She hadn’t been to sleep and it was already 4 am. She was annoyed and was trying to figure out where Rick was. The last time she had seen him he said he would be back by 1 am. He was probably out doing whatever with whoever. She really didn’t care, but she was noticing how disrespectful he was starting to become. The night before he kept entertaining another woman. Izara didn’t know who the girl was or where she came from, but whoever she was, Rick made it seem like she’s was the only one in his life. The girl kept staring at her and rolling her eyes. That should’ve been a red flag, but for whatever reason Izara let it slide.
“Let me call you back, I just got here and I’m tired.” Rick walked into the bedroom and looked at Izara’s annoyance on her face.
”Who was that?”
“Some bitch I used to fuck with. Why are you questioning me?” Izara rolled her eyes and turned over.
“Why are you questioning me?” Stayed in her head. She didn’t know what to say, or she did and she just didn’t want to. She didn’t want to say how she felt, because she already figured out how he was. She questioned him the other night and he got irate. Seeing him get angry only made her feel away and after she didn’t talk to him the whole he tried to make up with a new Chanel bag.
“So, why are you still talking to her?” Izara said, still with her back turned.
“You worried about the wrong shit, ma. I told you to stop worrying about shit that doesn’t concern you.” Izara sat up, gave him a look and decided to get up. “Where are you going?”
“Go to hell.” She put her clothes on and grabbed her Saint Laurent tote bag, pulling her cigarette out. Izara was annoyed and needed to leave as soon as possible.
Stopping her in her tracks, Izara lit her cigarette and blew smoke in Rick’s face. She knew that would upset him, but she didn’t care. He was being disrespectful once again and she couldn’t deal with it at the moment.
“What the fuck did I tell you about that shit?”
“Honestly, I don’t care about what you told me. The fact that I’m asking you who you were on the phone with and you proceeded to tell me it’s some bitch you used to fuck with. That’s disrespectful as hell and you don’t even care. I’m honestly over all of this. I’m leaving and don’t even try to stop me.” Izara tried to take another step, but Rick back slapped her and she fell back onto the bed.
Izara reflexes had her fist landing on his right eye. Izara didn’t back down to no man, but she couldn’t believe this was happening. This fool was already showing his true colors and she couldn’t believe he even laid a finger on her. First the verbal abuse and now this? She knew she couldn’t let this little “relationship” continue.
“Ah, fuck....Bitch.” Rick grabbed her by her throat and slammed her back on the bed.
“Are you fucking crazy? Don’t you ever hit me!”
Izara punched him and kicked him his balls. She got up quickly and grabbed her belongings. Before she knew it, she stormed out of his house with a quickness and left. She was over this.
***
The day had dragged for Izara. She barely got any sleep and she wasn’t really in the mood for drinks and food. She just wanted a bed, but she promised Randy she would come out. The fight between her and Rick had her ready to shut the world out. Her cheek was slightly bruised, but makeup covered that. She looked over her shoulder the whole time, Rick had people all over this city and she knew it would be easy to find her.
As time passed, that awkward feeling had visited her again as she stopped laughing with her friends. She thought the awkward feeling had left, but it was back. She was trying to enjoy this girls night, but she knew it would be interrupted.
”I’ll be right back.”
”Where are you going ?” Randy asked.
”To the restroom.”
”Okay.”
Walking through the crowd, Izara was getting closer to the awkward presence and before she could walk into the restroom he stopped her. She knew he would do it, but she didn't think he would do it in front of all the people he was with.
”You saw me and didn't think I would stop you.” Izara rolled her eyes at Adonis.
”No, I didn't. Can you let me go, thanks.” Izara whispered and tried to snatch away. She didn’t know if Rick sent him or not.
”Follow me outside.” Izara was very hesitant and finally went along with it.
Izara texted Randy and said she was leaving because Rick was outside. That was far from the truth and Izara was actually scared someone that knew Rick would see them. It was known she was connected to him and Miami wasn't that big so they could be caught, even though Izara wasn't doing anything wrong.
Watching her surroundings, Izara became even more confused. Adonis was getting ready to make his way across the street, towards the beach. It was already dark and Izara didn’t like being on the beach at night. She was hoping this him being genuine because if it was she was fucked.
