Rendezvous at Silver Lining

Divinity's POV: The New Cinderella

The girls and I were up for a bit last night catching up and being extra. Kris was bitching from the horror movie I had us watch and Robin and I had a blast watching her freak out. We ended up sleeping on the couch together and had Bob's Burgers on TV as a buffer for Kris so she could sleep. I set my alarm for 7:30, since we had to get up to get ready for our day that Mr. McCoy threw in our laps. We got ourselves together by 9am, and I made us a quick breakfast. I was in a black t-shirt and leggings, with a long knee length burgundy cardigan and sneakers, my hair was put up in a messy bun. Binny had on a pair of dark blue ripped boyfriend jeans, with a long sleeved white crop top, black leather jacket and sneakers, her hair in a low pony. Kris wore army green sweatpants, burnt orange ribbed crop top, with a Jean jacket and sneakers. Her hair was left down in her natural curls. I made us all an egg and cheese with scrapple on a cinnamon bagel. We ate and cleaned up right before it was time for us to go. At 9:45 am, sitting on the couch with binny and Kris, I received a phone call from Mr.McCoy. They both gave me a mischievous look, patiently waiting for the call to begin.

Phone call:

Mr.McCoy: Good morning, Ms.Loore. How are you?

Me: Good morning, Mr.McCoy. I'm doing well. How are you?

Mr.McCoy: I'm alright, myself. I'm currently in the gym doing my morning workout.

Me: You're better than me. I can't seem to stay in the gym. I need to lose a pound or two… or ten, hahah.

Mr.McCoy: I don't think so. You're perfect how you are now.

Me: Ha! Wouldn't be saying that if you saw me without clothes.

Mr.McCoy: I can almost guarantee you I would like nothing more than to see you naked under me. I'd lick every part of your body and touch you in a way that you'd never think negatively about it again. You wouldn't need a gym because I would work you out in bed... Is that a good enough answer, Ms.Loore?

A b***h was silent. I was so scared that I would moan on the phone if I said anything. My whole body heated up and I began to shift in my spot on the couch. I looked up and saw Binny and Kris looking at me tryna get the scoop. I cleared my throat to try and find a reasonable response.

Me: Oh… Uhhh. Ok.

Mr. McCoy let out a dark chuckle at my response. s**t, that was all I had to say.

Mr.McCoy: “I would advise you to never speak poorly of your body around me or to me, if you aren't ready for my reply. Anyway, Tim should be reaching your place in just a few minutes. Please do enjoy yourself and enjoy your day with your friends. I'll see you tonight.

Me: O- ok. Thank you and see you tonight. Bye.

End of call.

I sat my phone down on the couch beside me. I needed to catch my breath. What's really going on? I needed time to process the idea that a guy I swore was out of my reach, could indeed, be reached. But of course that was just wishful thinking because these scavengers, I call friends, were on my ass for answers.

“Naw, naw sis. You can't go radio silent after talking to sugar daddy like that. What he say?”

I wanted to punch Kris in the mouth. She’s always doing the most.

“Why you always gotta go there? He was just telling me about today's events.”

“The f**k you mean? We not deaf! We heard you say something about you and the gym and seeing you with no clothes on. Then, a cat snatched the hell outta your tongue, cause you went silent. Sooooo…. What he say?”

I really can't stand Kris' detective ass sometimes.

“ Look here, Inspector gadget, stay out my mouth sometimes.”

“Oooh, so he said he wanted to put something in it?”

I snapped my head at Binny getting ready to cuss her ass out too, until I saw her face. She was wiggling her brows and winked at me. I cackled.

“Can't you heffas take anything serious? I mean, damn! And let me be mad for once.”

We all laughed together and that was the answer, a resounding absolutely not, so stop asking.

“What he say, Vinnie. Stop being stingy.”

“Fine, Kris. He was in the middle of a workout when he called and he mentioned that to me. I said my slight lack of dedication to the gym needs some help and I could lose a few. Uhh… he, he, went on to say… some rather expressive things concerning me and that I should never speak poorly about my body ever again and I'm damn sure not. At least not with him.”

