Lyfe Changing Read online

  We stopped in front of one of my favorite paintings. It was called, Lady of the evening by an art student in Harlem. It was of a young lady singing the blues, she was glowing gold and shimmering brown creating such a sultry essence, you practically could feel the emotion within the painting coming out and penetrating the atmosphere. I stared at Derrick trying to read his face as he stared at the painting. “So what do you think?” I asked. He nodded. “Shit…its good…better than anything that I could come up with….you don’t really see paint and sticks in the Bronx that much.” He looked back down at me. I noticed he was a little more blunt and rough around the edges than I was used to, but I guess I should expect that from a guy like him… I didn’t seem to mind. “Which one of these are yours?” He asked out of the blue. I was a bit taken aback not expecting this question. He saw my expression and explained. “Well you did say you had a passion for art and you do own your own gallery. You mean to tell me you don’t paint?” He asked already knowing the answer. I looked away from him finding flattery in his assumption.

  “I do paint but I don’t show case my work.” “Why the hell not?” He asked staring me down trying to read my face. “Because…I don’t paint for public display, I do it for me.” He raised his eyebrow suspiciously. “That’s the story your sticking too.” I nodded. “Yep.” He smiled at me and chuckled. “Well what does your boyfriend think about that?” Now it was my turn to give the suspicious look. “I don’t know being that I don’t have one.” “Uh huh…” He nodded and looked away for an instant. “Good...saves you from having to explain to him why you are going out to dinner with me tonight.” “Oh?” I said chuckling at his comment. Derrick’s face did not change nor did his demeanor; he still stared at me with a slight smile and confident eyes. Does this guy really think he has me in the bag just like that? I thought. I was taken aback by his arrogance and yet strangely turned on. I stood right in front of him and stared into his handsome face. “Are you asking me or telling me?” He saw my challenge to him and matched it.

  “Destiny I’m a good at reading people’s minds.”

  “Oh Really?”

  “Really…I can read faces, expressions…body language.”

  He said staring me up and down. I eased back against the wall as he came closer. “Everything about you is telling me you wouldn’t mind if we spent some more time together…get to know each other on a more personal level.” Derrick placed his hands on each side of the wall cornering me. I tensed up not knowing what to except but clearly feeling the heat between us. He leaned in closer to me and brushed his face across mine, I could feel the softness of his beard as it caressed my cheek. It was getting difficult for me to breathe as well as stand. “Derrick. I…” “What?” He said cutting me off. “What do you want?” His lips brushed against mine and I could almost feel the warmth of his mouth until I a heard an interruption. “Excuse me…” As Marisol entered the room we both straightened up and composed ourselves. For Derrick it seemed simple but for me I was still hot and sweating. Marisol chuckled at us knowing good and damn well what she just had witnessed.

  “I’m sorry…was I interrupting something?” She smiled innocently while holding the coffee. “No…we were just finishing up here.” I lied miserably. She nodded. “I see…” Derrick smoothed out his beard and nodded as well. “Yes I have to head back now…can’t keep people waiting.” He said walking off but not before looking back at me. “I’ll see you later on tonight.” He declared. I looked at him sternly. “I didn’t say yes…” I could hear him chuckle all the way out the door. “You didn’t say no either.” I watched him walk out and shook my head at the reality of what just happened here. I couldn’t believe we almost…my God I couldn’t even admit it to myself. “Well...should I have come back a little later?” Marisol asked cheesing at me. I took my coffee from her hands. “Oh shut up.” She continued to laugh having caught me in this awkward situation. “For what it is worth I can’t say I blame you…” She yelled out. I closed my office door and leaned against it chuckling to myself…not knowing what I had just gotten into.

