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Sooo sorry on the slight on this story for a double update on From Uncle Reezy, To Daddy Reezy. I have to take the motivation when it hits. But good news is, it just HIT for this chapter [rubs hands together evilly].
Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own any part of Aaron McGruder's The Boondocks or any of his characters.
"But there's also a song called White Wife Booty. Know that?"
"I know what I'm doing. Flizzy's gonna help me work things out with Sarah."
"Oh, he gonna work something out all right. That booty."
"He's here to help."
"Oh, he gonna help himself to that booty!"
"It's under control."
"He gonna-"
"Control that booty. Got it."
"I… wasn't gonna say that…. He gonna be under that BOOTY!"
Tom Dubois, Robert Jebediah Freeman (AKA Granddad), and Huey Freeman; Pretty Boy Flizzy
Cindy's POV
She stared at herself in her full-length mirror for one last check, knowing he was on the way up to her penthouse right now. She swiveled from side to side in her dress, checking all angles of her appearance for any notable faults, but didn't find any. She smiled widely in the mirror, making sure none of her dark red lipstick had smeared onto her teeth, and it hadn't. It still looked flawless.
You look flawless. Cindy thought to herself, appreciative of her body and herself for once as she managed to grin.
Hearing the faint ding of the elevator arriving to her floor, Cindy quickly grabbed her clutch, turned off her bedroom light, and made her way down her hallway as quickly as she could in her heels.
She was already at her front door by the time he knocked on it. She counted slowly to seven in her head before she leisurely fiddled with the knob and pulled the door open.
The way he looked at her was enough to melt her right there on the spot.
"Wow." Landon Rivers exhaled, his eyes never straying as he took her all in. "You... are stunning, Cindy."
"Thank you, Landon." Cindy smiled genuinely as she stepped back to let him in. "You look amazing." There was something about a man in a suit that was just sexy to her.
"I'm not even in your league, let alone on your level." He told her as he took a step closer. It was only then that she noticed he had been concealing one his arms behind his back. "These are for you." He spoke again, revealing a bouquet of red roses towards her.
"Oh my gosh, Landon!" Cindy exclaimed in surprise as she took them. "They're beautiful."
"You are beautiful." He corrected, even closer now as he openly admired her.
Cindy lifted her head to him with a smile, stretching up to give him a soft kiss on the lips. It wasn't the first time they had kissed, and she hoped they wouldn't have their last anytime soon. His lips were about as magical as his name.
She gave him one last peck before she slowly pulled away. "Thank you. Again. I'm going to have to go find another vase." Cindy grinned.
"I'm such a pest, I know." He smirked at her, stealing another quick kiss.
"The worst." She giggled. "I'll be right back, I think I have a spare vase in my room."
"No problem. I'll wait here." He said as he took a seat on the couch.
"I'll be quick!"
"Take your time." He called back down the hall. She hurried anyway, not wanting to risk being late for their dinner reservation. He was taking her to one of the fanciest, if not the fanciest restaurant downtown. It was one of Wuncler's establishments called The Elitist and it was definitely reserved for elites only. How on earth Landon managed to score reservations, Cindy had no idea but was floored by it. And by fact that he wanted to take her.
Not to mention it was only their fifth date within two weeks.
Cindy smiled fondly after she had finished putting water into her vase of roses, setting the arrangement next to the previous flowers she'd been given. Aside from their first lunch date at the Steakhouse, Landon had gifted her with flowers on each date following. Cindy had previously never understood the big deal about receiving flowers from a guy, but she did have to admit: it did make her feel some next level shit. Especially back to back like Landon had done.
That boy was all class. Cindy was really digging the connection they were continuing to build. Each date so far had gotten better and better, and their interactions between each other seemed to be progressing more and more, a fact that made Cindy's heart faintly skip. Their first lunch date had been really nice. They had stayed and talked for over two hours just getting to know each other. Cindy had even candidly told him about the passing of her mom. By the end of the date, Landon had openly expressed that he wanted to see her again, giving her a sweet kiss on the hand before they parted that slightly made Cindy swoon. It wasn't long after that Landon called to invite her to a hockey game he'd won tickets to. Cindy had loved it; he had started the date giving her tulips, the game itself was lit with even a couple fights on ice, and he had ended the date respectfully with a cute kiss on the cheek.
The third date surprised her. Landon had called her late in the evening and invited her to do a spontaneous night run of the downtown art museum that night. Cindy was all for it and couldn't even front... it was romantic to her. Not only did he surprise her with a single rose, but he also kissed her for the first time that night while they were in the museum garden. Cindy wanted more... so much more after that. She had gained more on their last date when he took her to a jazz club and speakeasy lounge. It wasn't only romantic but it was sexy, the entire vibe that night. He came to her apartment with a bouquet of dark lilies, had slow danced with her for hours, and he had kissed her again... repeatedly.
At that point, Cindy didn't know if she wanted to stop or go all the way with him that night. They had kissed a little at the club, but had kissed a lot more in Landon's car whenever they arrived back at Cindy's. Her body wanted it... so bad. But something had stopped her from inviting him back inside her apartment. She couldn't put her finger on it.
Whatever that initial feeling was, it was long gone. Cindy already knew. As long as the date when well, which she assumed that it would, tonight was the night. She wanted him. She only hoped she didn't make that too obvious.
Cindy ran her fingers through her hair, glancing at herself in the mirror one last time on her way out. She had definitely made the right choice for her outfit that night. It was a little black dress, newly purchased for their date. She admittedly had chosen a dress that was on the sexier end of formal. It was a bodycon style that molded to her figure very nicely; it also had a V-neck that showed a moderate amount of cleavage, but it was equipped with thin shoulder straps so there'd be no chance of an accidental slip. The dress stopped slightly below the knee and she had paired it with black stiletto heels that were at least four inches high. She had styled her hair differently for the night, wearing it sleek and poker straight down her back, something she hadn't done in a long time.
