Friendly Strangers

By Quinniqua

Darin has a desire for music that makes him want to be better even though his past keeps pulling him back. He has a desire for Bell, which was sparked the moment he saw her. Even though he knows theyre both from different worlds, he knows shes the muse he needs for his soul, his body, and his music.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Oct 13, 2017
• ISBN: 9781546208501

Quinniqua

Quinniqua has always been a lover of books and writing. With degrees in writing and photography from the Columbus College of Art and Design, she divides her time between family and traveling and currently lives in Fort Myers, FL with her husband and children.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Tonight was a good night for me to finally head over to Tabletops.

My dad was out doing his thing, my brother was out slangin’ tonight and my boys were gone to pick up girls, again. That’s all they ever did. To them women was never useful unless they were on their back.

I had that same mind-set for awhile, but it all changed when my music teacher, Mr. Wallace was killed. That was one of the hardest times in my life. After putting on my white polo shirt, I grabbed my keys and headed to my truck. Each second that past by I became more and more anxious. Bell was in my thoughts ever since

I saw her at the center.

Later that day, after I saw her, I was on my way out to Tabletops but had a run in with my boys. They wanted to hang and I didn’t, but I ended up hangin’ with them against my will and against some drunk ass woman with hardly any clothes on who couldn’t keep her hands off of me. And all the days after that has been nothing short of me being angry and tense. I pulled into a small lot that was spillin’ over onto the street; it took me a long time before I could find a spot. I had to settle for a spot that was across the street from Tabletops. Parking my truck behind a woman’s car, who was just stepping out. I took my key out of the ignition and stepped onto the pavement. The woman parked in front of me, gave me a flirtatious wave that made me almost laugh. But I pushed it away and gave her a lazy wave back and headed towards the lounge.

My mind was stuck on Bell. She was still in my head. And the only one I wanted to see. There was a huge crowd on the outside, so I had to get in line. I hoped they weren’t to capacity yet.

Even though the line was long, it didn’t take too much time to get inside. Everyone in the line was dressed up to the nine, and seemed anxious to get inside. There was a lot of loud talking and laughter, that you wouldn’t believe it was a Thursday night.

I always felt like the center of attention when I walked outside. There were times I wish I could just take a backseat to that attention, especially from the ladies. I was that rugged pretty boy in my crew. Pretty in my face and rugged in my lifestyle on the Southside, which everyone knew was a rough place. I never had a problem with the ladies or gettin’ anything I wanted from them. But like I said, everything changed after my mentor was killed.

It was ten dollars to get in, so I gave the man my money and went inside. The place was bumpin’, big time, there were so many people, I couldn’t believe that they still had space to move around.

Tabletops smelled of food and candles and its jazzy atmosphere had me feelin’ warm. I felt right at home. There was a live band playin’ music to the far right side of the stage, that had a cello player, a piano player, a guitar player, a saxophone player and a drum player. There were round tables all over the front half of the lounge, with booth seating around the perimeter of the place and there was a long bar to the far left of the stage, that was far away from the dance floor in front of the stage, that had a velvet red curtain behind it. The place was fly. I didn’t know where to sit though, since it was seat yourself.

Hey, me and my friends have an extra spot. Came a girl’s voice behind me.

What? I asked, not understanding what she was talkin’ about.

The girl smiled up at me and tilted her head to me. You look like you need a place to sit. We have an extra space. It’s yours and we’d love for you to join us. She pointed over to the table behind her, where her four friends were all waving and smiling in my direction. It did not look like I could fit anywhere at that table. They just needed a reason to get me to them.

That’s aight, I shook my head. I’m just gonna head to the bar. I gave a courteous smile to her and her friends.

You sure? She placed her hand on my shoulder, teasingly. "We don’t mind at all." She tried again.

I’m very sure. I smiled one more time and then left for the bar, leaving her in her place.

The bar didn’t look as crowded as I thought. So I found a seat at the front end of the bar, closest to the stage.

What can I get you sir? The bartender asked me quickly.

I’ll take water for now. I told him.

He nodded and left me for a few minutes before returning back with a tall glass of water, and then leaving quickly to assist another person.

