LOVIN' YOU by Van Dirk Fisher - Chapter Two

Chapter Two: Sound Prose Pose

Mario must have seen Michael enter the club, because now he was playing his favorite song SOUND PROSE POSE by hip-hop artist B. East. As photographers flashed their cameras everywhere, trying to get a picture of Michael as he descended the stairs, he paused for a moment to let them get his best side, which was every side as far as I was concerned. The camera loved him. Michael Cavaughan was a tall, dark and PHINE brother with chiseled features and a body so tight that when you saw his abs you knew he was more than a dime. His skin was like velvet chocolate, smooth and refined. His eyes were like Godiva chocolates, decadent and delectable, sweet and desirable, that when he looked at you, you simply wanted to eat him up, but now they were hidden behind Sean Jean shades. Not for attitude, but for that necessary protection, since the paparazzi seemed to follow his every move. His hair was closely cropped with a light sunny fade. His lips were moist and surrounded by dimples, that when he smiled revealed his pearly white teeth. Yeah he was PHINE. So PHINE and mellow that Alicia Keyes and Jill Scott wrote a song about him. In his ear, he wore a Cartier carat stud in a platinum setting. His hands were manicured and gave birth to a solitary gold ring that was strong and bold encrusted with diamonds. A Rolex watch played peek-a-boo with his tailored white suit, which you may have thought he designed himself, but no, it was Versace, of course! He could easily be mistaken for a model that graced the cover of GQ or DETAILS Magazine, but he wasn’t. Currently, he’s on the cover of VIBE and ESQUIRE wants him for their August edition. When he walks one would think he was floating on air, but his feet were protected by Gucci and sometimes Prada. He’s a record producer, an entrepreneur with his own restaurant and yacht, and a designer, with a brand appropriately named after him. He won the Perry Ellis Award and the coveted Council of Fashion Designers of America award for Designer of the Year, and beat veterans and previous winners Ralph Lauren and Michael Kors. Everybody loved him and bent over backwards to please him. That’s why he felt he was blessed. “He was God’s favorite,” some would say. Every project he developed turned to gold. Madison Avenue loved him. America loved him, but more importantly Mariah loved him.

Michael knew that Mariah was having her bachelor’s party at Chances tonight. Bobby told him that’s why they couldn’t go there, but Michael said he was going anyway because he had a surprise for her. Bobby said he didn’t like surprises and Cassandra was sure to be furious with him for bringing Michael here tonight, which meant when he got home he was going to have to start with her feet just to get a taste of her sweet sweet stuff. So Bobby pleaded, but Michael refused. And now, here they were. Well he tried, but Michael was determined. He had made up his mind. He was confident that Mariah would forgive him. And why wouldn’t she? After all he was Michael Cavaughan and nothing was too good for the woman he was going to marry.

Mariah felt somebody tapping her on her shoulder as she quickly remembered where she was and turned to see Cassandra’s face all bent out of shape with her eyebrows raised. “Cassandra, what is it now?” Mariah said impatiently. “What is it? What is it?!” Cassandra said baffled and perturbed. She thought to herself, “Look Missy. You’re lucky I’ve got eyes in the back of my head.” But instead she said, “Michael’s here.” “Here?!!” Mariah said as her jaw dropped to the floor, which quickly reminded Justin of her many hidden talents. “Yes baby girl, so close your mouth and take a deep breath, cause he’s headed this way,” Cassandra said as she stepped in front of Mariah to fix her hair and to make sure she was picture perfect for Michael’s arrival. “Oh, shit! How’s my lipstick?” Mariah said like Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard getting ready for her close-up. “It’s fine honey, if you like the natural look. Go like this.” Cassandra said as she pressed her lips together and wiped a smudge from Mariah’s face. Momma always said there would be days like this and a young lady had to learn how not to show everything on her face, so Mariah did as Cassandra said and took a deep breath.

