Feeling good, Caresha rose up on the tips of her heels, leaning in close to whisper in his ear.
“I ain’t playing with you either, so make sure to pick the fuck up when I call.”
Without waiting for a response, she turned and headed toward her car parked at the back of the lot. Unbeknownst to her, Danger had made the decision to follow, ensuring she made it there safely.
Later that night, Caresha stood before her mirror, applying her lipstick. After trying on four different outfits, she finally settled on a fitted jumpsuit paired with heels. Her hair was styled in a layered blowout with a deep side part, featuring large spiral curls that gave her so much volume.
Although she knew Danger liked it curly, she wanted to switch her style up and show him how a bad bitch truly stepped out and shined. She completed the look with her new Van Cleef necklace and matching earrings Nivéa had gifted her after her trip to Vegas.
Across the room, Nivéa sat on the edge of the bed, cradling Nyla against her chest after a long day at work. As her eyes scanned Caresha, a smirk tugged at the corner of her lips.
“Oh, you fine-fine tonight, sis. I see you. Crown had me doing the same shit.”
Caresha rolled her eyes while fixing her lashes. “Girl, hush.” She blushed.
“No, seriously. Danger ain’t gone know how to act when he sees you.”
“Please. That nigga already don’t know how to act. Pulling up at my job, causing a scene. I can’t believe you gave him the address, heffa.”
“Well, in my defense, he came correct. He called Crown and got me on the phone. He was adamant about do something nice for you. I thought it was sweet.”
“Mm-hmm. Of course, your lover girl ass would think that.” Caresha turned slightly to check herself in the mirror again before shrugging. “That’s cool. He’s cool.”
“Just cool?” Nivéa repeated, lightly bouncing Nyla when she began to fuss.
“Bitch, that man has you changing outfits multiple times. You even washed and flat-ironed your hair after a long day at work and we both know you don’t even play them kind of games.”
Caresha rolled her eyes. “Hush and mind your business.”
“Nope, not when you’re always in mine, asking a thousand questions. Oh, now your loud ass wants to be quiet when it’s your turn.”
Tuning her out, Caresha grabbed her new perfume from the dresser and sprayed herself down…another gift from Nivéa.
“And you’re putting on your good shit, too?!”
“Niv, shut up. Damn.”
They shared another laugh, but after a moment, Nivéa pressed on, refusing to let it go.
“You’re nervous, huh?”
Caresha glanced at Nivéa through the mirror, letting out a soft sigh. “Yep,”
“I can tell. So, what you think this is leading to? Are you taking this seriously, or just having fun?”
“I don’t know yet.”
Caresha wasn’t the kind of woman to tie herself down; it just wasn’t her style those days. While Nivéa acted on love and emotions, Caresha valued her freedom and sanity. She had consciously avoided real relationships over the past few years, wary of the mistakes and heartbreak they could bring. Her focuswas on living her best, worry-free life. If anything stressed her out, it would come from her own choices, not a man. She swore by that.
Her perspective was shaped by witnessing her mother endure hardships with her father before ultimately divorcing him. Caresha loved her father and considered him a great dad when he was alive, but a poor husband. All she remembered was seeing her mama cry, which taught her early on that she never wanted to live that way.
Then there were her teenage years and early twenties… she had dealt with multiple misunderstandings and disappointments from niggas. Not to mention how she watched her best friend constantly get hurt by her first love, Boe. All of that was enough to make Caresha say hell no to relationships and just have fun. A guy could take her out, spend money on her, text and call here and there, but that was as far as she wanted to go.
“Well, I like how Danger is moving. Those Knight men know how to treat a woman. I think he’ll be different for you.” Nivéa said.
Caresha set the perfume bottle down. “Yeah, maybe so.”
Nivéa smiled knowingly. “And that scares you a little bit.”
