“Wow,” Rayna mutters. “Mark got Raheem DeVaugn again? I haven’t seem him since my first time here.”
As soon as we enter, we’re greeted by Mark. He’s wearing a goofy grin.
“Well, if it isn’t my favorite couple, Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs!” he welcomes.
“Hey, Mark,” Rayna says as she receives him with a hug. She then moves forward to scope out the place. It’s nearly comical to see her turn each thirty degree angle inspective, as if she’s going to find something new. “The place is empty.”
“Yes,” Mark quirks. “Jacobs here has bought out the spot for you two this evening. How ‘bout that, huhn! Please,” he bows. “Enjoy your time at Mahogany.”
Rayna’s bemused eyes travel to me. “Really?”
I don’t answer, at least not verbally. I just stare at her until she makes it clear that she understands. A waiter then greets her and takes her to the private booth where we’ll be dining. It’s the same booth we sat in the first time we came here on a date. I turn to follow when Mark takes me at the arm.
“What’s up with the bag, dude?” he gestures to the large shopping bag Ray was able to quietly pass off to me once Rayna was making her way inside.
I follow his inquisitive gaze to the bag. “Aint shit that concerns you.”
“Holy fuck!” Mark yelps as he pulls out his phone and starts to type rapidly into it. “I’m telling Eric that you’re going to try for a little romp with Rayna tonight here in the club, you freaky motherfucker! That’s why you’ve paid nearly double than I would’ve made on an ordinary night for privacy!” he lowers his phone when, I presume, he’s done. “Why didn’t you do it at Cobalt or your new jazz club on the beach?
“First of all, you goddamn prick, I have no plans to fuck my wife in a public place,” I bite out, lying through my damn teeth. I’ve had Rayna in quite a few public places. “And secondly, this place has some sentimental value for her. Remember your re-opening? I scored points from the ambiance.”
Adjusting his glasses, he sings, “Ahhhhh… So, that’s when you first got a taste, huhn?” he wiggles his brows. Fucking cornball. “So, I, Mark Richardson, assisted the great A.D. Jacobs with getting ass that he eventually marries, aye! I like that.” His phone apparently vibrates in his hand. He reads it and then laughs. “Eric says he bets you your Lakers season tickets that Rayna will not let your black ass lay a finger on her in here tonight. I’ll lower my bet for two trips on your cabin cruiser with my new dame.”
I shake my head and walk off. These clowns always want to call a fucking bet.
“Hey!” Mark calls from behind me. “It’s clear that I have more faith in you with my smaller wager!”
As I make my way to her at the booth, I can still see Rayna is a bit absorbed. A smile lifts from her face as she looks up and finds me advancing towards her.
“What’s in the bag?” she finally inquires.
“A surprise.”
“You really bought out the place for us?”
“For you,” I answer as the waiter approaches the table.
He doesn’t take our order because I’ve already arranged that, but he does ask for our drink order and informs that the show will start momentarily.
When he leaves for the kitchen, Rayna asks, “Why would you pay for an exclusive show when we can’t even see the stage?”
“We don’t have to see to experience the music. I only want to see you and have you see me. How are you?”
Rayna sighs, “Okay, I guess…actually great…I hope.”
“Are you feeling some kind of way about me barbarically dragging you away from the twins’ party tonight?”
I flew in this morning, just hours before their graduation, cohosted the party, and now I’ve snatched her up…to be alone. I’ve grown to be very demanding of her time.
“No,” she breathes out. “You’re the one that planned that ridiculously over-the-top affair for a pair of five year olds. Once again, they’ve outdone their friends, Azmir.”
I shrug unapologetically. My kids have and will always have the very best in life. I busted my ass even when they weren’t in the cards for me. Just like Rayna, I will give them the world that I’ve abound.
“It is what it is,” is all I offer. “Hey, you see Akeem getting down with the tots on the dance floor?” I chuckle.
“Yes!” Rayna joins in, and I’ve successfully navigated the conversation. “According to Kennedy, he’s the best uncle ever!” she laughs. “I’m glad you’re mentoring him, Azmir. I can only imagine where his spirits would be in if you hadn’t been here, offering him opportunities.”