Looking around the place, I scoped out to see where Bell was. She said she was always here, so where was she? I looked long and hard around the room, but couldn’t find her. I felt a little disappointed for a moment when I didn’t see her, but there was a lot of people here tonight, so maybe I was over lookin’ her.

The lights on stage dimmed and everyone went hush, and the band gradually shifted to another melody. First the piano began to play and then the rest of the instruments joined in, causing the crowd to cheer. And then a familiar woman stepped up behind the mic with a light smile on her lips.

Bell.

She looked even finer then the last time I saw her. She wore a long, snug yellow sundress and her hair was down, reaching past her shoulders as she began to sway casually to the music.

Then, she closed her eyes and began to sing.

I was blown away. I would never have guessed she was the singer everyone was talking about, when they talked about Tabletops’ band and amazing lead singer. Her beauty matched her voice.

She was officially perfect.

Every note she sang was perfect. I was becoming sprung. She was getting into me. I was stimulated just by her voice. Bell sang two more songs with fire and passion before leavin’ stage, and when she stepped foot onto the wooden floor, I threw myself out of my seat and followed her to her table beside the bar.

A waitress came up beside her and handed her a cup of something, before walking away with a smile. Before I said anything, I was mesmerized by every move she made. When she blew into the cup, when she shifted in her seat, when she brushed through her hair with her fingers. Everything grabbed my attention.

I tapped her lightly on the shoulder to get her attention. She spun around to face me and smiled. I could have melted to the floor at her smile.

Hey Bell, I spoke with my hands in my pocket.

You came. After the third week I thought you had forgotten. She spoke sweetly.

Nah, I didn’t forget. I just,

But she cut me off and said, You don’t have to explain anything to me Darin. You’re here now. She shrugged, taking a sip of her drink. So how have you been?

I never thought that I could be so nervous talkin’ to a woman. But she was definitely doin’ somethin’ to me. This was the second time she had me losin’ my cool.

Are you nervous? She asked, with a sweet look of curiosity.

What? I tried to stay cool.

Are you nervous? She asked again.

I didn’t want to lie to her, cause it was clear that my actions was tellin’ how I felt.

Ok, you got me. I’m nervous, but only a lil’ bit. I laughed briefly.

You don’t need to be nervous Darin. I don’t want you to be nervous.

Well, I don’t mean to be nervous. I told her honestly. It’s just…I don’t know.

Please, sit down. She pointed for me to have a seat.

I sat myself down in front of her.

She looked so good.

You want to know something? She said, taking another sip from her cup.

Yeah.

I may not seem as together as I look. I’m a little nervous too.

Really?

She nodded. The crowd tonight is so much bigger than I expected.

You don’t need to be nervous. You killin’ it already girl.

Thanks. She smiled, shyly.

Every twenty minutes Bell would go on stage to sing and then we’d continue our conversation. It was a relief to talk with someone who wasn’t tryna flirt with me. It was the first time in awhile that I was actually enjoying a woman’s company.

Every time I’d try and get to know someone, they’d get mad at me for not moving fast enough. They’d get so upset that I wouldn’t sleep with them. But that’s what I get for having a reputation as womanizer for years and then change and them not understand why.

I knew that Bell was different. She was smart, funny, talented, a complete sweetheart. That was what I liked the most.

Two hours later, Bell and I were still talkin’ through the night. You would think that we had known each other for years the way we were talkin’ to each other and the way we were interactin’ with one another.

Bell, how old are you? I asked, crossing my arms, casually.

I’m twenty-two. How old are you?

I’m Twenty-four. Well, I will be in a few days.

Well, happy early birthday, Darin. She smiled, making my heart beat violently.

Thanks. I said turning back to listen to the bands sounds.

I loved music. I wasn’t prejudice in the type of music I listened to. And I wasn’t in the type of music I played either. Since recently, I’ve began to start listenin’ to a lot more varieties of music. Then after listening to it, I’d play it and would add my own lil’ twist to it or combine it with my other music.

So what made you change your mind? Bell’s voice brought me back from my thoughts.

About what?

What made you finally come tonight?

