One and Only

EMBERS

We approach the club to see a line of people waiting outside. Plenty of XO gear is visible. Obviously the fact that The Weeknd is here has made its way around.  Now that I think about it, I should've added on to that alcohol order a little.  I hear he rolls deep with his crew and their reputation has been cemented in this city as well. Now I'm over thinking.  My driver pulls up the the fire colored carpet with spatters of orange and red and people are screaming.  They probably think it's him.  There's an audible amount of collective groans when they see it's only us.  We walk down the carpet, lights everywhere, music so loud you can clearly hear it from outside.  At the end of the carpet is Tony.  He flashes his beautiful smile at me, his black eyes penetrating me, giving me the up and down.

"Like a shark" I lean in and say to Kamika

" Like a predator!" Kamika says, again, I laugh.  We approach him, he gives Kamika a courtesy hug and kiss on the cheek. He turns to me and brings me into a full embrace and whispers in my ear,

"You look edible in that dress"

"Not on the menu Tony, how's it going so far?" I move passed the bullshit, he had the chance, I don't give second opportunities.

"Without a hitch, The Weeknd should be here any minute, since you were so late. " So now it's going to be THIS side of him.

"I'm sorry Tony, it's only been 8 months of 18 hour days, 7 days a week, non stop going going going, how dare I finally take 3 hours to sleep!"

His eyes get darker, I know that look,  " That fucking sexy mouth of yours always gets you in trouble. " He reaches for me and I make a move to slip away.  Just then I hear girls screaming hysterically and realize The Weeknd is exiting his black Escalade.  We all turn our attention to the approaching group of thug looking mother fuckers. Kamika is especially at high alert,  she wants her hands on Lamar lol.  She's always had this thing for him.  Cash is the first to greet us, he lovingly leans into Tony giving him a handshake and a hug they say a few brief words. Tony fails to introduce us. Typical fucking jealous Tony. Cash looks a little confused because we're just standing there and Tony is offering no relief to the awkwardness.  I reach out my hand and introduce myself,
" Hello Cash,  it's amazing to meet you, I'm Rachel and this is my partner Kamika, we run Outlaw Solutions, the consulting firm that helped open this club. "

"He doesn't need to hear your resume Rocky!" Tony laughs and places himself in between me and Cash.  This mother fucker just treated me like some dumb groupie! Me and Kamika exchange looks, she knows me, she knows I can't be disrespected like that.

" And he doesn't need YOU as a date, so why don't you give him some room!" Everyone around us started laughing and I can see the red in his eyes now.  Cash reaches over his hand to me as he's chuckling.  He then introduces us to some of the crew,  Hawk who can't stop staring,  Hyghly who looks a little too high,  Lamar who was sweet and finally Abel.  The sex was coming off of Abel naturally.  His eyes were low and seductive, he reaches his hand out to Kamika then myself and I felt it.

You ever have a connection with someone instantly? A draw to them? An inexplicable chemistry? I'm not sure if that's how he makes all girls feel but I couldn't get my hand away fast enough. I felt something I haven't EVER felt with any man... NERVOUS.

"Thank you for coming tonight Mr.???"

"You can call me Abel" He laughs. He must get that a lot.

" Abel," I laugh myself and continue,  "let me show you inside to your VIP area, we'll get your crew anything you need or want.."

"Including you?" His eyes were not coming off my body and I swear I think I'm sweating. He has a smirk across his face and I can't tell if he's flirting or just doing what he's "known" for.

"I'll check on you from time to time if need be, " I say trying to remain professional. I'm not trying to look stupid if he's just being friendly. He smiles and stands there making me internally come unhinged.  I escort his group inside where the lights are dim changing colors from red, blue, orange and green.  Me and Kamika lead them upstairs and the entire time I feel myself completely aware of my walk.

" Damn that ass fat" I hear behind me. I pretend I don't,  I don't want to make eye contact. I show them upstairs and Lamar is sweetly commenting on how he loves the decor.  Thank you, that was us! There's couches and big comfortable chairs with about five different seating areas so they can move about upstairs only if they want.

" The girls should be up any minute with your bottles, we have Hennessy, Ciroc, and Sapphire, again if there's anything else you need food..."

"Why don't you sit over here and talk to me a minute" He hasn't stopped burning a hole through me since I've seen him!

"Abel,  there are plenty of girls here tonight that aren't opening up a club, " He laughs, " I'm sure you can find some company. " I quickly excuse me and Kamika and send the bottle girls up.

I'm suddenly a wreck and head to the bar for a double.

" Wwhhaatt was THAT?" Kamika asked as the bartender approaches.

"Can we have 2 double shots of Patron with lime, no salt, " I place our order,  " That my good friend is my next mistake! I'll be staying far away!"

"Well Lamar keeps giving me the eye and asked if I wanted to stay up there" We laugh and down our shots. I need to steady these nerves.

" Do you boo boo, I'm gonna check on mama and papa in the kitchen." Tony has his parents catering the event tonight with authentic Italian cuisine, just made into smaller appetizer sized bites.  I love them tremendously, they're good people and they grew fond of me quickly when I was with Tony.

I watch Kamika head towards VIP, I on the other hand head to the kitchen. Being smart to avoid your mistakes can be boring sometimes, but how else can I protect myself?