Home // Ardeth Stories // Antoine Stories // Oded Stories // Character Stories // UC Stories


    Tales From Sha-Hair-Azad

    By Najya Yasirah


    The “Payment” - Chapter 11


    Antoine looked at his platinum Rolex. It was 6:50.  “Antoine?” said a male voice.  It was the fish guy, Deuce Bigalow.  “Haven’t seen you in a while,” he said shaking his hand.  “Likewise,” said Antoine. “So, are you waiting on a client?” asked Deuce softly. “No, I am waiting for my hairdresser,” said Antoine. “Oh, is that what you call them, now?” said Deuce winking. “And there she is.” Said Antoine smiling. Reyjah was absolutely breathtaking. As she walked down the carpeted aisle, the blue satin dress flowed with every curve of her softer, muscular physique. Her hair had been curled loosely and upswept with wisps framing her face.  Smoky eyeshadows of dark blues and grays made her sapphire eyes gleam.  A nude, wet- look lipcolor accentuated her natural pout.   Her well-pedicured toes were adorned with crystal Jimmy Choo sandals with ankle straps and 3” heels. She even had a cute, diamond toe ring. Her matching shawl was draped around her arms and her clutch was carried in her right hand. The slit boasted tight quads from her previous leg workout. She managed to find her diamond drop earrings in the bottom of her bathroom drawer, and Midori lent her an invisible diamond necklace. Her brown skin glowed, and her smile radiated.  “Hi, Antoine,” she said. “I’m not late am I?” She checked the time on her Cartier diamond watch that also doubled as a diamond bracelet.  Antoine and Deuce were speechless. “You are one of the most alluring women I have ever seen,” said Deuce Bigalow in a trance. “Thank you,” she said blushing. “You’re from New York?” he said. “MMM, yeah,” she said. “You seem like a really lovely person,” Deuce added, hinting to Antoine. “You two have a nice evening.” Deuce went to go find Kate, his pretty wife. “You look so…”Antoine was at a loss for words. She was obviously very meticulous about her appearance that night.  He wasn’t shabby himself in his dark gray Armani tux complete with cuff links.  He touched her face. He stared into her blue eyes.  “Bellissima,” he said. “Yeah, that’s where I got this dress,” she said. She laughed at his confusion. “You just had to say I looked good in another language, didn’t you?” she asked laughing.  Antoine gave her his arm. She took it, and a waiter led them to their table.

    The restaurant looked more like a ballroom in Reyjah’s opinion. There were so many well-to-do people and so many violinists. As they walked down the carpeted, circular stairs, she noticed that people were staring at them.  Antoine, everyone is staring at you,” she said. “No, they are staring at you,” he said proudly. She felt the flashbulb from a camera. “Geez, now I’m blind,” she said. Lilies and candelabra centerpieces accented the tables.  Antoine pulled Reyjah’s chair out for her. “Thank you,” she said. Antoine nodded and seated himself. “I like your tux, that’s a good color for you, she said picking up her menu. “I appreciate that,” Antoine returned. “You made a great selection yourself.” A rhinestone strap on her dress slipped down her shoulder. Antoine reached over and slowly slid it back, caressing her shoulder as he did so. Her brown skin was so soft. “My hero,” she said, blushing.  “Good evening, Signor, eh bellissima,” he said staring at the rapturous Reyjah. “My name is Eric, and I will be your waiter tonight. Eric’s eyes were wide. Reyjah snickered into her menu.  Antoine laughed. “Begging your pardon, sir but your wife is very beautiful,” the waiter commented. “Why thank you, Signor” said Antoine winking. “Are we ready to order?” asked Eric. Reyjah, to Antoine’s surprise, could speak fluent Italian; in fact, she ordered her food in Italian, as did he. When the waiter left, he asked, ”How…?” “I grew up in New York, remember?” she said, sipping her water.  “You are full of surprises,” he said. “Will you excuse me a moment, Antoine?” she asked. “Of course, Bellissima,” he cooed.  “Hush, now,” she joked waving her hand. As she made her way to the powder room, she overheard arguing in Italian.  The manager of Giovanni’s was yelling at Eric: “You idiot, you promised me Darlene, where the hell is she?” Before the waiter could answer, Reyjah stepped in. “Eric, here I am, so sorry for being late.” She winked at Eric.   The manager was quite taken by her beauty. He kissed her hand. “And your name is?” “Reyjah Bennett.  All I need now, is a violin player,” she said sweetly. The waiter held her hand in thanks. “Very well, you may sing any song that you wish,” he said calmly. When he walked away, Eric, the waiter said, “Thank you, so much, you just saved my job.” Eric was a skinny young man with a dark crew cut and hazel eyes. “What happened to the other singer?” Reyjah asked. “I have not seen or heard from Darlene in days, and she was my last hope.” He said. “Can you snag me a violin player?” asked Reyjah. “You are looking at one,” he said, emphatically. “ I played at Carnegie Hall when I was 15.”  “Okay, now can you play Celine Dion” she asked. “I can play anything you ask,” he said.

    Tales From Sha-Hair-Azad - Chapter 12