Page 51 of Simply Complicated
There is tension between the men and it becomes more apparent with each biting remark. “I’m proud of all of my sons regardless of what they might think otherwise.” Thomas grins.
“Now is not the time for your bullshit.” Starr politely reminds everyone. “I have bigger issues to worry about such as that one.” Starr rolls her eyes and we all turn to see what she’s talking about. “I don’t even believe this mess.”
Audible gasps appear amongst the crowd as the youngest member of the Ellison family strolls in. Wearing the freshest FBLs to compliment his tuxedo, Soul Ellison has arrived. He’s over six feet tall, with his brown hair closely-cropped and a budding goatee. Just like his brothers, he’s also gorgeous and he knows it.
He’s muscular in stature and quite uncomfortable he has to wear a tuxedo. His appearance isn’t what’s causing all of the commotion, though I think the family wish it were.
Paying homage to Snoop Dogg, Soul appears with two blonde women on leashes. The women are wearing designer gowns with studded diamond collars around their necks as Soul carries two leashes in his hands. He’s serving Malibu’s Most Wanted tease.
“Father, mother, brothers,” Soul walks up to the family with a knowing smirk on his hands. He knows if his family really wants to have a word with him, it’ll give him motivation to leave and he’s itching for someone to pull the trigger. “Lovely to see you all here. Here are my dates – to my left is hashtag. To my right is me too.”
My mouth gapes open before Savior whispers in my ear. “He was recently accused of sexual harassment. The allegations were proven false. He’s doing this as afuck youto the movement.”
I shake my head. “I’m not sure if this is the—”
“Soul does whatever Soul wants and that’s final.” Savior purrs.
“I’m Alexis,” Blonde #1 aka hashtag smiles.
“I’m Carly,” Blonde #2 aka me too grins.
“Pleasure to meet you both.” Thomas seemingly beams. Okay, so I wasn’t thinking I was overly sensitive. Thomas loves the blondes, and he didn’t mind Jourdan-light. But he definitely has an issue with my dark-skinned ass. Got it.
“Soul, this is my date, Keisha.” Savior introduces me. Second time I’m his date this evening and not his girlfriend. I’m starting to see a distinct pattern here.
“Hey Keisha,” Soul approaches me with a wicked smile, “has Savior showed you his singing chops?”
“He sings?” I blink.
“He sounds like that Bieber dude,” Soul chuckles as Ocean hides a smile. “He can sing, no doubt. But he was the original white boy on soul patrol.” Soul nudges me. “Hey you wanna hear a funny joke?”
I briefly question if this is a trick question. “Um, sure.”
“Please, don’t.” Savior sighs.
“Whatever happened to Jon B.?” Soul’s eyes dance.
I shrug. “I don’t know.”
“Justin Timberlake and Robin Thicke!” Soul cracks up at his own joke. As corny as it is, he has a point.
“Yo, Keisha,” Soul is authentic about his behavior. He doesn’t wear a mask like Savior or bite his tongue like Ocean. What you see is what you get. “You like sneakers?”
“I love sneakers!” I smile. “My Jordan collection is quite impressive if you ask me.”
“Yo,” Soul pulls out a business card and gives it to me, “hit me up next week, aight? I wanna do something for you.” He winks at me.
“Do what?” Savior interjects.
“Oh, I don’t know. Maybe give yourdatehere some sneakers?” Soul meets his brother’s challenge. It seems both of Savior’s brothers are seeing through his crap and I’m, for one, am so glad. I should really thank Soul.
Savior’s mouth twitches and it’s clear he’s annoyed. “Fine.”
I’m starting to feel claustrophobic with all of the shade and tension. The fact Savior hasn’t corrected anyone who has referred to me as his date is very unsettling. I grab another glass of champagne and excuse myself.
I quickly down the champagne and blink back tears. I’m about to get white girl wasted and I really don’t even care. I’m not sure what game Savior is playing but I do know I don’t want to participate in it any longer.
I find a small corner where no one can bother me and pull out my cell phone. I’m tempted to call Tasha but I have a feeling she might be too high to make it to Beverly Hills to pick me up.