“Where are we going?”
“To the beach.”
“For what? Do you think this is appropriate?” Adonis ignored her and she quickly followed behind him.
Izara wasn’t sure what Adonis was up to, but it was kind of making her nervous. She didn’t know if this was some kind of set up or if he was being extra friendly.
“Why did you want me to come over here with you?” Izara asked.
“You ask a lot of questions, you know that?”
“Seriously? I’m asking questions because you’ve been trying to get me to stop talking to Rick since that house party.”
“Well did you stop fucking with him?”
“No and Yes.”
“You probably damn near living with the nigga too, huh?” He said raising his brow. He was right because Izara was.
Only a few weeks and Izara was spending all of her time with Rick. Even after the fight, she knew she would be right back with him. She had access to his home now and it was just so weird she let this situation go this far. She didn’t know what the hell she was doing, but whatever it was she couldn’t stop it. She felt if she cut it off, she probably would regret it.
“You think you know everything? Again, why am I here? Aren’t you supposed to be back in New York or whatever?”
“I got a penthouse here and a penthouse in NYC, any more questions?”
“You didn’t answer the first one. What’s up with you? You know this isn’t a good look, yet we’re here.”
“What isn’t a good look? We’re not doing anything wrong, just talking.” Izara rolled her eyes and let the sand go between her toes.
The calmness of the ocean was soothing and sitting down next to the water was actually the best thing. Sitting on the beach at night was better than what she expected and having a conversation with a stranger was actually not as bad as she thought. Adonis wasn’t what she thought he was. He seemed like a good guy, but she couldn’t understand why he wanted to be all in her face. He knew she was dating Rick, but he didn’t care. Did he want her? Or did Rick set this up? She didn’t know and at this moment she could care less.
“Wait you not from here? You don’t act like a girl from DC.”
“How am I supposed to act? I’ve been down here for a few years. Didn’t come here with any plans just came to live with my sister so I could be away from my parents. Starting to realize this was a mistake.”
“Why do you think it was a mistake?”
“Miami hasn’t benefited me in any way. I’m ready to move again, but now it’s like I’m stuck.” She was referring to Rick. She was stuck now and she had a strong feeling this situation wouldn’t be easy to get out of.
“What did I tell you? Stop fucking with the nigga. What else do you need to see.”
“Well for one, you are a stranger to me. How do I know you’re not lying? I mean he doesn’t treat me like I’m not shit, the only thing he does that I don’t like is that I’m like some trophy to him. That gets on my nerves, but other than I don’t see anything wrong with him.”
“You really like him?”
“I do.”
“I don’t think you do. You just said you were stuck, you wouldn’t be if you weren’t caught up with Rick.” Izara knew Adonis was right, but she needed whatever money he threw her way.
“You think you know me, huh?”
”I don't, but I'm trying to.” Adonis smirked and gazed back at the ocean. Izara knew she had a problem on her hands.
___
Pulling up in her sister's driveway, Izara started to think. Adonis was right, she wouldn’t be stuck if she wasn’t caught up with Rick. Rick had her head gone and even Izara herself couldn’t believe it. She needed to get away, but in all honesty, she knew it wouldn’t be that easy. He’s abusive and most of the time it’s not that easy to get away from your abusers.
Getting out of the car, Izara was blinded by a car light. She couldn’t tell who it was. She didn’t know if it was her sister or not, but whoever it was Izara had her gun ready. She didn’t play around with people and would use her weapon if needed to.
“You done acting stupid?” Rick yelled out the window. Izara rolled her eyes and stood there. Did she expect him to find her? Yes and that’s only because he knew where her sister lived now.
“Here we go.” Izara sighed. This was about to be a long night.
” Is this going to be Mr. Right? Or Nah?” Izara cringed at those words.
Izara never had a “Mr. Right”. The guy she thought was the one, played her like a fiddle. He played her so bad that Izara started hating men. One point she loved hard, but now she could care less. Men don’t excite her because she already figures they will do something to fuck up everything anyway. Izara always said if the right guy ever comes, she’ll drop all of her “fucked up” ways, but until then she’ll continue to do men dirty.
