Obsessed

| Six

I walked through the front door of the agency ready to tackle the day. I was pretty early, so I decided to meditate and clear my head to focus on the tasks today. I didn’t know the women who would be in attendance, but judging by the looks that Mrs. Marie had chosen, they had an assortment of directions they could take their photos in. I shuffled through the garments, coordinating hair, and make-up looks that could be easily manipulated and changed.

“ Oh, good to see she gave me you. “ Hanson, the photographer sighed in relief. The handsome Caucasian man had his ginger hair tied in a bun. He placed his equipment down. “ Lord knows you’re the only non-problematic one in this whole company. “

“ Thank you. “ I dramatically held my chest.

Beauty had arrived shortly after and began setting up as well, which didn’t take long. By the time we were all ready, it was nine o’clock and our first woman was walking through that door. Her hips swayed as her red bottoms clacked against the grey floor. She twisted her long, natural hair over her index finger before she placed her purse down.

“ David, is it? “ she smiled. She extended her hand and I gave it a firm shake. “ Nice to finally meet you. I’m Danielle. “

“ The pleasure is all mine, Ms. Danielle. “ I examined her glowing chocolate skin and instantly recalled the white garment I had seen earlier. It was an exaggerated skirt with a high slit. From the cropped top flowed at least three layers of neoprene that would drape elegantly over her breast. I opted to keep her natural flowy hair as I spotted the industrial fan in the corner. Because the garment was white, I decided to put the pop of color in her makeup; eyeshadow to be exact. An ombre of yellow going into a pink with a drop of white by her tear duct.

I explained the look and concept to her, and she was fully on board with it. I walked over to Hanson and explained to him how I wanted to incorporate the fan, and he thought it was genius. I also walked over to the wall of fabric, taking off the white jersey and draping it over the floor, creasing and giving it a dimensional shape. When she finally stepped onto the white fabric and the skirt melted into it, I knew I would achieve the effect I was going for.

Danielle posed, and posed, and posed. She was taking my breath away with every move she made. She was stunning. Effortless. Confident. Even arrogant, and I loved it. I loved every bit of it.

“ Alright, my lady, would you like to see the magic? “

She walked over to Hanson and I as we looked at the camera. He took thirty-two photos of her collectively, but the three of us settled with one we liked the most. Her arms were up, her fingers touching the root of her hair slightly. She was looking off to the left. The fan picked up the dress into the air at just the right angle, and her hair swayed the same.

“ This was everything. “ she squealed. “ Is there any way I can get all thirty-two pictures? “

“ Of course. Once you exit here, go back to the front and speak with the receptionist. She’ll be able to set up your request. “ Hanson smiled at her. She shuffled off, grabbing her phone and beginning to tell whomever it was about the shoot. “ We make a good team, D. “

“ The best! “ we high fived.

The day progressed quickly. Every planned idea had worked out well, so I didn’t stress about re-arranging anything. All of the women were a pleasure to work with, so that made everything run smooth as well. Myself, Hanson, and the glamsquad all came to work, and that’s what made it the easiest. When everyone knows their place and doesn’t overstep their boundaries, we establish consistency.

“ I just want to thank you guys for today. We just have one young lady left. “ I told the squad as they all sighed, but kept their working spirits.

“ We should be thanking you. “ Jalani popped her gum. “ You’re the easiest stylist to work with, boo. These other bitches ‘round here runnin’ ‘round like chicken heads. Make me sick. “

“ They not that bad, are they? “ after hearing this so many times, I was genuinely concerned.

“ You ain’t heard? “ she asked me, blowing another bubble and popping it, collecting the gum back into her mouth. “ Rumor is they tryin’ to get Mrs. Marie out of here. All the stylist. “ she clarified. “ Which is dumb to me because it ain’t like nobody can replace her. That woman runs this place like no other, and we all know her demise would bring the fall of Ebenezer. “

“ You’re right about that. “ and she was. Mrs. Marie brought something to the table not even the most popular companies could. The results from today showed that. Every client felt special from the time they walked through those doors, to the time they walked out and even beyond that. She took care of everyone like her own, and it hurts me to hear everything Jalani is saying.

