Please excuse ANY errors.

February 16, 1999

~DeVanté's P.O.V~

I turned around. "You sure that you don't mind gettin' that dirty?" I asked my fiancée for clarification.

"I don't mind which is why I have it on. Duhhh... Do you see what I have on? I'm looking a little bummy," she chuckled. "I don't leave the house like this unless I'm sick or extremely tired."

"You just be sayin' anything," I shook my head at her. "Those are just regular ass clothes. Let's roll for real this time then."

This woman is wearing a fitted tracksuit and gym shoes. To me, it's regular clothing, but for her, it isn't because she dresses up all of the time. I noticed that when we made up some years back, she was dressing more maturely. Sexy, but mature. It's extremely hard to find physical gifts for Tia, but she for sure enjoys places, so that's probably what I'll do from now on for the most part. I'll still give her physical gifts, of course, but people should be gifted with things they enjoy.

"The Butterfly? Uh-uh, that's old. Let me see the Tootsee Roll," Tia sang while doing the tootie roll dance as we walked out of the door. She isn't even doing it correctly. "Dip baby, dip." Still doing the tootsie roll and walking, she started dipping.

"Oh, my God," I closed my eyes, laughing.

"Now slide. Slide. Slide. Slide," I opened my eyes again, to see her looking at me, walking backward, while moving her shoulders from left to right and bouncing her eyebrows. "Butterfly. Butterfly," she said as she was doing the funky chicken.

"Uh, I'm pretty sure that's the funky chicken. The butterfly is like the tootsie roll inside out," I told her, laughing. "Then you making up your own damn lyrics and shit," I laughed even harder.

"Don't you think I know that," she said dancing in my face. "I'm a lyricist. My last name is about to change to DeGrate who are some of the best lyricists."

"Shit... The way you goin' about it tells me otherwise," I said laughing. "If I write like that, I'd be broke."

"DAMN!" Jax said laughing hard.

"I'm embarrassed," Creed said laughing.

"I ain't. This shit is funny," I replied.

"Embarrassed for me or him?" Tia asked Creed while dancing.

"Both."

"Don't hate. Between me and Michael Jackson, we know who the best dancer is," Tia told him with a smirk.

"Babe, we know for damn sure it ain't YOU," I told her, then busted out laughing.

"Oooh, that cold DeGrate!" Tia wagged her finger at me and I opened the car door.

"Not against no damn Michael Jackson!" My eyes began to water from how much I've been laughing. "Against Masir? Maybe."

Tia gasped, "Masir? And you said maybe!?" Her voice squeaked out, then she started cracking up laughing.

"I said what I said," I shrugged and she sat down in the passenger seat.

"The jealousy that I'm sensing from both of you is very thick," Tia flipped her hair and moved her shoulder forward with a smile.

"Your confidence is definitely exuding. You ain't gon' let nobody break your stride," I told her, then closed the door.

Today, I think I want to drive and I want it to just be us. You know, for a little privacy. As I made my way to the other side of the car, I watched our security enter the car behind us. Thinking about what just happened with Tia, I started laughing again. That woman is something else. She's silly as hell. I got inside the car.

"I can't believe you," I looked at her. "You've always acted like an energetic person on some type of substance and you ain't ever did shit in private. That's the kicker."

"Actually..." She trailed off.

"Mm, nope! That doesn't even count. You got high on accident. HOW did you even get high on ACCIDENT?" I turned on the car.

She popped her mouth. "I already told you. I was hungry as heck, and I ate the snacks on the wrong side of the table."

"That day was foreshadow for the Tia your ass be hiding'. Only your ass, Tia," I shook my head with a smile. "Only you'd get high on accident."

"How'd you know I was going to say that?" Tia turned to where her knees were pointed towards me.

"Because that's the only damn time. I'm sure."

"You're incorrect."

I turned my head towards her. "Incorrect? Then enlighten me."

Tia deeply inhaled then exhaled. This is about to be some bullshit, I can tell. "One day I was with this man and- and-" she broke eye contact with me. "I decided to smoke something. While I didn't get high, he sure in the hell was."

"Yeah?" I asked her, knowing she was on bullshit.

"Mmhm," Tia nodded.

"What'd you smoke?"

"You see, he thought that my movie premiered that day, but other things happened. We were caught up in the moment, and yeah... I smoked a little something-something."

"What'd you smoke?"

"Some dick."

"What!?" My jaw dropped and I started laughing even harder, and so did she. "You over here talkin' about us and shit this whole damn time. I know you were about to say some bullshit. I was on a high though."

"Indeed," she smiled. "That was fun while it lasted. By that, I mean the joke. I've never gotten high ON PURPOSE. That was the one and only time."

"Good," I replied, pulling off. "Which is why it's even easier for me to continue to stay sober since my woman is sober."

My last real relationship with Sherie ended all wrong and I'm glad that Tia's a sober person, no matter how high or drunk she acts sometimes. I don't want to have to go through that shit ever again. Two people in a relationship who're on some type of substance or were is a recipe for disaster. Though I have so much willpower to not go back to any of that, this relationship gives me extra strength because my fiancée has no interest in that type of mess nor will she tolerate others. There aren't too many people who are in and outside of the industry who don't drink, smoke, or do any other type of substances.

Glancing over at a quiet Tia, I spoke. "You're going to want to put away all of that hair back for this."

"Gee... Thanks. I wish I was informed before we left the house," Tia replied sarcastically, but with a smile.

"One thing you must always remember is to know that I got you," I told her. "I may not inform you about certain things, but just know that when I don't, most times I got it under control," I glanced at her and caught her gaze.

"Thank you very much," Tia glanced at me before burying her face in her book again.

The music played over the silence. Every once in a while, I'd glance over at her to see her reading and twirling her hair. Moistening my lips, I glanced at Tia again and she stared up at me with a smile before continuing what she was doing.

Clearing my throat, I spoke again, "I think it's the eyes."

"Huh? Context is very important, DeGrate," she raised her eyebrows at me with her glasses now sitting at the tip of her nose.

"Right. Remember how you said that people always feel as if you're flirting with niggas?" I asked her. "You said you didn't know why, but figured it was the laughter at the time. Initially, I agreed with you."

"Yes, sir," she pushed her glasses back.

"I don't think it's the laughter. I think it's your eyes."

"My regular brown eyes?" Tia raised her eyebrows again. "What about them?"

"Yes, they are the usual brown, but it has nothin' to do with color. It's the way you hold your gaze. You like makin' eye contact with people as you speak to them and vice versa. It's flirtatious and halfway seductive at times."

Tia took her glasses off, "what? I do not."

"I mean, sure, you don't notice that because you ain't lookin' at yourself as you do those things, but it's true," I told her cracking the knuckles on my left hand.

"Really?" She said with a surprised tone. "Nobody's ever told me that before."

"That's something I always get, but it's because of the color of my eyes. People automatically get hypnotized or somethin'. Shits weird because my facial expressions are mean as hell. I be muggin' like a mothafucka," I shook my head. "But yeah, that's exactly what it is with you."