It's all about change. She thought to herself with a smile, noticing the way Landon's eyes watched her carefully as she re-entered the room.
"Ready, gorgeous?" He asked, rising from his seat and offering his hand. She took it almost instantaneously, her eyes locked on his while she intertwined their fingers.
"I am."
Landon watched her with a grin as she finally disregarded her table manners, propping an elbow on the table as she rested her chin in her hand and closed her eyes.
"Tired?" She heard him ask, sounding amused.
"Itis." Cindy replied groggily, eyes still closed. She honestly could've fallen asleep on the spot; she was stuffed. The portion sizes of the meals were enormous as they should be, especially by how much they cost. But she had to say it was worth it, all of it. The food, the atmosphere, the experience. The Elitist was beautiful and ritzy to the extreme, not that she was too surprised. But still, Cindy couldn't get over it. She also couldn't get over the fact that Landon had invited her here. This definitely wasn't the place to bring just any girl. Was she special to him?
God, she hoped so.
"Ready for dessert?" Landon asked with a cheeky grin, causing her to open her eyes.
I'm ready to give you my dessert. Cindy had to suppress her even cheekier thought.
"Aren't you full?" She asked instead. He had gotten a huge steak with two sides and a salad. All Cindy had was a giant pasta dish with a side dish and she felt as though she couldn't move.
"It'll be light, I promise." He asked before standing, extending his hand out to her.
"Where are we going?" Cindy asked in confusion, glancing around as she took his hand.
"I'll show you." He answered vaguely as he led her down the walkway. As they neared the entrance, he bared a right and came to a gold elevator. He gestured her inside once the doors opened, following her right after.
"Where in the hell, Rivers?" Cindy asked with a grin, watching as he pressed the button for the fifth floor. She blushed when he turned back towards her and gave her a smoldering stare as the elevator started to move.
"Can't I surprise you?" He asked huskily, his hands finding their way to her waist while his lips hovered near her ear.
"You've been steady surprising me."
"You deserve it." He responded before giving her neck a slow kiss. Cindy felt weak at the knees as she leaned more into him. She glanced up at him and was ready to go in for a kiss, but the elevator dinged lightly as they arrived at their floor.
Landon grinned down at her, giving her a gentle kiss on the forehead before taking her hand again. "Dessert first." He told her lowly with a wink.
Cindy just kept smiling. That was definitely code for "And you after." Which was perfectly fine with her.
Once the elevator doors opened, they entered into another main lobby that threw Cindy off. Unlike the lobby downstairs, the one on the fifth floor was completely different. Instead of the magnitude of extravagant decor and abundant chandeliers, this level seemed much more modern and sleek, along with a darker muted lighting that casted a blue-ish hue.
"Welcome to the VIP lounge," A woman dressed in a skin-tight black dress greeted from her podium. "Last name?"
"Rivers." Landon spoke, glancing towards Cindy with a sly smile. She tried to keep her face straight and not seem too surprised, but damn! The fact that The Elitist even had a VIP lounge was beyond her, since basically anyone that could afford to step foot inside was considered VIP. But more importantly... Landon had just taken it to yet another level... on the same date.
HOW, Sway?
"Right this way." The hostess smiled, leading the way to the main room. Cindy was the first to follow, slightly overwhelmed as she took in the lounge. As they walked in they passed a wall entirely of top shelf wine bottles, opposite of white leather couches with massive canvas artwork hanging behind them. What really took her breath away was the direction they were headed; along the back wall was an area of secluded tables and chairs all facing out towards the windows... the giant floor-to-ceiling panel windows that ran along the length of the wall, giving way to an amazing night view of the city. It damn near rivaled Cindy's view from her own apartment.
"And here you are." The hostess spoke again, snapping Cindy out of her stupor as they reached their table. They approached a corner setup that had a rounded lounge booth and small table in front of it. On the table, Cindy was surprised to see a champagne bottle on ice waiting for them with two wine glasses beside it. But the biggest surprise came from the dainty chalkboard sign resting in a place card holder that read:
Reserved For Cynthia & Landon.
"Someone will be right with you if you'll need any dessert or anything additional, okay?"
"Perfect, thank you." Landon smiled, slightly startling Cindy as she felt him reach for her hand to help guide her into the booth. After she was seated, he remained standing as he lifted the champagne bottle to open it and pour their drinks. Cindy's eyes floated down to the sign again.
"...Cynthia, huh?" She asked, trying to not cringe at the sound of it. Disgust must've still radiated through her voice by the way that Landon turned to look at her, almost worriedly.
"You don't like it?" He asked, mid-pour.
"No, no, it's not that," Cindy backpedaled, trying to spare his feelings. "I mean, it's just that I never go by Cynthia... like ever. That's the only reason why it threw me off." She explained gently.
"Oh, I'm sorry then." He apologized right away, handing her a glass. "I was going for grandeur I guess, given the space we're in." He rolled his eyes at himself lightly, coming around to sit beside her. "But I have to say... I do love your actual name. It's beautiful." He told her, making strong eye contact with her while he gently took her free hand in his again.
Well shit, after all this and all of you? You can call me anything you want.
"...It's not that bad I guess." Cindy said instead, feeling herself blush as she eventually had to break away from his hypnotizing gaze. "To what are we toasting to?" She changed the subject, glancing instead at her wine glass.
"The fact that I got to spend another amazing evening with you."
"That's not a toast." Cindy giggled.
"Fine, the fact that you allowed me to drag you on another date." Landon grinned.
"That's basically the same thing."
"I mean, you could've said no."
"I didn't want to."
"And why's that?"
"Because I want youuuu tooo..." Cindy trailed off, quickly trying to rack her brain to cover up her epic slip-up as Landon raised an interested eyebrow. Shit!
"B-because I want yoouu tooo not lose interest." Cindy finally blurted out, no doubt blushing red. "I've had a great time with you and a lot of fun so far and don't want it to end anytime soon." She practically rambled.
"Why's that?" Landon asked again quietly, seeming to inch slightly closer.
