In Between Lies Page 8

“So who is the woman?” She pointed to at least three of the photos that were photos of a woman in various poses.

  “Oh, that is my best friend, Savannah. Very photogenic, isn’t she?”

  Naomi recognized her from the club as the one sitting and chatting with Kevin. “I thought I recognized her.”

  “Excuse me?” Richard asked. “What did you say?”

  “Nothing really.”

  “As a matter of fact, I could give you one of her cards. She gets a lot of inside tips on who s doing what in the city. She works for a production company and could possibly help you get more work.”

  “Really? That would be nice. Thanks,” she smiled wide, exposing too many teeth while trying to contain her excitement. “You really have it nice in here. It makes it very easy to let your hair down,” she giggled. “She looks comfortable too.”

  “Yes, it is. I tried to make it as comfortable and as warm as possible. I hope that feeling comes across when we shoot. You can be totally free here with me.” He pointed to the lounge area. “And I do mean totally…” he smiled, then added, “You can change in there.”

  While Naomi changed Richard got busy getting the area situated for the shoot. He’d purchased the small studio area a few years ago when he’d discovered that his photography would be more than just a fad or hobby. He wanted to be a serious photographer and loved nothing more than to spend time doing photo shoot after shoot and expressing his creativity. He was reminded of the beauty he could extract from such mundane surroundings when he looked at the walls that were plastered with his art work. He’d spent many nights in the loft area just upstairs that overlooked the entire place after long hours of expressing himself…and the ladies he’d brought with him with the honest intention of just shooting photos. As small as the studio was, he was surprised that it even had a loft.

  “I’m ready,” Naomi said, standing there in a string bikini. “You did say totally free,” she smiled and headed in his direction. “I figure I might as well get comfortable and just go for broke starting out…break the ice a little bit.”

  “I agree.” He pulled his silky dreads back into a loose ponytail, hit the start button on his sound system, and motioned for her to follow.

  In between changes, Naomi rang Kevin’s phone. Still no answer and she left no message. As Richard changed the background setting, Naomi yet again changed into another outfit. This time, she requested that he dim the lights and soften the mood before she came out of the dressing area. Richard quickly obliged.

  “You like?” she came out and turned her body for his full viewing. Dressed in a red hot, lacy negligee, she knew she looked delicious and irresistible.

  “Even better than the bikini. Mmm, something about that red against your golden skin…um,” he caught himself. “Let’s get finished here.”

  “Okay, let’s do this. I am getting tired,” she said as she leaned against his white loveseat and prepared for the final shots.

  She really wasn’t tired, just disgusted that she couldn’t get a hold of Kevin. She finished her shoot in her signature diva style, kissed Richard goodnight and left. Noticing that there was a missed message on her cell, she dialed in to listen.

  It was Kevin….“I’m on my way now, so get it ready,” then silence.

  Ecstatic that he’d returned her calls, she quickly sped home to ready herself for him. This would be a night for him to remember, she was going to make sure of it.

  Chapter 8

  The crisp, Friday morning air, whipped through Savannahs loosely buttoned jacket and swirled around her neck as both her and Jazzy headed for yet another mall. Most of the morning was spent with them hopping from store to store looking for who knows what for Jazzy.

  “So what do you think of this one?” Jazzy held up a blue silk camisole. The top half was virtually see through and the waist area was plastered with some type of delicate looking airbrushed flower.

  “Nice, I guess.”

  “Girl, what’s the matter with you?” Jazzy tossed the camisole back on the table. “Something on your mind?” Jazzy grabbed Savannah’s wrist and stopped her from walking away.

  “No, nothing is wrong. I just was thinking about Kevin, that’s all.”

  “What about him?”

  “What’s going on with you and Gio? I haven’t heard you talk about him lately. You give him the boot already?” Savannah asked, dodging Jazzy’s question.

  “Quit playing. What’s up with you girl. Are you going through something with Kevin?”