  10

  Some like it hot

  Destiny

  I laid out another dress on my bed as I rummaged through my closet, it was the fifth dress I had picked out but I still couldn’t come to a decision. “Everything is starting to look the same in here.” I sighed. Derrick had called me earlier today and told me the plans for tonight… how he got the number I do not know and quite frankly I didn’t care. I was excited about tonight and I wanted to really impress him. I stood in front of my full length mirror and stared at myself. I had just bathed in some vanilla scented body wash and was now in my black Victoria secret bra and panties. I admired myself in the mirror and placed my hand on my neck and let it trail down my chest. I had been feeling especially hot all afternoon due to my unexpected visitor. I don’t know what it was about this man but he made me want him and want him bad. I turned back to the clothes on my bed. None of them seemed to fit the atmosphere for tonight, thy all seemed too flashy and business dinner like. I started to match some things together and came up with a perfect assemble. I put on some black tights; black knee high boots, along with a dark aqua v cut sweater. I was in the middle of fixing my hair when the doorbell rang. Showtime, I thought.

  I sprayed a dash of perfume on before going to open the door for Derrick. I opened it in hopes of wowing him out of his mind…but to my surprise. He stood there smiling at me looking as if he were straight out of GQ magazine. His hair hung around his shoulders covering his black sweater which contrasted with his light complexion, his jeans wore dark denim jeans that were clinging to his very masculine thighs. I breathed in his cologne that was doing more than pleasing my nostrils then finally rested my eyes on his handsome face. After finally picking my jaw up from off the floor I was able to speak. “Hello Derrick…” He smiled that sly smile of his while still holding my gaze. “Hey beautiful…you ready to get up out of here so I can show you off or what?” I chuckled at his bluntness and nodded. “Yes… just let me get my things.” He followed me into the living room while I retrieved my purse and jacket. “Nice place…”

  He said looking around at all of the paintings and artifacts I had up. I watched him as I put my jacket on. “Thank you…I really tried to make this place stand out.” I said. Truth be told my home wasn’t much different from the gallery. I had found a nice condo not too far from Destination 1. I decked it out with many paintings, sculptures, and other matching décor to give it that artsy feel and in due time I finally created my dream place. Derrick turned his gaze back to me and continued to smile in a way that made me think he had something else on his mind. “Brutha can’t get a tour?” He asked with ulterior motives. I looked at him sternly but still having a twinkle in my eye. “Not any time soon.” He nodded in defeat. “Well let’s be on our way shall we?” I said moving the conversation outside of these walls in fear of what may happen if we lingered hear too long. Derrick grabbed the door for me to go ahead of him. “After you…”

  I turned out the light in my condo and he followed me out. We made it down to his truck which was a blue pickup that looked to be made back in the 80’s, this was definitely something I was not necessarily used to but I said nothing. Derrick and I began driving downtown while talking and laughing amongst one another. We joked about the silliest things, childhood fads, worst first dates, to most embarrassing moments. I told him how I crashed my mother’s brand new BMW into the mailbox at fifteen trying to learn how to drive. He told me about how he fell off his grandfather’s boat into a pond and was attacked by giant cat fish which was why now he has a phobia of all things aquatic.

  We felt so in sync and comfortable like we had known each other for years. However, as much I was enjoying Derricks company I couldn’t help but get a twinge of worry in my chest as we seemed to be driving for hours. I tried not to appear cautious but the further we got away from the city the more nervous I got. I shifted in my chair uneasy; Derrick picked up on
my unsettling actions and smiled. “Everything ok over there?” He asked with a wink. I looked at his eyes so calm and collected while mine were full of nervousness and nodded. “Yes…its ok…alright no it’s not. Where on earth are we going?” I finally blurted out. He burst into full out laughter while still keeping his eyes on the road.

  “Well damn do you think I’m gonna kill you or something?”

  “Uh…maybe. Just because you’re cute doesn’t mean you’re not a serial killer.” I said to him boldly.

  Derrick turned his head to me and grinned. “Oh…so you think I’m cute.” I rolled my eyes, Derrick obviously knew he was an attractive man he didn’t need another ego boost from me. “Derrick where are going?” I asked again with less patience. He sighed getting irritated by my constant questions. “Somewhere I know you will enjoy.” “Is it somewhere near Timbuktu cause that’s how far we have been driving?” I was somewhat annoyed and still waiting for an answer. Derrick glanced at me and shook his head. “Not patient are we?” I chuckled to myself and relaxed back against the seat. “I guess not…no” He nodded. “Understandable…just chill we are going to a good place…a safe place…with many witnesses…so I won’t be able to throw your lifeless body in the woods and get away with it.” I laughed and hid my face, maybe I was overreacting. “Is it that obvious?” I asked knowing he could tell I was nervous and not used to letting someone else be in control. Derrick just shook his head and continued to drive.