"Because... I, um... I like yo-our company." Cindy corrected, getting lost in his eyes again.
Landon watched her, lifting his hand up to brush a lock of hair behind her ear. "Would it turn you off if I told you that I liked you?"
Cindy bit her lip and gently shook her head. "No... it wouldn't."
Landon's intense look never changed as he lightly clinked her glass to hers while he watched her, bringing the glass up towards his lips.
"I like you." He told her lowly, right before he took a long sip.
"I like you too." Cindy whispered before following suit. She could tell her had heard by the way his eyes never left hers. After he pulled the glass from his lips, he leaned in towards her ear, caressing her waist gently as he whispered something else to her.
"I also want you, Cynthia." He divulged huskily. Cindy felt a wave of heat over her body as she pressed more against him.
"I want you too."
It wasn't too long after that they had left the lounge, left the restaurant, and headed back towards Cindy's place. They had barely made it into her front door when they'd lost control, touching each other, kissing each other, and undressing each other. And Cindy already knew: it was exactly what she wanted. She wanted him. Not because he was handsome. Not because he was wealthy (clearly). Not even because he wanted to sleep with her too. Far from it!
For once, she had a guy who seemed invested in her. Not just for a one-time thing, not just for a date, and not just for quickie. Landon was the total opposite. He was patient. He wanted to know her. To listen to her. To converse with her. To potentially even have something long-term with her. She hadn't felt this kind of wanted, truly wanted, in a long time. Probably not ever.
She didn't want to get her hopes up. That was the last thing she wanted to do. But honestly... it was too late.
She was going all in on Landon, and about to take a leap of faith.
Here was just hoping that she landed without her heart getting broken and crushed in the process.
Riley's POV
"Go 'head and roll the dice, boy. Let's see where you'll be spending your money, this block or next. You know my rent's due on all my shares now." Granddad smirked, leaning on the table leisurely.
"Ignorin' you, Old Nigga." Riley continued to close his eyes while he blew onto the dice in his hands.
"That's gay."
"Shuddup, punk!" Riley snapped, opening his eyes to glare at his smart-ass brother.
"Just go Riley, seriously." Jazmine sighed. "You're not gonna make it past."
"Watch me."
"You must've missed us go bankrupt on that corner." Tom grumbled from the living room couch.
"I told you to buy that lot when you had the chance but nooo."
"You didn't have to be on the same team with me, Sarah!"
"It was YOUR idea, Tom!"
I hate everyone. Riley thought to himself, opening his eyes again as he was unable to think with all the bickering. Why he agreed to this, he didn't know, but was definitely regretting that decision. It was currently a Sunday afternoon and the Dubois family had invited the Freemans over to their place for brunch for once. Riley originally wasn't planning to come until he looked at the contents of his fridge and decided he could use a free meal. Sarah's dessert was still shit so he didn't eat that, but Tom did the majority of the food, so he was able to keep what little bit was left of his black card.
However, now the group was onto a different activity that neither of them had ventured in a minute, probably because it always ended in disaster. Yet here they were.
Monopoly... together.
And Granddad was picking them all off one by one.
"While I'm still young boy, damn!" Granddad crossed his arms.
"That been long gone." Riley rolled his eyes, back in the zone as he focused. All he had to do was avoid the two green spaces Granddad had three houses on each (if he landed on the last one that only had two houses, he could scrap by with the skin of his teeth), dodge the upcoming luxury tax, and somehow make it past the corner of death: the two plots before and after GO that Granddad had placed hotels on...
Because he's a dick.
"Roll... the dice." Huey uttered, losing his patience.
"Even if you rolled a twelve, you won't make it Riley. You're on the spot before Go To Jail." Jazmine pointed out, shaking her head at the board.
"I know where I am!" Riley snapped back, eyeing back the board.
Anything but a 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, or 12. Just need a Community Chest or Chance. AND $200. Riley thought, glancing nervously at his dwindling funds. One big hit and it was all over. And he didn't like losing money. Real or not, that shit pissed him off.
"Give it to me!" Riley shouted, throwing the dice as he stood to his feet to observe. Everyone else watched the dice fall to the board.
It was a ten, right on Boardwalk.
"FUCK!" Riley cursed loudly, throwing his money into the air in anguish.
"Thank you kindly!" Granddad practically giggled, managing to snatch one of the bills out of the air. "Where's the rest of my damn rent, boy?"
"I don't HAVE it!" Riley shot back with an attitude. "I hate this game! Y'all cheated!"
"Coming from the person who was caught literally stealing from the bank." Huey responded dryly.
"You should've been disqualified then!" Tom piped up from the background, guilty of being the bank teller at that point.
"Man, that's a lie! And this old nigga damn near bought everything on the block! That ain't even fair! And I asked him for a trade like an hour ago!" Riley ranted while Granddad ignored him, continuing to count his money.
"You would not be complaining if you were the one that owned everything." Jazmine rolled her eyes at his dramatics.
"Ain't nobody talkin' to you, Light-Brite! Ow!" He cried out as Granddad smacked him in the back of the head.
"Boy, hush ya mouth! All that whinin', hell. I can't hear myself count!" Granddad scolded him gruffly. But his eyes lit up as he turned back to his play money. "Now, one thousand, two thousand-"
"I'm not whining! But y'all didn't even give me a chance!" Riley continued, indeed continuing to whine. "Now I'm broke!"
"Just like in real life, but who's counting?" Huey quipped as he glanced at his phone. Riley was about to retort when he held it up to his ear.
"What." Was his standard greeting. Riley could tell it was Caesar by the way he rolled his eyes, probably at a nonsensical reply.
"Why are you calling, Ceez?" Huey asked after a beat. Jazmine leaned in against him, attempting to make out his words.
"What's he saying?" Jazmine asked, poking her boyfriend. Before he had a chance to respond, even Riley could hear Caesar's loud-ass shout from the phone.
"JAZZ, COME TO MY SHOW IN AN HOUR! I GOT A GIG!"