My face carried all my embarrassment and it made my friends laugh.

“ Slight lack? Yeah ok, but I see you daddy Ralphy!!! You betta check this dumb hoe, right Binny?”

“Why I gotta be hoe?”

“Cause you acting stupid. There's nothing wrong with you Vinnie. I'm glad Mr.McCoy put a fire under that ass. He probably said all types of nasty s**t, right? Things im gonna be repeating to you at work, riigghhtt?”

Binny was cracking up, and her and Kris high-fived. I really can't do nothing around these two at all.

We were in our own little world when a buzz came from my doorbell. I got up to answer it. Tim, the driver Mr.McCoy sent, was here and waiting.

“Damn. 10 on the dot. He ain't playing about his boo.”

Kris looked at me and winked. I rolled my eyes at her, and she laughed some more. We grabbed our things and left out the door. As we stepped outside, we were met with an Escalade with tinted windows. Tim, the driver, stood outside the door waiting for our arrival. When we saw him, we all looked at each other because where do you get drivers that look like that? This man had to be the same height as Mr.McCoy. He was built, baby BUILT!!! He was this fine ass white chocolate man, with a face any woman would want to sit on, I mean. And the BAWDY. I just can't.

I wasn't the only one feeling that, cause Binny leaned over and whispered into my ear.

“Did your ovaries quiver too?”

I just nodded my head, and we went towards the car. He looked directly at me as we stood in front of him.

“Ms.Loore, Mr.McCoy has sent me to accompany you and your guest today.”

I smiled and nodded, and we entered the car door that Tim held open.

“Did y'all orgasm too when he spoke? Damn girl, my whole body shivered.”

Kris whispered that to us, and we snickered. We quieted down once Tim entered the car again, and we were on our way. After 30 minutes, we reached Carrina's. It's a beautiful upscale shop that I would've never sniffed if not for Mr.McCoy. Tim opened the door for us, and we filed out. He gave me his card so I could call him when we were ready so he could take us to our next destination. As we entered the business, we were met with a floral scent. The entire shop was gorgeous. It's two stories with a semi-circle staircase leading to the glass double doors. Marble floors with certain sections having soft fluffy gray carpets. Tall pillars, most with mirrors on them, low hanging chandeliers and clothes everywhere. We were all impressed. A lady that I assumed worked there approached us.

“Good morning, ladies. How may I help you?”

I looked down at her name tag that read Debbie. She was an older lady, maybe in her late 40's early 50s. She had a gentle demeanor. Her blue eyes were sweet behind glasses, and her brown, turning gray hair was pulled back into a medium high ponytail. I stepped up to address the lady.

“Good morning. My name's Divinity. I was sent here by Mr. Raphael McCoy."

“Oh, yes, of course. He told us to expect you and your guest. Please, follow me.”

“Thank you.”

We followed behind her up the stairs. We had our own private seating, with coffee, tea, other drinks, snacks, etc. There were 3 seats and a slow spinning rack of dresses already hanging and a regular closet full of clothes, shoes, and accessories.

“Please have a seat and enjoy any refreshments. I'll be here with you the entire time to help and give any assistance you may need.”

We sat as instructed and listened to what Debbie said.

“ I was told the colors that we should look for. I already picked out a few items for you. Seeing you now, if I could, I would suggest you wear a green dress with accents of gold and black. You have beautiful skin, and green would make it pop. The accessories and shoes should be gold and black.”

She stepped aside and allowed me a look at the clothing. Everything looked so expensive that I didn't want to touch any of it.

“Do you have any questions for me?”

“Absolutely. How much is all this stuff? I'm only gonna be dressed like this for a singular night. I'm not tryna break the bank here.”

I looked around at everything, feeling a little overwhelmed by it all. I looked back at Debbie, and she smiled at me

“Mr.McCoy told me you would be hesitant with being here with such expensive things and to not allow you to see any price tags. He simply wants you to pick something to your satisfaction.”