”Eh, probably not Randy . Hell, I still don't know him like that. You ready?”
”You are like the worst. You get men and throw them away when you're tired.” Izara rolled her eyes. She didn't care and she wished Randy was the same.
”Well, what else can I do with them? They're only good for sex and money. Let’s go.” Izara made her way out of the house. She didn’t have time for finding the “one”. She wasn’t interested.
On the way to the party, Izara had so many things going through her mind. Was she ready to deal with this guy? She didn’t want to, but he was a big spender and was already giving her gifts. Izara normally didn’t care for guys giving her gifts, but she was hoping these gifts would lead to actually money soon. Gifts didn’t pay her bills, money from her job and other men did. If Rick wanted to keep her around, he would have to pay and she already expressed that. She was a gold digger to some, but also like an escort to some as well. She felt that if men could go around asking women for sex when they wanted, why not get money from them? To her doing it for free was dumb, especially since she never liked the men that liked her.
___
”Damn, you didn't tell me he was living like this?”
”Yeah, but I still don't know Randy.” Izara said searching for her vaporizer.
”What don't you know? He has money and -”
”That's it. I'm not really interested in actually being with him. I don't really care for how he's been showing me off like I'm some damn trophy.”
”Then why are you still talking to him?” Izara sighed. She knew the answer, but now it was becoming pathetic.
Walking towards his front door, Izara noticed Rick walking out. She could hear a lot of noise and she knew it was a lot of extra people. She's been to house parties and parties on a yacht with a few athletes and it was annoying to her. The girls were super annoying and so where the corny ass men. She only came for the drinks and Rick. She just hoped it wasn't any girl or girls on here that would get jealous because she was there for him.
“What up shorty? Didn’t think you would make it.” Rick grabbed her by her waist and Izara was caught off guard. She didn’t like that at all.
“Hey. Why wouldn’t I? I said I would. This is my girl Randy, Randy this is Rick.” Randy waved and Rick nodded at her. “Before we come in do you have any girls who think they’re with you? I don’t do drama.”
“Nah, you don’t have to worry about that. “ Izara knew he probably was lying. A guy with his type of money doesn’t have girls thinking they’re not together? It was bullshit to her.
Walking into the house, Izara noticed how many people were in and out. At first, she was nervous, but quickly became annoyed at Rick basically leaving her. She was glad she had Randy with her because the number of stares they got, made her very uncomfortable. She wanted to tell Randy she wanted to leave, but she didn’t want to seem uptight or anything. So to make it seem like she was okay with being there, she grabbed a bottle of champagne and a bottle of patron and began to drink. She would need it.
“Damn who is that? He keeps staring you down.” Randy whispered. Izara turned her head a little and recognized the person. It was the guy A.D. from the night before. What was up with him?
Pulling her Chanel shades up, Izara got a better look. A.D. He looked better than the first time she saw him. He was very good looking and his tattoos complimented him very well. Izara kept her eyes on him for some strange reason she felt he could feel her staring at him and that’s when he turned back around looking at her. Izara quickly put her attention back on Randy.
“I guess some guy he works with. He was staring at me last night.”
“Last night? You met him already? He’s fine as hell, maybe that’s who you need to talk to.” Izara had a thought, but it clearly faded when she saw a girl rolling her eyes at her.
Normally, Izara would ignore girls that gave her dirty looks, but the mixture of patron and bel aire champagne, she was itching to say something. Izara was never the catty type and she didn’t want to go there, but the way her vibe was she could say anything to the girl. She didn’t even care if the girl had other girls with her either.
“Do we have an issue or your eyes just do just to do it?” Randy snapped her neck when she heard those words leave Izara’s mouth.
“What?” The girl rolled her eyes and continued to drink out of the champagne bottle.
“That’s what I thought. Roll your eyes again and watch what happens.” Izara sat her drink down and that’s when Rick interrupted.
“Yo what the fuck? You starting bullshit again, Paris?”
“Why are you saying something to me? This bitch is the one causing problems! You fucking her or something?!” Izara figure. This was probably one of his little ho’s and Izara didn’t have time.
Izara got up and Randy got up right behind her. Izara was over it and Rick felt bad for even having the Paris girl there. Izara felt that if Rick was trying to impress her, he needed to do a better job. She was completely turned off and ready to leave before she hurt someone. That someone was the girl and if Rick didn’t explain it would soon be him as well.
“Yo Wait, Izzy.” Izara kept walking and finally left out, finally turning around when she realized he followed her out of the house.
“What?”
“Why are you leaving?”
“I don’t have time to deal with shit like that. I’m not even fucking you and that girl is tripping. I don’t have time for the bullshit, I thought I explained all of this to you.”
“I know. Look I’m sorry about that shit, don’t leave.”
“It’s best if I do. I don’t want to have to fuck her up.” Rick chuckled a little, but soon realized Izara was very serious.
“Alright, I’ll tell her to leave.”
“Whatever. If I don’t see her walking out, I’m leaving.” Rick nodded and went back into the house.
Waiting to see if Rick actually was going to get rid of the girl, Izara took a puff from her cigarette and Randy waited in the car. Izara was becoming so frustrated that she finally gave up and was getting ready to leave. To her surprise, the door opened but it wasn’t Rick or the girl, it was A.D. Izara’s heart started fluttering and she pulled her shades down.
“You’re waiting to see if shorty about to leave?” Izara wanted to ignore him, but she was feeling a little confused.
“Huh?”
“She not leaving, but you should.”
“Why is that?”
“I’m not even going to hold you, don’t even fuck with this nigga. You’ll be disappointing yourself. You’re too beautiful for that and I can tell you’re not a dummy.” Apart of Izara wanted to believe he was right, but also she didn’t know if he was being jealous.
“How do I know you’re not just saying this.”
“I don’t have a reason to lie.” Izara got a smell of his cologne as he got a little closer and she wanted to get even closer. “Adonis. Izzy right?”
“Izara, but I guess Izzy will do. We’ve met already.”
“Yeah, but we didn’t meet at a good time. Get out of here, though. This not the type of party you or your friend needs to be at.”
“Are you really being serious or are you trying to cover his ass? I have to ask because it’s little strange for you to even tell me all of this. I don’t know you, I just know you’re cool with him.”
“Cool with him? I don’t really know that nigga either if we’re being honest. My nigga Juelz fuck with him, I’m just here. From the few times I’ve been around him, this nigga doesn’t give a fuck about the women he supposedly likes. Don’t fuck with him.”
“Whatever you say.” Izara pulled her shades backed down and walked towards the car. Maybe Adonis was right, but she needed to see things for herself. She was willing to give Rick one more chance; Strike two.
It had only been a few weeks and Izara could finally say she was caught up. She hasn't spent this much time with a guy in about five years. From the wining and dining and gifts, she knew she was already in too deep. Normally she would get money and just go on about her life, but this right here was different. It was actually stressing her out and she needed to break loose. She was going to work less it seemed like and she was annoyed that Rick told her she needed to quit her job if she was going to stick around. Izara wasn't into quitting her multiple money flows just for a man, yet she inquired money from them. To her it made sense, but to Rick, it didn't. She knew he wanted her bad and Izara couldn't believe she was giving in. She realized she did too much and she was on her way into a relationship; something she doesn't really want.
Izara felt like she was watching paint dry on the wall as she kept her eyes on the eggshell colored ceiling. She reached over and grabbed a cigarette out of her new Chanel bag and lit it. She tried to stop smoking, but she was doing it more than usual. Her nerves were bad and she didn't know why. She couldn't really blame Rick because she's been making the decision to continue to talk to him. She wanted to take Adonis’s advice, but she didn't know him. He claims he didn't know Rick that well, what if this was all a setup?
Picking up the gold iPhone 8 plus, Izara quickly answered Randy's call. She knew she had been missing in action for a week, she hoped Randy understood.
”Hey, Randy.”
”Hey? Really Izara? I haven't heard from you in days. I called Zuri and she said she hasn't heard from you either. Are you okay?”
”Yes, I'm doing fine.”
”Izara, you missed two days of work and you haven't been home in a week. I don't think you understand how scared I was.” Izara put the cigarette out and rolled over.
”I know, and what's up with the government name calling, Randy? I'm fine, I've been with you know who. I told Chelsea and Sabrina I would be out for a few days.”
