I hoped it was the wine. I needed it to calm my nerves a bit before stepping out for the night. I didn’t even know what the man did for a living. How could I just go along with going out with him? I laughed it off as I hurriedly made my way to the door. I peeped through the peephole and saw that it was a young woman from the concierge holding a bucket filled with ice with a bottle of Chardonnay placed inside.
“Hi. Thanks so much.”
“Here you are, miss. Enjoy your evening.” The young woman handed me the bucket, and before I could give her a tip, she was already walking off.
“Hey! Wait. Come back!” I called out as loud as I could without disturbing the other guests in their rooms in the hall.
“Yes, miss?” she said.
“Here. Take this.” I smiled and waved the crisp twenty-dollar bill in the air.
Her eyes grew big as she got close again.
“Thank you. I appreciate you.”
“Pleasure’s all mine, sweetie.” I smiled, handing her the bill. Being in the service industry in any capacity was hectic enough, and most people didn’t tip properly, so I made sure that when I was on the receiving end of getting a service, I tipped well.
I placed the bucket down on the desk in front of the bed, grabbed a glass by the coffeemaker, and took a seat. Just as I poured the wine and lifted the glass to my lips, Dre arrived, knocking on the door. The knock wasn’t loud, but it was commanding. I gulped the wine and wiped my mouth while I made my way to let him in. I didn’t even have time to refresh my lip gloss.
“Hey, love.” I stood slightly behind the door as I opened it.
Before he spoke, he handed me the most beautiful bouquet of roses I had ever seen. They were so full and velvety looking.
“Damn. You look good as hell. Step from behind that door so I can look at you.” He reached for my hand, twirling me around so he could get the full view.
I was nervous as hell, and I didn’t know why.
“Thank you. It took me long enough to get ready.” It really didn’t, but I needed him to know that time was put into looking like that.
“All for me, huh?” He licked his lips.
“You think you LL Cool J or something, don’t it?” I snapped back.
“Not at all. I’m way more good-looking than that nigga.”
“I won’t stunt, babe. You are. You look really nice, though, for real.” I peered up at him and stroked his full goatee.
“Thank you, beautiful.”
“We chilling for a minute or what?” I just knew that was why he came up. It did not bother me in the least bit, but I wanted him to state his intention, even if he did just want to have sex.
“No, ma’am. We gotta head to dinner.”
“Let me put these in some water, and then we can go.”
“Aight.” He stood back against the door.
I could tell he was cautious, watching my every move as I quickly used the extra glass by the coffeemaker. I put water in it and placed the bouquet, as was, in the glass. I could do all the extra shit later.
“Come on. Let’s head out,” I spoke.
He moved out of my way so I could open the door. We got on the elevator and shared an effortless yet quiet silence on the way down, which I appreciated because I was at a loss for words, looking at his fine ass. I wondered what he was thinking.
“Where are you taking me?”
“This rooftop spot that has an amazing view of the city.”
“Ooh. Sounds fancy. I can’t wait to see.”