"You mother-" Huey growled, holding the phone away from his ear suddenly.
"I'M SO THERE, CEEZ!" Jazmine yelled back, right before Huey disconnected the call. "He's performing?" She asked excitedly, ignoring the irate glare that Huey gave her while he nodded silently.
"That's so exciting! Get the details Huey, I'm gonna get dressed!" She chirped happily, jumping up from her chair and flitting up the stairs.
"One more down." Granddad grinned, watching her go. "Just you both and your granddaddy left if you wanna take her spot, boy. Who was next up?" He asked innocently, taking out a few more houses and hotels from the game box as he surveyed the board.
Huey and Riley shared a brief look. "I'm out." They said unanimously, pushing back from the table.
"I'm gonna take a piss." Riley said bluntly, rolling his eyes as Granddad immediately started to gloat and grab all the money from the table. When he reached the top of the stairs, the door was shut, signaling that either Tom or Sarah was inside. Riley leaned against the wall near Jazmine's room, glancing at his phone while he waited. He didn't think anything of it when he heard Jazmine's phone ring from inside her closed door, figuring it was Caesar calling to give her more information about his show.
"Hey Cindy!" He heard Jazmine answer cheerfully.
Or not. Riley lifted his head, looking over at her bedroom door.
"Get dressed and cancel your plans! Caesar's performing somewhere in town! We're all going out in about an hour," Jazmine told her excitedly.
"...Jazz." He heard Cindy say audibly after a beat.
She's on speakerphone? Riley raised a brow, both at her voice and at the pause.
"Do you think you could get here around that time? He's going to text the address, I think it's somewhere local around this area, not downtown." Jazmine continued.
"Jazz." Cindy said again in the same tone.
"I'm sorry. Hi!" Jazmine giggled. "I'm changing and rambling probably. Where have you been all day though? You know you were invited for Sunday brunch! It was even at my place today." She pretended to huff.
"In bed..." Cindy eluded, sounding weirdly off to Riley.
In bed?
"All finished!" Sarah stated, startling Riley as she passed by him with a smile as she left the restroom. Riley nodded, confused by her announcement and wondered briefly if that was a white person thing, but pretended as though he was putting his phone away to head towards the bathroom. Once she was out of sight and he heard her footsteps start to retreat down the stairs, he took a step closer towards the door to hear better.
"You okay? Is it one of those days where you're missing her?" He managed to catch the end of Jazmine's gentle reply. She must've figured that Cindy sounded sad. She didn't sound sad though.
Riley's thoughts were confirmed when Cindy let out a light chuckle. "Jazz... I can promise you I'm not thinking about my mom right now."
"Oh-kay?" Jazmine responded, echoing Riley's thoughts. "So why are you still laid up in bed then?"
Riley shamelessly pressed his ear against the door, just as curious, possibly even nosey. He was glad he did, otherwise he would've missed her practical whisper of an answer.
"...We did it..."
But he would not have missed Jazmine's loud-ass.
"YOU DID IT?!" She parroted back immediately at full volume.
"Don't freak out." Cindy added calmly.
"IT IT?! YOU AND THAT GUY?!"
"Landon, yes." Cindy giggled.
Yes? Riley pulled his ear away from the door at her words, half in shock and half in disgust. For real?
"I'm not freaking! But you and Landon? Oh my godddd!" Jazmine squealed, instantly annoying Riley. Was it really that serious?
"You are freaking." Cindy let out a laugh. "He literally just left. Girl, I can't even."
"Okay, details now!" Jazmine demanded. "And what do you mean he just left, it's after two in the afternoon!"
"He's thorough, what can I say?" Cindy replied smoothly, making Riley suck his teeth quietly with a hard eyeroll. The fuck?
"Thorough?!" Jazmine echoed again, enthusiasm on a ten. "Cindy I cannot right now, I'm literally dying!" She exclaimed. "What was it like?"
"He was amazing, Jazz." Cindy spoke almost calmly... elatedly even. "Easily one of the best nights of my life."
"No way!"
"Truth."
"Oh my gosh, we so have to meet this guy! Invite him out to Caesar's performance! Or we can even plan something tonight!"
"Girl, I'm beat. I ain't goin' nowhere." Cindy snorted. "I do want y'all to meet him before you go back to school though. Maybe tomorrow? I can see if he's free."
"Yes definitely! But uh, does that mean you're not coming out for the performance? Can't walk?" Jazmine cracked.
"Girl bye, I know your ass ain't talkin'. You can barely speak after whatever shit Huey does on you."
"I'm just sayinggg." Jazmine giggled. "Huey didn't hit it like that the first night and stay until late the next day, still being 'thorough' and all."
"Huey's ass doesn't stay anywhere long." Cindy brushed off. "Landon though... Jazz, I'm really feeling him."
"Really?" Jazmine gushed.
"Definitely."
"Do you think he's that into you too?"
"Honestly... I think so..." Cindy answered softly.
Riley stepped away from the door, pausing slightly for a minute before finally heading into the bathroom in deep thought.
Landon, huh?
First of all, what type of made-up, last-name-sounding first name was that? I mean, shit. Secondly, was she serious? The dude that helped jump her car? What a hero. And thirdly... "best night of her life"?
Isn't that interesting?
Riley had next to no words while he washed his hands after he was done. He honestly didn't really know to process it yet, but luckily had time. Cindy hadn't really spoke much to him aside from several days ago. He doubted if she would share this bit of information with him anytime soon. That was alright though. Again, he had time. Especially since she wanted them to meet the dude before Huey and Jazmine headed back to Baltimore for college.
Seemed like a good opportunity to finally have a little chat.
Cindy's POV
"Are you nervous?" Cindy asked him, twirling a thin lock of hair around her finger.
"No. Are you nervous for me?" Landon asked with a smirk.
"Boy no. I know you'll all get along."
"You warned me about a Huey though?"
"Eh, he doesn't get along with anybody and half-hates me."
