Karaoke Night
Kendrix
“I hope you didn’t pick something crazy for me to sing,” Ayla said.
Shaking my head, I replied, “Not at all. I want to see you perform. You're already dressed the part.”
Her chin dipped as a smirk covered her mouth. “Anyway,” she droned.
The first performers hit the stage, and I was surprised to see one was Fortune from the rap duo, Fame & Fortune. Ayla glanced around the room and gasped, making me turn to see why her energy shifted. When I didn’t find the source, I returned my attention to the stage as Fortune and a woman performed “Dilemma” by Nelly and Kelly Rowland.
When their performance ended, everyone clapped, but his groupmate, took it the extra mile and yelled his praise from the back of the lounge. Ayla groaned while rolling her eyes.
Several more people performed, then it was time for Ayla to take the stage. She looked at me through narrowed eyes as she made her way to the stage. A gratifying smile appeared on her face when the song title was revealed on the TelePrompTer in front of her.
“Love’s Voodoo” sounded akin to Minnie Riperton’s “Inside My Love.”
After watching her dance to the Love’s Voodoo earlier, I knew she’d kill this song. When the music dropped, I saw her switch from Ayla to Rosé Marie. There was a fire in her eyes that had me sitting up, ready to enjoy the show. From the first note, I was hooked. Her sensuality was magnified during her performance. I wish we saw more of this from her, it was truly a sight. The way she captivated the audience, including me, was a feat. We all were on the edge of our seats as she serenaded us.
The way she purred, “Do you wanna come inside my love,” while looking directly at me had me reaching for my beer. I needed something to cool the brewing fire in me. I didn’t expect her performance to affect me the way it did. The longer she sang to me the faster my heart raced. I was so enthralled by her that if she asked me to join her on stage, I would’ve gone. No question. Luckily, the song ended before she could get the chance. After receiving a standing ovation from the audience, Ayla took a bow and left the stage.
Standing near the stage, waiting for her was Fame. As she descended the stairs, he held out his hand for her. Ayla scowled but still accepted his help. Leaning back in my seat, I watched him usher her back to her seat. Fame’s eyes narrowed when realized Ayla wasn’t here by herself. She took her seat next to me, then thanked Fame for helping her off stage–even though there were only three stairs.
“You like the flowers I sent,” he asked, glancing at me.
Ah, the roses were from him.
The revelation had me holding back a laugh. I hadn’t given too much thought to who the roses were from. Judging by the glare buddy shot me, he wanted me to know there was something going on with them. Whatever they had wasn’t serious because Ayla was giving him the cold shoulder, making this encounter funnier than it should’ve been.
Ayla cleared her throat, then replied, “Yes, I did. Thanks.”
“Anytime, Ro.”
The next person started, and I hoped it would give buddy the cue to leave. Ayla nodded at him, then turned to the stage. Fame finally caught the hint and left. A minute passed before I started laughing. Ayla laughed too, while shaking her head.
“Don’t ask,” she told me once her giggles subsided.
Holding up my hands, I conceded. “I won’t, but you could’ve told me you had a lil’ boyfriend.”
“He’s not my lil’ boyfriend,” she mocked.
“Yeah, aight.”
“Some guys just can’t take hints.”
Was she hinting at something during her performance?
I couldn’t get her karaoke performance out of my head. There was no mistake that she was singing to me, but maybe it was a part of the act. Before I could call her out, I was called to the stage. Ayla smirked as I stood from my seat.
I leaned down and asked, “What song did you pick for me?”
Knowing Ayla, she probably picked something like, “I Need Love,” she was silly like that. My heart raced as I waited for her to tell me.
Her smirk broadened, and her eyes narrowed. “You’ll see.”
