Brooklyn Bombshells: Part 1

“You look hungry. Let’s go eat first.”

“That sounds great.”

Mateo was completely smitten by her innocence. He had just had a huge fight with his girl, Nikki, and he needed relief. He needed something new and refreshing in his life, and Chanel was perfect.

The two of them dined at a Manhattan restaurant and talked for hours. Their conversation flowed so easily, they decided to skip the movie and just enjoy each other’s company. They took a walk-and-talk around Riverside Park, where they had a view of the illuminated George Washington Bridge.

Chanel was glowing with happiness. She didn’t want the night to end. This was her fairytale—her happily-ever-after ending away from home.

Chapter Eleven

Damn, you’re going out with him again tonight?” Mecca asked Chanel.

“Yes. He’s wonderful, Mecca. We have such a great time together. We talk about everything and he treats me so special.”

“I see that. I’m glad that he’s making you happy.”

“He is.” Chanel smiled, and her love for Mateo radiated from her.

She lit up every time she was around him or when she spoke about him. Throughout the summer, Chanel had spent more time in Harlem with Mateo than with Mecca. He was the perfect gentleman.

“Y’all had sex yet?” Mecca asked.

“What? No. He respects me.”

“Yeah, they always do at first. But you do know that he’s a drug dealer, right?” said Mecca. “Where you think he gets the money to treat you to nice things and take you to expensive places?”

“Yeah, I know. I thought about it.”

“I’m telling you this because you seem ready to get serious with him, and that lifestyle can be treacherous.”

“I love him, Mecca.”

“I know you do . . . that’s what worries me.”

Chanel’s cell phone chimed. “I gotta go. He’s waiting for me downstairs,” she said.

Chanel marched out of the apartment and met Mateo on the street, where he sat behind the wheel of his idling white Range Rover. Like routine, he got out to open the door for Chanel. He was spoiling her.

“You miss me?” she said.

“Always,” he replied.

Chanel was treated to a special dinner at the River Café in Dumbo. It was a landmark restaurant nestled under the Brooklyn Bridge with a stunning view of the New York City skyline.

Mateo pulled Chanel’s chair out for her at the table and sat across from her. He always took Chanel to places where it would be hard for him to get busted by his girlfriend. He wanted to keep Chanel far away from danger, and that danger came in the form of Nikki. She was a slick talking, rough-around-the-edges main chick. Dining in Brooklyn, far away from the Bronx, provided a safe distance.

“This is probably the nicest place I ever been to,” Chanel said.

He raised an eyebrow. “Seriously?”

She nodded. “Yes. I don’t go out much. I’m a Brooklyn girl with teenage problems.”

“Well, I’m glad to be the first to treat you to a really nice restaurant.”

She smiled. “And can I be honest with you?”

“Of course,” he said.