Two Thin Dimes by Caleb Alexander

LaChina’s first thought was that she should have kept this one for herself. But, she had work to do, and he would keep Jai busy.
    Tameer’s dress was casual and neat. He had the good sense to dress appropriately, she observed. His attire would allow him into a nightclub, and at the same time it would allow him to feel comfortable inside of a movie theater or restaurant. His sports coat, white button-down dress shirt, and sharply starched trousers were an excellent choice. He had taste.
    â€œIs she here?” Tameer asked with a ready smile, and a fabricated sense of exaggerated apprehension.
    â€œUn-huh.” LaChina nodded. “She’s finishing up in the restroom.”
    A smile spread across LaChina’s face. “You know how ladies are.”
    LaChina placed her hand on Tameer’s chest and slid it over the lapel of his coat, feeling the material. “Nice.”
    â€œThank you,” he replied. It came out with a flirtatious smile. “I’m glad you approve.”
    â€œWell,” LaChina exhaled. “I guess I should take care of you real quick. You know, while she’s not around.”
    LaChina produced an envelope of considerable girth from her back pocket. Just as she was handing the envelope to Tameer, the knob of the bathroom door squeaked and turned. LaChina hurriedly shoved the envelope into Tameer’s hand.
    â€œTake it and hide it!” she told him.
    The bulging white envelope disappeared quickly inside of Tameer’s breast pocket. When he looked up again, a smiling Jamaica was standing before him. She looked stunning.
    Unconsciously, Tameer’s mouth fell slightly open as he gaped at her. Tonight Jamaica was attired in a colorful red, white-and-blue hockey jersey, with a matching white turtleneck beneath it. Her blue jeans were loose-fitting and stylish, with just the right amount of fashionable fade. She wore a pair of bulky hiking boots, and large, round, gold earrings. She was dressed the part of an around-the-way girl.
    Jamaica’s flowing, silky, brown mane, was pulled tightly to the back, culminating in a lone, rope-like ponytail. Her hairstyle only served to accent her already flawless face. For makeup, Jamaica wore only a bright red lip gloss on her luscious, full lips. She needed nothing else. Speechless, Tameer stared.
    â€œHello?” Jamaica called to him, leaning slightly forward.
    Tameer’s eyes blinked rapidly for several moments, before he shook his head and released himself from her spell.
    â€œI’m sorry, hello.” He extended his hand quickly. “How are you tonight?”
    Jamaica took his hand, smiled, and released a soft watery laugh that flowed disarmingly with her speech.
    â€œI’m fine,” she answered. “Are you all right?”
    â€œUh…yeah. You know, I’m not used to this. I’m real shy.”
    It was all Tameer could manage to say out loud. She was beautiful. In fact, she was more than beautiful. She was the most beautiful thing that he had ever laid eyes on!
    â€œWell, I really don’t do this much, either,” she confided, offering another smile. “So, I guess we’ll both just have to work our way through it.”
    Carefully, Jamaica examined Tameer. Her eyes cut across his figure several times, rapidly photographing him for her mind to dissect slowly. Good teeth, nice body, good hair, cute smile, and to top it all off, a sweet, innocent-looking baby face. Jamaica quickly concluded that the night may not be so bad after all. The best thing she liked about Tameer was his attitude. She was pleased that Tameer didn’t act cocky, overly confident, or brash, and that he wasn’t stuck on himself. The night showed promise indeed.
    â€œWell, the car’s over here,” Tameer said. He waved his arm toward the parking lot in a grand sweeping gesture. Quietly, he led off, with Jamaica following close behind.
    That’s it, LaChina thought to herself.