”Why though? This guy got you missing work? I didn't think you liked him.” Izara didn't think she liked Rick either. She was so confused.
Izara had to make up a phony excuse on why she couldn't go to work, but on the flipside, she told Rick she was quitting this week. She was only a few weeks into this with him and he had her doing things a girlfriend might do. Her mind wasn't where it was supposed to be and she needed to snap out of things. She didn't want to be a kept woman, especially for a man she barely knew.
”He doesn't want me to work, but you know how I am.”
”Okay, you've known him for what three weeks now? Not even a month and he's already telling you to quit your job? This isn't the Izzy I know.”
”I don't know, Randy. I'm so caught up and it's like, do I want to pass this up?”
”Pass what up?”
”Having a rich man taking care of me. I know I never been the type, but I'm tired of working though. Maybe this could actually work.”
”Okay, if this is what you want I’ll support you, but as your friend, I'm telling you its stupid. You don't know him and you even said it yourself. You're not trying to do any relationships with none of these guys. Izzy, this isn't like you.”
”Listen, if this can be my ticket out of Zuri's house then I’ll just have to deal. I'm tired, Randy.”
”Sounds crazy, but do you. I love you, but I know you don't want this. Anyways, I call you later.” Randy hung up and Izara sighed.
Izara didn't know why she was suddenly changing her mind. She didn't like Rick like that, she only likes what he was doing for her. She was now forcing herself to like him and this could actually hurt her in the end.
Searching through her makeup bag, Rick came into the room and placed a garment bag down on the bed and also a pair of shoes. Izara was wondering what it was and she knew whatever it was, it was most likely for her. Another gift she had to accept; she was getting pulled even more.
”Whats this?” Izara asked raising her brow.
”I want you to wear this tonight.” Izara pulled the zipper up and noticed it was a dress. The dress was cute, a little different from what she would wear. It was a nude crystal fringe dress, and it was short. The nude Giuseppe heels complemented the dress very well, she was actually impressed.
”Where are we going?”
”Prime 112 and then LIV. It's Juelz birthday and he's going back to New York tomorrow for a few months.” Izara’s heart felt like it dropped. Hearing where they were going and for who it was, she knew Adonis would be there.
Rick left out of the room and that gave Izara a chance to get dressed. She was noticing how she was starting to contradict herself, but that didn't stop her from putting that dress on either. She kept replaying Adonis’s words. She decided she would text Randy to see if she wanted to come. Izara refused to be alone with all these guys tonight.
can u come to LIV tonight?
Randy: I guess. What's the catch?
No catch, Randy.
Randy: k. I'll be there, just text me.
___
The whole night was awkward and Izara was ready to leave. Randy was running late and Rick was being so overbearing towards Izara. If a guy even looked her way, Rick made it known she was with him. Adonis didn't make her night easy either because Rick had him keep an eye on her when she went to the restroom. That was very awkward considering Adonis actually volunteered that ”job”. She knew he would probably bring up Rick, but tonight wasn't the night for that.
”Okay, let's go.” Izara was appalled when she felt Adonis grab her arm and pulled her back.
”Why are you here? Didn't I tell you to leave this nigga alone?”
”Because that's who I’m with, A.D. Why do you care so much?” Adonis didn't say anything, all he did was shake his head.
”Shorty, I'm trying to get you to listen to me. This nigga don't give a fuck about you. After this, you going back to his crib alone.”
“You know what, I’m not about to listen to this. You sound like a hater.” Adonis, Shook his head again and followed behind her.
Izara was annoyed. Was Rick really going to take her back to his house and just leave her there? Deep down Izara already knew what kind of person Rick was. She picked up on his character on their first date. She already knew if she was the “main” lady in his life, other women would probably be around. Izara was used to guys doing what they wanted, as long as she got something out of it, she could care less. For some reason, this situation was actually bothering her. Between Randy and now Adonis, she didn’t know what to think. She was trying to give him the benefit of the doubt.
“Hey girl!” Izara got caught off guard by Randy. Izara was so happy to see Randy because she was tired of the awkwardness. ”Look at you! This is different for you.”
”I know. I don’t think I like it because this really isn’t me.”
