. “You here too?”
“Yeah,” I laughed. “This is my girl, Treasure, the one I told you about.”
Treasure extended her hand immediately, and her confidence snapped into full gear. “Nice to meet you.”
Legacee looked her up and down, then asked, “You the gossip blogger?”
“Uh, excuse you? I am a Cultural Commentator, soon to be your publicist and strategist.” Treasure replied boldly.
He laughed. “I like her. Let’s talk.”
“Let’s.” Treasure smiled as she followed Legacee away from the crowd. All but one of Legacee’s entourage followed him. The other gentleman stepped closer to me. “I’m Knox, and you are?”
“What’s good?” I heard from behind me, feeling Kier’s hand slide to my waist as he stepped closer. It was subtle but firm.
“Oh, this you?” He asked, pointing at me. Kier nodded, and the man replied, “My bad, Stone, respect.”
Kier leaned into my ear, voice low. “Come walk with me.”
“Hold on.” I reached into my purse and texted Treasure. I knew Legacee was family, but either way, Treasure and I were new to this world. I couldn’t leave without knowing for sure she was okay.
Me:
Tre, are you going to be okay? Kier and I are about to step away for a few.
Bestie:
I’m fine, bestie, making some connections. Give that man some coochie to show a token of my appreciation.
Me:
Bihhh lmaooo.
I’ll text you when it’s time to go.
Bestie:
