After a day of shopping with Savior, I finally make my way back to Inglewood. He wanted me to spend the night with him, and the offer was tempting, but I told him I need to go home and check on everything. While Junie and Tasha went home by themselves, they also had to potentially fend off any nosy whispers and gossip.
I know Junie wouldn’t indulge but Tasha…I never can tell. I don’t think she’ll sell me out to the highest bidder but I also know if she needs some new hair, she wouldn’t hesitate to let the Shade Room know what my sleeping position is at night.
I park my car and head inside. I left all of my purchases at Savior’s home because I couldn’t see the point of bringing an expensive gown with me, only to transport it back to Bel-Air.
Arriving in Inglewood, it’s already a noticeable difference. Bel-Air is quiet, like no neighbor wants to disturb the other. Everyone is so closed in, you could barely hear the cars going down the shared streets. There’s no snooping or peeping into someone’s home, because everyone’s home is gated with ten-foot tall walls.
In Inglewood, one can hear loud music, loud talking, and laughter almost on every other corner. Of course, the opposite is also true – loud fighting, the gunshots, and screeching tires.
It’s a weird, indescribable feeling – I felt free in Bel-Air but I felt at home in Inglewood. But I know I can’t have both, nor would I want both. I have to make a choice. Savior might come to spend the night with me occasionally in Inglewood, but he’s made it clear he won’t live here when he has his own home.
I’m dying to leave Inglewood, but I’m afraid of showing up as a regular resident of Bel-Air. How long will it be before someone mistakes me for someone or something else, and the police are called on me? How long will it be before I’m followed until they realize I live there?
How long will it be before I’m quietly forced out because they do not want me there no matter who my boyfriend is?
I can’t worry about any of that. I’m exhausted and I need a nap. As I make my way back to my room, I dream of Savior and crave his touch on me again. It’ll be a long 24 hours not seeing him, but I know it’ll be worth it. I miss him already.
~~~~~
It’s already nighttime when I finally wake up. I slept until eight and I’m wide awake now. I stretch my arms and try to gather my bearings as I figure out what I’m going to eat for dinner and maybe check out a Netflix movie to kill the time.
As I make my way out of the bedroom, I see the living room lights are on. Clearly, Tasha and Junie are home. I head to the bathroom and once I’m finished with my business, I go out into the living room. I’m floored to see dozens upon dozens of roses everywhere. My heart warms because Savior is unbelievably romantic. Each time I think he’ll do one thing, he tops it again.
I love me some him.
Love? Okay. Maybe not love. It’s too soon for love. I can admit I like ol’ dude. I can admit I’m falling for him. But love him? Nah. You don’t fall in love with someone after a week. It just doesn’t happen.
“Hey,” Tasha blows out a plume of smoke and offers me a hit. I respectfully decline. I don’t know how this girl stays high and functioning all of the time. Getting high must be an Olympic sport. “Those came in for you.”
“Really?” I look around for a card and don’t see one. “Was there a card?”
“Oh yeah,” Tasha grabs it from the couch where she’s sitting, “here you go.”
I snatch the card away from her and shake my head. Leave it to Tasha to get herself involved in some shit that really has nothing to do with her. I need to get that bitch a hobby or something. “You’re so damn messy.”
“You love me anyway.” She blows a kiss.
“Sometimes.” I open the card and my eyes are trying so hard not to roll back. Savior didn’t send me any of these roses; Jalen did.
A fuckboy who told me he wasn’t going to settle down, and that I’m in his Top Five (of women, not music or anything else important), and how he said some pretty awful things about my association with Savior, just sent me about four dozen roses. I miss you, baby, the card reads.
I would call up Jalen and tell him how I really feel but I conveniently erased his phone number. Whoopsie. “Why did this Negro do this?”
“He heard about the fight with Andrea.” Junie chimes in. “The whole neighborhood has been talking about it for the past day. People wish there was video.”
I’m so confused and Tasha’s explanation doesn’t help. “So, he sent me flowers because…?”
“Word around the street was Jalen is the one who sold King J the drugs. King J is still locked up but word is he’s singing like a canary. If he rats out Jalen, it’s game over for him.”
“So, he’s hoping if he starts showing me affection again, I’ll somehow protect him because of my daddy?” Men are so damn transparent, it’s ridiculous. “No, thank you. He has a harem of women he can go to.”
