Shades of Sepia

XIV

Onika Tanya Maraj
December 7th
Aspen, Colorado

Sierra and I scoped the house, leaving our lovers behind because we were so excited. We only held our purses, and even then, we handed those over too.

I was leaning into what Sierra said to me and what Beyoncé had told me previously. I should be enjoying myself in this relationship and using everything to my advantage. Being afraid to let go was holding me back. Beyoncé genuinely cared for me and she was not shy about wanting to give, especially to me. In Sierra's words, I just had to listen and be pretty.

Like she had read my mind, Beyoncé headed to our bedroom and I followed her, in complete awe of this place. It was huge. I could only imagine what these rooms looked like.

I stood in the door, watching her toss our bags onto the bed. This room was large enough to fit all four of us inside, and probably four more. I went over and wrapped my arms around her, resting my cheek on her back.

"Is this your way of saying thank you?"

"Yes," I answered while she rubbed my hand, "Thank you baby."

"Let me turn around and give you a hug." When she did, she kissed me on top of my head. "Happy early birthday."

"Have you already been here before?"

"Solange and I share a cabin out here but I paid millions for this damn trip, this is where we're staying."

"For the money you paid, we better not have to lift a finger."

"You don't worry about any of that. I got you baby."

I took her by the hand, taking her with me to explore the entire house.

It seemed like there were more windows than walls and the view made me feel like I was sitting in the sky with the clouds. Our patio outside had no snow, like people came daily to clean. Honestly, that was probably the case.

We were engulfed by the large trees that were covered in snow. The balcony outside our bedroom was covered by them, but there was no snow.

I felt like the place had been personalized just for me.

I heard footsteps coming down the stairs. Sierra was more excited than me. She took me by the arm after covering me with my North Face and took me outside onto the patio.

She looked like a big kid, like she had just come from a room full of candy and toys. I was glad that she was enjoying herself.

Before she could even start talking, the door opened, "We'll be back," Solange said.

"Where y'all going?" I perked up immediately.

"We'll be back like she said. Listen with your ears, not your mouth."

"Come out here."

She passed Solange and came over. The door shut and I could see Solange wiggling her brows behind the glass.

As soon as Beyoncé got close enough, I wrapped my arms around her neck. She leaned down to kiss me, sliding her hands into my jacket.

"Where you going?"

"I'm not telling you and you know that so stop asking me. Go get yourself real pretty for me. I've already picked everything out for you and Jenny should be here soon to do your makeup."

I whispered against her lips, "Is she white?"

"I wouldn't do you like that," She pulled me in closer, continuing to kiss me, her cold ass nose brushing up against mine. "You make me wanna stay here."