  After ten minutes he turned left on what I thought was an abandoned road until I saw the club lights flashing as we got closer. “What is this place?” I asked him curiously. “You will see.” Derrick said has he found a parking spot. They were many cars outside all leading to this one building. Derrick came around and helped me out of the truck and we began to go in. The place was dim lighted; many people were gathered around, either getting drinks or seated at a table. The DJ played very soft neo soul music; I believe I heard some Jill Scott soothing my ears. Derrick guided me to a table not too close to the front and not too far in the back. He helped me remove my coat as we sat. “So how you liking this baby?” He said whispering in my ear. I turned and smiled at him. “I like it. I have never been to a place like this.” He sat across from me and we faced the stage. “Well let’s sit back and enjoy.”

  Derrick

  The Scorpion was a place I liked to come to around the way, it showcased a lot of talented singers, rappers, and poets throughout the five Burroughs. I figured this place would peak Destiny’s interest since she was in to creative expression and all that shit. With a hook up from De and Ray I managed to grab a few dollars since my pockets had been hurting…bad. So besides hooking myself up with some new fly gear, I decided to take the pretty lady out for a night on the town. We sat back and chilled while many different up in coming artist sung for us. During intermissions we took the opportunity to get to know each other a little better. I liked how comfortable I felt with Destiny, the way she looked at me when I spoke, the way her almond shaped grey eyes brightened when I said something funny.

  I don’t know why it felt so good being with her but I was enjoying every minute of it. What extremely helped keep my interest was that v cut top she was wearing, introducing me to her two friends that I was glad I met. I couldn’t deny I was more so waiting for the end of the date because that’s when the physical connections were going to start…and you know how much I loved that. “So tell me something interesting thing about you?”

  Destiny asked while sipping on her cocktail. I leaned back in my chair and played with the cap of my miller lite. “What do you wanna know?” Destiny shrugged with that pretty twinkle in her grey eyes. “Anything…What do you do? What are your hobbies? Are you biracial?” She asked grabbing my long wavy black hair. I chuckled a little noticing that most women I dated asked me that being that I wore my hair so long. “My grandfather was native American.” Destiny looked at me oddly. “Was?” “Yeah…” I nodded. “He was killed during a robbery when I was a kid.” I said nonchalantly as if it wasn’t as serious as it sounded. I don’t know why I did that, I guess I had seen so much death over the years it wasn’t a big deal to me anymore… it was just like going to sleep. Yet Destiny seemed to be a bit more shocked.

  Her eyes looked away from mine for a moment obviously feeling guilty for having asked the question. “I’m sorry…” She mumbled. I shook my head. “Don’t apologize…it is what it is.” I told her while taking I chug of my beer. “Well anyway…your turn. Tell me something interesting about you.” Destiny shrugged while thinking of what she wanted to say. “Well…being all the way honest…I was born a man.” All the brown tasting fluid I swallowed went flying out of my nose. I sat up as I tried to get myself together. I looked up at her pretty face in shock and anger. “Hold up…Hold up…WHAT!” As nearby customers looked back at our table one of the waiters came over. “Is everything alright?” I looked to him back at Destiny who started to chuckle and then broke into all out laughter. I just looked at her finally realizing she was joking and had caused a commotion for no reason.

  I waved the waiter off as I grabbed a napkin and cleaned myself up. “See you gonna get yourself hurt.” I said looking at her sternly. Destiny continued to crack up with tears rolling out her eyes. “I’m sorry…I’m so sorry....hahahaha…it was supposed to be a joke.” She continued to laugh at my expense. “Not funny.” Destiny finally calmed down. “I know, it’s just I never thought you would have believed me.” I looked at her like she was crazy. “Uh with all the shit going on in this world…” I scoffed. “I would believe the unbelievable.” Destiny continued to laugh seriously finding humor in the situation. “I’m sorry. Do you forgive me?” She asked with a very sexy pouty face. I continued to glare at her but my face softened when I saw a free opportunity. “Depends…” “On what?” she asked. I rested my eyes on her luscious lips and moved in for the kill, Destiny saw me coming in and didn’t resist as I placed my mouth on hers.

