The Prestigious

Love Lost

The next morning, Kim woke up to the smell of something frying. Seconds later, walking in wearing nothing but his lucky boxers, was Royal holding a tray filled with eggs, bacon, strawberry crepes, and more of Kim's favorites.

"Baby you shouldn't have." She said sitting up and kissing Royals poked out lips.

"I'll do anything for the woman I love."

Kim grew silent: this was the first time that they had mentioned 'love'.

"Roy-you don't-"

Royal shook his head. "Can't nobody convince me that this ain't real, Kim. It's been real since I walked into your salon and you came strutting-"

"I was not 'strutting'-"

Royal fed Kim a piece of egg and replied, "Baby, we have been together a year and six months and I know when you put on your 'make him look at my booty' walk. I've been doing most of the lookin'."

"Whatever," Kim replied, swatting his arm playfully. The first sprouts of her love had formed early in their relationship. On their first date to be exact.

* * *

After hours of endless preparation, Kim was ready.

"It's about time; I thought you had died in there." Caliya appeared in the doorway, hands on her hips. She insisted on coming over to help.

"Liya, I want everything to be perfect. How do I look?"

Kim didn't need anyone to tell her how good she looked. Her form fitting pink, slinky Costello Tagliapietra spring dress. It complimented her vibrant wavy curls. She was in love with the way that her pink Dolce & Gabbano heels boosted her up six inches, so she and Royal were only apart about three inches.

"Kim, that outfit just paid for itself."

Kim twirled in front of the floor length mirror, admiring herself from the front and back.."Thank God, because it was all my rent money."

The doorbell chimed, causing Kim to feel those nervous butterflies play around in her stomach. Caliya motioned for her to go in the back so she could be announced.

"Hello. I'm here to pick up Kim. Is she ready yet?" Kim clung to the doorknob of her bedroom, sighing as she heard Royal's sensuous voice.

"She should be. I'll let her know you're here."

Leaning against the door, Kim felt a little dizzy. Caliya knocked and she let her in.

"Caliya, I don't think I can do this. I don't think I can go out tonight. I feel really sick."

Caliya punched her in the stomach, knocking all the air out of her. Kim hit her white shag carpet with a thud. Her eyes formed slits as Caliya crouched down in front of her.

"What did you do that for?" Kim asked, clutching her stomach.

The girl could swing."I thought I might try to knock some of those butterflies out of you? Did it help?"

After catching her breath, Kim found that she felt partially relieved. "A little. Now help me stand up."

"Kim, you know you can't walk in no six inch heels. Why'd you buy 'em?"

Wobbling, Kim replied, "I wanted him to be face-to-face with me. Or at least close to it. How does he look?"

"Fine as hell, and if you don't stop getting all girly and bubbly, Imma leave with him."