I hear the ladies awwwww under Azmir’s announcement. Not liking much attention, I announce, “Food’s ready. I hope you all are hungry.” I extend my hand toward the dining room, hoping Azmir is too distracted to see the addition to his great room. “This way.”
At the table, conversations flow. I can tell these guys enjoy getting together. Once again, Azmir displays a different persona with this crew. It isn’t as guarded as with The Clan and not as poised as with Mark and Eric. With Jackson and Lenny, he’s more talkative while holding court. It never matters to me who Azmir is; I enjoy all facets of him. They all rev up something deep within that can’t be matched by anyone else.
“I thought you were going over to Atlantic with Mike Kyser, Len?” Azmir poses to Lenny.
“I’ve thought about it, but I don’t know, man. Still weighing my options, you know?” Lenny replies as he stretches his arm to the back of Mia’s chair. She smiles contently and I can tell she’s deeply in love with this man. “The industry has changed in the short time since you ran the halls. Jay’ll tell you.”
That comment causes me to question once again: Who was Azmir in the music industry?
“Yeah, I saw it coming. Money’s drying up,” Azmir replies.
“Yeah, dudes switching up their hustle, but still in the industry in some way. I’m sure you see this every day, Jax,” Lenny throws to Jackson, who’s being served his second course.
“Not really,” Jackson responds.
“What? You ain’t pick up Quincy’s portfolio yet?” Lenny asks aghast.
Jackson takes a long sip of his tea before answering, “Still weighing my options,” with a tight jaw, indicating he doesn’t want to discuss it.
Lenny’s dubious eyes shoot over to Azmir who smoothly shakes his head, communicating for him to drop it.
“Jax will decide what he wants to do when he’s ready. I have every confidence that he’ll make his decision based on what’s best for him,” Azmir informs.
Jackson doesn’t reply, just takes another gulp of his drink, training his eyes in the distance on a squint. It makes me take notice of his handsome features. He’s about a shade darker than my complexion with a narrow masculine face. Jackson’s eyes are some exotic shade, just darker than hazel. His long nose works well with his high cheekbones and long lashes. His shoulders are broad and he appears to be fit. Jackson’s a good looking man, but too young for his friend, Evelyn. She’s impeccably fit herself, but clearly will be applying for social security any day now.
Karl brings in bread and sets two bowls of it on both sides of the table. I try to think of something to say to change the course of the conversation. The tension is now thick.
“So, Mia, I’ve caught your remarkable accent. And your gorgeous features are just as striking. Where are you from, if you don’t mind me asking?” I note as Mia’s taking a sip of her drink.
She smiles excitedly as she tries swallowing the contents of her mouth. She’s nice, and busty with bountiful curves in all the right places. She appears to be beautiful inside and out. I decide right away that I like her.
“Santo Domingo,” she smiles graciously. “Thank you. And I can see Divine has excellent taste and loves clase de culo!” She stretches her arms wide then pats the rear of her hips for emphasis. I know the comment of me having a big butt is made with endearment, so I stifle my giggle. I can’t believe a woman has me blushing.
“Shiiiiit…” Lenny mutters beneath his breath.
I turn to Azmir who shakes his head while wearing a smug grin. I guess it’s a man thing, but it makes me feel uneasy considering his lady is sitting right here with us now. I quickly get the impression that his antics are not only familiar to her, but tolerated as well.
Lenny goes to his phone that apparently has alerted him of a text because I then hear him call out, “This Jay, yo. He said you ain’t have to invite him.” He chuckles.
“I told his ass about it right after I proposed it to Jax a while back. He said he’d be out the country,” Azmir explains, somewhat annoyed, somewhat lighthearted as Lenny types away.
“He said he’ll be in town next week and to clear your schedule for him. He knows he gotta wait weeks to get on your books now that you’re a corporate CEO and all!” Lenny croaks out on a laugh, finding their exchange beyond funny.
Azmir waves him off with his hand. You can tell this is their relationship. I’m getting to know Azmir more and more. And I’m enjoying it.
“You two must be really close,” I observe aloud and find my gaze decidedly on Lenny.
“Yeah…D and I grew up together in Bedstuy and been tight ever since,” Lenny explains as he finishes his texting conversation. “And when he made his way out here to L.A., my brother and I came out, too. He set me up with a job at RCA records when they were running things. And it just went from there.” He shrugs, and for the first time, not giving me hooded eyes.
I take this opportunity ask about his history in the music industry. It’s been killing me to learn why he’s so revered there.