Champagne, Cigars & Southern Nights

Ladies and Gentleman, Brooklyn James

A hot shower and a little Megan the Stallion blasting and I am definitely feelin' myself. I make my way to my closet to find an outfit for girls night. Hmmm.. a sheer bodysuit and fitted black jeans it is! Always gotta look my best for my loves. I order my car service  while I throw on my booties and grab my clutch. The car arrives and I hop in looking for a night to escape. This night is exactly what I need and so overdue.  A night away from the pressure and expectations of those around me. A night to experience the slightest amount of freedom. My girls or my loves as I call them are part of my chosen family. Just as a heart needs all four chambers to properly function for the body, these girls are the other three I need to thrive and function at my best. 

Kennedy and I met Georgette our freshman year. She was new to Boston from Seattle only coming here for her college tour. We instantly bonded when her gorgeous red mane stood out against fall foliage in Massachusetts. Having my camera on me, I asked if I could take her photo and we have been friends ever since. The three of us met Vivi, our Miami mami, when she threw a drink on Miller's biggest douche frat brother at a party one night. I had to meet the girl that finally put him in his place and it was like love at first sight for all four of us and we have been inseparable since. I smile thinking of all the memories we have together and it feels bitter sweet knowing that this is the start of our last year of us all being in the same place. But our bond won't keep us away from each other long because who can truly live if pieces of your heart are missing.

My driver alerts me that we have arrived and I step out of the car, The James is written across the restaurant. It screams elegance.  I make my way to the hostess and smile at a few familiar faces around me. "Hi. I'm here for a reservation under Kennedy Morgan."

"Right this way" she says as a waiter directs me through the restaurant. I can't help but feel the eyes on me as I walk through. Part of being in society is everyone knowing who you are or thinking they know who you are.  It's a burden that I am frankly tired of carrying and one I did not sign up for. I swear I hear the click and flash of a camera but before I can turn to look, my breath is nearly knocked out of me as we continue to make our way through The James. Every detail is perfect. The fresh flowers match the golden trimming while the chandeliers have the right touch to let you know this isn't your parents stuffy dining treat. No, this is an experience. This is Bad and Boujee. Whoever created this, is making their mark known to this elite society.

Kennedy and Vivi are already at the table, drinks in hand with laughter filling the room. "Girls", and they both look up!

" Well, look at this bitch" Kennie growls biting her finger as she looks at my outfit.

"Feeling a little frisky?" Vivi winks. Georgette enters behind me pinching my butt and apologizes for running late. It's been awhile since we have done this. These girls are my anchor. Vivi has been traveling to finish up her internship in education in Spain, Georgette is studying for law school exams and Kennedy is preparing to finish  her MBA while assisting her father with business and planning a wedding.

"Alright spill" says Kennie while handing me a glass of champagne.

I caught  Vivi and Georgette up on what happened in class that morning. "So when I get back to my place to relax, mommie devil calls, I say while leaning forward with annoyance clearly in my tone. Apparently Miller must have tattled to his mom that I said no to dinner. She proceeded to tell me that I should put Miller first and that a future with him would mean great security."

"Umm, you're not poor. Like your family is rich rich. Vivi interjects . And you are super talented. You don't need Miller to have security."

" Well it's exhausting and pops is in DC for a lawyer summit so she is laying in on extra hard even though he has warned her to back off. Also I am sure someone snapped my photo when I walked in. Before the night is over, I bet she will have an opinion on my outfit of choice for the night. Wow Camille, could have dressed anymore unladylike like? You think that's how Miller wants his future wife to be seen in public?''