Aaron's Fall (10 page)

“We’re going here?” she asked astonished.

“Yes, my mother-in-law is Vessa,” Tia said proudly, “Come on it will be fun.”

After she valet park the car, Asia followed Tia in.

“Mom were here!” Tia called out.

Asia gasped. Vessa was the most beautiful and glamorous woman she has ever seen outside of a magazine.

“Hello Sweetie,” she said hugging Tia, “How my babies?”

“Fine, home with the nanny.”

Asia stood near the door, just taking in all she saw. The large shop held all the comfort of a well designed home. The finest of furnishings expertly arranged displaying from Contemporary to Victorian styled décor in different sections of the store. No racks of clothing hung around crowding the store floor. Down at the far end of the boutique was a large fireplace with a fire burning on what look like crystals. Each beautiful designed area had a large tri way mirror and a round platform in the center.

“Here she is Mom, this Aaron lady, isn’t she pretty?” Asia heard Tia say.

Vessa looked at Tia an elegant shaped brows rose. Vessa knew Aaron as well as her own son. “Aaron lady; for how long?” She whispered.

“He knows Asia means a lot to me, and I’ve already warned him, she different Mom, I think he really cares about her, he’s very protective. She’s very shy, and her self-esteem is zero, not to mention, she not use to having many things. I think Aaron is trying to give her all the things she has never had, and Aaron gave us platinum,” Tia said grinning.

Vessa smiled back. “Yes she must be very special, and we’ll help her spend Aaron’s money, let me get a look at her.”

Vessa and Tia went to Asia pulling her along.

“Mom, this is Asia Brooks, Asia this is Vessa Holland.”

Vessa nodded her greeting. “Come on let me get a look at you,” Vessa circling her, taking in her height, weight and proportion.

“Mmm very nice, come along Asia,” Vessa said leading seating her in an Ecru colored overstuffed chair, that held her body comfortably, a glass table sat in front of her with magazines carefully arranged. Tia and Vessa sat in the high back chairs on the side of her. Asia felt an excitement course though her.

“The models will come out and model some garments for you; Tia described you and I took the liberty of picking a few things, we’ll get a wardrobe from your head to your toes. Vessa smiled, “are you ready?” Asia nodded. Vessa called for the models to start showing the clothes she chose for her.

Asia sat quietly sipping on the glass of white wine Vessa handed her. She watched as the models paraded in front of her. After a few sips of her first taste of the delicious wine Asia lost her nervousness, and begun to thoroughly enjoy herself. She picked out ensembles; with the advice from Vessa, what she thought would look best on her. There were beiges, reds, and blue, and since it was autumn; some oranges and plums. Vessa put a rush on the alterations for a long sleeved Dior red wool crepe sheath dress and matching wrap cape and a pair of Lenore’ red suede pumps completing the ensemble. The other pieces she chose would be delivered to the loft. After trying on more dresses she could count and donning a silk robe, Vessa then took Asia next door for hair and makeup.

“Chez,” Vessa said, “Do your magic.” Chez circled her looking at her long thick hair.

“Well Sweetie, you are mix with what?” he asked bluntly, lifting and examining her hair.

Asia looked at the man with his long straightened hair pulled back in a ponytail. He was a handsome man tall dark-skinned, and very feminine.

“Asian and African-American,” she told him.

He lifted the ends of her hair examining it. “Mm..., I will just trim your hair, give it a light relaxer just to straighten out your black folk’s part, so it silky, and a loose curl, will set it off just nicely.

“Wilson honey!” Chez called. A tall pretty white man, with the most amazing thick blonde hair and beautiful flawless skin joined them. Wilson and Chez were partners Asia discovered.

“Wilson come see this gorgeous face.”

Wilson smiled and gently held Asia face in his hands looking at her face intently.

“Yes, she is gorgeous,” he said admiringly. “We will do those brows, and oh my, green eyes, yours I hope,” he said looking deep in her eyes. Asia nodded.

“She doesn’t need much make up just a little to enhance those perfect features, and then we will have sheer perfection.”

Wilson and Chez looked at Vessa. “Who her stylists?” Chez asked.

Vessa smiled. “You are now.”

“Can she afford us?” Wilson asked.

“All I have to say is Aaron Harrison,”

“Oh yes, chil‘, she can; welcome to “About You,” Chez said smiling at Asia.

Minutes later Asia was under the dryer, a glass of wine in her hand and a magazine on her lap. Chez leaned to Tia.

“Does she talk?” Chez asked.

