The Ladder

Chapter 5 - Slick's

Nashon started his journey towards the high-class neighborhood - Greystone Estates. It was about a 40 minute drive from the hood and about 20 minutes from the city. As Nashon got near it seemed as though he entered a whole different world. There was no garbage on the side of the road, all the grass was perfectly cut, and each house had a large gate at the entrance, followed by a long driveway.

The upcoming sign read "Greystone Estates" and behind it was a security stop, with a gate blocking the entrance. Good day, sir. I'm here for Miss Tiffany Winters. Can I see some ID? You can proceed.
Nashon had driven past Greystone Estates before but had never been in that deep.

As he entered, he noticed the houses were even bigger than the ones he passed before. These houses were massive. All mansions with huge entrances following massive gates. He drove slowly as he counted the house numbers. Luckily, Nashon's ride wasn't too shabby, so it didn't stare too much attention. He drove a green 2013 BMW 3 Series that he bought second hand from his boss. He kept it up very well.

33, that's the house. Wow, she lives here? Oh my God, what am I getting myself into? There was a camera and intercom to press when approaching the gate. This is the Winters residence, a voice responded after he pressed the button. Hi, my name is Nashon. I'm here for Ms. Tiffany...I mean Ms. Winters...I mean Tiffany. The gate slowly started to swing open. The drive in felt like it was a mile long. This is incredible. I've never seen anything like this in person.

Nashon gawked in amazement as he tried to take in every inch of scenery as he drove towards the entrance. As he approached, Tiffany emerged through the big 10-foot solid wood doors. She was wearing strappy heels and an elegant peach sparkly dress that stopped right before the knee and fit her body like a glove.

Wow, you are stunning, Nashon said with a big smile and eyes gleaming. He was starting to question his choice of restaurant, since Tiffany was way overdressed for Slicks. Thank you Nashon. Tiffany said with a warm smile. Did you have any issues finding the place? No not at all the instructions were very clear.

This house is like a hotel, how many people live in that place? Well, it's only my mom, dad, and myself, but there are also quarters for the cook, the butler, the property manager, the maids, chefs and security.
That's incredible I've never seen anything like this in my life. What does your dad do? Run the country? No. Tiffany giggled. he's the founder and CEO of the hedge fund company I work for. Oh, I see. Well, that's some serious bread in that company to be living like this. It's unreal.

Nashon was considering changing his dinner plans. He was convinced Slicks would be way too low class for Tiffany. How could he make reservations to another restaurant without her knowing? He wondered. He stayed pretty quiet during the drive baffling his brain. So, where are we going again? Well, Tiffany, to be honest, I made plans to go to this jazz restaurant just outside the city, but I'm not sure if you would like it. Jazz? I love jazz, that's sounds amazing. Ok then. Slick's it is.

Nashon pulled up and noticed there were a few people gathered outside waiting to get in, but he knew the bouncer and knew that wouldn't be a problem. He parked in the parking lot across the street from the entrance and grabbed Tiffany's hand as they walked swiftly across. Hey Nash! My boy! You and the beautiful lady can go through. The bouncer said as he held him up with a handshake only hood niggas knew.

After you ma'am, Nashon said while holding the door open. The restaurant was dimly lit and had hints of blue illuminating from each corner. There was a stage in the front with a pianist playing the keys. The waitress came with a menu and showed them to their seat. Can I take your drink order? Yes, I'll just have a Heineken for now, please. Sure and for the lady? Ah...what are your choices of wine? We have white and red. Umm...I'll take a white, I guess. Pinot, Sauvignon or Moscato? Umm..Sauvignon is fine with me. Tiffany said with a nervous smile.

Sorry, I should have told you they don't have a big wine selection here. Oh no that's fine. I'm alright with what they have. Tiffany browsed the menu. Oh, do they have a vegan menu? Umm, maybe not. Your vegan? Well yes, I stay away from anything that had a face. Oh, I see well is my face an exception? Nashon joked. Tiffany hesitated and then laughed once she realized he was joking. Well, I'm going to get the smothered barbeque ribs. They are the best in town. Um, I'll try a salad, Tiffany responded.

Are you ready to order? Yes, do you have Mediterranean salads? Tiffany asked. We have toss, Caesar or chef. Um...I guess I will have a tossed salad, please. I'll take the smothered ribs with mash and broccoli, please. Ok sir, I'll be right back with you lots order.

The jazz band started soothing its music in with the pianist. Tiffany was starting to relax a little, she was looking a bit stiff and nervous at first. So Tiffany, how would your dad feel if he knew you were out on a date with a guy like me. I'm a grown woman Nashon. I make my own decisions. How would your mom feel about you dating a woman like me? Nashon looked down at the table for a second. Well my mom passed some years back from cancer. Oh, Nashon I am so sorry I didn't know. It's fine I live with my Aunty, she's like a mom to me. My dad left when I was a baby and I haven't heard from him since. I'm sorry Nashon. Tiffany grabbed his hand and started caressing it. Do you have any siblings? No, I'm the only child..well, I was until I moved in with my cousins Melvin and Latisha. Now, they are like my siblings. It must be fun to grow up with other children in your household. Ya, we have some great times together, we are really close.

The food arrived and Nashon stopped to say grace. Tiffany peeked at him with one eye open. She was caught off guard by the gesture. Do you go church Tiffany? well, I'm not a religious person, I believe that you are in control of your own destiny. Well, I definitely believe in God. My Aunty made sure we attended church every Sunday growing up. I don't go that often now, but I still pray and read the Bible from time to time. That's good Nashon that you practice your belief. I try my best, Nashon replied as he lifted a rib to his mouth.

Would you like to dance? The dance floor had a few older couples dancing to the jazz music. I guess, why not. Nashon took her hand and led her to the dance floor. Her perfume captured him. he breathed in a riff of her flower fragranced hair as she drew closer to him. Tiffany laid her head on Nashon's hard buffed chest as they slowly rocked to the music. It was like they were the only ones in the room. Nashon had to snap out of his trans to make sure his boy down there didn't get too carried away. He glanced over at the old couple embracing to quickly change his thoughts.

You are so beautiful, Tiffany. I have never met anyone like you. You're like a breath of fresh air. Tiffany looked up and said you are too and leaned in for a kiss. Nashon wrapped his lips around hers and the room seemed to spin as they seductively kissed like no one was around. It was no calming his boy now, he was well awake. Tiffany couldn't help but feel the bulge against her waist going down his leg. She was just as aroused. His sexy lips felt so soft and once he slipped his tongue in, she was gushing wet. Nashon finally opened his eyes when the band changed songs. Tiffany, you're the one. I don't want this moment to end. Nashon, it doesn't have to.

The club was approaching its closing. They had a few more drinks and danced some more. Now, Miss Tiffany, it's time for me to return you to your palace. Tiffany examined his face trying to read his bluff. She rested her glass down and followed Nashon to the door holding his hand.

As he drove her home, he told her again he was sure she was the one and he really wanted to have a relationship with her. Tiffany agreed and said, we can give it a try. Once they arrived, Nashon reached in for another kiss before he got out to open Tiffany's car door. Good night my beautiful Princess. Good night my Prince. Nashon watched as Tiffany disappeared into the house and the tall doors shut behind her.
Fuck! Nashon shouted once he drove out of the gate. Mel was right she gave me blue balls, he smiled shaking his head.