The Love That Grew

Ch. 12 Girls Day

California

December 

"If a man don't have his word, he don't have nothin'," her grandfather's words rang through her head as Jashae stared at the money in her bank account in disbelief. Xavier stuck to his word; besides paying who knows what for the rental property, he also paid her the $20,000 for the month as promised.

"Shay, I'll be in the car, don't forget to lock up," Raynell called from downstairs. Today, since Raynell was free and Jashae was all caught up on her schoolwork, the girls were going on a bestie date.

The women arrived at Plush, an all-in-one beauty bar one of Raynell's clients had raved about. They heard the buzzing of blow dryers, the hum of massage chairs, and the chatter among the numerous clients and employees. The interior was a soft pink and gold theme, and the array of large, healthy live plants near the front indicated they were well taken care of.

Less than five minutes after being checked in, the women were taken to the massage chairs to get their pedicures. To their surprise, their nail tech also offered them complimentary champagne.

"Oh no, thank you. I'll take a water," Jashae declined, deciding not to take any chances until she saw Dr. Carlisle tomorrow.

"I think we both needed this, girl. I feel like we haven't spent any time together since we've been out here. Today's just a Ray and Shay day, so let me know what you wanna do next," Raynell said through sips of her drink.

Jashae agreed. The two had already been in California for a month, and with Raynell constantly working and her doing online courses, checking in on Jackson, and going to doctor's appointments, they hardly got to spend any real time together like they used to back home.

"Mhmmm, 'cause you always working or sneaking around with Peezy."

Raynell tried to laugh off the accusation, but her blush gave it away. "Girl, didn't you and X just have a whole date the other day?"

"I know you not putting lunch and hunching in the same category, chiiiiile, and before you deny it, I heard y'all the morning after the club. Nasty asses could've at least made sure I was asleep!"

Raynell, embarrassed, swatted the girl's arm and covered her face. "Shay, oh my God! Why didn't you say something!? That was weeks ago! And I'm just saying, I think you and Xavier have good chemistry. I'm glad y'all are getting more acquainted."

Jashae smacked her teeth playfully. "Ray, that man's someone elses whole fiancé. This is just a business transaction, remember? But between you and me, I wouldn't mind going to the next appointment without Tahiri. I don't even know if they're talking again, and I don't wanna be in the middle of an argument at the doctor's office."

"You do nails?" The seasoned nail tech asked.

"Yes, we're doing nails and eyebrows," Raynell spoke up. The woman then guided them over to the nail station. While the best friends talked about everything under the sun, another client caught Raynell's attention.

Jashae discreetly followed her eyes and shrugged once she saw Tahiri's friend Alexis, hugged up with some guy with a hoodie covering his head and face. She only gave a person one time to rub her the wrong way, and Alexis had rubbed her the wrong way both times they met.

Alexis spoke loudly and obnoxiously. It was obvious she didn't need liquid courage; she was naturally annoying as hell. So much for a peaceful girls' day, Jashae thought, her eyes widening once the man with Alexis took his hood off and revealed Eric, Tahiri's 'friend.'