“But you got that juice,” SoundCloud nods. “You’re the one that can help him.”
“Which is the reason why he got with me to begin with.” The sad realization has always been there. Nothing like the feeling of discovering a nigga used me because of who my father is. Jalen never has and never will care about me the same way I did for him. I wonder if Savior felt the same with his dates.
The anger is starting to bubble a little and I blow out a harsh breath. Things can only get worse before they get better. “What else is new?”
“You’re the trending topic. Andrea’s been on a roll, calling you every name she can on social media. I think you inadvertently gave her a storyline for next season.” Tasha reveals with a frown. “A lot of people have been defending you, though. Many people said Andrea deserved to get her ass whupped.”
“Well, I’m not proud of that.” I shake my head. I never thought in a million years I would get into a fight with my mother and here I am, trending topic amongst the Love and Hip-Hop crowd. Some people would love to be in my position and I actually loathe it.
“Gloria’s been asking about your whereabouts. We told her we didn’t know where you were. She wants to speak to you as well.” Tasha replies.
There’s another reason why Gloria and I don’t have a good relationship. She’s always liked Andrea and they’re still close to this day. Whatever ill feelings Gloria has, I don’t doubt have come indirectly from Andrea. “Of course she does. She likes Andrea.” I shrug. I’m starting to feel a little heat on me and I know this weekend will not turn out as I planned if I stay here. “I’m going to head out. Just get away for a few days.”
“Going to Savior’s?” SoundCloud asks.
“I don’t know yet. Not sure how badly he wants me there as an overnight guest for several days.” I take out my Android with the cracked screen and text Savior, asking him if the offer to spend the night with him was still on the table.
I get an instant reply: You can stay anytime you want, gorgeous. See you soon.
~~~~~~
After Savior texted me his address and gate code, I headed towards his way. I packed an overnight bag full of clothing and a toothbrush. I also packed a razor and shaving cream because I doubt I would have time to see Charlene to get my head shaved so I’ll have to do it myself and hope I don’t cut my head.
As Chloe and Halle serenaded me, I wonder if everything going on is a sign that maybe it’s time for me to move out of Inglewood. It seems there’s more drama each time I go back home and if I’m trying to do better for myself, I’m going have to leave some people behind.
Not that I’m anxious to go live with Savior. For one, it’s too soon for us to be living together and even I’m side-eyeing us spending the night so often so soon. It’s not that I feel uncomfortable in Bel-Air but I’m not quite sure if I feel right on home, neither. I do know wherever I end up, there won’t be a question as to if I fit in.
The thought of leaving L.A. has become louder with each passing day. There’s still a lot I can do here but I want to explore the world and see what happens. Maybe I might find my home in Italy or maybe even Atlanta. Maybe I’ll realize L.A. was always where I was supposed to be.
I can only find out.
As I pull up to the cobblestone driveway, Savior walks out to greet me. I park the SUV and he opens the driver’s door. “There’s my gorgeous,” he greets me with a sensual kiss. “How was the drive, baby?”
“Better now that I’m here.” I unbuckle and Savior takes out my overnight bag before he leads me inside. “I brought over enough clothing for the weekend, if that’s okay?”
“That’s perfect,” he leads us upstairs to his bedroom and sets the bag down on a chaise lounge. Savior’s bedroom looks so amazing at night. The dulce de leche walls illuminate with sconces and I see the illuminated indigo pool right outside the sliding door. The four-poster California King bed is prominent.
“Are you hungry, baby?” He asks.
“Yeah, didn’t eat much.” I reply. The drama back in Inglewood forced me not to eat. At least I know Andrea would be happy. The thought of having a daughter who was heavier than her is the worse thing.
“Follow me,” he leads me out of the bedroom and we walk down to the kitchen. Savior’s kitchen is roughly the size of my living room, dining room, and kitchen. All of the cabinetry is white and custom-made, with an added refrigerator just for wines.
All of the gadgets look expensive and state of the art, and I’m sure a few of them are in the four figures. There’s a massive skylight in the ceiling that shines down on Savior in the kitchen, giving him a sent by God feel.
There are two ovens in addition to the two islands. The leather seats have an adjustable height so I don’t feel so short looking at him as he prepares dinner. He seems a bit of an expert in the kitchen, opening and closing various cabinets with such ease, as if he knows where everything is. I’ve heard of some rich people having so much excess, they didn’t know how their refrigerator operated.
