Remember The Time: An MJ Love Story

Part 6

Kierra

"No, no, no," I screech when I see the outfit my friends want me to wear. A red tube top, a cheetah print skirt, and black stilleto heels.

"Come on Kierra! You've got a great shape. Show it off a little," Alex complains. I should throw this shoe at him, but they are cute. Just not my style.

"Red's your color," Tya coaxes. I fold my arms and glare at them. Tell them you're going on a date, and they instantly turn you into their barbie doll. They know damn well I fucking hate skirts. With a strong passion.

"You love heels," Geg tries. That's true, but not these. They look so...not me.

"Do you want him to pay attention to you," Tarrio asks. If only they knew I could be dressed in a hula skirt and I'd still have Michael's attention.

"I appreciate the effort, but dressing like a hoochie won't get Michael to focus on me," I say, throwing the outfit back on my bed.

I don't realize what I just said until Alex asks, "Who's Michael?" Aw, hell. They all look at each other then at me.

"Who is Michael, Kierra," Tya asks, coming closer to me. Boy, I need to think of a good lie and quick.

"He's, uh, my repairman. We've spoken a couple times and finally, He worked up the nerve to ask me out," I lie.

"You and a repairman," Tarrio asks like he doesn't believe me.

"It does sound like a lie, Kierra. You and a Mr. Fix-it? It's like a slug and salt," Gilana puts in.

I scoff at them. I don't believe this. "Are y'all calling me shallow?" Slowly, but surely, they nod.

"You go after guys with a big bank account," Tya says.

"Not to mention a nice car," Alex throws in. They aren't just calling me shallow, they're making me sound like a gold digger. And I have my own money!

"No, that's not true. His money doesn't mean a thing if I don't have his heart. I thought my relationship with Jordan taught you this," I scold. Looking at them, I see they still don't get it.

"I guess not," I sigh, walking out of my bedroom. Leave it to my best friends to be the ones who ruin my birthday. My cell phone interrupts my thoughts, making me jump. I slide the green button on my phone and answer.

"Sweets, babe. Where are you," Michael asks.

I chuckle, "It's not nine yet." I'm not going to lie, though. I'm anxious to see him tonight. Even though I just saw him earlier, I get a little more giddy as nine comes a minute closer.

"I know, but how about we do a little something to kill the time," he suggests.

"Like what?" I pop a grape in my mouth.

"Maybe go to Lumen," he suggests. So we're not going tomorrow.

"That's good and all, but Lumen doesn't open until," I roll up my sleeve and check my watch, "Ten."

I would love to throw this ass back on Michael, but I don't want to wait.

"Exactly," he says. Lumen is a fun club to go to, but I have too many bad experiences with it. Like once I punched a girl out. Or the time I danced on the bar. Or when Jordan gave me a lap dance. For me to be a journalist, I manage to get myself in a lot of trouble, but it seems like it only boosts my cool factor.

"So you thought I would just agree to a night of club-hopping," I tease.

"Pretty much," he says. I'm not going to give in just yet. I am, but I'm going to make him beg.

"Hmm, I don't know. I'm so exhausted," I groan.

Just like I expected, he replies with, "But Kierra."

This is going exactly how I wanted. Trying to keep from laughing, I say, "I know I brought it up, but I was looking forward to a romantic walk on the beach."

Of course, my friends interrupt my moment.

"Kierra," Alex calls.

"Who was that," Michael asks. How badly I wanted to say 'Nobody' and just keep talking to Michael, but my friends are like a roach infestation. They won't go away that easy.

"About this romantic walk on the beach," Michael starts. I'm all ears as Alex taps my shoulder. I jump and wheel to face him.

"Dammit, Hood," I growl. Hood mouths, "Who are you talking to?" I put my finger up to my lips to shush him.

"Sweets, who was that," Michael asks.

"Kierra Chantell Walker-Jackson, who are you talkin' to," Alex interrogates again. Michael laughs in my ear. I got to focus my attention on one of these guys because both of them is just too much for me.

"Honey, let me call you back," I say to Michael. Before he can reply, I quickly hang up. I know it was rude, but Alex wouldn't stop. Honestly, I just rescued Michael.

"Alex, how many times have I told you not to interrupt me while I'm on the phone? That could have been my boss," I lecture.

"I don't think so. Since when do you call your boss honey," he asks. Touché. He has a point, but I'll be damned if I let him miss mine.

"Look, Hood. I could have been discussing a serious thing I was dealing with on the phone," I say. Before walking into my room, I glare back at him. "And did you really have to say Walker-Jackson?"