Cocktail Dreams

Chapter 6: Pep Talks & Preparations

After pacing back and forth like I was about to walk into an audition, I finally decided maybe I didn't need to come on so strong tonight. Taraji had already seen my bold side, the flirty me that could make a whole room laugh without breakin' a sweat. But I wanted her to know more, the parts of me that were a little softer, a little quieter. The truth was, I was really feeling her, and maybe it was time to show her that.

So I picked up my phone and FaceTimed her. I was still sitting on my bed in a hoodie, with no makeup, and my hair was just kind of loose. When she answered, looking cozy but still ridiculously fine, I had to catch my breath.

"Hey boo," she said, her voice warm as honey. "What's good?"

"Hey, mama," I grinned, probably looking a bit nervous already. "I was just thinkin'—I know we talked about dinner, but I kinda wanted to check in with you. Make sure we're doing something we're both cool with, y'know?"

She laughed softly, tilting her head. "Aww, look at you being all considerate. I'm game for whatever makes you feel comfortable, Tasia. What were you thinking?"

I cleared my throat, feeling my cheeks heat up. "Well, I wanted to go somewhere laid-back but still nice, you know? I thought maybe Japanese... there's this spot I love, kinda a hidden gem. 

Got a little bit of everything—sushi, ramen, hibachi. We could just vibe and talk."

"Oooh, Japanese sounds perfect. I love sushi, so you're already winning with this idea," she said, grinning. "But what's this place like? Fancy or...?"

"It's nice, but not too much. More like cozy," I said, shrugging. "I didn't want to do anything too...I dunno, over the top, I guess?" I rubbed the back of my neck, laughing at myself. "I don't know why I'm nervous."

Taraji's smile softened, and she looked at me like she could see right through all my bluster. "I get it. But honestly? I'm excited. I just wanna spend some real time with you, for real. Just us. So, no need to be nervous, alright?"

Her words hit me, calming down the little storm I had going on in my head. "You sure?" I asked, half-smiling.

"Positive," she replied. "And honestly? I like seeing this side of you. You don't always have to be on, you know?"

I nodded, finally feeling myself at ease in the moment. "Alright, Japanese it is. I'll pick you up around seven?"

"Seven's perfect. And just be you, okay?" she said, giving me a look that had me feeling way too many things at once.

"I got you, Taraji," I said softly, feeling my own smile widen.

After we hung up, I felt more settled. Tonight wasn't about putting on a show; it was just about getting to know each other. And somehow, that felt even better.

I showed up at Derikus's salon with a bag of clothes and a heart racing faster than it had any right to be. I'd been on dates before—good dates, bad dates, and every kinda date in between. But something about tonight had me more wound up than ever. And if there was one person who could handle my nerves, it was Derikus.

"Girl, you are here early," he said, hands on his hips, giving me that look—the one that only he could give like he already knew I was about to drive him out of his mind. "You're supposed to be here at 4:00 pm, not 2:00 pm. Now, what's the emergency?"

I set my bag down and leaned against his station, huffing out a breath. "I need your help. Like, serious help. I cannot mess this up with Taraji."

He raised an eyebrow, already amused. "So this is about the dinner, huh? I knew it. You ain't ever this pressed."