“You look so pretty, so stop it. What we’re doing with him, though?” Randy pointed to Adonis and Izara rolled her eyes.
“It’s nothing, come on.”
Going back to V.I.P, Izara noticed she was drinking a little too much. She was drinking so much that it was making Randy a little uncomfortable. She had never seen Izara drink so much and even Izara was surprised at herself. She finally had put the drinks down and tried to enjoy the rest of her night. Which that was hard to do because she knew Adonis kept his eyes on her and Rick kept his eyes elsewhere. It was pissing her off because Rick wasn’t cool with guys looking at her, yet he kept entertaining this one girl half of the night.
“I’m ready to go.” Izara blurted out.
“Are you good?” Randy asked standing her up.
“Yes and no. I- I need to sit down.” Izara sat back down and that’s when Rick, Juelz, and Adonis decided it was time to leave. Izara was happy because she hated being at a club for too long.
Pulling into the driveway of Rick’s home, Izara head was spinning. She knew she needed to lay down, but she was feeling very lusty. She and Rick already had sex, so it wasn’t like this was going to be a first. She knew he wouldn’t refuse her and being a little drunk would make things better to her. Kisses on his neck would really do the job.
“Aye, chill.” Izara looked at Rick and was confused.
“What’s wrong with you?”
“I got something to do. Go in the house and I’ll see you later.” Izara was still confused and now she was disgusted.
Getting out of the car and slamming the door, Izara went into the house. She was annoyed and replayed Adonis’s words. He said Rick would do this, but she was still ignoring all the signs. She knew Rick was like the rest, but she let his status hold her back. Normally Izara would’ve gone off and probably cursed him out. She just played her part and did what he said. She was being the same woman she talked about, but to her, she was getting rewarded in the end and didn’t think any more about it.
Izara palms were sweating and she could feel eyes on her. She was nervous, annoyed and sort of “happy”. Finally, she said yes to a date after Rick wore her down in text messages. She really didn’t want to go, but hey? The wraith was actually his, but what was his occupation? She already told him she doesn’t deal with broke men and if he really wanted to date her he would have to pay. Yes, it came off like she was selling her self, but to be honest all men want something. So in return, she needed cash in her hand.
All Izara got from this date was that Rick was sort of a show off and he was using her like a trophy. This was something she didn’t care for, but she was only dealing with it to get something out of it. She also learned their date was turning into a little business meeting, which that was something she didn’t appreciate. He was already skating on thin ice and this was strike one.
“You good?”
“Yeah....matter of fact no. I don’t appreciate our date turning into a business meeting or something. How long is this going to be?”
“Just give me like fifteen minutes. I promise I’ll make it up to you.”
“Hmm, we’ll see.” Izara pulled her compact mirror out her clutch to check her makeup and that’s when she saw two guys approach the table.
Izara’s mood changed when the guys approached their table. She didn’t know who they were and why they were there. Hell, she didn’t know Rick. She was just there to be pretty and eat her food. She just wanted this night to be over with so she could go about her business.
“Who’s this, Rick? You didn’t tell us you had somebody with you.” Izara rolled her eyes and continued to look at her phone.
“Yeah, this my shorty. Izar-“
“Izzy. Just call me Izzy and y’all are?” She cut Rick off and she could tell that sort of pissed him off, but she didn’t want these guys knowing her name, well at least one of them.
“I’m Juelz and this is A.D..”
Izara kept looking out the corner of her eye at the A.D. guy. He was very attractive, but she couldn’t let him know she was actually checking him out. She could feel his eyes looking at her occasionally, but she tried her best to ignore it because she was there with Rick. Not that she really cared, but she was doing it out of respect. She had enough guys and didn’t need to add anybody else to her roster.
After another thirty minutes, they all were finally leaving the restaurant. Ocean Dr was busy as it always is and watching A.D. and Juelz get inside of a black on black Lamborghini Aventador, she knew these guys were more than just regular businessmen. The luxury cars, the jewelry, something wasn’t making sense. Whatever they were doing, Izara was more interested in what A.D. did. He was very attractive, but she wasn’t trying to go there. She was “dating” Rick and she needed to know what he was really about.
