Confessions. Sasha Campbell

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СКАЧАТЬ frowned. “You ain’t never lied.”

      Trinette and her mother hadn’t gotten along in years. I knew the reason why, but like I told Trinette, it’s long overdue for forgive and forget. Darlene had been clean for almost three years and had given her life to Christ.

      “Maybe you should try getting in touch with Donovan,” she suggested.

      “Donovan and I don’t have anything else to talk about. He’s right. It’s over.” I reached for the bottle and poured myself another glass. “Just last week you were saying I needed to quit sitting around and get on with my life…. Well…that’s what I’m tryna do.”

      Trinette hesitated. “I know…but I hate seeing you so down. I miss you smiling and having a good time. So if you’re sure this is what you wanna do…then don’t get mad when I remind yo ass what you said tonight.”

      “It’s over, Trinette.” I held up my glass. “Let’s make a toast.”

      She gave me a reluctant look before she reached for her glass and raised it in front of her. “What are we toasting?”

      “Here’s to new beginnings.”

      She smirked. “And new dick. Girl, you just don’t know what you’ve been missing!”

      I brought the glass to my lips. “Well, I guess I’m about to find out.”

      8

      Trinette

      I knew I needed to keep my behind out of the mall, but I couldn’t help it. I liked to shop even though I knew I needed to be saving up money for my new house.

      Anyway, I was at Saks Fifth Avenue and spotted this chocolate diamond ring I had to have. I wanted to wear it with this cream suit I was planning to wear to the Black MBA Association Ball. Unfortunately, it had a twelve hundred dollar price tag. My credit cards were maxed, and if I withdrew more than five hundred from our joint account, Leon would receive an e-mail alert. Nope. I was going to have to earn that puppy on my own. Besides, why should I spend my own money if I don’t have to?

      I pulled into the circle driveway in front of Smooth’s. Happy hour was in effect, and with a thirty and older age minimum, kids and thugs weren’t up in the house. With live music and drinks starting at twenty dollars, only men with money were inside, and that was exactly what Ms. Netta was looking for. I needed a sponsor, to sponsor the purchase of my diamond ring. I had already tried it on, so I knew how good it looked on my finger. Folks were gonna be hating.

      I climbed out and sashayed around my car and handed the keys to the valet, then went inside. I walked in and a tall, honey-colored brotha was onstage, blowing on a saxophone. Damn, I love me some jazz.

      There was a light crowd. A few desperate-looking chicks were sitting at some of the tables. As soon as I walked in, heads snapped in my direction. None of them could hold a torch to me. I was looking fabulous in a short skirt and matching pink blazer. Did I mention how good I look in pink? The color makes my caramel skin glow and my hazel eyes luminous. While in my car, I undid the top two buttons of a cream blouse to give my double Ds a little breathing room, and every man in the house turned my way. I looked good, and I wasn’t the only one who knew it. All eyes were on me! I sashayed into the lounge in a pair of fuchsia Manolos. Sistah girl was fierce!

      I moved over to the bar and took a seat on an empty stool. Beneath my mascara lashes, I saw those heffas sitting in the corner hating on me. I simply pursed my magenta-painted lips and gave them a fabulous smile, then rolled my eyes and focused on the handsome man behind the bar. Light skinned, thick mustache, tall, hard build. Brotha was fine as hell. Unfortunately, he was standing on the wrong side of the bar. The side that said his ass was broke and definitely couldn’t afford me.

      “What up, sexy? What can I get you this evening?” he asked with a panty-dropping grin.

      I pursed my lips and gave him a once-over. If I wasn’t on a mission I might be giving him some serious consideration, but after that mess with Cory, I needed to keep reminding myself dick ain’t everything. “I’ll take an apple martini with Grey Goose.”

      “Coming right up.”

      I pulled my cell phone out my purse and dialed Nikki. While pretending to be making a serious call, I glanced around the club looking for a new sponsor. I needed a high roller, ’cause Ms. Netta needed a ring and a new house.

      I’d been doing this a long time, and it didn’t take me long to pick the perfect victim in the corner. Salt and pepper hair. Peanut butter brown. Slightly overweight. Oh, yeah. I love a man with a little extra meat on his bones, because those were the ones desperate enough to give me anything I wanted. He was perfect. And sure enough, it wasn’t long before he looked my way. I met his piercing dark eyes, then looked away. The last thing I wanted was for him to think I was interested in him. One thing Ms. Netta never does is make the first move.

      “Hello? Hello? Trinette?”

      Damn, I forgot I called Nikki. “Hey, gurl.”

      “What’s all that loud music? Where you at?”

      “I’m at Smooth’s.” I stole a glance across the bar at the handsome stranger and smiled as I spoke. He followed my lips and hung on every word. Grinning, I crossed my legs, and my skirt rose up past the middle of my smooth caramel thigh. By the look on his face, he was definitely a thigh man.

      “Ugh! What you doing in that stuck-up place?”

      Sometimes I wonder how Nikki and I are such good friends because we’re so different. But they say opposites attract. “Girl, it’s some fine men up in here. You need to go home, put on something cute and come over here.” Mr. Sexy winked from across the room. I winked back.

      “Nah, I just got a big shipment in and I wanna check inventory before I get outta here this evening.”

      “Nikki, that shit will be there tomorrow. Bring yo ass down here! Remember you said you were ready to get on with your life?…Well…it’s that time.”

      She hesitated, then replied, “Maybe next time.”

      Mr. Sexy had turned in his chair and was giving me his undivided attention. Did he really think it was going to be that easy? Hell, no. I swung around on the stool and gave him my back. “Whatever you say, Nikki. I’m not even about to argue with you. We’re still on for Saturday, right? You’re going…even if I have to drag your ass out the house.”

      She breathed heavily in the phone. “Yeah, I’m going.”

      “Good. We’ll talk later.” I hung up and put my phone back into my purse, anxious to get back to business. I reached for my drink, and I took a sip. It was good. The lights dimmed slightly and I focused on the man onstage. As the musician performed, I hummed along and sipped my drink. I knew Mr. Sexy was still watching, and I swayed my hips on the stool, giving him something to look at. When the performance ended, I didn’t have to turn around to know Mr. Sexy was on his way over to the bar. I smelled the Armani on his skin before I felt his presence by my side.

      “May I buy you a drink?” he offered in a deep baritone voice.

      I gave him a quick glance, then shook my head and turned away. “No, thank you.”

      “You СКАЧАТЬ