Rendezvous at Silver Lining

Raphael’s POV: Her Blazer now

To say I was pissed was an understatement. I danced with that pathetic excuse of a woman for Divinity's sake. I could see she was really trying to keep calm, but Olivia wasn't making it any easier on her. So I obliged to dance with her to keep some resemblance of peace. I walked away, dreading the onslaught of comments that was to come. We reached the far end of the ballroom, and there is where we began our farce of an intimate moment. I put my hand on her waist, her hand on my shoulder, and we rocked to the music.

“Thank you for dancing with me, Raphy.”

Olivia mentioned this as she laid her head on my shoulder. It took everything in me not to nudge it off.

“Don't thank me. Thank Divinity. If it was up to me, I would never dance with you, especially not after the way you've been treating Divinity tonight.”

Truth was, I was enjoying myself with Divinity. But then I remembered my resolution when picking her up. She seemed to be opening up to me, but I wanted to see how much. I got so distracted by her sheer beauty that I all but gave up my quest. After thinking about our convo on the balcony, I figured let's see who Divinity really is. Is she possessive like me, or does she allow others to take what they want from her? I'll test that theory AFTER my dance with Olivia. Once the song was over, I immediately moved away from Olivia.

“There. You got your dance. Now if you'll excuse me.”

I went to walk away when she grabbed my arm to stop me.

“Hey, where are you going? Come dance with me again.”

I heaved a heavy sigh, annoyed with her persistence.

“No.”

I turned to walk away but she again stopped me but this time with her words.

“What? You in a rush to get back to your poor, slutty date. She's probably tired from being so fat to dance with you.”

I saw red. I stormed over to her, startled her and gripped her up by the arm.

“Do. Not. Ever speak about Divinity in that way again or I swear I'll make you regret it.

Here's the deal, if you don't look at, talk to, be near or even think about her, you will keep all your teeth in your mouth. Got it.”

I shook her as I let her loose and stormed away. She really knows how to strike a nerve. I'll never let anyone disrespect her around me. I took a step outside to cool down for a few minutes before returning to Divinity. All of Olivia's stupidity wore me out. If Divinity wants to dance I'll dance with her but that'll be about it. I re-entered the ballroom and began to make my way back to my minx, when I was shocked into complete stillness. I saw Divinity dancing with Damien. They flowed like water together, as if no one else existed but them on the entire floor. I glanced over to see his parents dancing nearby, smiling at them like they were a happy couple.

It was f*****g disgusting. His last moments were sensual and I could see her become nervous, unsteady. This mothefucka loves putting his finger under her chin. I became angry and was on my way to break it up when they separated. I took a breather to calm myself. I wiped my hand over my face as if wiping away my anxiety. I lifted my head to watch as Olivia accidentally on purpose poured chocolate pudding down the front of Divinity's dress. I was so shocked that I forgot to move. I snapped outta my haze once I heard that b***h's voice. I sprinted to Divinity. As soon as I was in earshot I yelled for her.

“Divinity, are you ok?”

I looked over to see Damien came towards Divinity as well and asked the same question. Divinity is in shock about what just happened to her. That b***h couldn't just leave her alone. I turned my heated gaze back to Olivia.

“OH MY GOSH!!! I'm so sorry Denise. I tripped and spilled my pudding all over your dress. Please, do forgive me?”

I could see she wasn't being serious and she was shouting to draw more attention. I was on my way to keep my promise from earlier about knocking her teeth out when Divinity stopped both Damien and I.

“It's fine. An accident is an accident. Right, Olive?”

“It's Olivia. Not Olive.”

“Oh. Well pardon me. I just thought we were out here giving nicknames, considering you said Denise. Not Divinity.”

I was a little confused by Divinity's nonchalant behavior to what happened to her. She took a step towards Olivia with a smile but this smile was chilling. Damn near unnerved me.

“Right. Divinity. My bad.”

Divinity turned to me and I saw her dress. I was beyond angry but I was more upset for Divinity. I now understood why she was hesitant to come with me. Divinity took a step towards me and asked a question.

“Do you mind if I borrow your blazer? I'll be right back.”

I immediately took it off and handed it to her. She walked towards the bathroom and I saw the many faces that had chuckles and surprised looks. Very few had actual concern on their face. From the corner of my eye, I saw Mrs.Blakfield heading over and her face matched her hair with how red it was.