  Just the softness of her lips alone was stimulating at caused a welcomed uprising in my polo jeans. Feeling the heat too Destiny attempted to pull back but I slipped my hand behind her neck keeping her in place and allowing my tongue to gently massage hers. “Hmmmm…” I heard her moan as we continued to taste each other’s mouths. Finally breaking free from one another all we could do was just stare at each other, still feeling the intensity burning our lips. Just then announcer came up to the mic to introduce the next performance. We forced ourselves to focus and enjoy the show. “And now coming to the stage ready to swoon the crowd with his musical styling’s… for all the lovers tonight welcome Nicky D!” The young man who had appeared on stage looked to be in his early twenties like most of the crowd. He was brown skinned with a curly a fro, dark red buttoned up shirt and jeans. Youngster, I thought…Kind of remind me of the singer Maxwell. I noticed Destiny watching him intently. She was careful not to linger on the young man’s appearance too long knowing how jealous some men can be…not that I was fazed or anything. I chuckled to myself watching her try to play it off. “How y’all doing tonight?” He asked the crowd; they all finger snapped and applauded. His voice was real smooth, executing a nice natural essence out into the audience…I called it the Billy Dee Williams effect. “I hope y’all came her to have a good time wit ya boy…” Nicky D smiled to the audience and peered out scoping the crowd. He looked to the drummer behind him to begin as he got comfortable.

  “Hey…drop a beat for me.” The drummer started with a slow and soft beat and the rest of the band followed behind. Nicky D looked back to the crowd and chuckled a bit. “I’m gonna give you something special tonight…” He spoke again putting the crowd into sensual trance…especially Destiny. I took notice to her sudden interest in the young man and I placed my hand on her neck caressing it through her hair. She looked over at me and I smiled. I watched her scoot over and ease into my arms reassuring me while we watched the performance…like she knew I wanted her too. Nicky D moved to the beat making his body creat
e a rhythm as he sang. “I must have rehearsed my lines a thousand times, until I had them memorized. But when I get up the nerve to tell you, the words just never seem to come out right.” “Oh My God…” Destiny giggled jumping upright in her seat. “I love this song.” I laughed at her enthusiasm. “Oh yeah.” “Yes…” She smiled excitedly. “This one of Patti’s greatest hits, I can’t believe somebody his age knows how to sing this song…and sound so good.”

  Destiny like the other ladies in the club was beginning to stand up and make a beeline to the stage until I pulled her back into my arms. “Let the man do his job….” I smiled wrapping my arms around her waist. “You stay right here with me.” Destiny shook her head and smiled laying back in my arms while Nicky D continued to give a perfect rendition of Patti LaBelle’s If only you knew. As Nicky D continued to sang, the slow and nice song was getting the crowd a little rowdy. I could feel Destiny tense up especially in my arms…her body felt like it was pulsating to the crooner’s soft voice.

  “If only you knew how much I do, do love you. If only you knew, how much I do, I do need you.”

  Destiny kept shifting in my lap trying to pull away from me not wanting me to notice the heat that kept rising up in her body. So I decided to grab her closer to me covering my body with hers so she couldn’t escape. allowing her to feel what her body was doing to her. We continued to watch the show while she tried not to melt in my tight embrace.

  The crowd roared giving standing O’s as Nicky D smoothly exited the stage. Destiny was tucked firmly in my arms while I looked down at her and kissed her cheek. “You good baby?” I whispered into her ear. “Yes…” She barely managed to get out. I continued to chuckle at her, she was trying so hard to fight off what she really wanted which motivated me to bring it out of her. It was like watching a balloon blowing up with air until it finally popped. I figured after tonight she wouldn’t have to worry about that anymore…daddy was going to take good care of her. The announcer came on the stage yet again ready to dismiss the audience for tonight.