“Not much, but Chez, sing, my God its Patti, Whitney and Aretha rolled into one, she going to make it big with that voice.”

Wilson brows rose. “She gonna needs us,” Chez stated.

Tia smiled. “That’s what I’m counting on.”

When Asia came of the dressing room, dressed, hair, and makeup perfect, everyone’s mouth fell open.

“You’re beautiful,” Tia said in awe.

Everyone nodded his or her approval. Vessa turned her to the mirror; Asia looked at herself for the first time, and then at them.

“That’s me?” she said softly, surprised. Tia and Vessa were beside her, smiling broadly.

“Yes, and your magnificent, wait until Aaron sees you.” Tia said happily.

Asia eyes filled up. “That’s me!” she said with wonder, touching her hair.

“Now don’t you ruin that makeup with tears,” Wilson said dabbing at her eyes. “You look fabulous,” he emphasized with a snap of his fingers.

Asia looked at Tia. Tia smiled and nodded.

“Thank you, Ms Vessa, I love everything, Wilson and Chez thank you for making me look this way, I never thought I…”

“Your welcome,” Chez interrupted, “I’m sure we’ll be seeing a lot of you.”

Chez turned her toward him smoothing down a strand of hair, “And Asia we will see you in two weeks,” he said satisfied. Asia nodded, thanking them again.

Tia and Asia arrived at Nam’s right at seven o’clock. Nam’s is one of the best restaurants in Atlanta, with its sensually seductive interior and mixes of fresh flowers, candlelight, and charcoal drawing backdrop. Asia was in awe. Never in her widest of fantasies would she ever think she would be dining at a five star restaurant.

“Holland party,” Tia told the host.

“Their in the bar, follow me.” The host replied with a smile.

“Aaron is not going to recognize you, let’s surprise him,” Tia suggested giggling. “You wait here,” she said elatedly, “than after minute come in.”

Martin and Aaron sat at a small round table when Tia came in.

“Hi Honey,” Tia said greeting her husband. The men rose. Aaron looked over Tia’s head.

“Hey Tee, where’s Asia?” Aaron asked looking behind.

“There she is,” Tia, said pointing. Aaron looked over her head.

“In the red coming towards us.” Tia stated happily.

Aaron eyes widened. Her hair hung around her shoulder with loose curls, and danced around her shoulders as she walked, a red cape wrapped around her petite frame.

Martin and Tia looked at Aaron. Joy, pride and maybe lust, displayed openly on Aaron’s face. Aaron left the table to meet her.

Aaron stood in front of Asia, his eyes taking in the beauty before him.

“You’re beautiful,” he whispered, before he gently kissed her mouth. Taking her hand and escorting her to the table. Aaron removed her cape from her shoulder. Aaron did not try to hide the gasp that escape from his mouth. The dress she wore beneath the cape accentuating her curvy body to perfection. He was not sure if he wanted to put the cape back on her to hide his jewel from other roving male eyes, or take her home and make love to her. He opted to stay, and be proud this beautiful woman was on his arm. Aaron could not keep his eyes off her. Martin and Tia smiled, knowingly.

When their table was ready, the girls walked ahead of them, Martin and Aaron followed. Both men noticed the male eyes on them, and they both beamed with pride.

“She beautiful isn’t she Martin,” Aaron commented.

“Yes Aaron she is, you’re a very lucky man, just don’t hurt her.”

“I have no intention of hurting her.” Aaron stated firmly.

“We have the two beautiful women in our lives,” Martin acknowledged proudly.

At the table, conversation flowed freely. Even Asia talked more than he has ever heard. It was the wine Aaron was sure. Aaron reached over, and lifted a lock of her hair.

“Silk,” Aaron whispered. “I love your hair.”

“Do you, maybe later I’ll let you put your fingers through it,” Asia responded coyly.

Asia eyes widened, surprised at herself. Aaron smiled. She was flirting; she covered her mouth with her hand.

“Did I say that out loud?” Asia asked, smiling.

Martin and Tia were stunned. Asia was even prettier when she smiled. Aaron leaned over to her ear. “You know what happens when you smile.” Aaron whispered playfully.

“Yes,” she said blushing. They all laughed.

The conversation was light and lively. Asia learned how Martin and Tia met; and Tia’s way of making people understand.

“If you don’t stop smiling like that we are going to have to leave.” Aaron replied teasingly. “I can’t help it, “Asia admitted.

Asia looked at Aaron, and then at Martin and Tia, suddenly shy.