"Mm, I don't believe that. For your situation, I think it's more truthful. Yes, you do have a mug on your face a lot, but like you said, people are obsessed with color. Color of eyes, skin, hair, lips- basically everything. A person's whiteness or proximity to whiteness makes them more attractive to the masses. What adds to it is how mysterious you also seem, the glasses help, so the little times they do see your eyes, they feel something. They feel special. You're also a superstar, so you have so many fans that go wild when they see your eyes just like Michael Jackson. Shades give a mysterious look to some," she finished.

I shrugged my right shoulder, "mm, I agree to an extent. The truth is that people are obsessed with black, biracial, and multiracial people's skin, hair color, length, lips, and all the rest of that. I see how I was treated versus my brothers, especially Dalvin while growing up by different people."

"You're correct," she nodded.

"But?" I asked her because I knew that there is a but coming.

"Many folks, but specifically Black folks are also obsessed with whiteness or someone's proximity to it, especially men. Most black women love dark skin and it's the opposite for men," she told me with a shrug.

"I agree," I nodded, looking at her
"Yeah, it's definitely the eyes," I looked at her, smiling.

"Okay..." She trailed off awkwardly.

"Why are you so awkward?"

"I already told you that I've never gotten that before, so I feel awkward," she chuckled.

"What you readin'?" I asked her.

"A horror/mystery book," she replied. "It's so good. Some parts have my stomach in the depths of my butt."

"Ewww," I laughed. "That's nasty."

"Babe, I'm so serious. It's not so much of a bad thing when reading. Let me tell you about this book..." She trailed off leaving me in suspense with her glasses sitting on her nose again.

"Okay, then start," I told her, genuinely wanting her to start.

"So these people are training at a military base in Arizona. Mind you, this is just training, or supposed to be? These men are going out and being killed by something. Turns out, they're fighting something inhumane and nocturnal. This thing is still unknown and has the power to not be seen. Some suspect they were chosen for this position because these people don't come from a clean background. They are troubled, so it's suspected that the government is in on it. You know when you're in training that you have little and sometimes no connection to anyone outside of the base depending on where you're stationed. They have NONE, so I'll see how this mess goes," Tia told me, pursing her lips at the end.

"Sounds like an interesting movie," I looked over at her, then at the road again.

"No, darling. This is an EXCELLENT book. If it sounds interesting, you should read it," she replied to me.

"You know I don't read. If it ain't no music, I'm not reading it. I mean, I used to love reading when I was a teenager, but I can't take that shit now. That shit is too damn boring," I shook my head. "You do ya thing and I'll do mine."

"Not even just this. If you find something you like, you'll definitely enjoy reading a book. Something you're even going through. At one point, I hated reading too. Like you said though, you do what you do and I'll do the same," Tia shrugged.

"Yeah, I would much rather watch the movie. If there's no movie, then I'm definitely okay with missing out. I've NEVER seen you read a horror book. It's almost always romance or life-type stuff."

"The description on the back was interesting, so I gave it a try," she replied, then buried herself into her book again. "After all, I do want to try new things this year and in years to come," she spoke to me without looking at me.

"Hmm, okay," I nodded with a closed-mouthed smile. I saw her reach up and switch to another CD. "What are you puttin' on?"

She smiled at me, making her neck and head dance as she turned to the third track.

🎶Ooh, ooh, ah, ah
Ooh, ooh, yeah
Ooh, ooh, ah, ah
Ooh, ooh, yeah
I always like to strut my thang
Shakin' my pants to the rhythm, swing, I'm hot, ow
Do you wanna dance🎶

"Uh, you know that I'm the one who satisfies you. You know that I just can't be without you. I wouldn't even get down. We always turn the place out, so shake your pants, and we can feel that thing," she sang trying to sound like him, but she sounded like Kayoko from The Grudge, and I bursted out laughing.

"Come on! Ya hurting my damn ears over there sounding like The Grudge. You know that you can do better!" I told her to laugh and she began to sing loudly.

"Oh, my God!" She turned down the music, looking at me with wide eyes and jaw dropped.

"Pick ya jaw up and tell me what it is. What is it?"

"This song isn't about dancing," she slapped her hand over her mouth as she slowly began to sit back.

My eyebrows furrowed in confusion, "I thought that you knew that. already."

"I'm today years old. My childhood... My childhood is ruined," she told me then started laughing. "Well, it was been ruined, but ALL of these years, I thought the man was talking about regular dancing. What the frick? That's crazy... You knew that?"

"Of course," I nodded. "Who the hell didn't?" I looked over at her. "Other than you?"

"Dang, that's some mess."

I started cracking up because of her expressions. She went through like ten of them just now.

"This nigga literally said, work your body with my body and we'll sex away till the time is right. You listen to this song and sing it all the damn time and you tellin' me that you ain't know the lyrics?"

"Telling? I've already told you that I don't. They're talking about dirty dancing in a perpendicular style; their centers meeting," she gave me a look.

"Did you just say-" I wiped my eyes, paying attention to the road ahead of me. "My eyes are leakin'."

"Unleak those bad boys. You're driving," she reminded me, then laughed. "I'm changing the song. I need a break from this one."

"Damn, y'all was in some kind of relationship?"

"Yes! Do you not know how often I played it?" She folded her arms. "I think we should see other people. Like, this doesn't make any sense."

"It cheated on you?" I asked wheezing at this point.

"I mean, no, but lying? Yes," she nodded, pressing the next button before turning the volume up again. Single Life came on.

"Then she puts on another Cameo song?" I looked over at Tia for a split second.

"I didn't say Cameo and I needed a break, just that song. Plus, this is a Cameo CD."

"Damn, you really broke up!" I said referring to the song playing.

"We'll make our way back to each other in no time. It's toxic. You know?" She nodded with her lips poked out and the corners of her mouth turned down.

I shook my head again. "Shaking my head so much that my damn neck hurts." I pressed my hand against my neck.

"Want some ice?"

"From where?" I looked over at her.

"Black Ice is hanging right in the rearview mirror," she smiled.

"Damn, that was kind of good. Lame as hell, but good," I nodded, impressed.

"Are we going paintball fighting?" Tia asked me.

"Nah," I shook my head. "It's a chill spot, but you'll definitely get dirty."

"Military training?"

"Yeah, but only to drop you off," I nodded. "Definitely that."

She chuckled, "no, but for real... Chill, but dirty?" Tia tapped her index finger on the armrest. "I can't think of anything."

"Good, that's the point of a surprise. It's something new that we've never done together. Something that I probably wouldn't have ever done," I told her. "I may like it once I start doing it, but you for sure will like it. It's not too much or will suck the energy out of you. You'll have a lot left for tonight's concert."

"Oooo, I'll FIND the energy for Luther. That man's music is," she made the chef's kiss gesture. "Voice glides with the instruments with ease. Like butter and there's so much meaning to the lyrics. And emotion."

"That sounds sexual, but I agree. That old music will do it. The 90s ain't got nothin' on the 60s, 70s, and even 80s. Early to mid 80s though."

"Don't discredit yourself. You're considered a 90s writer. You do your thing too."

"I ain't. I'm just sayin' that the old shit is better than the new shit."

"Yeah, but old shit be stankin'!" She told me.

I folded my lips into my mouth, "corny!"

