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


    Tales From Sha-Hair-Azad:

    These Walls Can Talk

    By Najya Yasirah


    Chapter 4: Cash, Credit, or Dinner?



    Antoine had never met a woman quite like Reyjah. Not only was she very beautiful, but she was also a caring person. She even trimmed his mustache for him and splashed on aftershave. He loved the softness of her hands the most. At one point, he grabbed her hand and looked at it. Her skin was smooth, and her fingers were long and very slender. Her nails were French-manicured and a very nice length. “You have such pretty hands,” he said in awe. “Thank you, Mr. Laconte,” she said. After running her fingers through his silky, black hair, she turned him to face the mirror. “I love it!” he said. His hair was to the length of his chin. The razor cut layers tamed the waves to tousle at the flip of his head. He smiled. “You are a miracle worker,” he said rising out of the chair.  “I’m no miracle worker, I can’t walk on water,” she said modestly.  She noticed that Mr. Laconte was standing very close to her. He lifted her chin and gave her a kiss on her cheek. ”Thank you, do you always treat your enemies so well?” he said. “Your very welcome, and I usually don’t do crap for my enemies,” she joked. He smiled. She led him to the reception area. Midori was supposedly taking a call, but she was more interested in what was going on in front of her desk. What, no  bickering? “How much do I owe you?” he said. “Fuggedaboutit,”  said  Reyjah,  in her New York drawl. “It’s on the house.” “Are you, kidding me, you saved my career!” he insisted. Career?  thought Midori. “Please let me do something for you….How about dinner at Giovanni’s  tomorrow night?” Giovanni’s was one of the most elite, formal restaurants in LA. Reyjah’s blue eyes widened. “I have nothing to wear to a place like Giovanni’s,” said Reyjah. “I don’t go to places like Giovanni’s, they don’t have hot wings.” Midori burst out laughing. They glared at her. “Sorry,” she said sheepishly. “I’ll handle it,” he said. He took her hand and placed a business card and some cash in it. “I have a client that is the manager of this boutique. Just tell her that I sent you.” “Now, you sound like on of those Mafia people,” she replied as she pocketed the money without looking at it. “I’ll pick you up at 7?” he asked, as she walked with him to the front door. “I’d rather meet you there, instead,” she offered. “ I’m very female- I need at least a two hours head start.” “I can see why,” he joked. “So we’re back to that again,” she said. “God don’t like ugly, Mr. Laconte. “Well, he’s being very merciful to you,” Antoine retorted. Midori held in her chuckle. Reyjah playfully punched him in the arm.
    Antoine studied her fake, sapphire eyes. “All right, then “ he nodded. “Oh wait, here’s my card, if you know anyone who needs a cut, please…”she began. “I promise I will have your book full for at least two weeks,” he assured. I’ll bet, Reyjah thought.  Midori watched the scene as she confirmed an appointment with a client.  Antoine Laconte was so breathtaking. What the hell was Reyjah’s problem?  “So, I guess I’ll see you tomorrow night,” he said taking her hand, and shaking it. “Yeah,” she breathed. “If you don’t wake me up, that is,” she said.  “Then I’ll see you at daybreak!” said  Antoine  as he left the salon. He waved to her from the glass door.  “Asshole!” said  Reyjah.


    Sheila shook her head before she drank her green tea. “Want a piece of babinka?” she said to Reyjah. Reyjah was very fond of ethnic foods. “Yes, honey, did your mama finally give you the recipe?” Shelia broke of a little piece of the cake and placed it in her friend’s delicate hand. “She emailed it to me,” said Sheila. “I would call my  momdukes, but she’s traveling with Dreamgirls,” said Reyjah. “So I guess she’ll have to call me.” Reyjah stuffed the sweet cake into her mouth. Midori burst through the lounge door with Derrick in tow. “Reyjah Nycolia Bennett!” she scolded. “Yes, ‘Mom’?” said Reyjah. “Who…what…why…?” stammered Midori. “Huh, why all the pronouns, Dori?” said Sheila. “That fine-assed man, just asked Reyjah out to Giovanni’s , and also gave her a crapwad of money,” said Dori.  Sheila’s eyes bugged out. “Better catch your eyes, Sheila,” said Reyjah, casually. “I’m mad you didn’t tell me about this new development,” said Sheila. “Did he like his blow job?” asked Derrick. “Obviously,” said Midori. Reyjah began pulling out several  $100 bills. “There’s $500, here?” she said. She gave $100 to Midori for the salon fee. “Damn, that’s a tip if I ever saw one,” said Derrick. “I think he likes you, Rey.” “Nah, he probably just wants me to think that so he can humiliate me later,” she said. ”That’s a man for ya.” She found a business card amongst the dollar bills.”Bellissima of Beverly Hills,” she read aloud. “What the hell is that?” “Girl, that’s a very, extremely  expensive, exclusive boutique,” said Shelia. “One dress from that place equals your first month’s rent.” “Damn,” said Reyjah. “Well, he said he had it covered. Sheila, will you go dress hunting with me, tomorrow?” she nuzzled her friend’s arm. Shelia put her in a chokehold. “Of course, dumbass,” she said.


    Tales From Sha-Hair-Azad: These Walls Can Talk - Chapter 5