“Aaron thank you, I never look or felt the way I do at this moment; all of you have been so kind to me, I don’t know how to thank you.” she replied looking around the table.

“You can show me later, those two just say thank you.” Aaron said jokingly.

Dinner was a delight and best she has ever had. She tried dishes she could only dream of ever tasting.

After dessert, the couples parted, with plans to meet up at the loft. Aaron opened the car door for Asia; she turned and looked up at him.

“Is this the way you wanted me to put my finger through your hair?” he asked seductively, as his fingers slid up the nape of her neck and he wove his fingers in her hair.

Her eyes closed. “Yes,” she said sighing. His head lower, his lip hovering above her.

“You’re beautiful,” he said softly. His lips touched her; Asia’s hand slid up his back, feeling the hard muscles move beneath her touch. She moaned, pulling away.

“Are you going to stay tonight?” she asked hopefully.

He looked from her head to her feet. “And leave all this,” he chuckled, “Come on Tia and Martin are wondering about us.”

At the loft, Asia handed him her keys, he opened the door and turned on the lights, Tia and Martin behind her. Asia back was to them as she removed her cape, not notice anything at first, then she turned and looked around the room. A soft gasp escaped her; she stood there blank and amazed. Her eyes looked at the piano, the electric keyboard, state of the art recording system and stacks of blank sheet music. Her hand covered her mouth; she turned to Aaron, tears of joy streaming down her face, her hands holding her cheeks.

She went to Aaron. “Aaron …?”

He took her hands in his. “You wanted your keyboard, instead got hurt, now you won’t ever have to go to that house again.”

She hugged him tightly, and went to the piano, and absently played some notes on the piano keys, Tia sat beside her.

“Do you know Evergreen?” Tia asked, looking at Martin.

Asia began to play and sing. Martin came to stand behind his wife. That song had become their song. Tia rose, Martin pulled her in his arms and they danced. Aaron sat beside Asia, his hand caressing her back. She looked over at him, as she sang. Asia eyes had this faraway look as she sang. She knew than she had fallen in love with Aaron. She wasn’t sure if that was a good or bad thing, but she did love him. She lowered her head looking down at the piano keys allowing the song take over her soul. Tia and Martin stopped dancing, watching her.

It amazed Aaron how the music seem to change her. He noticed it the first time when she sang at the cookout as if hypnotized. Here she was singing letting the music take her away as the lyrics spilled from her melodious voice. She literally glowed.

They applauded when she finished. Aaron just stared at her. Aaron got up from the bench.

“Okay Tia and Martin its time to go,” Aaron said smiling.

Asia mouth opened. “Aaron.”

Martin laughed. “Its okay, Asia,” Martin said, “I’ve put him out many times too.”

Asia hugged Tia. “We’ll start on the plans for the benefit I’m planning tomorrow,” Tia told her. Asia nodded.

When they were gone, Aaron turned her back to him, and lifted her hair, unzipping her dress.

“Was this all you brought?”

“No, the others will be delivered tomorrow, I didn’t want to get too much,” Asia admitted sighing, when she felt Aaron’s lips on the back of her neck. Her eyes slowly closed.

“Did you?” Aaron asked pushing the dress from her shoulders.

“Yes I did.”

“Good.” he said turning her to face him. He looked at her in the red lacy underwear.

“Mm…sexy,” he stated, lustfully. Asia blushed.

“Aaron,” she called his name softly loving his mouth on her neck.

“Why did you do this?” Aaron turned her and looked into her green eyes.

“I want you to be happy, that’s all.”

“Will you make me happy now?”

“How?”

“By taking off you clothes and making love to me all night.”

That just what he did; loving her in ways, she had never known, showing her how wonderful lovemaking can be.

Chapter Seven

Asia blossomed like a flower. For the first time in her life Asia felt beautiful. There was no feeling like walking down the street and turning heads. No more did she wear oversized t shirts and cheap jeans. She still wore jeans but a better quality. She now wore her hair loose rather than always in a ponytail. She loved the confidence her new look gave her. It was truly empowering. She was back in Atlanta, he was lucky enough to get her job back. With her new music equipment in her free time she could work on her first love. Within one month, Asia had written several songs. Tia’s annual holiday benefit would center on Asia and her music. Tia’s dancers would perform to songs composed by Asia. After hours of prodding, Tia convinced Asia into taking a few dance lessons. Asia was as natural at dancing as she was at singing; the same emotion she displayed while she sang also came through when she danced.