CHAPTER 3
Yaya enters the lounge once more. She told herself she wouldn't come here again, but here she is, back again. Something inside compels her to come here tonight. Maybe it was the fact that Valentine's day is near and running into her ex-boyfriend brought back memories she has been suppressing. Maybe she was hoping she'll find somebody to keep her company tonight. Whatever it was, her mind isn't at ease and she could use a drink or two.
Instead of her usual apple martini, she orders a sex on the beach. She sits quietly, staring down at her drink as she slowly stirs it. The soulful sound of Babyface plays in the background. Laughter and loud conversations lingers the air. Glass clanking with one another. There's so much going on around her. Yet Yaya can't help but feel out of place. She tunes all the noise out of her mind. She finishes her sex on the beach in a matter of seconds and ask for another. She thinks of the run-in with Noah earlier today. It replays in her mind so vividly.
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"You're-- you're getting married?!" Yaya shouted with shock, "What do you mean you're getting married!?"
"Yes...and keep your voice down--" Noah told her.
Yaya felt sick to her stomach. Surely it must have been a sick prank. She must be hearing it incorrectly. Noah can't be getting married. He has a commitment phobia.
"That-- that can't be possible Noah--" her mind was in a frantic, "When we were dating-- you told me you never wanted to make a commitment like that-- And-- and now you're engaged-- about to get MARRIED??" she was speechless, "And with who?!" her heart was racing so fast. She couldn't tell if she was disappointed or sad.
"Things have changed Yaya! I'm not the same person as before. I've changed--"
"Who's the woman you're marring?" she asked sternly.
"It's..." Noah sighs heavily, "It's Cammy."
The name rung in her ears. "Cammy..." Her jaw dropped in distraught. She couldn't believe her ears. Suddenly, her chest caught fire. It can't be. It just couldn't be. He's marrying the person she loathe in the world. The woman who came in between her and Noah's relationship. The woman he cheated with behind her back.
"Cammy..." Yaya uttered, "You're going to marry Cammy? The other woman? The woman you cheated with while you we were with me...? That's your fiancee?" she felt the tears slowly forming.
"Yaya-- my god-- just let it go.. It's been 3 years already. I apologized like a million times! Just--"
"Fine whatever! Have a nice life! You jerk! I hope your marriage ends in shamble! Just like our relationship! And I hope she cheats on you like you cheated on me!!" she shouted behind her walking away with rage and disappointment.
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She shakes the thought from her mind, not wanting to dwell on it about it. But a cold tear roll down the side of her cheek, reminding her of the nights she cried herself to sleep. The pain hit her hard in the chest. She quickly wipes away tears so no one can see. She adjust her glasses, trying to shake it out of her mind for good.
"Seems like you need some company."
Yaya turns her head in the direction of the voice. Sure enough it was Mr. Smooth Operator, Nadech. Suddenly surprise to see him. Surprised he even approach her again, not after after that mishap last time. But she ignores his presence.
"Sex on the beach--" he chuckles, "I see you're switching it up tonight." he takes a seat next to her.
Yaya still doesn't reply to his remarks. She isn't in the mood for company tonight. She continues on drinking, still lost in her train of thoughts.
"I haven't seen you in a while, where have you been hiding?" He ask her.
Still no answer from Yaya. Her eyes wander around the room, wondering where are his groupies at tonight.
"You know... I kinda miss having someone stalk me from a distance."
"What the--" she thought. Her eyes widen as the word stalk ring in her ears.
"I'm not a stalker! And I was not stalking you!" she turns around in rage, wondering what kind of man would say such a thing.
He flashes a half seductive grin, "I'm 100% certain you were..." he nods his head, taking a sip of his drinks.
"Asshole..." Yaya's thinking, smirking and eying him in disgust. "Never have I ever met anyone so rude..." she thought to herself.
"Why are you talking to me still?" She ask abruptly, "Where are your little groupies?" she waves a finger around the room, gesturing for him to leave.
"Ha!" he takes another sip of his drink, "Why-- they're over there" he points to his reserved table.
"Then what are you doing here with me?" She ask in confusion, "Clearly, I'm not your first choice--"
"Look--" He interrupts, "I saw you from the across the room-- and you're right, you're not the first woman of my choice but you've been coming here for the past few weeks, and I can't help but..." he looks her up and down, "I just can't help but pity you."
"Pity me?!" Yaya looks down at herself, "Why?"
Nadech chuckles, "Look at yourself--" he points at her wardrobe, "I mean--You look like a train wreck. Apparently you don't know the definition of what being a woman is... You're a cry for help!"