  “Not at all. Unless you call me being overly happy with him a problem?” Although, there was a nagging feeling that she couldn’t shake, or for that matter, didn’t know where it came from or why it presented itself. She decided not to pursue it and figured in time she would figure it out. She decided to not speak on it since it was just an irrelevant feeling and was undecipherable.

  “Oooh , I knew it. I told you that you was falling for him…and falling hard. I can tell. You used to love to shop with me. Now all I see is disinterest in combing the malls…can’t even concentrate on anything else but him now, huh?”

  “No, I don’t have it that bad…do I?” Savannah questioned, then hesitated. “Okay, maybe just a little. He is so so...” She waved her hands in the air like she was trying to find the right words to describe him. “The perfect, ideal man…the kind you dream about. Sometimes I have to pinch myself to make sure that this is real and not a dream.”

  “Cool, I’m happy for you girl. Really, I am. But let me just warn you…don’t brag on a man too much. You will jinx yourself.” Deciding to purchase the blue camisole, Jazzy picked it up and headed to the cashier.

  “What the hell does that mean?” Savannah stopped mid stride.

  “It means, if you brag or talk about how good your man is, it almost sounds like you are trying to either convince yourself or whoever you are talking to… and in the end he usually turns out to be the exact opposite.”

  “What?? That is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard.”

  “It’s true. So what I am saying is this,” Jazzy looked Savannah dead in the eyes, letting her know this was on a serious note, “just watch your step. I know he seems to be perfect, but there is usually something in the shadows that you won’t know about. It’s that way with a lot of men, and I don’t want to see you get hurt…just have a good time and take it for what it is. It could end tomorrow.”

  “Sounds so dismal,” Savannah added.

  “Now c’mon, let’s get some food. How does Chinese

  sound?” Jazzy scooped Savannah around her arms, her hundred bracelets jingling, and led her down the mall.

  After eating, the remainder of the afternoon was spent sifting through racks of designer clothes. Seems that everyone was having deals, especially Victoria Secret, and Jazzy didn’t want to miss the opportunity to find the perfect lingerie piece. In her search, she managed to talk Savannah into buying a few items, now that Savannah claimed to be more liberated than ever. They even tossed around the idea of heading to an adult toy store to finish out Savannah’s new thong and bra piece.

  “No thanks, girl. I just want to finish up shopping here and head back home. I promised Big Momma that I would help her with the family dinner. You know that is this weekend. And you know how she loves to plan, cook, and have everything just right.”

  “I know. So, since I am invited, can I bring a guest?” Jazzy asked.

  “As long as he has a mouth full of teeth, manners, smells good and can hold a decent conversation,” Savannah said jokingly.

  “Yes, you know you don’t even have to tell me that. Gotta have teefs,” Jazzy laughed.

  “Yeah, he has three actually,” Jazzy responded. “Talk to you later, sweetie.”

  They both headed to their separate cars and went about their evening. Neither of them realized that a black car was slowly pacing beside them in the parking aisle across from them.

  Naomi cruised along side the two women, almost sure that the one was Ric
hard’s best friend that she saw on the wall at his place.

  Savannah stopped by her office to grab a few items to take home with her so she could play catch up. Since she’d been so wrapped up in coming up with promotional ideas and sketching them out for Kevin’s jazz club, she’d got a little behind in what was her real work. He was already a won client and she needed to work making sure other accounts were landed as well. Grabbing a stack of papers from her desk drawer to shove in her briefcase, she noticed that she had five unheard messages on her phone. Dialing into her voicemail, she realized that each one was a hang up call.

  “Hmm, all from the seemingly same private number and after regular work hours,” she whispered to herself. The calls had been logged on her caller ID starting from 7pm the night before up until 9pm that same evening. Whoever it was, they never left a message. She shrugged the thought from her mind and headed to Big Mommas house to help her prepare things for the family dinner for the coming weekend.