“ You ain’t hear it from me, boo, so just keep your mouth shut and ears open. “ she gestured as I laughed at her dramatic antics. She was the mother of the glam squad, they called her. She was always professional but kept it real at the same time.

“ Last one, D. “ Hanson called out.

“ Alright ya’ll, let’s make it count. “

I left Jalani and the team and returned to Hanson. I stopped in my tracks once I noticed the familiar body. Her curves. Instant flashbacks of that night. Her sweet smell. Her taste. How she felt.

“ This is Angela. “ Hanson introduced us, breaking me away from my lucid thoughts.

“ Of course. “ she nodded as we shook hands like strangers.

“ Alright, let’s get you dressed. “

She followed me over to the dressing area where I showed her the gold sequin dress. The two slits on the front would open wide to show off her thick thighs. That’s what she told me. Her hair was bone straight today, but I showed her the idea for bouncy, voluminous curls and she loved it.

“ One question before I go to makeup, if I may? “ she focused her eyes on me as I looked up from my tablet. “ Have you seen Jonothan? “

“ I have not. “ I lied. I couldn't hesitate. I had to be confident. If I didn’t answer quickly, I knew that she would catch my bluff, and I didn’t want that. “ Is everything okay? “

“ Yes, things have changed recently. He’s only home maybe twice a week, and that’s been going on for months now. “ she seemed stressed out, and I didn’t like that. I also felt somewhat guilty. “ But enough about him, it’s time I get sexy. “

While Hanson took the beautiful photos of Angela, I couldn’t let go of what she asked me. Where was Jonothan when he wasn’t home with her and the kids, and what could he be doing that was more important than his family? I knew regret would wear me down for getting into their business, but again, I felt responsible.

“ Alright, now let me see. “ she lightly panted as she rushed over to Hanson. They went over the photos, hissing, and wincing at the moments he captured. “ David, you are damn good, you know that? “

“ I try. “ I stood up, walking over to my bag, and grabbing my phone. I shot Jonothan a text saying that he and I needed to talk. Within seconds he replied with an address and told me to meet him there.

“ Thank you again, David. “ Angela reached out for a hug and embraced me tightly.

“ You can keep that dress too. “ her face lit up. “ You look too good. “

She pranced, then dropped it low and shook her ass a little. We both laughed as she left the studio. I sighed deeply, deciding that I would be the last to leave the shoot. I let everyone know that it was a wrap, and helped them pack their things. Once we were done, we left the studio and I locked the door, setting the alarm for the building again and exiting.

I reached my car, putting the address into the GPS and driving towards the location Jonothan sent me. It led me to this expensive apartment complex that was gated. I texted him to ask for the code and he sent it back to me. I punched it into the dial and was buzzed through. I took a left, driving all the way around until I reached the back. I got out, walking inside the building, and taking the elevator to the third floor. The doors slid open and there he stood, his back to the wall beside his door. I walked down the carpeted hallway and he smiled.

“ You came around. “

“ Nope. “ I walked past him, straight into the apartment, and sat down on the couch. I looked around at the television, the dishes, and the curtains. This apartment was lived in. He didn’t just move here.

“ Whatchu’ want? “ he walked around the couch, taking a seat across from me. He relaxed, stretching his arm across the back of it and swaying his legs.

“ Why you not home with your wife and children? “ I asked and he scoffed, flexing his exposed chest.

“ You a therapist now? “ he smirked. “ f**k outta’ here. “

“ Hollup’, what’s with the attitude? “ he shrugged, just looking at me, his legs still swaying. “ Don’t antagonize me. “

“ Why are you worried about me and Angela? “

“ It seems apparent that all this started after that threesome, which I told you was a bad idea. “ I glared at him. He silently laughed, his stomach moving.