“What the hell happened. Who did that to that girl?”

Mr.Blakfield came up behind his wife and wrapped her in his arms to soothe her. I came up beside them and spoke.

“Olive here says she tripped and spilled her pudding on Divinity's dress.”

Mrs.Blakfield snapped her head towards Olivia.

“You're not a toddler. Do you not know how to hold a glass without spilling its contents? Especially on another person.”

“Mrs. Blakfield, it really was an honest mistake. I tripped and she just so happened to be there. I apologize for having caused a fiasco at your esteemed event.”

Olivia really turned on her acting skills to put on an almost convincing show, but Mrs.Blakfield was not having none of that.

“You think I care about the event? I'm concerned about Divinity. She's a sweetheart and Emilia and Benjamin just left too. Do you know how pissed they're gonna be when they hear about this? You better hope I can soothe that lovely young lady.”

I've heard about Mrs.Blakfield. She's known as a no nonsense woman but when you get to know her, she's an absolute sweetheart. It seems Divinity has won over yet another person with her being herself. I smiled inwardly thinking about how easy it is for her to make friends and for people to want to get to know her. Mr. and Mrs.Blakfield stood near me waiting for Divinity to return. Olivia huddled up with some of her fake ass friends, I bet gossiping about how Divinity is gonna look when she comes back. She has been away for a while.

“Raphael, should I go check on her? She's been gone for a while. I want to make sure she's ok.”

I was about to answer when I was interrupted.

“I'm ok, Mrs.Blakfield. I'm back.”

I looked behind the Blakfields and saw the most unimaginable sight. Divinity came back in my deep green blazer.

That's it

Just the blazer.

My blazer was long enough to reach her mid thigh. With how low cut the blazer is, her breasts were exposed some. It looked like she was wearing a black strapless bra with a small green bow in front. She had the sleeves rolled up so it didn't dangle over her hands. When I tell you everyone was shocked into silence by how Divinity looked. I felt a twitching in my pants. I needed to compose myself before I completely lost it. Divinity was all smiles. She looked to her left and I followed her eyeline and saw Olivia. Her face was distorted. It's clear as day that she did what she did on purpose and Divinity took it as a challenge. She looked at me and smiled and I returned it. I might’ve gone about this the wrong way. Instead of tryna make her jealous, I should've got some woman to piss her off.

“El, I hope you don't mind me wearing your blazer as a dress, since mine got destroyed because some people are too clumsy for their own good.”

She walked towards me and put her arm around mine. She looked up at me and smiled. She then turned her attention back to the Blakfields.

“I hope you can excuse how I'm dressed. But I really had no other choice. I didn't want to ruin your event.”

She looked dead into Mrs.Blakfield's eyes and she smiled. Mrs.Blakfield and Divinity were having some kind of telepathic conversation because her face broke out into a big smile and started to chuckle lightly.

“Divinity it's alright, dear. I was more worried about you than anything. As long as you're ok, I'm good with it. Regardless of what you wear, you look amazing.”

Mrs.Blakfield winked at Divinity and walked away with her husband. Olivia still stood in her spot looking my minx up and down, aggravated that her ploy to embarrass Divinity turned around to not only make her more seductive but also made her look absolutely stupid. Divinity turned to Olivia and walked to stand in front of her.

“I told you, I'm not the one or the two. Don't make the mistake to try for a third. I don't know what your problem is with me but I could care less. Keep your bullshit to yourself. Now if you don't mind, I'm gonna go have a dance with El. Excuse me, Olay.”

“It's Olivia!!”

“I don't think I asked.”

With that, Divinity turned towards me and reached a hand out for me to take. She led me to the dance floor. We were about to dance when Damien came up behind her.

“Songbird. I would like to apologize to you.”

She turned to face him.

“Apologize for what?”

“Olivia is my date and so she is my responsibility. I never thought she would ever behave like this. She never has.”

“I can assure you, someone like her has probably done something like this before, just a lot more private. You on the other hand have nothing to apologize for. You didn't do it. I have no hard feelings towards you, Damien. I enjoyed myself with you today. Thank you for your concern and checking in on me.”

She walked up to him and gave him a hug. He had to bend down to allow her to give him a kiss on the cheek. I saw his face flush and held a hand to the cheek she kissed. She came back to me and we began to dance. We danced in the circle, swaying back and forth. She let out a soft sigh and put her forehead against my chest. I looked around and saw all eyes on us, better yet her. I glared at the many men who were checking her out. I checked to make sure her ass wasn't out considering what she's wearing isn't exactly a dress. I heard her mumble which brought me back to the beautiful woman in my arms.