“Vegan fajitas?” He asks. “We’ll probably have steak for dinner tomorrow at the gala.”
“Sure.” I’ve had a little vegan food and it was pretty good, I have to admit. Whenever I got sick, Tasha made sure all I ate was vegan and vegetarian so I didn’t clog up my system with even more crap. I have to give her high ass some credit; I felt better within days.
Savior whips up the dish in record time and we’re eating vegan fajitas in quiet calmness. We don’t talk about anything; we just enjoy our food. Afterward, Savior takes our plates and cleans up, while I go out into the balcony and look up at the stars.
I think about everything that has transpired within the last week and I wonder about many things. Andrea. My daddy. My home. Savior. Over a week ago, I never dreamed I would be at some rich dude’s home and looking up at the stars. Now I’m standing in a home worth millions, with the same rich dude who’s now my boyfriend, and my life can only go up from here.
I need to start looking at colleges and applying. Hopefully, the late admission fee won’t kick my ass too much. As much as I would love to say I wanted to get the hell out of L.A., every university I’m looking at is here: USC, Loyola Marymount, and UC Riverside.
I just need to enjoy this as much as I can and for as long as I can.
“May I join you?” Savior leans against the balcony wall and looks back at me. “Hey there.”
“Hey.” I smile. “What’s up?”
“Nothing much. Just wondering why my girlfriend is preferring to come out here instead being back inside with me where it’s nice and warm?” He looks into my eyes. His eyes smile back with an invitation I’ll soon accept.
I let out a heavy sigh and feel the tension release from my shoulders. “Just thinking about the future.”
“Oh?” He glances up at the stars. “It doesn’t sound like you’re looking forward to it.”
“I don’t know what it is first. I hope it’s a good one but it’s always the fear of the unknown, you know…” I leave the words hanging.
“Fear of what’s going to happen between us?” He finishes and looks over at me.
I meet his gaze. His eyes have turned into a chocolate brown. “I remember the look you gave me when you were at my home for the first time. How mortified you were when you heard sirens. You see, all that rap music you like may talk about the hood life but once you’re actually there, it’s a different ball game.”
“You’re not dying to stay there, neither, Keisha.” He retorts. “You’ve made it pretty obvious you don’t want to live there anymore.”
I rub my head and feel the small curls pop up. I really need a touch-up. “You ever wonder why people stay in bad relationships knowing there won’t be a good outcome? It’s because they’re used to the drama of it. It’s like a warm blanket. You know it’s coming, you know it’ll eventually blow over, and then things will be back to normal. That’s how my neighborhood is. It occasionally has its problems, but I’m used to it.” I look back up at the stars. “You can take the girl out of the ‘hood, but you can’t take the ‘hood out of the girl.”
“You really think I want to change you.” Savior gives a half-chuckle and half-smirk. “That’s rich.”
“Well, don’t you?” I press. “Isn’t that the whole goal behind what you’re doing here?”
“What am I doing here, Keisha?” Savior’s voice is calm but there’s a bite of anger behind the words. “I thought I was loving and spoiling you.”
“It feels too good to be true and I’m right to question it.” I defend. “I’m sorry if I never had a rich guy who gave me a car within a week of knowing him.”
There’s a small silence between us and I hear Savior take a deep breath. “Would it have been better if Jalen gave you the car?” He asks.
It was like a gunshot to the heart. Savior went straight for the jugular and didn’t even hesitate. It’s a question I had silently wondered but never dared to ask because I knew if Jalen gave me the car, it would’ve been worse in many ways.
Yet, it doesn’t seem that much better that Savior gave it to me. “There’s a song lyric I like that applies to you. It’s from Teddy Pendergrass.” I slowly begin. “I’m going to let it go.”
Savior grins and nods. “I have another Teddy Pendergrass lyric I like,” he turns towards me and his eyes glitter with eroticism and desire, “close the door and let me blow your mind.”
I swallow and blow out a small breath. His gaze was smoldering and my body became aware of who Savior Ellison was and his impact on me. He was provoking me, testing me to see how far I would let him go, and move in for the attack once he had me where he wanted me.
The throbbing between my thighs increased at a fever pitch and I become disoriented. Just looking at how heated his eyes had become, I feel small pings of desire take over my body. Savior had an insatiable appetite for sex and he loves to prove it to me at every chance. My sex silently demanded his cock while my brain wanted out. “I was trying to break up with you.”