  **********************************

  Savannah was met yet again with the fresh aroma of greens when she walked in the front door. Her mothers’ tall figure filled the kitchen doorway.

  “Is that you, Lenora?” she yelled.

  “No, momma. Where are your glasses? How can you cook and you can’t even see?” Savannah laughed as she dropped her jacket over the back of a dining chair.

  “I’m just about finished now…but nice of you to join me. Pull up a chair. And I can see just fine. Remember, child, I was cooking way before you were a sparkle in my eye.”

  “I know, mom. I’m sorry, but I was running around with Jazzy and lost track of time.”

  “Never mind all of that….So do I finally get to meet this new man you have been dating this weekend?” Big Momma asked as they sat, finishing off peeling a huge bag of potatoes for the potato salad.

  “Um, you sure are. I decided to bring him. His name is Kevin.”

  “And I can tell that you must really like this man. I’m happy for you, Savannah. I wondered how much longer you were gonna bury your heart away.”

  “How can you tell that? I haven’t even told you anything yet.”

  “You don’t have to. I can see it in your eyes and hear it in your voice.”

  Not wanting to give away too much and at the same time wanting to tell her mother how much she really did like this man, she squealed, “Oh mom, he is wonderful! He’s kind, patient, gentle, and he is crazy about me, let me tell you,” Savannah said as she stood to empty a bowl. “And, I guess I am crazy about him too.”

  “You guess, huh? Well, it’s about time, dear.”

  “Anyway, you have already seen him and just don’t know that you have.”

  “What do you mean?” Big Momma scratched her head. “How would I not know that?”

  “Styles is his last name…Kevin Styles from the channel 17 news.” Savannah waited for a hint or recognition to cross her face.

  “Wow, him? Nice job. He seems like a good catch….fine young man. You telling me that he was single when you got him?”

  “Yes,” Savannah answered in an as matter-of-fact tone.

  “Hard to imagine that one.” Big Momma hesitated, then spoke. “Baby, just take your time with him…enjoy yourselves. Find out what you have in common or don’t have in common. Outside of that bit of advice….pass me that salt and pepper from over there.”

  Savannah thought that it was odd for her mother to make such a comment. Now that made three warnings to heed… one from Richard, then Jazzy of all people, now her… Now more determined to make her relationship work and let her family and friends see them prosper together, Savannah decided that it really was a good idea to bring him to the dinner to let them see just how good he was for her despite what reservations they may feel.

  “Ok momma, I will. Before I go is there anything else you need?” she asked.

  “No.”

  “Ok then. I’m leaving now.”

  ******************************************

  The dining area was cozy warm, lit by the small fireplace that Savannah hardly every used. This night, however, she’d decided to pull out all of her good silverware, dishes, and the pieces of lingerie that Jazzy had talked her into purchasing. She stared at her reflection in the bathroom mirror and wondered what exactly it was that Kevin seemed to be so enamored about in her, then wondered if any other man saw the same thing. Hell, she knew she looked good and that Kevin was thrilled to have her. Reaching inside her bra, she lifted her breasts so that they sat just right in the bra she’d just brought and then covered herself with her thin robe.

  Not really one for cooking, she’d prepared a quick, but delicious meal made up of baked salmon garnished with fresh parsley and a lemon mixture drizzled over it, asparagus tips, a roasted garlic pasta salad, and white wine. All of this was on a whim because she was not one hundred percent sure that he was actually going to come through this evening. Then again, he had been so regular with his three nightly visits each week, she was pretty sure that he was coming this evening since he hadn’t the previous two nights. He’d be surprised to see that she went through so much trouble to please him. Hell, she surprised herself. Never, in a million years would she have thought that she’d be acting like a love struck, high school student. Especially now, at twenty nine, she shouldn’t be so taken by any man since she had already gotten a taste of drama and heartache before. Reasoning that each relationship and situation is different and garbage baggage shouldn’t present itself in other relationships, she’d decided to give this one a fresh start…minus the dreadful memories of the past. He made it easy for her to forget the past by treating her like the queen she knew she already was.