“I'm sorry. What did you say?”

She looked up at me and I saw the sadness in her eyes. My heart stopped. I don't think I've ever seen her upset. As I thought about it, I don't think I've really cared for someone, other than my family, enough to be affected by their emotions.

“I'm pissed off that I couldn't slap that b***h. And even more upset that she ruined the dress. You did so much for me to get ready for tonight and even paid for the second dress. And now this one is ruined too. I… feel terrible.”

She looked genuinely heartbroken for my “loss”. I was confused. All my life, I've been used to people using me and taking from me, that I've decided to make all things a transaction cause nothing can actually be free, right? But with the little time I've spent being around this woman, she has never asked more than she's willing to give herself, and is considerate beyond words, to the point of feeling remorseful about a dress that won't be missed out of my bank account. I mean it was literally nothing. Her clothes, even with the second dress, cost less than my suit all together. I ran my hand over her hair.

“Is that what you're concerned about? Not the gossip or tabloids? Not feeling embarrassed? But about how something I paid for got ruined and not by or because of you?”

I looked at her with an incredulous look and she smacked my chest. I feigned hurt and she smiled. Like always, her smile took my breath away. But that was the moment I realized I would do anything to keep her smiling. I smiled back at her. Her smile faded as she gazed into my eyes. I ran my fingers against her cheek lightly and across her lips. She let a small gasp escape her and I smiled even more brightly by how she reacted to me.

“Thank you, Divinity.”

She tilted her head to the left, perplexed by my comment. I chuckled.

“You are one of the few people I know that actually cares about what I do for them, not just expects me to do it. You are one of the most considerate people I know. Thank you for being who you are.”

Her eyes were as wide as saucers at my comment. I know it was most likely surprising coming from me but I truly meant it.

“I know I'm the last one to give compliments but I mean it. You truly are an amazing person… annnnddd an absolute knockout. My blazer has never looked better. Should you just wear all my clothes from now on.”

She pushed away from me but I didn't let her go and laughed at my stupid joke.

“You don't know how to let a moment be, do you?”

“I'm not too good with the mushy stuff.”

We finished up our dance with small talk and before leaving, she wanted to say goodbye to the Blakfields. We headed to the front where a waiter held a bag with Divinity's dress in it. There were a few paparazzi left. Again, the moment they saw Divinity, they flashed cameras. She knows how to draw a crowd without ever trying. We waited at the bottom of the steps for my car. Tim pulled up, got out and opened the door for us. We sat in comfortable silence for a while. Her phone started to ding. She pulled it out of the little bag she had and messaged her friends that she was on her way back. She scooted closer to me and leaned on my shoulder. It took us about 45 minutes to get to her place. Before we got there she was asleep on my shoulder. I watched her sleep with a smile. I looked up to peer in the rear view mirror. On instinct, Tim looked back at me through it, then looked away.

“You want me to fix that?”

I shifted a little to help Divinity be more comfortable as she slept, then focused my attention back on Tim's question.

“Yes. Do some research first. I don't want any surprises.”

Tim nodded at me and glanced my way through the mirror. No one knows that Tim is not just my driver, but my “go to” guy. He deals with security and keeping track of unwanted attention and notifies me when those "unwanted” things are dealt with. There have been a few annoyances that have been bugging me for a while. I think now it's time to get rid of them. I contacted Tim during the whole fiasco at the ball. He'll have all this sorted out soon.

After about another 15 minutes, we approached Divinity's building. Tim parked and went to open the door for me. I got out and picked her up in my arms to take her back to her apartment. Tim rang the bell so her friends could open the door. Once there, Ms.Manzitto opened it and showed me to Divinity’s room. I laid her down on her bed gently. She looked so beautiful even while asleep. I took her shoes off. She had lines around her legs from the strings of her shoes. I sat at the edge of the bed and rubbed her legs and feet to get circulation back into them. After I was satisfied with my work, I lowered her legs on the bed and covered her with a blanket. I said my goodbyes to the ladies and left. I hopped in my car and headed home. I leaned my head back on the seat and closed my eyes. My brain was now flooded with new, beautiful pictures of Divinity.

My little minx.

My mi amor.