Tainted Love

The Beginning VII

The Beginning Part VII

She smiled.

"Yes, I did. They're beautiful."

"I'm glad you like them. I called to see if you were busy tonight. If you're free, maybe we can get together."

"I'm free for the evening. Actually, I'm free all day. I'm not on call until tomorrow. What did you have in mind?"

"Are you sure? You don't sound up to it. I'll understand if you can't make it."

"I'm fine. I got into it with a friend of mine. We're not seeing eye-to-eye on a certain matter. Right now, it seems we're never going to get over it," she told him.

"Emonie said you've been down in the bumps. How about I send you to a day at the spa?"

"Are you serious?"

"Yes. My family owns a spa downtown on Fifth Street. Why don't you take Emonie with you? She's been working hard lately. I think she could use a trip to the spa, too. That's, if it's okay with you." He paused. "I'll call and make all the arrangements. I'll make sure they give you guys the works."

"Allen, you're amazing. You don't have to do this."

"What, you don't want to go to the spa? I'm sure Emonie would love to go," he baited her. "I can send my car for you."

"I'll drive myself. You're doing so much already." She was still smiling.

"Niyah, I don't want you to do anything but to relax and enjoy yourself. I'll talk to you later."

Niyah pushed the button to dial Emonie on speed dial.

"Hello."

"Oh my God! You're not going to believe what happened. I can't believe it myself." She lay on her bed.

"What is it? Is it Michael?"

"I just finished talking to Allen. He's treating you and me to a day at the spa. Get your stuff together and I'll meet you downtown on Fifth Street."

"Wait a minute. When did all of this happen? Better yet, what the hell is wrong with Michael? He was trippin'! You disappeared. I was ready to knock his ass out!"

"Did you hear what I said? Allen invited you and me to his spa," she repeated. "Forget what you and Michael were arguing about!"

Michael had been standing outside her door since she talked to Allen.

"I'll meet you there in thirty minutes."

Allen had been a perfect gentleman. He was sending her to one of the hottest spas on the East Coast. Tranquility was in all the magazines. It was exclusive. People on the A-list waited months to step through the doors. This was the top of the line in spas, and he was sending her.

Niyah went downstairs to look for her keys, when she ran into Michael. She stood there for a moment as their eyes met. No one said anything. She continued to look for her keys. He shook his head.

"You're going to make this easy for him, aren't you? Rabbit, you're falling for him and you don't even know it." Niyah didn't respond. "You have nothing to say?" he yelled.

"What do you want me to say?"

"Say you're not going to fall for his bullshit!"

Niyah saw her keys on the coffee table. She picked them up and headed out the door.

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