“And I’m trying to blow your back out.” Savior slowly blinks at me and his lips curve into that delicious, taunting smile. “Seems like we’re at an impasse.”
There’s a small ache and thump in my panties. My body naturally craves Savior’s cock and himself. Each time I’m around him, there’s a yearning that bubbles underneath the surface I can’t explain. All I know is I’m constantly on alert when I’m around him, and I never had. I ignore the feeling for now and focus on our conversation. “You’re seriously going to wait for me while I’m up at college for two years?”
“It’s not like I won’t be able to see you during the weekends, and you won’t be down during the holidays. Whatever happens, happens. But I can’t quit you nor can I drink you out of my memory. Trust, I’ve already tried. I would rather fail miserably knowing that I gave it my all than to give up so soon and wonder what could’ve been.” He rubs my bald head. “Need a trim?”
My heart is spinning and my head is just as dizzy. Savior has that affect on women. If he’s not willing to give up so soon, neither should I. “I do,” I softly reply.
“Let me line you up real quick.” He suggests and I shoot him a disbelieving look. I know better than let white hands near a black woman’s head. “If I mess up, you can wear a head wrap.”
I begin to walk back inside the home. “If you mess up, I’m whupping your ass all the way back to Inglewood.” I warn him.
Savior gives my ass a smack. “Ooh, I love it when you talk dirty to me.”
~~~~~
Despite my feelings towards Thomas, I respect his parenting style. My daddy is the same way. I know he has money stashed away for me in other accounts but he wants me to earn my own. While I appreciate the lesson, it’s a hard one. I’ve never been poor but I’ve neve been balling. Broke is a level I’m all too familiar with.
“I perfected my style without having to step foot inside a barbershop.” Savior explains. “Learned from my fellow Brothers how to cut, trim, fade, all of that.”
We’re in his monstrous master bathroom where he has a barber chair in front of a mirror. He has the biggest tub I’ve ever seen in my natural born life along with a just as equally huge shower that rains overhead. There are two toilets with their own room and ventilation and two sinks. He clearly designed this home with a future wife in mind. “You know how to do fades?” I question. I’m rather impressed.
“I know how to do everything,” He answers as he dips a razor inside a plastic container of hot water and stares at me. “Including Brazilian waxes.”
I wonder how it would look if Savior stripped both of my heads completely bald. I’m almost tempted to ask him. “Oh.”
“Oh.” He winks at me. He holds my head and glides the razor over it, going against the grain. “It took me months to learn how to do it just right.”
“The Brazilian?” I ask.
“That too,” he chuckles as he continues shaving. He holds my head just right as he moves the razor over it. “I had to prove myself. Not many people will trust a non-black person with their head. It was a lot of blood, sweat, and tears.” He pauses with a laugh. “Mostly tears.”
I can only imagine the pressure that was on Savior to prove himself in a mostly-black fraternity. He might have it harder not because of his race, but also who his father was. It’s not like the Brothers would’ve taken it easy on him. If anything, they might have tried to break Savior.
It makes me love….erm…respect him just a bit more.
“Butta Love” plays overhead and I’m in heaven. Savior’s hands are so amazing as he takes intricate care of my head. He goes back over certain places to make sure it’s nice and smooth. Afterward, Savior puts a warm towel on my head and adjusts the chair so I’m laying back.
After a few minutes, Savior removes the towel and massages my scalp with oil. His fingertips gently knead around my dome with such delicate care. It’s not just him being professional or careful. There’s added love with his movements.
A small shudder raced up my spine as I felt Savior’s lips on my head, then his tongue. His lips were so tender, but his tongue was completely sensual. No man had ever kissed my head, but Savior…he worshipped it. His lips were soft and warm, and so delicate.
I felt that familiar ache in my panties once again and it grew stronger by the moment. Small moans escaped my mouth and my nipples grew harder with each kiss. I felt a throbbing, intense need but my fingers or a toy wouldn’t do.
I needed Savior. I needed to feel his hard cock pulsating inside of me. I needed to feel him underneath me as he grabbed my ass and encouraged me to take it all. I needed to feel all of him.
I finally open my eyes and found Savior staring down at me. “Let’s go to bed,” I tell him.
A delicious smile curved his lips. “Your wish is my command.”