"No, but I feel that way about film too, but even further back. Those black and white films are so beautiful."

"Hold the hell up. I ain't say all that," I said laughing. "I need to see my shit in color and I need sound because you KNOW your ass be watching those silent ass movies and shows. I don't know how the hell you do it. You different different."

"You were born in the decade that the last black and white film was aired. Some of your photos from way back when were in black and white. Dang, you're ancient!"

"Screw you!" I laughed, rubbing my thumb against the steering wheel.

"The best thing about black and white film is that people didn't notice too many imperfections-"

"Because they couldn't see them shits!"

"Exactly. They had to make them more prominent if it was a focal point in the script. That's so interesting to me," she told me.

"Some of that black-and-white shit is too fuckin' eerie for me. I can't pinpoint why, but it just is," I shrugged, then looked over at my fiancée. "I forgot that you like that creepy shit too."

"I do," she cheesed.

"But be turning on every light afterward," I looked over at her.

"I mean... That's true," she nodded while holding up her index finger. "Only sometimes though. That's when it's about that demonic stuff. That mess gets to me. No black and white film has ever done that to me though."

"Which is why we aren't meant to watch that. It's entertaining to me like others, but that's something that I kind of agree on when it comes to how I was raised. Even though I go against some of what I was raised on."

"Understandable," she nodded. "How we were raised shapes us today, whether we're against it or not. Simple words, but true."

After arriving at our destination, I parked the car and stepped out of the car. Our security came to our car, as I began fixing my jacket. I made my way around the car to open the door for my lady with them on my tail or standing nearby.

"I only need two of y'all for this," I told them, grabbing Tia's hand as she stepped out of the car.

I slammed the doors shut. "Where are we?" Tia asked me looking in every direction as we walked a very short distance. "Where are you taking me?"

"To be honest, I didn't have anything planned, so we'll just be walking around to pass the time," I told her. "That's the dirty part. It comes with sweat."

She gave me a look that indicated that she thinks I'm lying. "If that were the case, which it isn't, I could've definitely stayed in the house, in the bed having fun alone."

"Well, you said that you wanted to look nice in your wedding dress, though I'm sure you will regardless, but you want to look slimmer. Let's take a walk."

"It would've been better if we did this on the beach. Here? Not so much. You go right ahead while I drive away in the car," she chuckled. "No thank you."

"You want to do this the hard way or the easy way?" I asked her, crossing my arms. "It's all up to you, dear."

Tia stepped back. "It's going to have to be the hard way," she took a few more steps back, then turned her entire body away from me.

I walked up behind her, swaddling her with my arms, then whispered in her ear. "Why have you got to be so difficult? Huh?" I kissed her neck.

"I'm not," she held onto my arm. "Every action has a reaction. You lead and I follow suit. You just so happen to not like my reaction."

"Alright, smart ass." I let her go, then stood in front of her, stopping her from walking further. "I'm gon' have to do this shit the hard way."

"Ain't that what I said, DeGrate?" She asked them I threw her over my shoulder.

Secretly, she likes this shit. "I'm not finna play with you," I spun around in circles as she tightly held onto me. "Shit, I'm gettin' old..." I held onto the wall with a tight grasp on my fiancée. After everything turned right side up as it should, I took off running in the correct direction of our destination. "I still got stamina though!" I said cackling like a hen and running.

I put her down once we were in front of the door. "Whew, I'm tired," Tia wiped the imaginary sweat from her forehead. "That was a workout!"

"For whom?" I breathed.

"The both of us," she shook her head. "My stomach was just slamming against your shoulder as you ran. I had to hold my breath in intervals. Feels like I did some sit-ups," she rubbed her stomach.

While swinging the door open, the bell on the door rang, I replied, "your imagination is runnin' away from you, dear," I smiled.

"No, but for real. You're strong, but I thought you'd drop me with how fast you ran with me on your shoulder," she chuckled.

"Yeah, you know your ass is heavy. Felt like I was carryin' Amy AND Tammy Slaton on my damn shoulder," I cracked.

Tia rolled her eyes, "whatever, sir."

"Mmm, get your fine ass on up in there," I gestured and she stepped inside.

"Pottery?" Her eyes widened. "Babe, you know I've never smoked pot before."

"From the way you're looking, I can't tell whether or not you're being serious..."

"Of course, I'm being serious," she said while giggling. "Thanks, now let's go smoke somebody's pots."

Chuckling, I replied, "I forgot to slip your medicine into your food that's the only way you'd take it."

Tia held her hands up with all of her fingers in a hooked position, "RAWR!"

"SHHH!" I shushed her as we gained more attention.

"Come," she grabbed my hand, doing the come hither motion with her index finger on her free hand. "I can't wait to get dirty," she shimmied.

"My God," I shook my head.

"This is something I'd definitely enjoy. This will be fun," she whispered. "You know, I thought this would be something fun to do while we're on our honeymoon?"

"Really?"

"Yes," she nodded.

"We could still do it. At least we'll have some practice," I told her as we made it to the counter. "I'm DeVanté, I called a few days ago. I know we're a little late, but better late than never. Right?" I joked, then glanced over at my difficult and slow-paced when it comes to getting ready, fiancée.

"No you're fine. We're still doing a small tour and directions before we start," the guy smiled at us. "We have all that we need. Are you paying with cash or a card?"

"Sorry, I ain't mean for that to sound entitled or anything," I pulled out my card. "Card."

"No, I fully understand a joke when I hear one," he waved me off. "You can swipe right there."

I paid for the two of us, "oh, and they're with us. They won't be participating, just around for safety reasons," I gestured towards Redd and Apollo.

"That's fine as long as they don't take any seats," he smiled with a small nod. "The name given doesn't match the name of the signature. DeVanté?"

I pulled out my ID, and showed it to him. "I'm sorry about that. My mistake. My real name is Donald DeGrate."

"Oh, okay," he nodded, picking up my ID, then turned around.

"Is he running your-" my fiancée asked and I shook my head at her.

"It's cool," I coaxed, rubbing her shoulder.

"It's not like we're purchasing expensive merchandise or something from them. We're purchasing their services..." Tia trailed off, whispering.

"It's okay, my love," I pecked on her lips, rubbing my thumb across the back of her hand. "Calm down."

Tia folded her lips with a tight smile. I'm not trying to get into it with anybody on this day. Besides, why cause a scene? What's done is done. The guy turned around and handed me back my ID.

"Thanks," I placed my card and ID inside of my wallet, then stuffed my wallet into my pocket.

"Follow the line of people and the voice of the instructor," the guy gestured.

We walked away and Tia started up again. "He isn't supposed to do that unless fraud pops up on the screen. What the hell was that?"

"Listen, don't let that minor shit ruin your day. I want you to have fun. Fuck that nigga. We only had to- I only had to deal with him for a few minutes. That's it," I chuckled. "We good."

"Nahh, I'm with Tia there was no need. That's profiling," Redd agreed and I had to look back at him because a nigga is surprised.

"I'm surprised you on her side, takin' mine," I laughed. "Appreciate it."

We all went silent, listening to the instructions from the instructor. The lady showed us some of the past pottery creations. Eventually, we made it to the room where we'd be creating our pottery. We were sure to get a spot in the corner, further from everyone. Why? Because we say some reckless shit and I don't want anyone in my business more than they already are.