"Why, he's your friend I thought?" Landon sounded confused.
"It's a love-hate relationship." Cindy lied. There was a lot more hate to that non-existent love. "We are friends though." Somehow... sometimes... even if he'd never admit it.
"Whatever you say." Landon shrugged, still looking adorably puzzled.
"Aside from him, everyone else will love you." Cindy smiled, pecking his cheek.
"Well that makes me feel better." He grinned over to her, pulling into the parking lot. "What are the names of everyone coming again?"
"Jazmine, my best friend and the girlfriend to Huey. She also promised that Huey will actually be here and behave today. My other close friend Michael Caesar is coming, but everyone just calls him Caesar, and then... I think Riley is coming. My other best friend." Cindy tried to brush off the awkwardness of that sentence, hoping Landon didn't notice. Luckily he didn't appear to.
It was now after work that Monday evening, just two days after their last date and their first time together. Cindy could still hardly believe it. The man had a gift, she had to admit. She did not want it to end, and happily indulged with him more the following day before he left late that afternoon. Everything was perfect. She hoped she wasn't advancing things too quickly in letting him meet her friends, but he assured her he was cool with it. She already knew they would love him. Everyone except one Freeman brother.
Well two.
She honestly hadn't thought that Riley was coming. Not that she had invited him. All she had done was send the offer of Landon meeting everyone to Jazmine. She was the one who said she'd take care of getting everyone's schedules. It wasn't until late last night that she texted that Riley would come today. Which was... good...?
She hoped. She was not in the mood to deal with any of his shit. Especially if he wanted to cause drama.
Fuck that. She would knock that ass out before he got the chance.
"Ready?" Landon asked, pulling her out of his thoughts as he turned off the car. They were already sitting in the IHOP parking lot.
"Yeah." Cindy said, about to open her door. Landon stopped her by placing a gentle hand on her thigh. She turned back to him in question. He smiled at her.
"Because I probably won't get to do this once we get inside." He told her huskily, leaning in to connect his lips with hers. Cindy sighed happily into it, placing a hand on his cheek. She gazed into his eyes achingly, already wanting more.
"I mean, you could always do it again later tonight." She told him quietly.
"That definitely sounds like something I'd enjoy." Landon grinned, kissing her lips again.
"I'd love to enjoy you again." Cindy bit his lip gently.
"Mm." Landon gripped her thigh suddenly, almost tightly as he pulled back, a hungry-looking gleam now in his eyes. "If you don't stop, I'll have to take you home to enjoy you right now."
"Don't tempt me." Cindy whined, giving his lips one more peck.
"You're dangerous." Landon murmured, pulling back from her to open his door. He waved her off as she was about to open her own, quickly coming around to open it for her.
She beamed, taking his hand to get out. "Thank you."
"You're welcome." He replied, giving her a cheek a light kiss as he held her hand in his and headed towards the entrance.
Cindy led the way, already knowing where her group would be. They got the same booth in the back almost every single time they came, the majority of the wait-staff even knew to put them there when they arrived. It was the largest booth in the restaurant, round and roomy enough to hold everyone comfortably. And sure enough, that's where they were.
Cindy forced a smile to appear on her face as she quickly scanned over the seated group. Caesar sat on one of the ends of the booth, but didn't even notice them approach while he slurped loudly from his drink. Jazmine sitting beside him was the first to see them, giving them a bright smile and wave before poking both of the boys beside her. Huey glanced disapprovingly at the jab before raising his head, showing no emotion whatsoever as they approached the table.
And that was it. Riley was nowhere in sight.
"What's good, girl?" Caesar greeted, jovially as always. "Y'all made it just in time, we just got here."
"Lies." Huey stated, giving him a look.
"We actually got here about twenty minutes ago." Jazmine explained. "Someone threw a fit that the booth was taken and decided to make us all wait for it." She finished pointedly.
Caesar shrugged. "Never cared about any other booth in this joint but this one. I'll wait." He said, pounding on his chest lightly before letting out a burp.
"Really, Ceez?" Cindy widened her eyes at him for his crudeness. Landon just got here. "Unnecessary."
"Also never cared. You know me by now, sweetheart." Caesar responded smoothly with a bright smile. He slid out from the booth and extended a hand to Landon. "I'm Caesar by the way."
"Landon. Nice to meet you." He shook it, giving him a light grin in return.
"The clown of the group if you couldn't already tell." Cindy added, shooting a playful glare towards Caesar. "This is Huey. The opposite." She gestured in a duller tone, shooting a not-so-playful glare his way.
"Nice to meet you. Heard a lot about you, man." Landon said casually, reaching a hand out. Surprisingly Huey took it! And Cindy wanted to cry tears of ha-
"Sorry I can't say the same for you." Huey spoke plainly with a blank stare.
Hatred.
Jazmine got him before Cindy could, striking him hard on the arm in a reprimand. "Huey Freeman, what is wrong with you?!"
"How would I know anything about him? Her and I don't talk!" Huey shot back defensively, now guarding his arm.
"All you had to say was likewise! That's it!"
"It's really okay guys." Landon said quietly, glancing between them both.
"Too late, bruh. They don't even hear you." Caesar chuckled, sipping his tea again as he watched the back and forth.
"Alright break it up!" Cindy snapped, clapping her hands loudly at the both of them as she glared. "Last but not least, Jazmine. Jazmine, Landon." Cindy quickly introduced before crossing her arms. So much for not being embarrassed tonight.
"I'm apologizing on behalf of both of us," Jazmine paused to shoot Huey another scowl while reaching out towards Landon's hand. "But it is nice to meet you and I have heard a lot about you."
"Likewise." Landon joked with a cute smile, making Jazmine giggle.
"Y'all wanna slide in and look at a menu?" Caesar asked, gesturing for them to go in before him. "I already know what I'mma get. I'm ordering as soon as the waitress gets back. Which means y'all probably got about five minutes to decide."
"No pressure." Landon smirked.