  This time, she thought, Kevin was different. She’d taken things a bit slower and wasn’t as hasty to jump his bones, no matter how hard it was at first to resist. Glad she was now past that state, she could be more free. And free she had become. They’d spent a lot of their free time together and she was more comfortable being herself with him than she could remember being with anyone else.

  Underneath her dark brown, clay mask, she smiled, thinking of all the delights she had in store for him this evening. Bending down to wash her face clean, the door bell rang.

  “Damn, he is early,” she said and then scrambled to her bedroom to at least slip on some comfortable jeans. She opted to not answer the door half clothed for fear of them not eating after all the thought she put into preparing it.

  “You’re earlier than--” she stopped talking as she found Richard standing on the other side of her door. “What are you doing here?” she asked, surprised by his presence.

  “Hey lady,” he sauntered past her, heading for a seat. “I was just in the neighborhood and decided to stop by.” He took a good look at her, soaking in the fact that she was really surprised to see him, probably more so than he was to just be in the area.

  “Hi. What’s up?”

  “Looks like I caught you at a bad time, huh?” He smiled. “I just rolled by to say hi and I wanted to talk to you about someone…..”

  “Who is it?” she glanced towards the door. “You are alone aren’t you? I’m not trying to be rude, but yes, I was or am kind of busy.”

  “Déjà vu,” he laughed. One of his dreads fell from his pulled back ponytail. “I remember this happening before, only it was you coming in on me. She is not with me right now.”

  “I remember. I remember that you were in a hurry, just as I am now.” She glanced at the wall clock. “Is this woman you want me to meet the same one that you were seeing before? Is this the same woman that has been keeping you occupied?” She winked at him.

  “Yep, her name is Naomi. But I can bring her by another time. She is kind of new in town and I just wanted her to get acquainted with some people. I thought that maybe you and Jasmine could take her out. You know get some girly time in.”

  “Sounds like love to me. Either that or you just want my approval?”

  “Whatever, I will talk to yo
u later. Take care of your business…and be careful because I am sure that all of this is for that Kevin dude,” he said as he waved his hand in the air.

  “As a matter of fact, it is. I will be careful. I promise.” She kissed him on the cheek and let him out the door, then rushed back to her bedroom.

  After a quick shower, Savannah dressed and added the finishing touches to the dinner. Setting an intimate table for two, Savannah delighted in thinking of what would come afterwards, her stomach warmed and flipped at the same time. Jazzy was right, she was falling, despite as much as she tried to deny it. She found herself watching him on the news more often than she would ever admit to him, knowing that he probably already knew. Just as sure as the ocean was blue, she knew that she loved him already. Now it was time to take him to her family.

  Another hour had passed before Savannah started to wonder what the hold up was. Her Vanilla scented candles had started to burn well into the second hour and had whittled themselves down about three quarters in length. He hadn’t called or anything. Now closer to 10:30 p.m., a slight case of worry set in only to be cut short by a faint knock at the door.

  “Hey baby, I’m sorry I’m late…I had some stuff to clean up at work that needed to be done tonight. I know I should have called,” he said, brushing by her and bypassing her questioning face and half clothed body. She’d gone through so much trouble to look good for him and he hadn’t even noticed.

  Savannah decided to not question him and to let him just talk. She followed him to the dining area. “Are you hungry?” She squashed the worried, and slightly upset feelings and decided that now that he was there, she’d make the best of it.

  “I’m starving.” He loosened his tie and sat at the table. His strong grasp enclosed her by the waist as she passed by. “By the way, baby, you look good…So can I have dessert….after dessert?” He flashed his pearly white teeth, with the whole intention of keeping her mind occupied with hopes of what was to come as opposed to what had just transpired.