Page 36 of Grown Folks Confessions: Black Lush

“Not exactly,” she said with a laugh, clicking on the projector that I hadn’t even noticed was on. “My upscale lounge has an in-depth membership process, and each member goes by an alias. Through masquerade masks, body paint, costumes, or whatever you please, your identity is kept private. The goal of FCF is to throw your inhibitions out the window and live out your wildest sexual fantasies.”

“That’s what I was sayin’,” Alessandro claimed.

“I enjoyed myself during my visit,” I stated, ignoring Alessandro. “What would you need our help with?”

Smiling, Jade clicked from the FCF logo to another slide that displayed a silhouette of Michigan. “My headquartered location here in New York is doing great. So is my local expansion. However, the vision I have for First Class Fantasy is to see the lounge in even more states with different themes depending on the area. Our staple themed days like Face Down Fridays and Money Shot Mondays are very popular amongst our members and will continue, but what if our members could have an even more exclusive experience on a heightened level?”

“You want to open a location in Detroit?” Rio speculated.

“I already purchased a property there,” she replied with her signature Jade smirk. “And in Chicago.” She clicked the projector remote again and a silhouette of Illinois popped up beside Michigan. “Two locations in two prominent cities. And before you ask, the reason you know nothing about it yet is because as I previously stated, the public only knows what I want them to know. For this expansion, I teamed up with Black Lush as an investor of my new direction, who is not only the premier creator and contributor of adult videos, but a staple for excelling our culture into unprecedented avenues to offer a uniquely sexually liberating experience.”

I smiled, already familiar with Black Lush since my sister-in-law, Ivy, was a locations recruiter for their adult films and had commissioned our Chicago shop for one of the videos back when we had just opened. In fact, that’s how I reconnected with Layla when I moved to Chicago. She walked into the shop with Ivy looking every bit of the sexy siren I remembered.

“I swear, Black Lush is taking over the world with how much they are involved in,” I mentioned.

“You know it,” Jade said with a laugh. “I know y’all are familiar with Black Lush already, but the company is top notch. And for this Chicago merger, First Class Fantasy presents the Lush lounge. It will remain invite only just like First Class Fantasy New York and I have an amazing group of ladies who are ready to cut that red ribbon and open the doors to the underground Chicago and Detroit location, starting with Chicago initially. But first, I need to have a group of trusted male members willing to participate in what I’d like to call our Naughty Novice Holiday series.”

“What is that exactly?” Midas asked.

Jade clicked to another slide. “In this series, we combine getting dicked down with the beauty of artwork. Women can get painted by you on and off the body. They can receive exclusive Lush tattoos. You are all artists in your own way, and I really want to utilize your talents to mold this series. Rio, you’re great with design and body paint. Ares, Cease, and Midas, you’re three of the top tattoo artists in the Midwest. Alessandro, your experience working as a painter and artist overseas gave you the great skill of doing unique henna designs that people pay good money for. And, Demetrius … well, you already know your assets.”

Demetrius slightly frowned, searching her face when he asked, “After everything we’ve been through, you really want me to be a part of this?”

“I do,” Jade assured, her eyes softening. “We may have a long, fucked-up history, but I’m happy, and deep down, you know we never would have worked long term. I think you’d be perfect as a member and partner for this. And let’s be for real,” she looked to all of us, “if I plant the seed with the right women, membership requests will be through the roof when word gets out that if you’re chosen to receive an exclusive invitation, you get a chance to fuck with one of those fine ass Hoods.”

“Would we have to quit our jobs for this?” Rio asked.

“Absolutely not. You tell me the hours you’re free and our admin and management will only book members when you’re available to visit the lounge. We already have a few rooms set up for each Naughty Novice Holiday fantasy.”

“Lemme get this straight,” I said. “I can still work with my brothers at our tattoo shop and still operate my mobile tattoo sprinter. Then I can spend my evening or night at FCF doing tats, then fucking the client?”

Jade nodded. “In that order, if that’s the package she requested.”

I let out a long whistle. “This shit sounds unreal.”

Jade’s eyes widened. “Oh wait, I didn’t think to ask. Are you still with Audrea?”

“Nah,” I told her. “We broke it off, so both of us are only focusing on raising our son Ajax now.”

Jade smiled before looking to the others. “And all the rest of you are single now, right? Don’t need any scorned women fuckin’ with my money.”

Each of my cousins confirmed they were single, but it was Midas who asked, “Will we be required to fuck all the clients?”

“No,” Jade explained. “Some may simply want a kiss or massage after getting a tattoo or body paint. Mind you, there are rules you’ll have to follow, and even though all members sign an NDA and some will be familiar with you Hoods, you’ll need to conceal your identity some way for appearances sake. I’d like to keep the current vibe I’ve created with the lounge.”

“Are we only on the clock for holidays?” Cease asked.

Jade nodded. “Pretty much.”

“Why holidays?” Demetrius asked Jade.

“Anyone else feel like this is kind of a weird form of prostitution?” Alessandro asked, interrupting whatever Jade was about to say.

We all laughed, some of us mumbling our agreement.

“Oh, come on, fellas!” Jade exclaimed. “This is not prostitution. And, Demetrius, you already know why it’s surrounding the holidays. Let’s not act like back in the day, instead of taking women out on dates for Valentine’s Day or celebrating regular holidays, y’all were celebrating National Orgasm Day and Steak and BJ Day. Or even Freak in the Sheets Day.”

“We celebrated Valentine’s Day too,” he interjected.

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