Erica didn’t miss a beat. She was Mariah’s best girlfriend number two. Wearing a backless mini dress, she quickly stepped in front of Justin and placed his hands on her waist and said, “Tonight’s your lucky night sugar. Mariah’s man is here. Now follow my lead and you’ll be rewarded later.” Then she planted a long passionate kiss on him that was deep. So deep you would have thought she was trying to see what he had for breakfast, lunch and dinner. “What the hell,” Justin thought to himself. He didn’t like Erica, but he knew if he wanted to see Mariah again, he better act like it. So he closed his eyes and held her close and thought of Mariah. Erica felt a warm tingly sensation in her lower region as Justin’s hands caressed her lower back. What had she gotten herself into? It had been a while since a man touched her like that and it felt good. Her body seemed to come alive with his touch and she felt Justin’s body relax and now he was kissing her back. Mmmmm and he was a good kisser too. All she knew was that she was lucky her partner Keisha wasn’t here, cause if she was, all hell would have broke loose. Mariah owed her big time and she knew it. She’d have to pay Prada a visit to buy something special for Erica, but she’s worth it. She’s lucky Erica loved her, but what are girlfriends for?

Mariah could feel Michael’s eyes on her back as Cassandra’s smile spread wide and she said, “Look who’s here Mariah. Looks like someone couldn’t stand being away from you tonight.” Mariah quickly turned around and her eyes met Michael’s eyes and she wondered what he would say. “Looks like you’ve been busy,” Michael said, in a rich deep baritone, that made Mariah’s Victoria’s Secret panties wet. Michael had that effect on her and he seemed to relish that fact when he discovered that to be the case. Mariah tried to keep her composure and somehow managed a little smile. “Yeah, dancing my ass off. I love this place. Mario’s slammin. He always has the latest beats.” She gave Michael a look over and instantly knew why she was in love with him. He had impeccable taste and whenever she was in the room with him he always made her feel like she was the most important person in his life. “What are you doing here baby?” she said slyly as she gave him a gentle kiss on the lips. His eyes were piercing, as if he was looking deep into the bottom of her soul. “Ah, wouldn’t you like to know?” he said as if he was withholding something. “Yes, I would,” Mariah said, as a bead of sweat crept down the back of her neck. Cassandra felt the tension mounting too, but didn’t know if it was just her imagination or was Michael simply having fun at their expense. “You know Michael is up to something Mariah. I can see it in his eyes,” Cassandra said as she let out some air, as if the girdle she was wearing was about to burst and expose her true size. “Cassandra’s right, and I see I got here in the nick of time. I’m sorry to have to interrupt your evening of fun,” Michael said desperately waiting to let the cat out of the bag. “Don’t be silly baby,” Mariah said. “I’m glad you’re here.”

