I entered the airport, went through check-in and traveled to my assigned terminal where my plane would depart from. As I sat down I heard, “Yo, Divine. That’s ya girl, yo?”
I looked up and saw a group of men, dressed in urban attire, all looking my way. Azmir sauntered from behind one of them to look and once he saw me, a smile so warm and familiar crested upon his lips. I don’t know how I am going to survive this trip.
“Ms. Brimm…” Azmir walked over to me.
We greeted each other with a brief hug where he placed his warm hands on the small of my back firmly, affording me the opportunity at the waft of his mesmerizing scent that sent me on a trip. I didn’t want to withdraw but knew we had an audience. He said it was good to see me and he asked about my ride to the airport. I told him all was fine and asked were we traveling with others.
“Oh, yeah. Let me introduce you to my goons.” He led me over to the small group that gaped so hard it made me hugely self-conscious. At first sight, I saw a group of men and panicked at how odd it would be for me to travel with all men, but as we got closer I gained a better vantage point. This time the group of men became a group of men and women.
“Rayna, this is my main man, Petey,” Azmir began the introductions as he held my hand protectively. I extended my other hand to Petey and he did the same. Petey didn’t smile but he did give a firm nod when he spoke.
“This is my dun, Wop.” After he spoke I shook hands with Wop who smiled salaciously like I was a piece of steak he was prepared to devour. I kept my eye contact brief and moved on.
Azmir continued, “…and my man, Kid.” After that, all the men introduced their women.
I noticed the guys and girls eyeing me from head to toe. I tried to play it cool, though. Azmir and I retreated away from the group. He bought me a light breakfast and we sat and talked while waiting for our plane to board and then depart.
The over three-hour flight went fairly quickly and smoothly. It was my first time in first class, though I could tell it wasn’t his. He seemed too acclimated to it, extremely comfortable and well poised in his seat.
Azmir worked most of the flight on his laptop. I guess a man of his caliber worked around the clock. With a quick surreptitious glance, I saw he was working on a spreadsheet at one point during the flight. I didn’t talk to him much, not wanting to disturb him, but he did reward me with the occasional nudge and knowing smile.
I eventually decided to muster the nerve for my offering.
“I have something for you,” I murmured to Azmir as I gazed at him through my lashes.
He raised his eyebrows. “Oh, yeah? As in gift or news? He then wrinkled his forehead and pushed his tongue into his molars in the most adorable manner.
I chuckled. “As in gift to say thanks for the trip.” I bent over and dug into my bag to pull out a small gift box and handed it over to him with trembling fingers.
Azmir maintained an impassive expression as he took the box and then looked over to me inclining his head as to ask if he could open it.
With a nervous giggle I whispered, “Please.”
With his long fingers Azmir removed the lid from the box and pulled the small silk cloth out and sat them on the keyboard of his laptop. His eyes danced over the box and seconds later, he was pulling it out.
I watched as Azmir’s eyes assessed the small crystal ball figurine that was the Earth with its various continents frosted over the globe. Attached to the top of it was a gold hook. He didn’t say anything, just spun it around observing the continents masterfully drawn.