"Right?" Cindy shook her head, sliding first into the booth to sit beside Jazmine.
"Are we waiting for Riley?"
The grin fell off Cindy's face as she turned towards Jazmine, casually looking over her menu.
"I thought someone was missing." Landon commented. "Now that's your younger brother, right Huey?"
"Unfortunately." He replied dryly.
"I didn't know he was still planning on coming." Cindy said, addressing Jazmine who finally made eye contact with her. She only shrugged.
"When I last heard from him earlier today he said he was still coming after work."
"He shoulda been off by now if he worked his regular shift." Caesar told them after checking his watch. "Maybe we should text him to see. And to get his order so we're ready... Huey, I volunteer you as trib-"
"No." Huey cut him off.
"Dang, I didn't even get to say my whole joke!"
"I'll try him." Jazmine offered, pulling her phone out to find his number. Cindy wanted to hug her.
She was not ready to speak to him just yet.
Jazmine held the phone up to her ear and waited, though it didn't seem too long that she pulled it away with the roll of her eyes. "So he definitely sent me to voicemail just now. It only rang twice."
"Typical Riley." Caesar rolled his eyes. "And that's a rookie mistake. Always let it ring at least four times if you're gonna try to curve someone."
"I'm just texting him." Jazmine said, her thumbs tapping quickly over the keys. Cindy nosily was able to take a peek at the text she was composing. It currently read: Are you still stopping at IHOP to meet Cindy and Landon?
Cindy was glad Jazmine was specific. The last thing she wanted was him to roll in, acting like he was blindsided by who she brought.
However, before Jazmine could send the text, she received an incoming message on the same thread. Cindy happened to be secretly glancing as it arrived:
Something came up at work. Doing a double tonight.
Cindy couldn't deny the feeling of relief that ran over her body.
"Nevermind." Jazmine sighed. "He can't make it tonight."
"Why?" Caesar demanded.
"He said something came up at work where now he's working a double shift."
"He did that shit on purpose." Caesar grumbled lowly.
"Why would he?" Landon asked curiously.
"He's always about his paper." Cindy covered smoothly with a forced grin.
"Money over everything, huh?"
"Always." Jazmine chuckled with the shake of her head.
Sometimes... and almost everything.
Cindy clutched her phone face-down against her thigh as she continued to observe the menu. Pretending to anyway. The wave of relief she had momentarily enjoyed had already evaporated completely, due to the most recent text she received. Coincidentally, she received it only a few seconds after Jazmine had received her own. She was just thankful that Landon's attention had been on Caesar while she had glanced at her phone to view it. Unfortunately, she'd now have to think of an excuse in regards to plans after dinner, but she would do what she had to do. Whether she wanted to or not, this had to be handled... tonight. So when she got a chance, she would respond under the table:
Can we talk tonight? I'd come by after work.
Yeah.
Cindy sat on her couch, trying to drown out her anxious thoughts while watching mindless TV. But it was useless. And it was almost midnight. Riley would probably be there any minute. Cindy hadn't even changed from what she wore to dinner, still in her casual peasant blouse and dark leggings, her hair still straight down her back. She wasn't changing into anything less until after Riley left. Left being the opportune word.
Cindy shook her head, not wanting to even go down that road. She distracted her thoughts on Landon instead. Her friends seemed to like him... well, Caesar and Jazmine seemed to. Their time at IHOP had gone well and there never seemed to be too long of a lull in conversation. Caesar seemed interested that Landon worked as a management analyst for a radio broadcast, especially since Caesar worked as an assistant recording engineer for a small and local broadcast just based in Woodcrest. Jazmine seemed excited at the opportunity to hang out more since Landon lived fairly close to Baltimore; since both her and Huey would be returning to school the following week, it wouldn't be too unlikely that they'd all get to hang out more frequently.
Especially if things keep progressing the way they currently were.
Although Cindy did want to handle things with Riley, she couldn't help but be annoyed, and also bummed about slightly fibbing to Landon. She told him that she'd have to turn in early that night due to a lot going on at work the following day, which wasn't true at all and was always about the same old shit. He had understood of course and had promised to see her again soon, which Cindy loved. He made so much frequent time for her often, like he wanted her all to himself. It felt amazing.
It was also precious that after dinner and they were out of earshot, Landon had casually asked if she and Caesar had ever dated or if Caesar liked her. Cindy had cracked up and had to explain that was just his personality and he was a huge flirt. Landon had smiled and nodded in understanding, simply and cutely stating, "As long as he knows you're all mine."
And Cindy definitely wanted to be all his.
Knock-knock.
Cindy sighed as she rose from the couch. It was time to get this over with. No bullshit.
But as soon as she opened the door, she could smell the bullshit was about to start.
"Damn. Sup sexy?"
Riley was leaned against the doorframe nonchalantly, dressed in his street clothes with a snapback backwards on his head. Not only did he reek of marijuana but he also openly had an aluminum can of beer in his hand. He seemed completely cool as he slowly took a sip, eyeing up her body as he did so.
"What the fuck, Riley?!" Cindy instantly lost her cool, practically dragging him by the collar into her apartment. "Did you drive here again like this?"
"No." His answer was minimal before he finished downing the can.
Cindy practically saw red as she instinctively snatched it from him. "Don't fucking lie to my damn face!" She yelled before throwing the empty can across the room, causing it to bounce off the wall onto the floor. Riley stared at it, still unbothered before glancing back towards her.
"You that mad over one drink?" He had the audacity to smirk.
"What the fuck are you doing here like this? And where the fuck were you, cuz I know your ass didn't come from work." She demanded.
"Out." He answered with a poker face.
"Then what's the point of this? I thought you wanted to talk!"
"I do." He replied simply, causing Cindy to snap again as she got in his face.
"You have a funny-ass way of showing it! Are you really dumb enough to drink and drive here again and risk not only getting a DUI but an underage drinking violation on top of it? The fuck are you thinking?" She ended, giving him a firm shove on his shoulders, but he barely moved. Instead, he stared her down.