The car ride to Rick’s home was short. He lived on Star Island and she knew he had to have real money. His home was beyond beautiful and he also had a yacht. Money didn’t really impress her, but she couldn’t believe this man was really living like this. She was scared to ask what he did for a living, but she was too intrigued. From the expensive date, the business meeting and this mansion, she knew it had to be al illegal.
“Wow, you got paper. What do you really do?” Izara put her cigarette up to her lip, following behind him.
“I told you I’m a businessman. You don’t believe me?” He asked smiling.
“Why would I believe that? I’m not stupid. That quote on quote business meeting wasn’t about legal business. How long have you been doing this and why did you come to Miami to do it?” Izara got straight to the point. She wasn’t about to tiptoe around him. She wanted answers.
“Damn, just like that?”
“Yep, just like that. Those guys at the restaurants work close to you. Where are they from? New York?”
“You got it all figured out. If we’re being honest, I didn’t want you to know anything just yet.” Izara sighed and thought about that. He made it seem like she was going to stick around to find out. Truth be told, she wasn’t trying to stick around that long. Just a few dates and that’s it.
Her phone went off multiple times. A text from Derrick, a text from a guy named Corey and a text from another guy named Johnathan. She was over all of them and finally had the courage to block them. She was tired of them found her real money train. It may come off gold digger-ish, but she only felt these guys were only good for the money and getting her off, which they barely did that.
“Well, it’s a little too late for that now is it?”
___
It was 8:30 in the morning when Izara found herself walking into the house. She knew Zuri would already be gone and that would give her a piece of mind. Izara had a busy week ahead of her and she needed whatever rest she could get. Between working and being a different woman with the men she rotated, Izara was tired. She was ready for a change and she didn't see one coming any time soon.
Hoping out the shower, Izara starred at herself in the mirror. She was beautiful, smart, but she felt like something was missing. She didn't know what piece of the puzzle was missing, but emptiness was definitely there. Since the age sixteen she's always felt this way and at twenty-eight she still didn't know what it was. Was it a career she actually liked? Or was it an actual relationship with someone who had mutual feelings? Whatever it was she hoped she could find what was missing soon.
The ringing of her phone knocked her out of her thoughts. She instantly sighed when she saw that it was her mother. Izara didn’t know if she wanted to answer or not, but if she didn’t she knew she wouldn’t hear the last of it.
”Hello, mother.”
”Is that how you answer the phone? I haven't heard from you in weeks.” Izara rolled her eyes.
”I've been busy.”
”Busy with what? You don't have a career.” Izara almost blurted our something so rude she had to literally bite her tongue.
This was something that Izara hated. Her parents treated her as if she was the biggest disappointment and that wasn’t the case. Her parents were never satisfied.
“Okay, I’ll talk to you later.”
“Don’t get off the phone with me. Why are you busy? That job you work at? Izara you have to think of something else to do with your life.”
“I’ll do something else with my life when you and dad actually respect me and my decisions. Again, I’ll talk to you later.” Izara hung up and turned her phone off. She was tired of her parents. Maybe one day they will realize she’s doing what makes her happy.
She felt like the walls were caving and it was irritating. With the heavy breathing and a body laying across her, she was ready to leave. She didn't know why she even entertained the few men in her life, but she knew it had to stop. At first, she enjoyed having sex with any man she thought was attractive, but now it was becoming boring. She wanted more than this and the first thing to stop what she was doing would-be to cut all these men off.
”That was fun. Guess I'll leave now.”
“Leave now? Why?” The sigh that left her lips said it all.
The moment she got up, she knew she would never see him again. Her body language should’ve warned him, but he was still wondering why she was leaving him. This wasn’t anything new, she always left after they had sex. This time was very different, though. She was never coming back. She had to move on to the next one and if he didn’t like it she didn’t care. She was tired of the same thing, it was time for something new.
“I have something to do, Derrick. I’ll text you or something.” She said slipping on her Balmain leather pants, white v neck, and strappy leather sandals.
“Izara, you’re doing it again.”
“Doing what exactly?” With the cigarette hanging from her mouth, she pulled a lighter out of her Balenciaga backpack.
