Beyond The Leather

Chapter 17: To the Moon



January 13th, 1986

"Wow, who gave you these?" Tamara asked walking into my room and noticing the roses in the vase.

Shit! I completely forgot about those. "I... uh...a secret admirer." I lied throwing the covers off me.

"Well, what's his name?" She picked the vase up.

"I said he was a secret admirer. The delivery man gave them to me." I got up out of bed hoping she would stop asking questions.

"That's so cute, you know when I was your age and modeling. A lot of men chased after me. I was the hottest thing in the news." She chirped

"I believe you, Tamara." I giggled.

The thing with Tamara was that she had a lot of guys come calling for her. But she never settled with any of them. She also doesn't have children and I often wonder if that's by choice.

"So how did the Magazine shoots go? I'm sorry I got back late both times I was really busy." She leaned against my dresser crossing her arms.

"They were good, I like Rachel." I smiled.

"I'm glad you do 'cause she's also going to be doing London fashion week. So, you'll have someone to talk to." She moved off the counter and left my room.

"Hey," I called out to Tamara.

"Do I have any bookings or anything today?" I asked.

"No sweety you're off today. But tomorrow we have a lot to do."

I brushed, showered, and threw on some clothes. I wanted to relax a bit and watch TV before, and Nikki went out. I heard the phone Ring.

"I got it!" I yelled running to the phone.

"Hello!"

"Mani?"

"Hey, Nik," I whispered

"Why are you whispering?" He asked

"Because of Tamaras here." I giggled

"So are we still on for today?" He asked like he was unsure if I still wanted to go out with him.

"Yes, we are," I whispered again.

He sighed in relief. "When can I get you?" His voice sounded like he was very excited.

"Um... I'll meet you somewhere. We can meet at our old cafe at 6, is that alright with you?"

"Sure, is a princess."

By this point, I was smiling to myself like a schoolgirl. God, what has gotten into me? Before I know it, I'll be drooling.

"Alright see you then." I laughed.

"Hey before you hang up, what are you wearing?" He laughed.

I hung the phone up right away. Nikki was still Nikki. He could be sweet sometimes but at the same time be a complete pig.

6:15 pm

"Why are you rushing to leave? Can't she pick you up here?" Tamara asked blocking the doorway.

"No, she can't I promised Her I would meet her Tammi. Now please I need to go!" I raised my voice.

"Do not raise your voice at me, young lady. If you don't speak to your mom like that you sure as hell won't speak to me like that!" She shouted.

I looked over at the clock, Nikki for sure would start wondering where I was, or worse he would think that I wasn't going to show up. And whenever Nikki had those types of thoughts, he would show up here at the Condo and start making noise. And I didn't need that right now especially when Tamara was here.