Oh, I thought it over. I didn’t wanna scare her by telling her the only reason I came was to see her again, and that I couldn’t stop thinking about her ever since I saw her. So instead I told her,

I just needed to get out. And was finally able to do that, so to come here was what I wanted.

And? She grinned.

And what? I laughed.

Is that all?

I looked at her peculiarly. Why you think that ain’t it?

She smiled shyly, again, which made her look incredibly beautiful. What? I asked.

Nothing. She shook her head, at the question, brushing it off.

Come on, tell me. I was now curious.

Ok. I saw you when you walked in. You kept looking around for someone. Just about every women in this place flirted with you from the moment you stepped in. But you paid no attention to them. You came here to get away, but you also came here to see someone. I can tell when a guy is scoping for a woman. And you, Darin, were scoping. She folded her arms, comfortably.

Man was she observant.

I wonder if she knew that she was the woman I was scopin’ for.

Am I right? She smiled, already knowing the answer to the question.

Yeah. You got me. I nodded.

So, who is she?

There was no point in lying. It was already out there. It’s you. I was looking for you Bell.

She pulled back in her seat, bringing her hands into her lap.

This was what I was afraid of. Her pullin’ away if she knew the truth.

It was quiet between us, as the music played in the background.

I’m sorry if I made you upset. I didn’t mean to make you feel uncomfortable.

I figured apologizing was the only thing I could do at this moment.

Don’t apologize, please. I will be honest. I was just not expecting you to say that. I mean, I only saw you one time for less than ten minutes. She laughed, briefly.

"I see your point. But you sure did make an impression on me. And I want to get to know you.

Maybe we can start off as friends." I spoke slowly, sweatin’ on the inside out.

Are you asking if you can be my friend? She smirked, cocking her head to the right.

I am.

Bell was quiet for a few seconds before saying, Alright, I’ll give it a shot. She shrugged.

A smile stretched across my face that was so wide, I couldn’t help it. I was glad to accept this woman in any way that I could get her. And I hoped that it could spread to what I fantasized it could be.

We ended up talkin’ the rest of the night, until the manager had to ask me to leave so they could finally close up.

I hope I can see you again. I told her, standing from my seat.

Yeah, this was fun.

Bell walked me to my truck and we said our goodbyes for the night after exchanging numbers.

I was on the biggest high. Bigger than any drug I’d ever used. Only now, Bell was becoming my new drug. Only this time I knew this addiction wouldn’t hurt me. And that this addiction I’d never drop.

Chapter 2

Where you been, nigga’? Was my greeting when I walked into my place.

My boys and my brother was there waitin’ on me. All of their faces waiting for me to answer them.

What ya’ll fools want now? I said, pushing past them.

We came by to get you, so we can go out. But you wasn’t here. Brian complained, all hyped up.

That’s ya’ll fault. Ya’ll know I was goin’ out.

Yeah, but I don’t think you meant that. James hollered angrily, crossing his fat arms.

What’s this really about? Get to the point. My jaw was clenched and my fists were balled, tryin’ to keep my temper from rising.

Kye shouted out, Nigga’ you was gone foreva’. What was you out doin’? He leaned his tall body up against the door frame. You don’t got time for us no more? That it? Is it that music?

Kye, lay off with that man. I yelled, getting aggravated, real quick.

Or what? James threatened, walking up to me. Come on, Darin. Make a move for once. For old time sake. He challenged, blowing his cigarette stank breath in my face.

I was a fighter. I never wanted to be. But the company I kept, always brought it out of me.

Soon I became used to it. And it was all I knew. I liked it. But now that wasn’t what I wanted.

Clenching my jaw, I held my fist so tight that my knuckles cracked. Keeping calm was hard for me to do. I would always react before I thought first.

Get out! Was all I said to them all. All of ya’ll get the hell out.

Aight. Fine. We’ll just see you tomorrow. We got stuff to do. And we need you with us.

You already know, I won’t be seein’ you. I told them seriously.

We’ll see. My brother, Roy, finally spoke before being the last one to leave the room.