“Nothing, I’ll talk to you soon.” Izara rolled her eyes and grabbed the roll of hundred dollar bills off of the nightstand, making her way out of the door.
The warm wind hit her face as she made her way out of the Grand Beach hotel. Izara was becoming tired of this life she was living, but money had to be made. Her sole purpose for living in Miami was to work and help her sister with her bills, but that was becoming a nightmare. She loved her sister, but it was just tiring and she was ready to move back home or either somewhere else.
Making her way down Collins Ave, Izara pulled out her phone, searching for her Uber app. She was tired and she was also hungry. With the money Derrick gave her, she thought she might as well go get food and drinks. She even thought about inviting her sister to meet her, but it was midnight and she knew her sister would probably complain about the time.
“Well hello, beautiful.” Izara said hello and kept her focus on what was going on outside. She didn’t have time to have a conversation with her driver.
Pushing her black tresses out of her face, Izara started thinking. Was this how she wanted to live her life? Working at boutique by day and taking money from at night? Some would say she was prostituting and Izara actually wouldn’t care if that’s what people called it. It is what is and she needed all the money she could make. She didn’t ask for this life, it kind of just happened. She always wanted to be a pediatrician, but her life had other plans. She knew that not pursuing her career was the real reason her parents didn’t want to talk to her. They expected better from her and she didn’t care how they felt anymore.
“Thanks,” Izara said as she hopped out of the car.
Walking into Big Pink, Izara was surprised to spot her sister. She didn’t even think her sister would be out, but here she was with a few of her friends.
“Zuri? Surprised you’re out. Hey Linda, hey Jordan.” Izara slid into the booth sitting right next to Zuri.
“Izzy, I called you earlier. Where were you?”
”You did? I was probably busy closing up the boutique. I was literally about to call you and say meet me out. I figured you would be sleep, though.”
”I'm surprised at me. Oh look, we got eyes all on us.” Izara and the other two turned their heads. They noticed it was a few guys looking their way and Izara wasn't surprised that they had girls with them.
Izara wasn't impressed or amused at the men that kept trying to get their attention. She just wanted her chicken and waffles and leave. The one guy that kept his attention her was kind of cute, but again Izara wasn't interested. She assumed he was the guy who probably showed off money, but didn't really have any.
She was uncomfortable, she was hungry and she was also ready to tell her sister goodbye. The moment she finished her food, she laid a hundred on the table and told Zuri that she would see her when she got home. Izara slipped out of the booth and strutted towards the door with all eyes still on her. Izara knew she was beautiful, but she hated men that stared her down. It was creepy and a turn off to her. She just wanted to get the hell out of there before the guy was ready to shoot his shot.
”Excuse me, gorgeous.” In Izara’s mind, she told herself to keep walking. She was upset that she even stopped.
”Yes?” The annoyance in her tone was sure to scare him off, well she thought it would.
”Why are you walking so fast?” He asked leaning against an all white wraith.
”I have somewhere to be. Any more questions?” She pulled a cigarette out of her backpack and lit it.
”Where do you have to be?” Izara rolled her eyes and put her cigarette out. She was annoyed and couldn't wait until her Uber came.
Izara kept looking down at her phone to track her driver and they weren't driving fast enough. The faster, the better and she wanted to get home. She wasn't interested in dealing with another man. She already had three, which she had to fire one. Derrick didn't know he was fired, but he was and it would be evident once he didn't hear from Izara anymore. She just wanted a man free life for a few months, but this guy was being so persistent.
”You know you don't have to be mean, what's your name?”
”Izzy.”
”Well Izzy, I'm Rick. I'm not even going to hold you, I think you're beautiful and I would like to get to know you.”
”Look, I -”
”I’m not taking no for an answer.” he handed her his phone. She wanted to give him a fake number, but Miami was so small that she knew she would see him again.
”Are you happy now?” She said getting ready to approach her Uber.
”I am. When I call you, I expect you to answer.” He said with a smirk on his face.
“I’ll see how I feel.” She smirked and got in the car. Izara was serious and he probably thought she was joking. She may answer, she may not. It all depends on her mood. The only thing she cared about a man was his money. Nothing else mattered. So for Rick’s sake, the Wraith better had been his and his pockets better be deep.