My eyes popped out my head, and Binny and Kris were in the back laughing at the situation.

“He got you there,Vinnie. You might as well get over it now.”

Binny said, still laughing. I turned to her and rolled my eyes.

“You really can't keep quiet once, huh?”

Turning back to Debbie, I see she has no intent in doing me a solid and allowing me to peek at the tags. I gave her a look, and she gave one back, telling me I was definitely on my own. I sighed heavily.

“Ok fine. Can you at least tell me which are the least expensive clothes here?”

She chuckled at me and nodded.

“I can see you are not used to this type of environment. I won't let you see the prices, but I can direct you to the lesser priced items... It's always nice to be in this type of company.”

She stepped closer to me and continued her statement.

“Most times, we have… overly eager people in and out of here, with demands out the wazoo. Your group seems like good, kind girls. I would be delighted to help in any way I can.”

I smiled at her words and nodded my head. All of a sudden, I hear a loud clap. I turned to see Kris standing with Binny by her side.

“Ok, lovebug, time to make you the Belle of the ball!”

My friends really are dramatic. They both had the biggest smiles on their faces. I turned back to Debbie, and she had one on, too. I suddenly felt hella nervous.

We went through a ton of dresses. We came up with all types of ideas for hairstyles and makeup. By the end of it, I was exhausted. I flung myself onto the closet chair.

“I'm so tired. Ain't y'all tired? When's it gonna be time for y’all's fashion show?”

I looked over at Binny and Kris, and they just smiled at me.

“Oh we're not getting anything”

“Whatcha mean you not getting anything Binny?”

“Today is about you, not us. We're just here to help. Plus, this only happened cause you needed a dress for the event tonight.”

I looked over at Kris.

“You feel the same, Kris?”

“Yeps. This about you, girl. Get used to it.”

I chuckled at them. I honestly don't know where I would be, who I would be without them. We decided on a green halter floor length, fitted dress with a low back line. My hair would be curled and pinned up messy with rhinestones throughout my hair, with curly strands framing my face. I'd wear simple makeup. Gold earrings, and black platform, 6 inch shoes. I was happy with my decision, although these people wanted me to wear something else. Debbie snuck in a more expensive dress that they fell in love with, but it was too much for me. It was another green dress that had two thigh splits with a deep plunge. So we settled for this one. Well, they settled, I loved it. By the end of it, it was 12:30 and I called Tim. We said our goodbyes and left for destination #2.

We arrived at Georgia's Spa and were mushed, dipped, cracked, and rubbed to oblivion. We were even able to shower after everything before we got our hair done. I never felt so relaxed in my life. This time, Kris and Binny joined me, unlike at the dress store. We sat in our chairs and chatted away. Once it was time to get my hair styled, I told the dresser how I'd like it.

“Oh. We received a call from a lady named Debbie. She told us to style it differently than what you just asked for.”

Me and the girls all looked confused. When the heck did she say this? We all agreed on the style.

“We agreed on the style. It would go perfectly with the dress we picked out. Why change it?”

I was hella confused. What was going on?

“Ms.Divinity, I was told the dress you picked out was ruined not too long after you left. She, on the other hand, picked out another dress and instructed me to do something different than what you had originally planned.”

“What!!!”

Me, Binny, and Kris yelled at the same time. What the hell could have happened in such a short time. We had everything planned and now I don't know what was going on.

“Relax Vinnie. Everything is gonna be fine. Debbie was a great help. I'm sure she knows what to do and will be able to get you together just fine. Just let them do whatever it is she suggested, and we'll see the dress later, ok.”

Kris looked at me, trying to reassure me everything would be fine. I could do nothing but believe her and hope she's right. We left the spa at 4, and it took us an hour to get back to my place. Debbie had offered to personally bring the dress to my apartment to be sure nothing went wrong with this dress. We were home for 15 minutes when she buzzed to be let up. She came to my apartment and knocked. I opened the door to not only find her, but also another lady with her with a small suitcase.