“ David, Angela and I were having problems way before that threesome. “ he sucked his teeth. “ We both went separate ways a while ago. “

“ Mhm. “ I nodded, not believing a word he was saying. “ You need to fix it. “

“ Why? “ he sat up. “ What’s the point? I’m in love with somebody else. “

I rolled my eyes hard as hell. “ f**k this. “

I pushed myself off the couch, heading towards the door. I pulled it open, but he pushed it closed, lightly pushing me back.

“ David, we made love. “

“ Stop f*****g saying that! “ I raged.

“ You called me Vinny. “ he admitted Then it all came back to me. That damn dream at his house. But how? How could I be f*****g in the dream and f*****g in reality? “ Is it that light-skinned ‘muhfucka you was with that night? “

“ I don’t owe you no explanation, Jonothan. “

“ You better stop fuckin’ with him, D, he’s gonna’ get you in trouble. “ his tone was threatening and I suddenly felt my life in danger. I moved into the kitchen, shuffling through the drawers until I found the knives. I grabbed the largest one, holding it up, He slowly walked towards me. “ You think I’m scared of pain? “

“ St-stay back! “ I shook nervously, holding the knife. He grabbed my hand, lifting the knife to his chest and slowly dragging it along his skin. The blood oozed out of the wound as I looked at him with pure terror. And he liked it.

He quickly placed his hand around my throat and I dropped the knife. He flared his nostrils, clenching his jaw, and slightly tightened his grip. Why wasn’t I fighting back? Why couldn’t I move? Why was I aroused by this?

“ You know yo’ ass is mine. “ he lowered his sweat pants and they dropped to the floor. He unbuttoned my jeans, pulling them, along with my underwear, down and taking my erect member into his hand. He spit on them both, rubbing them together in his wet hands. My eyes rolled into the back of my head, my adrenaline still keeping me frozen. He tightened his grip around my neck, bringing his lips closer to mine, brushing them against each other. I was so uncomfortable, yet filled with so much pleasure. “ Say you’re mine. “ he kissed my lips. I kissed him back. Why the f**k did I kiss him back? “ Say it, D. “

“ I-I... “ I stuttered. His grip got tighter and tighter and tighter, and I was getting closer and closer and closer. I moaned. I cried. The warm tears slid down my cheek and he kissed them away. I had to get out of here. My hand roamed the counter until I felt the handle of the large pot. I swung it forcibly, hitting him on the head and watching his heavy body fall to the ground. I dropped the pot as the feedback erupted through the apartment. “ G-g-go! Go! “ I yelled to myself. I pulled my pants up, rushing out of the apartment and getting into the elevator, pushing the button frantically. I couldn’t control my breathing amidst wiping the tears away from my face.

The door finally opened for the lobby, and I walked normally out the door and back into my car. I pulled away from the apartment complex. I sped through all kinds of red lights, near missing so many accidents until I was in the comfort of my own driveway. That’s when I let it all out. I yelled, so angry. I was pissed at myself. How did I allow myself to fall into his trap, and why was I so aroused by it?

How could I betray Vinny that way?

My phone singing the factory ringtone caused me to lose my sudden emotions. I answered it, bringing my voice to a happy and worry-free octave.

Hey dad?

Hey son, how was the shoot?

Oh, it was great. Yeah, I actually saw Mrs. Angela there.

Really? That’s pretty cool.

Yeah, it was nice. How are you guys?

We’re wonderful. Just checking in to see if you feel like going to the family reunion next weekend?

Of course, I wouldn’t miss that for the world.

Me neither. One more question, son?

Yeah, dad?

Why are you crying? Don’t argue with me, I know you, David.

I’m fine, dad, I promise.

David?

I promise, dad.

I’ll take your word for it.

Oh, can I bring some friends along with me to the reunion?

Of course. Just make sure you love them because you will be sharing a room in your grandma’s hot ass house.

I'm sure. I laughed.

You sure you okay?

I’m good.

Alright. I love you, son, and I’ll see you soon.

I love you too.