"Are you fuckin' that nigga?" He asked calmly instead.
That threw her all the way off.
"...What?"
"Are you... fucking... that nigga?" He asked slowly, and Cindy could see that flickers of irritation were starting to flash in his eyes. So she played dumb.
"Nigga who." She asked plainly, as if she didn't know damn well who he was referring to. If he wanted to play games, to hell with it. They both could.
"Don't play with me." Riley's voice lowered as he actually gave her a glare that Cindy found laughable.
"Don't play yourself. Too late though." She smirked back. Shit was stupid.
"How the hell am I playing myself? I ain't the one who's out here with some chump."
Cindy barked out a laugh. "Oh really, some chump?"
"Some chump, yes really." Riley bit back.
"Then what the fuck does that make you?" Cindy retorted, stepping up to him in question.
"The only nigga you'd ever want. And you know that." Riley shot right back to her, now in her face with a shit-eating smirk.
"Wowwww, you're still a cocky bitch." Cindy scoffed, taking a step back away from him. "And you really put yourself on an unrealistically asinine pedestal."
"Doesn't matter how I come across as long as I'm right." Riley shrugged at her indifferently. In the next moment he took another step into her personal space, that grin sliding back onto his face. "Can he hit it like I can though?"
"Excuse you?" Cindy gaped at his boldness.
"That's a no." Riley snorted mockingly with the roll of his eyes.
Cindy didn't back down as she stared up at him warningly. "Nigga this is my first and last time cuz I'm not in the fucking mood. Don't get disrespectful." She ordered, the lighter tone gone from her voice. She was about to square up on this nigga.
Riley didn't seem intimidated in the slightest as he raised an intrigued eyebrow. "Or what? Whatchu gonna do to me?" He asked, a grin now making its way onto his face. Then he took another step to invade her space again while he lowered his head near hers and dropped his voice. "Or... did you want me to do something to you? Sorta like last week?" He eluded innocently, causing Cindy to redden and regrettably close her mouth. Riley took the opportunity to smirk even wider, knowing he had her.
"Who's playing themselves now?" He whispered in smug satisfaction.
It had been a rough day, which was surprising since it followed her second date with Landon to the hockey game. The date itself had been wonderful and she loved the evening. However, the night for Cindy had been awful. She had woken up early in the morning after a terribly morbid dream involving her mother. She was shook for the rest of the day and couldn't even bring herself to go into work, calling in sick instead. So she had stayed inside, becoming increasingly lonely, exhausted, and admittedly tipsy.
Wine was the only thing that seemed able to subside her nerves that day. She didn't want to get plastered with any heavy alcohol, the wine was light enough to keep her stable. But over the course of the day, it did begin to unravel her a little too much.
She honestly hadn't been expecting Riley that night. He had texted her earlier that day, but she hadn't responded, just wanting to be away from everyone. She hadn't thought anything of it. Until he showed up at her door that night after work.
"What are you doing here?" Cindy asked him bluntly, moments after pulling open the door.
"What are you doing?" Riley had replied in confusion, glancing over her from head to toe. "I texted you."
"My bad." Cindy mumbled. "I'm fine."
"Are you?" He questioned her, raising his eyebrow at the drink in her hand.
"I said I'm fine." She snapped. "And I don't need a fuckin' babysitter, Reezy."
"I'm not your fuckin' babysitter Cindy. I'm your fuckin' friend." He snapped back, putting emphasis on her name the way she had just done.
Cindy winced lightly in response. "I know... I'm sorry." She said quietly, feeling slightly bad.
"And you SHOULD be, damn!" Riley complained, brushing past her to go inside. "Chill the hell out." He continued to grumble as he kicked his shoes off and headed to the kitchen.
"I said I'm sorry, nigga." Cindy rolled her eyes, pushing her door shut. "And what are you doing?"
"Getting a beer." He answered simply, and she heard him open the fridge.
"Why?" She called back.
"Because a nigga had a long day!"
"Don't drink my Corona!"
"Man, fuck your Corona!" Riley shouted back, managing to make Cindy laugh.
They hadn't seen each other in days. Maybe some company would be nice after the day she had.
And it was nice. And things actually seemed normal for the first time in a long while.
Until... the conversation took a turn after Riley had noticed something.
"Since when do you do flowers?" Riley asked casually as he re-entered the living room.
"Huh?" Cindy replied in confusion.
"The ones on your bedroom dresser." He said, still seeming nonchalant as he plugged in his phone to her borrowed charger before taking a seat beside her again.
"Oh... those were from Landon yesterday." Cindy explained briefly before taking a sip of her drink.
"Brandon, huh?"
Cindy rolled her eyes and stared at him deadpanned. "I know you just heard me say Landon."
"Ohhh LAN-don... gotchu." Riley said, clearly playing dumb.
"...Boy whateva."
"My bad." Riley shrugged. "What'd y'all do yesterday?"
"He took me to a hockey game."
"His black-white ass."
"Shut ya dumbass up, boy!" Cindy swatted at him, trying not to grin at his contagious laughter. "He won tickets from his job."
"Oooh big baller, shot caller, am I right?" He responded sarcastically with an eyeroll.
"I hate you." Cindy smirked, shaking her head before she finished her glass again. She didn't notice the way Riley watched her in silence.
"Do you like him?" He asked from out of the blue, making Cindy turn to meet his unreadable expression.
Cindy felt uncomfortable suddenly, shrugging a shoulder at his blunt question. "Yeah, he's alright." She nodded, feeling unsure once again by the way Riley raised an eyebrow.
"Just alright?" He asked pointedly.
"I mean, I'm still getting to know him. It's only been the second date. I like what I see so far though."
"Wow, you sound thrilled." Riley practically snorted.
Cindy furrowed her brow at his response. "Maybe because I know it's pointless and I'm trying not get my hopes up, Reez." She muttered at him.
"What's pointless?" He asked dumbly, making Cindy roll her eyes.