Yaya jumps out of her seat, "What is your problem?!" She barks at him, "What have I done to you for you to criticize me by my appearance?!" She could feel the tears slowly welling up, but she fought back.
He jugs the rest of his drink and stands up. He's standing face to face with her. Yaya could feel his breath underneath him. It reminds her of the first time they met.
"Listen-- Yaya--" he fixes his tie, inhaling a bit. She was surprised he remembered her name, "I'm being nice as possible-- I'm trying to help you--"
"By criticizing me and belittling me? How is that suppose to help me?!" She was confused.
"Let me finish--" he holds his finger up to her lips, signaling for her to hush up, "I don't know what's going on with you in your personal life but from my speculation-- it must be a boyfriend issue or relationship issues, something involving a man-- I don't know.. but what's obvious is you haven't gotten laid in who knows how long..." he smirks, staring her down.
Yaya's jaw dropped in dismay, "how dare you--"
"Look-- I'm really trying to help. I might be coming at you a bit too strong and harsh, but everybody needs tough love--" he shrugs, "You are in a desperate need of a makeover and I can't help but feel like I'm the one who should be transforming you into a real woman."
"A makeover?" her eyes widen, "I don't need a makeover! Why do I need a makeover?"
He burst into a witty chuckle, "Trust me Yaya--" he circles her, "You do. I'm sure underneath all that layer of clothing, you have a figure to show for. So why not show flaunt it?"
"Flaunt it?" she stares at him blankly, then back down to her clothing. She's layered up as if she was going on a ski trip.
"Damn..." he shakes his head, "It's like I'm talking to myself." he curse to himself. He inhales deeply, "Tell me something-- Why do you always come into this lounge?" He ask her.
"Uh... I don't know. To relax and drink, listen to the music--" She replies unsure how to answer.
"Wrong answer--" He clears his throat, putting one arm around her shoulder, "You're here because-- like the rest of the women in this lounge-- to prowl on men."
"Prowl on men...?" She raises her eyebrows.
"The majority of these women in here are hoping for find 'love' in this lounge-- It's a fact-- And you--" he looks her up and down, "you will definitely find someone-- not by the way you dress. You're a walking disaster waiting to happen," he chuckles.
She snarls at him, listening to him speak rudely to her.
"I've been observing you from the first day you came into this lounge, not a single person approach you-- not even a woman! I'm pretty sure you're not a lesbian because I know too many lesbians and you can't be one." he rambles on, "Deep down--I'm sure you're a nice woman, great personality and all that good quality--but we, men, don't see that with all this on" he points of her hideous chose of clothing.
Yaya gasps in disbelief, "So you want me to dress like a slut?"
"Not necessarily..." he shakes his head, "but men are interested in other assets, if you know what I mean..." his eyes wander to her bosoms.
Yaya looks down, realizing he's staring at her breast. She quickly covers it with her arms, "Hey, watch it!" she tells him.
"My apologizes," he smirks, "My eyes has a mind of it's own, but it isn't like I can see. You're layered up with clothes." He chuckles.
She hiss at him, thinking of what she should do. Then the image of Noah pops into her head. "What if Noah saw me looking sexy and gorgeous, would he come break off the engagement with Cammy and come back to me...?" She question herself.
"So what's it gonna be?" He cross his arm, staring at her with a half smirk, "Deal or no deal...?"
"I don't know..." she looks up to the ceiling as if the answer would appear from above, "There is somebody I want back..." she nods her head. "But..."I'm not sure..." she pushes her glasses up, staring at him wondering if he's really sincere, "What's in it for you...?" she stands up confidently with her head held high, arms crossed.
He chuckles, flashing a sincere breath-taking smile and says "Nothing." he simply replies, "Nothing at all."
Her knees tremble, hearing the sincerity in his voice made her cave in, "Then... It's a deal-- I have nothing to lose." She held out her hand to seal the deal.
Nadech smiles from ear to ear, "Then it's a deal. Meet me at the corner of Marlboro and Saks 5th tomorrow at 8 a.m. Don't be late," he demands. "Have a good evening Yaya and I'll see you tomorrow." he winks at her, turns around, and heads to his little groupie.
"8 in the morning?" Yaya's eyes widen but she doesn't fight him. She felt a ton of weight lifted off her back. She watches him from a distance as he mingles with the woman. He's a natural.
"How do you do it Mr. Smooth Operator...? How do you do it...?" She sighs heavily, unaware of the smile forming on the corner of her lips.