"Ooh wee, that back finna be hurting," I shook my head at my fiancée. "These are some tall ass stools and short ass tables we have to work on." I pulled the chair out for my love.

"Donald, the same goes for you. You're a tall man that has to bend even lower. I'll silently pray for us both because..." Tia trailed off, shaking her head. "I'll enjoy myself though," she then took her seat.

"Mm, hopefully..." I chuckled. "If I had known, I would've brought us some damn chairs here. At least we won't be the only ones with hurting backs with all this silicone around," I raised my eyebrows in my fiancée's direction.

"Oooop, Donald. How rude," she shook her head. "You have no room to speak. Didn't you date silicone?"

"Okay..." I agreed. "I'm talkin' about now."

"Hey, if that's what they want, then so be it. If I pop out some kids, mine will grow and I'll need a breast reduction," Tia replied.

"That's not silicone though," I pointed it.

"Still under the knife," she shrugged, throwing her clay into the flat surface. "Don't be a hypocrite."

I threw mine into the surface, not even listening to the lady demonstrating the step, but we were watching while whispering.

"Simple. Get it wet and start playing with it," Tia shrugged wetting her hands. "You have to be strategic with your fingers though."

"You make everything sound so dirty."

"Well we will be getting a bit dirty, so that's fair," she turned to me as I wet my hands. "Not too wet. What kind are you making?"

"I don't know. Something small I guess. Possibly a cup of bowl or some sort."

"Ooh, I could try a mug with our initials and anniversary date on the front," Tia smiled. "How cute would that be?"

"I don't know," I responded, focusing on shaping my clay and spinning the plate. "It all depends on your hand technique. You know that ya man's hands just don't work magic, these hands are magic."

"Ain't that the truth," she eagerly nodded.

"I'm glad that you agree!" I cackled lowly. "Damn..."

"Hey, I'm giving you your props, aren't I?" She held her hands out to her side.

"Mhm. Shit, finally," my head jerked back as I spoke the last word.

"I've never denied your hands. EVER," she spoke with widened eyes, molding her clay.

I looked off to the side, "you're correct." I leaned in. "That was another part of me if I'm not mistakin'."

Tia turned to me for a while. "Mmm," she nodded.

"Would you still be with me if I was a pastor?" I turned to her.

"Mmm, that's a great question. I don't know, because I don't think I could handle the pressures of having to remain wholesome every time I leave the house. While I can be, you know me. You see how the public has been about my family business being aired out. Along with the lies. But possibly..."

"I know you. There's already current pressure though from the entire world. Mothafuckas mad you with me," I told her. "That alone tells me that you're much more wholesome outside of the house than I am."

"Where'd you get that impression? I've NEVER heard that," Tia squinted.

"Doesn't matter what you have or what you haven't heard. It's what I've heard and I completely understand," I shrugged.

"Is that right?"

"It's a positive statement," I replied. "I think it's less pressure from the church than it is from the entire world."

"Mm, I live our current life. What if I was a stripper, would you have proposed?"

"Mmm, technically..."

"Don't start," she pointed at me with her wet clay hands, smirking. Then Tia began looking around.

"We're too damn low. You know people can't hear with how low we whisper. Shit is below a whisper. Okay, on a real note. Mm, I probably wouldn't have approached you on any I want to be with you type stuff. Just a fuck buddy. That's IF I didn't get to know you, which I may have the huge to do."

"I could live with that," she shrugged. "When I get tired, then I'll keep away. New D," she smirked.

"Me as a pornstar?" I whispered back.

"That'll be a HELL NO," she replied. "They sleep around too much," then she smiled. "On second thought, you have been on your Tupac, I Get Around, type ish... In a way, I guess I am. Besides that fact that you probably didn't record as much."

"I never made a tape with me in it," I shook my head. "Photos? Yes, but not with my face. Videos? No. I don't want to get caught the hell up and have my shit leaked. I knew that I'd always wanted to be in the industry via music, so I couldn't take that chance."

"Mm, a wise decision," she smiled.

"Would you ever film one with you in it?" I whispered very low.

"Mmm," she pursed her lips. "I'm fighting myself with this one. There's definitely a possibility, but it'd have to be my husband and we'd have to be wrapped in and I do mean tight. Then I'll consider it. It sounds fun and will be useful considering our busy schedules."

"You have a point. I feel the same way. That shit definitely would be useful and USED," I laughed. "Then you be workin' your magic behind the cameras. You know the good angles."

"My goodness," she snickered.

"Did I lie?" I raised my eyebrows.

"Hmmm, that's- that's debatable," she exhaled with a bashful smile. "Me as a prostitute?"

"That's too far," I said cracking the hell up, cussing people to look out way.

"Shhhh," Tia hushed me.

We got quiet for a few minutes with the exception of low cackling.

"That's wild and you and I both know the answer to that. That's equivalent to what I said," I finally spoke. "Okay, now it's time to get practical. Me as a farmer?"

"Oooh, yes!" She didn't even hesitate. "That's a hardworking man with a heck of land. Definitely. Just know my behind would be out there playing with dirt."

"Playin' with dirt is crazy..." I moistened my lips. "You DO be out there playin' with dirt though. Plantin' all that shit in that huge ass yard."

"I have help, love," she smiled. "Me as the first lady?"

"Damn, so Reagan or Kennedy in reverse?" Tia held back her laughter with my question. "You as the First Lady? Oh, yeah. I fuckin' the shit out of the first lady. The only thing is that I couldn't wife her up because she's already wifed up. We just would have to keep that shit on the down low like Reagan, Kennedy, and all the rest of those cheatin' mothafuckas."

"You're hilarious. I'm not gon' lie. I definitely would fuck the shit out of you too. Like... C'mon... Morals? Who are you? President DeGrate in a suit? Whew. I swoon every time."

"That's fucked up," I laughed. "On both of our parts. Then your language. Damn... I really look good in a suit?"

"Darling... Good is an understatement. I've always loved a hardworking man in a suit, turtleneck, and button-ups. Respect if he's mine. That's a major turn-on. Have been for me ever since I could remember," she canned herself, flicking some of the clay on her face. "That's sexy."

"Damn, okay," I smiled as she wiped her face with her sleeve.

"I hope I do NOT break out."

"You should be good," I replied.

"What do you like me in?" Tia asked me.

"Shit, it doesn't even matter. I still look at you the same. You still sexy as fuck," I told her truthfully.

Tia cheesed, "thank you. Not trying to piggyback off of what you said, but I feel the same way about you. But what I said before still stands. Ooh, let me not forget silk... Silk? Oh, c'mon... Those silk pajamas..." She exhaled, using her hand as a guide. "On you? Oh my God." She closed her eyes while shuttering in delight.

"Men's lingerie?" I asked her.

"For sure. Silk and boxer briefs. That's why I was the way I was on Valentine's Day. All you were doing was sitting and I couldn't-" she fanned herself again. "My goodness. I'm getting hot all over again."

I snickered seeing her hairline beginning to dampen. "Damn. It's like that?" I said rhetorically.

Tia unzipped her jacket, taking it off and I can't stop laughing.