“Nice to see you again, Divinity. I'm so sorry about the dress. One of the other shop ladies spilled copier ink on the dress. I don't know how, but it's completely ruined. I let Mr.McCoy know, and he was willing to pay for another dress. We didn't charge him for two, just added the difference. I switched out your jewelry and shoes as well. I promise you will still look like a goddess. Do you trust me?”

She seemed too frazzled over the whole situation. It wasn't her fault, so I can't be upset with her. The situation is strange though.

“It's ok, Debbie. I trust you. Come in, please.”

She entered and I turned to the other lady.

“And you are?”

“Oh, I'm Jessica. I'm the makeup artist sent by Mr.McCoy.”

“Right. Come in. I'm ready when you are.”

“Great!”

She entered and got her things set up. Debbie sat my clothes and everything down and took a seat. She offered to help me dress once my makeup was done. Kris and Binny grabbed a few wine glasses and offered some to everyone. Debbie explained what happened and nothing about it sat right with me, none of us for that matter. After my makeup was done, Debbie helped me get dressed and refused to allow me to see myself at any point until everything was done. I've never, in my life, imagined myself looking like this. Instead of light makeup, it was dramatic. Jessica added natural looking lashes to enhance my already long ones. She added a smokey gold, green, and black eyeshadow and eyeliner to go along the shape of my eyes. She topped it off with tinted lip gloss after she lined my lips. They were already full, but now they just looked juicier. I asked to only have concealer on, cause you know I don't do foundation. My hair was straight back with a subtle body wave. Naturally, my hair is shoulder length, but when straightened, it reached mid back. It was finally time to get dressed. Debbie and I went to my room. Before getting dressed, I put on body oil that has golden glitter in it.

The dress… Where to begin? It was a floor-length velvet fitted dress. It had a slit on the left side that stopped a little below my hip. Off the shoulder two inch straps with a slight sweetheart neckline. The dress dragged behind me a little, not too much to be a train but noticeable. Debbie brought a gold band for my left upper arm. It sat just below the stap. I was given what I would call, golden platform gladiator strap up heels. The very last thing to end my ensemble was a velvet black choker necklace, with an emerald pendant in the middle that was held in place by gold locks. When I saw myself, I damn near passed out. I couldn't believe it was me. Kris and Binny were screaming for me to come out and show them. Debbie basically had to drag me out. I thought I killed them when they saw me. Even the makeup artist was stunned.

“Somebody say something. How do I look?”

I was getting nervous by the silence.

“Divinity… you look incredible.”

I looked at Binny, surprised. She hardly ever calls me by my name, and it came out like a whisper. I smiled shyly.

“You think? I look good?”

“Is that even a legit question? You're stunning!”

My gaze turned to Kris, who looked as if she wanted to cry. Debbie came to stand beside me and looked into my eyes.

“You look amazing, Divinity. I'm sure you will stand out amongst them all. I know you had your heart set on the other dress, but THIS… this is your look. Absolutely gorgeous!”

I looked at all of them and smiled. I had to fan myself before I started crying.

“Don't you dared f*****g cry. You look too good for that!”

“Ok, ok, Kris.”

They all gathered around me admiring the look and complementing both Debbie and Jessica on their work. My door buzzed, interrupting the conversation and Binny went to see who it was. I looked at my phone. It was 8pm on the dot. I can see he doesn't play with punctuality. We all heard his deep voice come through the speaker and everyone looked at me.

“She'll be right down, Mr.McCoy.”

Binny was too excited while speaking to Mr.McCoy and Kris ran to give me a hug before pushing me to the door. Binny hugged me as well and ushered me through the door. I had my small hand clasp and phone in hand, making my way towards the lobby. I received so many looks from passersby and compliments. Once in the lobby I took a deep breath, trying to steady my heart. I reached the door and pushed it out. Mr.McCoy stood facing the street with his hands in his pockets. He heard the door. He turned to look at me. For a while, he just stared, until he broke the silence.

“ Good evening, Ms.Loore.”

“Good evening, Mr.McCoy.”