Page 50 of Simply Complicated
Nineteen
The Beverly Wilshire is one of those hotels one always hears about but never imagined a stay would occur.
I’ve been to fancy hotels, if one could call the DoubleTree a fancy hotel. There’s fancy – anyone can afford it if you hustle hard enough. And then there’s white people fancy when you enter the premises, they are legit surprised to see your black ass because to them, seeing a black person is like seeing an unicorn.
I’m in the latter.
I immediately feel all eyes on me as Savior and I exit the Rolls Royce and make our way inside. I see guests of both sexes turn to look at us as we walk past them. I don’t know if they’re more astounded by the bald head or the black skin. I already know some women are looking at me and wonder how in the hell was I able to pull off that look while they’re still paying for that three hundred dollar blowout.
Magic, bitches.
Savior and I stop at a small waiting area where he checks his expensive watch. “My family should be arriving at any time now. My parents first, then my brothers.” He explains. “My brothers tend to arrive a little on their own style.”
I don’t like how cryptic that sounds. “Oh?”
“You’ll see. Ocean tends to be a bit more reserved, but Soul…” A waiter comes by with a tray of champagne and Savior takes two glasses, giving one to me. “…Soul really doesn’t give a damn.”
My eyebrows rise. Seeing how prim and proper Savior and Starr are, I’m legit curious to see how Ocean and Soul will act. “Oh?”
Savior clinks glasses with me and takes a sip. “Case in point,” he nods behind me, and I see Ocean with his date. “Look at Ocean’s shoes.”
Ocean is wearing a tuxedo but his shoes are sneakers. As he approaches us, I recognize the sneakers being FBLs. It’s endearing to see the brothers low-key support each other in different ways.
“Baby brother,” Ocean greets Savior with a bro hug. “Keisha, you’re looking lovely as ever.”
It’s hard to make eye contact with your boyfriend’s brother, who performed your gynecological exam. Talk about awkward. “Thank you, Ocean.”
“This is my date for tonight, Bailey.” He introduces a young, slender biracial woman. She’s wearing a black slip dress with heels that put her on par with Ocean’s height. She could be Jourdan Dunn’s twin. “Bailey, this is my younger brother, Savior, and his girlfriend, Keisha.”
Once Bailey realized I was Savior’s girlfriend and not competition, it seems the alleged animosity evaporated. Her stone face suddenly has the brightest smile on it. What? She honestly thought I wanted Ocean? Is competition between women always a thing?
“Pleasure to meet you, Keisha.” Bailey speaks with an accent that I can’t quite place. To be honest, I’m not entirely sure it’s a real one.
“Likewise,” I smile back. I feel Savior stiffen and the energy shifts yet again. The sensual side of him immediately dissipates while the professional and straight-laced one appears. I turn towards him and I see his eyes are lock on Starr and Thomas. They arrived together and it seems like the red sea parted for them.
They walk down the red carpet looking like royalty personified. Thomas is tall, slender, with a head full of white hair. Just like Savior, he commands attention the moment he enters a room and won’t let it go until he leaves.
There’s an air of mystery combined with a no tolerance for bullshit Thomas has. He wants it straight, no chaser, and will probably curse you out six ways to Sunday if you lead him to believe otherwise.
He’s in sharp contrast to Starr, who has her hair rolled up in a French bun and wore a sparkly blue gown. She’s warm and inviting, with eyes that dazzle with each smile – contrived or real.
“Ocean, Savior,” Thomas greets his sons with an approving smile. His tone is not like a father to sons, but rather an older colleague talking to his younger counterparts. There is no signs of affection and love anywhere. “I see you two have brought dates.”
“Father, this is my date, Bailey.” Ocean introduces her to Thomas. “Bailey, these are my parents, Thomas and Starr Ellison.”
“It is so lovely to meet you. I’ve heard so much about you. It is such an honor to finally meet you.” Bailey lays it on thicker than honey. I think she just might be worst than Rosa.
“Thank you, my dear.” Thomas loves the compliment and is seemingly used to it. He turns to me and his eyes crinkle upon seeing my bald head. “And you are?”
“This is my date, Keisha.” Savior introduces me to his parents. Date?
“Lovely to meet you, Keisha.” Thomas grins. “I hope you enjoy your evening here.”
There’s a slightly noticeable difference between how Thomas greeted Bailey and how he greeted me. He sounded mechanical with both of us, but there was more of an edge with me, at least it appeared to be. Maybe I’m just feeling a bit self-conscience since my boyfriend introduced me to his father as his date, and not his girlfriend.
Thomas takes two glasses of champagne and hands one over to Starr. “Where’s Soul? I don’t see him anywhere. Unless he’s busy with his shoes.” He glances down at Ocean’s feet. “Really, Ocean? A black-tie affair and you’re wearing sneakers?”
“The dress code didn’t say Tom Fords or Gucci slippers so yes.” Ocean blinks a few times and tightens his smile. “I wanted to be comfortable and I am. You should be happy since I am promoting my brother and your son’s very successful sneaker line.”