"You done fucked around and gave me all the wrong ideas. Because see..." I leaned in closer to her. "I know how to fuck with you as you do me."

"Aht. Are you really going to do that? To your future wife?"

"I'm your future husband and don't you do that to me?" I asked sitting up straight again.

"Come," Tia motioned over.

I leaned in again. "What? What do you want?" I moistened my lips again.

"Your future wife also has tricks up her sleeve that she has YET to pull out. In the words of James Brown, TRY ME..." She sang the James Brown song. "I'll come harder than a college stripper trying to pay her tuition."

"Hmph. Okay," I chuckled. "I would like to see."

"Be careful what you wish for, my love," she smiled, lovingly, but her tone was condescending.

"Hmph," I shrugged, seemingly unfazed, continuing my work of art.

In reality, I'm freaking the fuck out. What the fuck? Is she bluffing? She's a virgin, so she can't have- I glanced at her and she's staring directly at me, knowingly. Okay. Her words are valid! Valentine's Day is definitely proof. She isn't as innocent as everyone perceives her to be. Only in a sexual manner. Devil in disguise. A part of me is curious, but the other part of me isn't ready for that. Should I or should I not play those games?

"I'm done," I sat my bowl-plate hybrid aside. "And yes, I stole your idea by putting our anniversary date on here."

"That's totally fine with me, sir. It's nice. Those hands..." She pointed. "Those hands are magic." She hyped me up. "We could hang it or place it somewhere in our new home. The kitchen most likely. Paint it and it'll look even better."

I smiled at her, "okay." I dried my hands on the nearby towel.

The lady walked over in our direction. "Are you finished?" She asked me.

Obviously... "Yeah, I'm done," I stated.

"Great, you can set it right over there to dry. The two of you are together, right?"

"Yes."

"There's a board that the both of you can sit it on so you'll be able to take it home with you today. Unless you want to make another?" She asked me.

"Yeah, I don't mind. I'll wait until my lady gets done though," I stood up and walked over to the area I was told to put it, then returned to my seat.

"So what's your fondest memory of us?" Tia asked, without even looking my way. She's too focused on her craft.

Crossing my arms, exhaling deeply, I sat without slouching. "It'll have to be those late-night conversations. Always. Whether we'd be on the phone or come over late at night. Mostly me comin' over at the buttcrack of dawn," I chuckled. "This is pre the friendship break, but it got even better when we made up because you started to open up and talk more. Then is where I started to crash at your house no matter the time. We'd talk about everything and NOTHING. Still to this day."

This is the ONLY woman, other than my mother, that I'd go to the house or call late without any sexual intentions. That reveals anything. Things were strictly based on friendship after we made up. I'd sleep at her house so damn much. We'd talk, eat whatever she made, and play games. She'd even come to my house at times to speak about the horrible dates she went on and so much more.

"Interesting, mine would be the late-night fun. Just goofing off and playing games. I LOVE to laugh and we do that very often. Always laughing with one another," she smiled.

"ALWAYS," I laughed. "See?"

"Yeah. I'm not at that level yet," she gestured towards her mug. The handle isn't handling.

"It's probably too wet. That's why it's droopy," I responded. "If you had these hands, then you'd be done already," I held my palms out.

"Donald!" She laughed aloud.

"It's definitely too wet, love."

"I figured," she nodded. "Thanks for the tip, Mr. Expertise in Pottery."

"No problem. Anytime... Anytime..." I nodded coolly.

"You're cute."

I raised my eyebrows. "Like a puppy?"

Tia smacked her lips. "Donny... You know what I mean."

"Donny... Damn, how in the hell did I know that it was me being called every single time I'm called? There's Junior. There's De. There's DeVanté. There's Vanté. There's Donny. There's also DJ, but my baby brother took that one. That sounded the best too. There's Donald. Then there's Papi."

"That last one's new," she playfully rolled her eyes at the last one. "The nicknames from DeVanté are strictly from you. You created that name for yourself. Your stage name could have just been Mr. Donny."

"That shit sounds childish as fuck though," I told her. "Mr. Papi De."

"Geez Louise. No way," she shook her head at me. "You had the opportunity to change from Little D to Big D, but you didn't, did you?"

"Apparently not..." I trailed off. "That's a good one though. You and I seem to be the only ones to sometimes call me that name."

"I know. Like Big Pun. Biggie or The Notorious-" her jaw dropped. "The Notorious D."

"Hell no. I know I got around, but that shit sounds funky," I laughed. "Sounds like my dick stank."

Tia cackled aloud, "true." She folded her lips into her mouth to hold back her cackling.

"Sounds like my dick stank," I told her and Tia waved her hand in front of her nose. "Don't do that," I laughed.

"Psych nah," she chuckled.

"My pops is comin' for the tuxedo fitting. It was only supposed to be Derek and DJ, but he's coming too. DJ wants to see you, but you won't hear when they come," I told her. "He swears that you're his and he could take you from me. That kid is something else, I tell you."

"But he's so cute and adorable," she cooed, poking her bottom lip out. "It's amazing watching children grow."

"Bad as hell too," I shook my head. "Don't forget that part."

"Every child has their ways."

"Yeah, and this child gets away with almost all of them. I'm all for discipline, but to go about it the way we were isn't the right way," I told her.

"Agree. He'll be starting school this fall and so will Masir Aww," she cooed again.

"Would you stop?" I chuckled.

"I can't. It's cuteness overload. Children are so precious, especially ones I'm related to or close with."

"But yeah, they would be and hopefully everything is okay. I bet they miss each other, though they're always fightin', huh?" I inquired.

"I'm sure. Look, I'm done with this one. I want it to dry, then I want to smash it. Look how it looks?" She gestured with clear irritation in her voice. "It's so uneven and it's irritating me. Gnawing on a nerve like a tick."

"Damn. But you know something? Something that's gnawing on your nerves is something someone else would buy. People like it when things appear different," I told her.

"The cup is great, but the handle is jacked though. Next time I'll do something easy like what you did."

My eyes widened. "My artwork wasn't easy. Don't try to discredit me because you don't feel confident in your piece of shit."

Tia gasped, "I'm not. And why-" she cackled, hitting my arm. "You butthole. Piece of crap? Really?"

"That's what I said. A'ight though," I smirked, grabbing the clay the lady left for us to use and threw it against the flat surface as needed.

Tia stood up, "in a way, I blame my back," she said arching her back, swiveling her hips in her seat trying to find some relief.

"Excuse, love. Excuses," I clicked my tongue.

"It looks like it's melting even more now that I've picked it up," she wined, then walked away.

She definitely should've waited and just sat it to the side like I did. When she came back, she plopped down, laughing.

"After I sat it down next to yours, my hand prints got etched into the mug. It'll probably look even worse. I'm definitely doing something easy," she laughed.

"You just gave me an idea. This time I'll do a or what I just did with our handprint side by side," I smiled with a satisfied nod.

"Love, you have such large hands, so the plate would have to be extra large. That's a great idea too," she threw hers into the working surface.