Erica couldn’t hear everything that was being said and she knew Justin’s arm was still around her waist so she decided to step forward and say, “Well, aren’t you going to introduce me to your man?” Mariah was speechless. What was Erica going to say? I hope she doesn’t try to pass Justin off as her boyfriend because I already told Michael that she was gay. “Well don’t,” Erica continued. “I’m Erica and this is an old flame of mine, Justin.” Erica extended her hand and Michael graciously accepted it. “Nice to meet you. Mmmmm,” Michael thought she was gorgeous and loved her doe shaped eyes and sassy hair cropped short and sexy. “Mariah’s told me a lot about you. She said you could still turn heads and she wasn’t lying,” he smiled devilishly and took her in and then looked at Justin. “How are you doing man? Michael Cavaughan here.” Justin smiled that smile, playa to playa. He knew game when he saw it, and now he met his match. So this is why Mariah hasn’t been returning my calls, he thought to himself. Mmmmm. Michael shook Justin’s hand and it was firm and strong as if they were testing each other’s strength, but on the sly. “I know who you are Mr. Cavaughan,” Justin grinned. “I’ve seen your picture in the papers.” “Call me Michael man. All that mister shit makes me feel old.” Cassandra jumped to his defense, “You’ve earned the respect Mister so don’t knocked it.” Michael knew she was right so he just laughed. Mariah laughed too even though she didn’t know why she was laughing and then she said as if she almost forgot to introduce her other girl friends, “Oh, Michael, this is Sherell and this is Monique.” Sherell was a little diva, a pretty little thing. She was a corporate lawyer and still single. Monique was a full figure woman with curves to delight any man who loved having some meat to hold onto and she knew it. “I’m Bobby,” he said as he stepped forward and shook everyone’s hand and then looked at Cassandra and said, “Baby, I’m sorry, but it was his idea.” Then he gave her a kiss. She started to give him her cheek but thought why be cruel, the night is young so she kissed him on the lips. Michael introduced the rest of his posse, “This is Tony, Jay-T and Bonez.” They all shook hands. Tony was macked out in a charcoal gray suit, while Jay-T was wearing a silver gray suit with a fedora. Bonez was wearing a black and white outfit and just knew he was the shit. And Bobby was wearing all black. All the guys worked with Michael and knew him for years. Bobby was the newest addition. He was Michael’s driver. Michael hired him as a favor to Mariah and Cassandra. He knew his place and was grateful for the job. Michael treated him like a brother or uncle for that matter. And Bobby was very protective of him. “Let’s get a table in the VIP section,” Michael said as he put his arm around Mariah and lead the way.

“Sure, whatever you say baby,” Mariah acquiesced, relieved and happy as she turned to beckon the rest to follow. Justin caught her eyes and smiled a knowing smile as if to say, “You lucky Michael didn’t come in here a few minutes earlier while we were kissing.” But Mariah didn’t care. All was well. She had come back to earth and Michael was at her side and she was with the man she loved and in two weeks she would be Ms. Mariah Cassi Cavaughan.

When they arrived at the VIP section there were four tables reserved for them as if they had been expecting them. Yes, Michael was up to something, Mariah knew it. He was too happy. He beamed with pride as if he was happy to show her off to the world. The interior to the VIP section was designed with impeccable taste in leather, velvet and chrome that was bold and soft in shades of burgundy, fuchsia and cream. The lighting was warm and inviting. Dim enough to entertain naughty thoughts with candle lights to set off a glow to make sure no mistakes were made. As soon as they were seated five waiters arrived with champagne glasses and several bottles of Cristal Louis Roederer 1999 Rose. There were at least 6 bottles and Mariah knew they cost at least $1,200 a piece, because Michael had her order a case one day for his penthouse on central park west. Money was no object to him, but a means to an end to acquire more wealth.

After every glass was filled, Michael rose and made a toast, “To Mariah, thanks for coming into my life and making me feel complete. You are like an angel sent to me from heaven above and I will always cherish you and honor you by my side every day of my life. I love you and I can’t wait until that special day when I look into your eyes and I hear you say, “I do” and I can call you my wife. I love you baby.” After that last declaration, he bent down and kissed her and then from his breast pocket produced a diamond necklace, which he proceeded to place around her neck. “May I?” he asked permission, as if she might be stupid enough to deny him, but of course she didn’t, as a single tear fell from her eyes. “Why are you crying? I can take it back if you don’t like it,” he said. “No I love it silly. I love it,” as he clasp the necklace on her. “I’m just so very happy,” Mariah said. “I love you Michael. You complete me too,” as she gave him another kiss and they embraced. Everyone applauded who was in earshot of the toast and several people had tears in their eyes. Including Justin, but his tears were tears of sorrow because he knew his chances of winning her back were slim. What could he offer her? Nothing compared to the lifestyle Michael could provide for her. That truth only made it a bitter pill to swallow as a lump developed in his throat, and he hoped no one would detect the true source of his pain. She loved Michael. Justin could see that, but that didn’t stop him from loving her too. And he knew Mariah loved him as well. Michael may touch her in a special place, but he knew his love for her was deeper and not for the obvious reasons. Yes, Justin Holmes had his work cut out for him and he wasn’t about to sit this one out without putting up a fight.