"The dating scene? Me in it, hello? I do better alone, clearly."
"Oh clearly." Riley sucked his teeth. "Knock it off."
"Knock what off? If you haven't noticed, I can't keep guys. They all step. Including you." She shot back, making Riley's glare harden.
"I didn't willingly step. You told me to." He said, a slight tone coming into his voice.
"How noble of you." Cindy scoffed with the roll of her eyes. She was slightly taken aback when Riley suddenly leaned closer, facing her directly with a serious expression on his face.
"Aye. I 'stepped' because I'm a damn man and I respect you as a woman. Cuz guess what? If you hadn't asked, I woulda never left you." He told her firmly, making Cindy's eyes widen. He must've quickly analyzed what he said by the way he cleared his throat and pulled back some. "Left our situation... whatever the fuck it was." He clarified with an eyeroll, sinking back into the couch cushions again.
Cindy stared at him quietly while he wasn't making eye contact with her for once. "It was a mutual agreement." She spoke softly.
"Yeah... whatever." Riley replied gruffly, still not looking at her. Cindy felt herself bite her lip.
"So... you miss it?" She asked, trying to come off as nonchalant. She knew she failed by the way she felt herself blush when Riley rolled his eyes back to glance at her again.
"I ain't about to beg for shit, but what we had was good. Obviously." He said, this time making strong eye contact with her. Cindy stared right back, feeling the creeping feeling arise again that she couldn't control.
"And you'd... be open to doing it again... in the future?" She felt as though the words rolled off her tongue with a mind of their own. She couldn't even control her thoughts at this point. Riley continued to watch her, his eyes leaving hers for half a second while they flickered down her body before they bounced back to her face. He paused a minute before answering.
"I'm just waitin' on the green light." He said lowly, his gaze strong and compelling. Cindy had to break eye contact as she felt herself blush again.
"What about you?" Riley spoke up again, his voice still husky low.
"Huh?" Cindy made the mistake of making eye contact again, feeling a heat wave and a chill run over her body at the same time just by his stare alone.
That sexy stare.
"What are you waiting for?" He asked again, having leaned up from the couch again and in a closer proximity to her. Close enough to smell his cologne. Close enough to watch his eyes practically darken at the possible thoughts running through his mind. And almost... almost close enough to touch... but just slightly out of reach...
"...You." Cindy whispered, willingly giving in. She accepted the kiss that Riley initiated instantly, just as hungry and passionately as she remembered and wanted in that moment. He kissed her all over, her lips, down her neck, chest, stomach, and legs. And when they slept together not too long after, it was like nothing had changed. It was just... pure. And indescribable.
Cindy couldn't even deny... she had missed it... badly.
She didn't even know what to say after it was all over and done. And thank God Riley hadn't made her. He had acted more or less than same, normal even. Although the "normal" he acted seemed to be the "normal" they had during their arrangement. And while neither had commented about it explicitly after the fact, it was clear...
They had opened the floodgates again.
"It's almost cute when you try to play hard to get." Riley murmured to her, his lips still at her ear as he slyly pressed his body against hers.
"Oh really?" Cindy asked, staying still and refusing to react towards him.
"Yeah. It's only that much more satisfying when I get my way… and I always get my way." He told her proudly.
Cindy let out a slow eye roll, knowing he wasn't looking. While she enjoyed what they did and admittedly did enjoy the feeling of him, someone had to correct this nigga.
And as usual, it was Cindy.
So she put on a placid smile and turned to face him. "Oh Esco. There you go sounding like your old self again. It's almost… cute how much of a boy you still are. How in control you think you are. When the reality of the situation is that you've only played with girls up until this point. I'm pretty positive that I'm the first real woman you've ever dealt with, so let me assure you: I'm not one to be played with and you're not in control. Not with me. That being said, you can go now." She told him sweetly, the smile still on her face as she slid from his arms to step back and open the door for him to leave.
Riley stood in his place, simply smirking at her for a moment. He began striding towards the door slowly, stopping when he was directly in front of her. Silently, he pulled her into him strongly by her hips before he started to lean in for a kiss. Before he could get close, Cindy turned her head to the side to present her cheek instead. She heard him chuckle deeply at her, but only before leaning in anyway to nibble on her earlobe gently, inadvertently making Cindy let out a small noise at the sensation.
"It's even cuter when you try to act like you're so in control. Especially when I touch you like that." He whispered into her ear before giving her a juicy suck on her lobe before releasing her and stepping away. Cindy wanted to curse herself at the feeling of her face heating up again and the smug look on Riley's face, clearly knowing he'd got to her again.
"Later." He smirked simply, giving her a wink before he strolled out the door easily. Cindy rolled her eyes and swung it closed, so done with his ass. He needed to stay the hell away from her. And more importantly, she needed to stay away from him. She didn't need him anyway. Not like that. Not anymore. At all.
...If she said it enough, it would sink in.
It had to.
Finally donneee with this chapter! Sorry it took so long! I just saw that the last time I updated this story was in January...damn I'm sorry y'all! I needed a solid plan and direction for this chapter and it finally came, with the help from the GOAT, clockwork'sFinest. Thanks again so much love!
So... things are getting messyyyy now. What do you guys think? What'll be Cindy's choice? Landon or Riley? And what's up with Reezy btw? Jealousy's clearly rearing its head, but why? He wants to be single and has Tish as a distraction right? Speaking of, she'll be back soon, don't worry ;)
Disclaimers: Nope. Don't own it.
I'm so happy to get this out finally. Thanks again so much for all the reviews and messages of support! You guys are truly the best ^_^
More to come soon! I don't know at this point what's next, another update from this or the next chapter of From Uncle Reezy, To Daddy Reezy. I tried to make this chapter a little longer just in case, but I'm honestly not sure! I'm on a blank slate right now for both future chapters, so it'll be a toss-up on which one I'll get motivation with first XD
Just know... it'll be coming :) Thanks again for reading everyone!
~Schweetie