We made our clay projects and they both turned out to be great. Mine turned out better. We made it back home to the rental and I placed the wooden slate with our artwork on the dining room table. It'll take at least a day to dry. My lady stripped and hopped straight in the shower when we arrived. Tia wasted no time putting on some music and scrubbing the clay from her skin.

In the meantime, I'm just waiting on my future wife to finish because that bathroom is the best and I still have yet to shower in the master bathroom. That's a goal before we officially go back home which will be much later. A goal that I'll reach on this very day. We eventually finished getting ready for the concert and her surprise birthday dinner that she didn't know about.

Although, she might want to come back to change again after the concert after all the dancing I know she'll be doing at Luther Vandross's concert. What she doesn't know is that I have backstage passes too. 🤫 Shhh... Yeah, I went all out again. Tia's like the best gift giver and she always listens to what someone wants or needs. In turn, gifting it to them on some special day or just because. There isn't always a reason.

I opened the front door for people from my future wife's and my security team who's supposed to be here with the masseuse.

"Umm..." I peeked my head out of the door, looking in every direction. "Where the hell is the masseuse that I hired?" I stepped back, asking our security.

"You hired a masseuse, right?" Jax asked me and I silently stood there because this nigga knows who I hired. If he didn't, he JUST heard me say it. "Here he is!" He pointed his thumb. "

"Who the fuck is this beefy nigga?" I asked taken aback.

"I checked for verification and everything," Jax added.

"I'm sorry, man," I looked at the guy, "but I thought you were part of the security team." I held my hand out to him. "I'm De."

He shook my hand, "I'm Giovanni, but you could call me Gio or Vanni," he spoke in a thick Italian accent. Oh, hell nah!

"I specifically asked for a woman. Did your company not understand what I asked for? I was very specific."

"It's a new company for me and a language barrier. You see, I have coworkers who're also immigrants," he replied. "I'm sorry on my company's behalf. I'm sorry they didn't inform you."

"Umm," my eyes continuously darted from left to right and vice versa, fighting with myself.

I don't want to seem like some insecure ass nigga, because I'm never that. If I'm insecure in a relationship, I'd just leave because I'd most likely end up doing some stupid shit if I stay, BUT I'd be a fool to allow this man inside to touch all of my fiancée's naked body. I mean, the most important things will be covered, but STILL. I KNOW this nigga is her type or so I've been told. Tia would feel the same way if the tables were turned. However, I do trust and expect her to keep it respectful. I don't think I'm ready for it.

"You have all of your masseuse items?" I asked him.

"Yes," he nodded. "Should I go?"

"Umm, how about I rent your items for an hour and thirty minutes and I'll add fifty dollars. You won't have to do anything but set everything up." I explained. "Is that cool?"

"Seventy-five?" He bargained.

"Seventy-five is cool-"

"One hundred?" He asked again.

"Man, hell nah. Eighth-five is the maximum, but any higher than that, I'm cool on everything," I replied.

I refuse to pay more than that when this nigga ain't doing nothing but setting everything up and taking it down when it's time to collect everything. He'd have to do that regardless of him actually doing the massaging or not.

"Okay, deal..." He trailed off, then we shook on it. "Where do I go?"

"I don't know. You could wait outside if you'd like? If not, you're free to go, just be back on time," I replied to him.

"That's fine," he nodded.

As he began gathering his items, I

I pushed the door wider open, then walked further into the house. "Follow me," I gestured. I led us both to the living room which is up a couple of stairs and straight ahead. "Here is fine."

"Is this your home?" He questioned as he began to unpack.

"No, just a vacation rental," I replied.

"What do you do?" Gio asked me.

"I'm a street pharmacist," I nodded.

His head flicked towards me, "uhh, okay."

I bursted out laughing. "I'm fuckin around with you, man. I'm in the music business."

"Really? In what way? What do you really do?"

"I write, produce, and play music- play instruments," I corrected myself.

"This is for your wife?" He asked me.

I chuckled and pondered on replying to this guy with something stupid, but decided against it. If I had, I would have said something like, "nahh, I'm doin' this for my side chick." Tia is rubbing up on me because I feel as if she'd say something like this, but in a sarcastic manner to someone we know.

"My soon-to-be wife. We'll use our sheets, thank you." I said once I noticed him take them out. "You have so many questions," I added. "I'm not, at all, fond of being questioned by a stranger."

"My apologies," Gio apologized. "As I've said before, I'm fairly new, so I have a chart. Is that fine? Do you need that too?" He asked me and I just nodded at him before he continued to speak. "I just like to converse with my clients, especially when I have to spend time in their residence. Just to be on the safe side and get the feel of things."

"Technically my fiancée is your client AND you won't really have to spend time inside until it's time to pack up. I understand though because people are crazy," I tilted my head at him. "That's why we have a security team and carry protection," I squinted, letting it be known. "You're also a stranger who's invited to my personal space." His facial expression changed again as if he was terrified. "I can assure you, unless you do something you're in great hands. We're cool people," I chuckled to lighten the mood.

"Okay," he continued to set up, but this time quietly.

When he finished, he looked up at me. "Do you have- do you have radio?"

"Yeah, we do, but we have music. We're okay on that part," I responded. "Thanks, man. I have a question though. Maybe more follow-up questions which strictly depends on your answer."

"Sir, and that is..?"

"What's the weight requirement?" I asked as we made our way out of the living room and towards the front door.

"It's uhh,- it's pretty sturdy. I'd say about 160 kilos."

"Are we talking about drugs or people?" I chuckled. "In pounds, because a nig- I ain't pay attention in math when it came to that shit," I chuckled.

"Almost 353 pounds," he chuckled.

"Damn, my fiancée missed it by A LOT," I told him.

"How much is a lot?"

"She's a very well-known lady. You may have seen her on television..." I trailed off.

"And?"

"My lady is most notable for her hit reality TV series," I opened the front door and he stepped outside. "My 600 Pound Life. Can't even make it up and down the stairs without losing her breath. I still love her though. I like them BIG. Anyways a deal is a deal. Thanks," I closed the door and started cackling like a hen. "I play too fuckin' much." I opened my eyes and screamed, then gave Tia a look. "Why you always tryin' to scare me?"

"Donald, HOW? I literally just made it down here and WASN'T trying to scare you. Everything is a conspiracy theory, DeGrate," Tia shook her head while laughing.

I observed her attire and silently thanked God that I made the right decision. "Wha- what you got on?"

"Lotion," she simply replied. "Lemon scent."

"No, I mean what are you wearing?"

"You asked me to put on something I could easily slip out of. What's better than a one piece?" She raised her eyebrows. "A lounge piece. You like?"

I pushed myself from against the door to stand up straight. "For sure. I did say something you could easily slip out of, but I was expecting you to put something under it, but it's cool. It's only us."

"You invited someone?" Tia asked me, crossing her arms across her chest.

"Something like that, but they're gone. I'll be right back. Stay here."

I made my way to the living room where everything was, including what I placed inside of the room before the masseuse arrived. I cleaned the surface of the board with a shit ton of sanitizing wipes. I lowered the lights Upon exiting the living room and walking past my lady, I shot her an awkward smile. I rushed up the stairs and grabbed the lotion she said she just used.

