“Oh, cuz! This is a good friend of mine, Azmir—” Spin was cut off my Britni.
“Azmir Jacobs. Yes, he was the sole sponsor of my Bahamian vacation that I told you about. And what a pleasure that was,” she said with the most scheming and seductive smile.
“I'm glad you were able to take part in Rayna's birthday excursion…?”
“Britni,” she answered my purposely posed question of her name. She was insignificant. I understood what she was trying to do to Rayna.
“Britni. That's right,” I said wryly.
Britni looked Rayna up and down and said, “Wow, Rayna, you're really gettin’ it,” as she cut her eyes at me. Was she really insinuating that Rayna was pimping me? I had to chuckle! Women can be really shady.
“Getting it, huhn?” Rayna replied calmly, wearing a smirk while intently reading Britni's eyes. I could tell she was infuriated.
“Yeah, those Loubou's are from the spring line. They're on every diva's wish-list and here you are rocking the hell out of them,” Britni antagonized.
“Flattery gets you everywhere, B. Glad to have inspired you,” Rayna replied mirthlessly.
I had to stop this. I saw a flame shoot up in Rayna's eyes. I didn't want her flexing.
Spin looked at me and said, “I need to speak with you—privately,” a little demanding even. I didn't like it. She was trying to enter into an estrogen war and these two were tag-teaming Rayna. If I had to choose, Spin will be picking her bruised ego off the ground. I don't do shows.
But before I could answer Rayna issued, “Mr. Jacobs, you better go, she sounds desperate. Besides, I need a moment with my…estranged…buddy here,” while her eyes were burning a hole in Britni's face.
“Desperate?” Spin shot back.
Rayna's eyes darted to Spin, “Yes,” she smiled ruefully. “See, when you see your former bed-buddy out with a new woman and immodestly ask to speak with him in private, that has a scent of desperation to it. Go, have your moment. I'm generous.” She maintained a smile that didn't extend to her eyes, the same she wore when speaking to Britni a few moments ago.
I don't think Spin was expecting that. Shit, I wasn't expecting that. Spin was at a loss for words. And honestly, I was grateful. I would not have Rayna out here doing a showdown with another woman. I respected Spin and wouldn't even want that for her. I think Rayna wanted a moment to settle up with Britni.
Spin bowed out gracefully and I asked Rayna with my eyes if it was cool that I speak with her. She gave me a soft nod and warm smile. I looked at Britni with pity. She's about to get to get her ass handed to her.
I followed Spin around the bar and on the side of the house to a wooden bench. She stopped with her hands wrapped around her waist and rhythmically pats her feet. It was clear that she was in a defensive poise. I offered her a seat to which she declined. I then sat.
“Azmir, what's going on with you and this...young lady? This seems different,” she hissed.
I creased my brows and said, “Spin, I'm lost. Are you asking me for my dating status with Rayna Brimm?”
“Yes!” she answered emphatically.
“I don't think that’s owed. Aren’t you back with Dalvin?”
She looked affronted. “Yes and no. We’re still working out the kinks.” She appeared flushed.
“Okay, but during our last conversation you told me that you were going back to him, ergo the termination of our arrangement.” She wasn't going to make me out to be a lothario. I didn’t owe her shit.
“So, I guess what I'm asking here is will she be an issue for us if I want to continue with our arrangement?” she asked with overt sarcasm.
“Indeed.”