Mariah was standing with Michael as her girlfriends congratulated her and got a closer look at her necklace. And out of the corner of her eye she caught Justin’s eyes. Was he crying too? Oh please, she thought to herself, I can’t begin to think of this. Can’t he see that I’m happy? Yes, we had something in the past and yes, maybe for a moment seeing him, aroused feelings from the past, but I’ve moved on and so must he. Let’s be real! Just then, Erica touched Justin on his head and rubbed her hand gently across his face as if she sensed he was having a problem with these proceedings and wanted to comfort him. How dare Erica touch him like that? Mariah felt a pang of jealousy even though she knew it was senseless. Then suddenly Michael whispered into her ear, “Baby would you like to dance?” Mariah turned to Michael as if she were coming out of a dream, “Sure, baby. Let’s dance.” She looked radiant, Michael thought to himself as he led her to the dance floor. Mario saw them and knew exactly what to do. As they started dancing the lights dimmed and a spotlight found them and the disco ball cast a thousand stars across the nightclub’s sky. Soon everyone else stopped dancing as if they knew this moment was only meant for these two lovers.

“You know, I planned all of this, right?” Michael confessed. Mariah felt like she was going to cry as her eyes welled up with tears. “Did you?” she said. “Yes, baby, I did,” Michael said. “I wanted this night to be perfect for you and I wanted to be the one to share it with you.” Mariah wiped away a tear and said, “It’s wonderful Michael. It’s more than I could have ever imagined. I love it.” They stopped dancing and the crowd applauded. Then Michael led her to some seats as the dance floor became a runway and a fashion show began. “What’s this?” Mariah asked. Michael delighted in her childlike glee. “It’s a fashion show. I asked Roberto Cavalli to give you a preview of his Spring Collection so you could pick something to wear while we’re on our honeymoon.” “Roberto Cavalli? Oh, my God, I love his designs. He’s my favorite!” she exclaimed as she planted a kiss on his cheek. “I know,” Michael laughed. “That’s why he’s here. Now sit back and enjoy the show. I’ve already seen a couple of outfits that I want to see you in before I rip them off of you!”

“Who could ask for more,” Mariah thought to herself, as the camera’s light bulbs flashed everywhere to capture this momentous event! Mariah loved the attention. And the thought of Justin slowly slipped to the back of her mind.

Mario pumped up the volume as the crowd cheered and applauded as the models strut their stuff. It was a night to remember and magical, and after the crowd had cleared, Justin realized that he forgot to get Mariah’s address. He knew that she had moved and he didn’t even know where she worked. All he had was her number and he was sure that after tonight she was going to block his number for good. Dayum, what was he going to do now? Erica had already left him and said she had to go home to her girl. She said, no hard feelings, but her act was over and she had to level with him. Justin was relieved and laughed to himself, because part of him was hoping that Erica could help him forget Mariah. Well at least for tonight anyway, but now it was just him. Him and his hard-on. He finished his drink and set the glass down on the table near the DJ’s booth. As he walked by the DJ’s booth again, Mario said, “Good night man. You should come out on Sunday nights. The crowd is off the hook bruh.” Justin just grinned that knowing smile, “Is it?” Mario smiled as he took a sip of his drink hoping the ice would cool him off a bit. “Yeah. I could leave your name at the door if you like,” Mario said. “No doubt. That’s wassup son! Dat’s wassup. My name’s Justin. Justin Holmes,” he said as he put his hands in his pockets to see if had his ticket for his coat check. It was there, but so was his . . . . never mind he thought to himself. I need to take my ass home. “Aiight Holmes, see you Sunday,” Mario said as the last song played out.

To listen to the music on the mixed CD - TOE JAM BEATS: Hittin' It Like It's Hot!

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Song: Sound Prose Pose
Artist: B. East