I forgot to tell Giovanni that he could keep all of his shit because Tia's skin is far too sensitive to most products. I'll just use what she just used along with the baby oil that I already have downstairs. I washed my hands before grabbing her lotion and tucking the massage gun into my pocket, before heading back downstairs. Once I was halfway, I ran back up the stairs to get some actual clothes for Tia, then went back down the stairs. Winded, I stopped at the bottom and took a seat on the third stair from the bottom.

"Why are you running around like a chicken with its head cut off?" Tia chuckled as she made her way towards me. "Relax, love," Tia coaxed while rubbing my shoulders as she squatted down in front of me "You need to take your behind to bed. You look tired as heck."

I looked up at her and started laughing, "I'm cool. Do you know what my job consists of?"

"Yeah, but it's what YOU make it consist of. You're up all day at the studio working, then come home and do the same thing. We're on vacation. Act like it. Relax," she grabbed my ears and then pecked my lips. "Let's just go to bed before the concert. That way we'd both enjoy it and will be energized. Not only that but think about your health. You do it enough to mess up your health."

"Tia, I appreciate your concern, but I feel great. I'm just tired from rushin'," I replied, standing up again.

Tia followed suit. "You look exhausted."

"Follow me," I walked down a few stairs, then grabbed her hand. I stopped once we neared the door. "Okay, wait right here until he tells you to enter. A'ight?" I raised my eyebrows.

"Who's here? Do you see what I'm wearing?" Her eyes got big.

"Trust me," I told her.

With a look of apprehension, Tia nodded at me and gave me a small, "okay."

I made my way into the living room, sat all of my items down on the nearby table, turned on some music, and then draped the towel over my forearm. I glanced at the chart before standing in place.

"You may enter," I spoke in an Italian voice.

Tia peered her head into the living room before entering, covering her breasts with her folded arms, and laughing. She dropped her arms.

"How beautiful," her voice got high.

"I understand. What is so funny?" I asked in my Italian voice.

"That God-awful voice impression you're doing," she replied through more laughter. "You sound like a drunk Nigerian that's trying to imitate an Indian man," she cackled. "Who are you trying to imitate?"

The nigga that just left. I thought for sure I'd have it this time around. "I'm Italian," I squinted at her, keeping my accent in place. "I'll leave you here to disrobe and put this towel around you. Five minutes! I'll be back in a jiffy." I bowed and then handed her the towel before exiting the room. "Did this woman say I sound like a Nigerian trying to imitate an Indian man?" I whispered to myself, releasing my laughter. "Can't make this shit up."

I didn't even look at the time before I left, but peeked inside to see if she was ready or shall I say unready? I walked back inside.

"What I want you to do for me is lay down on your stomach and relax," I told her with my THICK accent and she began to cackle. I don't care what she says, in my mind, I sound Italian.

"Donald? I won't be able to if you keep up with your shenanigans. LET it go, love. Your normal voice is soothing enough," she told me. "Please?"

"Madame -" my laughter spewed from between my lips like an explosive hurricane, as I hurled over.

"See? YOU can't even take yourself serious right now," she quietly laughed.

"My apologies," I told her once my laughter began to die down. "A nigga tryin' to be professional and shit. You couldn't just let me be great?"

"Not if you need me to relax."

"A'ight. Please lay down for me and cover your booty with the towel," I told her, becoming serious again.

Tia sat down on the massage table, untied her robe, folded up the towel the long way and multiple times, then lay on the table. "Help me please?"

I grabbed the towel from her. "You would do that. Would you have done that to the real masseuse?"

"Yeah, if he were you. You've seen and felt every part of me," Tia replied getting comfortable.

I laid the towel across her booty. "I'm trying to remain professional and you're over here trying to get me hard."

"Oh my God. All of these years and you haven't been desensitized?"

Although she was unable to see me, I squinted at her while making a stupid face. "Are you crazy? You must be coo-coo for Cocoa Puffs. Is that your plan?"

"Not at all."

I poured some lotion, then oil, mixing and warming it into my hands. "Tia, you need to stop playin' with me," I chuckled. "Anywho, this is a full-body massage. No happy endin' type shit. Professional."

I began massaging the contents of my hands onto the top of her back. My focal points are the ones shown on the guiding chart. When I really got into massaging her body, Tia whimpered in delight, allowing me to know she was enjoying it. My eyes traveled down her back and down to her ass that's moving with the rest of her body. This woman folded that towel so much that it's not covering shit and I haven't realized it until just now.

"Donald, that feels so good," she moaned out.

"I'm not supposed to converse with a client and clients aren't supposed to moan," I told her with a slight chuckle. "Should I bring Fettuccine back?"

"What the heck are you talking about about?"

"My voice? Do you need me to bring that nigga back?"

"Donald, he never was there. Besides that name sounds a bit racist don't ya think?"

"What? Where do you think they came up with the name for the dish? That was an actual name."

"True," Tia agreed. "I thought employees weren't supposed to speak to clients?"

"Well you shut your mouth," I replied in my Italian voice. "Shhh," I hushed and I felt her silently laughing as I messaged her back. I worked my way down her body. "You have ah- how do you say?" Tia started laughing at me again. "Smo- smooth skin? Not hairy."

"My goodness. This man..." she whispered to herself while chortling.

"Who's this man you speak of Madame?" I asked her while still massaging her.

"Sir, are you going to follow the rules that you keep repeating to me?"

I folded my lips into my mouth with the corners of my lips curved into a smile. After a while of going up and down the back of her body, it was time for her to flip over.

"Flip over and don't be on no funny shit either," I told her. "Cover up please." I grabbed another towel.

"What happened to Alfredo?"

"It's Fettuccine," I replied holding the towel in front of me to shield me from her. Just enough to see her face as she turned over.

I laid the towel on her body and folded it to conform to her breasts. Tia adjusted the lower towel to where it's between her legs and the rest of it is only covering the top of one thigh.

"Would you please close your eyes?" I asked her.

"What? Why?" She turned her head more towards me.

I cheesed at her. "At a time like this. It's awkward as hell. Would you do this to an actual masseuse?"

"But you aren't, so that doesn't apply to our situation," she engaged, closing her eyes.

As time passed by, I noticed that she was asleep. I paused for a split second while massaging her feet. Damn, in that good, huh? This woman is snoozing. Tia's eyes popped open.

"Come up here it's me," she scooted over, laying on her side.

"You want me to lay with you?" I questioned.

"Take a nap. I insist," she replied. "It's my birthday..." She made a face.

I could definitely use a nap. I rubbed the rest of my lotion into my hand, and then I got onto the massage table, laying on my back. Tia wrapped her arms and one leg around me after covering us both with the larger towel. I looked at my watch to keep track of the time, then drifted off to sleep. It didn't even feel like twenty minutes before I was scared out of my sleep.

"Boss! De!"

"Yes? Don't come in here!" Tia groggily shouted at Jax.

Tia was so close that even though I was awake, her voice seemed loud in my ear which jolted me off of the table. My legs didn't have a chance to wake up, so I fell straight to the floor.

"Babe?" Tia hopped off the table naked and all. "You okay?" She said holding her hands out for me.

I sighed and stood up on my own. "I'm cool, babe."

"Don't come in here!" Tia yelled again to our security.

