I didn’t want to come off too strong or ostentatious so I took her to Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, a considerably moderate restaurant. My intention wasn’t to sweep her off her feet but to get to know her. I found her intriguing. Initially I had no plans beyond that because I didn’t know how well it would work out. But when I realized she was engaging I decided to extend the night and took her to see my Lakers. She quickly had become so wrapped up in the game. When she told me she’d never been to a live game, I was shocked. She even said she’d never explored Beverly Hills or taken the tour of L.A. My work was cut out for me. If I wanted to get somewhere with her I knew where to start.
My man Kobe blew up my spot by questioning why I wasn’t in my usual floor seats. Truth of the matter was I didn’t want to completely reveal my economic status. I hadn’t dated seriously in years. I always had to be on guard for scavengers; gold-diggers won’t get me. It seems like everyone comes to L.A. to get in the entertainment industry. I can’t knock that but it won’t be by way of me. Rayna was cool, but she had to undergo a few more tests before I could be sure. Fuck that.
One morning, I was coming out of meeting my office when Peggy informed me of a visitor. Whoever it was I could tell she wasn’t fond of them. To my surprise it was Rayna. She was a sight for sore eyes. She wore a black pinstriped business suit, where the jacket didn’t cover her ass, with a silk hot pink dress shirt underneath. That apple was popping in her dress pants. She came in doing a little flirting by giving me a rose as way of saying thank you for the phone I had delivered to her. I felt sorry for her for carrying around some raggedy gadget she called a cell phone. In return, she gave me this book on dating as if I needed the help.
Rayna was sexy as hell that day. I couldn’t shake her presentation. The girl was dope from head to toe. I hated to see her leave but I had to meet Big D and seeing her motivated me even more. When she walked out of my office, I knew I wanted to explore her even more. But first I had to handle this situation with Tara. I could’ve easily started doing me but considering my relationship with her father, it would be hard.
I met Big D at Filemina’s in the meeting room in the back of the building. Ms. Filemina had a private room back there where she would allow us to meet without any disturbances. Today, although I went with Petey, I met with Big D alone.
When I walked in, I saw he was already seated and nibbling on something. I greeted him by chanting, “Big, D! My man! I see you’re munching on something. I hope I’m not late…holding you up…” as we hugged.
“Young Blood! Naw, man, I was just so hungry I asked Filemina for a biscuit or something to hold me over. Have a seat.”
I sat down and picked up the menu when Tarsha, a waitress, came in. “Im’ma get you something to drink. You want the usual, Divine?”
“Yeah, baby…pink lemonade,” I responded.
“Yeah man, so I hear you have a “vacation” coming up next month with the new friend down in Mexico?” Big D asked.
“Yeah, it’s this spot right outside of Puerto Vallarta. I need to go down and meet our new friends. They swore their hospitality is the best so I’m going to see how true that is.”
“Okay. Is there anything you need from me? Let me know, Young Blood.”
“You still have friends down that way. Why don’t you touch them to make them aware of my visit just in case motherfukas want to act up?”
We needed to discuss the latest deal that would be taking place soon. The room in the back gave us the privacy to do so. Although we always limited our words, I felt confidence in the confidentiality of the room. Big D had been fucking Ms. Filemena for years, he took care of her financially as well. She would do anything she could to have his schedule include being at her place of business whenever he needed.
“Okay. Who are you vacationing with?” he asked taking a sip of his drink.
“Petey, Kid, Wop, and their chicks.”
“Alright, so everything’s set in place?”
“So far so good,” I answered.
Tarsha came in to take our orders. When we finished telling her what we wanted to eat, she left the room.
“Mmmmm! How old is that ass?” Big D joked about Tarsha, whose ass was bubbling over in her jeans.
It was too loose for my liking but to each his own. I just laughed it off. I got a little tense but decided this was as good a time as any to get some things off my chest.
“Big D, there’s another issue I’d like to address while I have you here,”