Slamming the door behind them, I sat on the edge of my bed. Why was they always checkin’ up on mine? They got they own lives, why were they messin’ with mine?

Layin’ in bed that night, I thought about Bell. She wasn’t just on my mind, she was in my head.

Through the night, it always took me awhile to fall asleep. There was always sirens goin’ off, some domestic disputes, it was always somethin’.

The Southside was a tough environment to grow up in. It was a dog eat dog world over here.

This was the only way of life I knew. I didn’t know that I could have more and could achieve more.

My dad raised me and my older brother Roy, sort of. He would work a lot, but once my brother got in the dope game at around fourteen, and he saw all the money comin’ in he quit his job.

My brother Roy raised me along with my friends. We learned a lot from the streets and it quickly became a part of us and we all became a family.

A lot of fights for power on the Southside rose up when a few people found out about my brother and his business. So we all knew we had to protect what was ours. Our lifestyle consumed every single one of us and we loved it. We loved the power, the money, the women, all of it.

We all knew the world was ours and no one could tell us differently. And if someone wanted to take any of that from us, we’d fight them for it.

Kye, Brian and James were my boys. I knew them ever since I was in elementary school. We lived on the same block. We all had one another’s backs. Always.

We had never clashed as much as we have been these past two years.

Now every time they around I get all hyped up. And they are always pushing my buttons and want the old Darin back. The one always ready to roll and down for anything. But that wasn’t me anymore. I wasn’t down for everything and couldn’t be down.

So I stopped doing certain things and began to change and they don’t get it. But most of all, they don’t like it and I don’t give a damn.

The next day I had to go to work and did not want to go.

I was in the process of looking for another job and was having no luck. Finding a job in the realm of music was harder than I thought. So I’m gonna have to look for that job outside of this neighborhood. That will be my best option.

Work was work and I wanted to leave from the second I got up in there.

My manager was alright, but his mood always be shifting back and forth. My co-workers were not too great though. And I felt I was havin’ to do their work, to pick up the slack. But I stopped that as soon as I realized it and now they’ve made me traitor number one. So I get a hard time from them every once in awhile. But as long as they don’t put they hands on me, I’m all good.

Cause I ain’t got any problem letting them know what’s up if they wanna get all hype. After my shift, I headed back over to the rec center. And this time when I walked into their music room, I was greeted by Mr. Wallace. Who could see the disappointment in my face.

Ya’ know, I remember when you used to like seeing my face. He joked, standing up slowly from his desk.

That ain’t it Mr. Wallace. I shook my head.

Oh I’m just having a little fun with you boy. He slapped the back of my shoulder.

Man, for a much older fella, he still had some strength on him. His grey hair fooled me.

Besides, it’s normal for a man to think of a woman. Especially one that he finds special.

I had no choice but to smile. I couldn’t help it.

I guess this old man is right again.

Aight, you got me.

I know I do. I’ve been on this earth for over fifty years. I know a thang or two. He sat himself

down at the keyboard, while I sat across from him, unable to stop smiling.

Oh no, what you do boy? I know that look. Was you up to no good last night? He stared at me sternly.

Nah. But my body sure was.

What you talking bout? Mr. Wallace crossed his arms, clearly ready for me to just say it.

I saw Bell last night. At Tabletops. She’s the singer there. And man, Mr. Wallace, I couldn’t believe it. I ain’t ever felt this way about a woman. I spoke, rubbing my clammy palms together.

I can tell. Every time you walk in here and I’m not her your heart drops.

Is there anything I can do about how I feel? I asked him needing some help.

I felt this way before only once in my life. And it ended up ending worse than heartbreak. I felt like someone had snatched my heart from my rib cage, and made me watch as they skinned it hollow.

But the one thing that’s keeping me drawn to Bell is because I know that she’s different.

With matters of the heart, there usually isn’t much you can do. You have one of two choices. You can give into your feeling or you can reject it.

But if I reject it, then isn’t that like I’m rejecting her?

Exactly.

I don’t want to do that.

Then you chose to give into it. He smiled. And that means you’ll have to give yourself to her, honestly and truly.

I had to think about that. That was what I want to do, but what if it ends bad? I ain’t going