"I won't. Y'all okay in there?" Jax asked us both.

"We-" I laughed, "we good, man. What is it?" I snatched the towel from the table, covering the back of her body because she was pressed up against me.

Tia stepped back to secure it around her body.

"That Gio guy is back and needs his equipment back. I have him waiting outside at the front door," Apollo told us.

I lifted my wrist to glance at the time. "Alright. Please go back outside with him and give us a few minutes to get- just five minutes." I don't feel the need to explain myself and I don't even know why I was about to.

"A'ight!"

I heard footsteps, then the small echo of the front door shutting.

"Are you sure you're fine? You fell with a loud thud..." Tia side-eyed me as she spoke, fiddling with the bottom of the towel.

"I'm not THAT damn old. My bones are fragile, but a nigga good," I laughed out. "What's up with you keep askin' me whether I'm good or not?"

"Donald, you just bust your behind from falling ten feet. I'm sorry for showing concern. Geez," she spoke with wide eyes.

"Your concern is fine, but right now it's OD. Ten feet is dramatic as hell. This thing is about three feet off of the floor and I'm over six feet."

"That's why I'm even more worried. You have further to fall, which means you're falling harder and more likely to get hurt," she told me.

"I also have longer to break my fall," I raised my eyebrows.

"Okay..." Tia looked off to the side of my head, then her eyes met mine again. "Thank you for everything. Today has been great."

"The day ain't over yet though. Far from over actually," I replied to her as I walked to turn on the lights.

"You rented this?" Tia questioned.

"It's a long story, but to make it shorter. They didn't give me the service I asked for and we agreed to, but still paying the person who did show up extra for renting out his equipment," I explained, making my way back in her direction.

"Oh, okay. You're better than my cheap behind," she began blowing out the candles.

"Then tried to increase the price. Bargainin' with me and shit," I spoke as I removed the sheet and towel from the table. "I might just gon' ahead and give him the hundred though. It was just fifteen dollars more. I don't think I have any change."

Tia held her hand up, "that's up to you. I have no say." She spun around to blow out the candles.

"Yeah... Please put some clothes on- the clothes I brought downstairs and are folded right there," I pointed with my pinky. "I got all of this."

"I will. Calm down," she chuckled. "Why didn't you just have the person they sent to do the massage?"

"Because they don't know how to follow directions," I replied.

Tia suspiciously squinted at me, then pulled up some underwear. "Okay."

"Why the suspicious look?" I asked while folding the sheet.

Tia grabbed her bra, then clipped it around herself. "Because you look as if you're lying or not completely telling the truth, but it's nothing serious, so I don't even care." Tia shrugged as she pulled the bra up and under the towel.

"Whatever, Tia," I waved her off and continued to gather our things.

Tia finished getting dressed and threw on her robe. "I'll open the door. Time is money and they already didn't do their job, so..." Tia walked out of the living room.

After a few seconds, I made my way out too. Tia swung the door open. "Please come in."

When I made it to her side the guy did a double take on Tia. "Tia-Nakia Andrews?" Gio asked and I raised my eyebrows.

This nigga called her by her last name. Who the hell is he?

"Yes? And you are?" Tia spoke with an apprehensive look on her face while taking a step back.

"I'm sorry Mrs. Andrews, I'm Giovanni," he held his hand out and Tia shook it. "My wife and I love your brand. As you can see... It's something for everyone and many brands don't do that. They are either expensive or cheap." I then noticed the band on his finger.

"Why, thank you, sir," Tia gave Gio a small smile.

"How do you know her last name?" I spoke up.

"Sometimes they slip up and pronounce my last name on stage because that's how I sometimes introduce myself face to face at times," Tia explained. "In other countries."

"Oh, okay," I nodded.

"Where's your fiancée?" Gio asked me.

"Right there," I smiled.

"But she's not over 600 pounds, but she is well known around where I'm from," he raised his eyebrows, then looked at Tia. "I thought you were with the half-breed?" He asked Tia.

"A'ight, that's enough questions. You're prying into our business too much like your press. Which is why I initially described my fiancée the way I did," I told him. "Make your way to collect your things." I moved my arm, gesturing ahead of us.

"My apologies."

"Nigga, I don't need no apologies. You should already know how wrong that shit is. You said what you said and just pissed me off," I told him. "Talkin' about THE half BREED as if he's only half human," I frowned. I don't like that nigga Taimak, but that's some weird ass shit. "He didn't even have to bring him up." Gio walked off to the living room, while Apollo trailed behind him. Tia stood there in her same spot, frozen, near the door. "You good?" I asked her.

Tia snapped out of her little trance and turned to me. "I'm fine," she replied.

"You sure?"

"Yeah, I was just spaced out," she chuckled.

"Oh, okay. You should probably begin to get ready because you know your ass take all damn day," I told her.

"Definitely. I don't want to be late for LUTHER!" Tia raised her hands and then ran up the stairs.

"What about DeVanté?" I asked her.

Tia kept running, "I see him every day, but HIM TOO!"

My laughter echoed through the house as I started cracking the hell up at her. I backed up against the wall, standing against it. When Apollo and Gio left, I made my way upstairs to shower and get dressed for the concert. In a way, I don't mind us being a little late, because concerts never start when they're supposed to. With that being said, I don't mind my lady taking her sweet time. The only thing we'd have to work on is the line and traffic. We have to get in like everyone else. I sat in a chair near the stairs waiting for my future wife to come downstairs.

"Ooh, sheit! You don't ever be comin' outside to play with these mothafuckas," I told her.

"And don't," she coyly cheesed, spinning. "Every time I step out, I step OUT."

"I see..." I'm also noticing that she did a little something to her hair. She has flat twists in the front of her head, with her afro out. Then she has the flat twists coming down to the front at each side of her head with silver beads.

"And my future husband and I always compliment each other," Tia placed her hands against my chest, kissing me. "Whether or whether not we have different seasons of clothing."

"Yeah. Although, we're in different genres of clothing," I chuckled. "You look hot and I look kind of cold. No pun intended."

"Doesn't matter. At least it isn't a facade. That's how we are in real life. Not to mention the colors mesh well," she smiled at me. "You're fine as hell."

I grabbed her ankle-length pea coat, draping it over her shoulders. Tia began kissing along my jawline.

"I'm sorry for getting lipstick all over you," she wiped my lips off with a cleanex.

"I just need that shit off my lips. Everywhere else? I'm cool with," I told her, grabbing her hands, and inspecting the tissue with red and burgundy lipstick all over it. "Is it off my lips?"

"Lick your lips," she instructed. "Get them wet."

I licked my lips and she wiped them again, getting the rest off.

"It's off," she smiled. "Why do you want my lipstick all over you?" She raised her eyebrow. "That's... Different..."

"You see... I don't have a symbol on my hand that says I'm taken. This on the other hand? It's a symbol. I don't have time for that shit today," I told her.

"They're going to flock to us regardless. Many people don't care or hold any morals these days. At least any good morals," she laughed.

"Oh, for sure," I nodded. "We've discussed that. These folks see that you're taken and try even harder to get with you or sleep with you. Life is crazy. Let's roll," I nodded my chin towards the door.

Word Count: 12,155

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