Erikah James sat in front of her vanity, gazing at herself in the mirror. Her long black hair fell softly to the middle of her back in straight strands. She had just finished applying a little makeup before heading out to a gallery opening with some friends. She stared at her reflection noting her stunning emerald green eyes. Everyone told her that her beauty didn't require much, even when she was little.
She had been invited to quite a few openings now that her photographs were starting to sell. Finally she was getting a name for herself and it had nothing to do with her looks. She thought then about how glad she was that her mother had forced her to finish school when they had first been approached about her doing some commercial modeling work. Erikah had only been a teenager and had cursed her mother for not letting her do what she thought she wanted, now though she was more than thankful for her mother stepping in.
Standing and walking to her dresser she picked up her new black lace bra with matching thong and slipped them on. Next came the lace topped silk stockings, she pulled each one up and over her long, lean legs, wiggling her toes in front. Erikah then went to the closet and picked out what she thought would be the perfect dress for the evening. It was a little black number that perfectly accentuated the curves of her body. She slipped it on then slid her slender feet into the black stiletto heels she always wore with this outfit. For her, it was always difficult to find a pair that she was actually comfortable in but these were them.
She stepped back and turned to look at herself in the full-length mirror in the corner of her room and smiled. It still amazed her how good she could look in a simple outfit. It drew attention to the various parts of her body that needed it. Running her hands down her sides, smoothing the dress, smiling into the mirror that one last time, deciding she looked perfect. After her final approval she reached for her small purse and headed out the door.
Erikah was running a few minutes late and knew her girlfriends would give her a difficult time. They had planed to meet at a local dive for a drink before the opening. She was never right on time for anything with them. This night seemed to be no exception yet she knew she'd be forgiven; after all they were great friends.
***
Jake Roberts sipped on his bourbon as he stood in his boxer-briefs, looking into his closet trying to decide which suit to wear. He was going to the opening of the gallery of his first client. The architecture firm he worked for had no idea he was starting to branch out on his own. Yet he didn't care if they found out, especially after spending the last six years of his life wasting his talents for a boss that didn't seem to notice he was there.
It wasn't as though he was out looking for work. He had actually been approached by a friend to design the gallery. He had known of Jake's talents which included his library of photos of the architecture around New York. They only added to his ability to design an amazing gallery. Being an amateur photographer helped him because he knew how to design the lighting to best display the artwork as well as the plan of the gallery itself. Most went over the top, distracting from the beauty of the photos they were showing.
Flipping through the various suits he grabbed a silk black one with a matching shirt. He had bought it a few days ago along with a black silk tie. It could be perfect for tonight he thought to himself. Laying it on the bed Jake debated if it was too much. Taking out another shirt, this one was still silk but cream colored and a blood red tie he placed it on the bed. It was then obvious that the second was better. What he really wanted was to just go in jeans and a comfortable shirt. He knew, though, that the opening was going to be a formal affair. Besides, he wanted to make a good impression with the other people at the opening as they might be potential clients.
He slipped on the suit and looked in the mirror, straightening the tie then combing his dark brown hair. He smiled, thinking to himself how the suit did make him look pretty good. It showed off his toned form just enough without being overbearing. Jake looked at his watch and realized he was going to be late. Johnathan, his client and friend, had asked him to be there early so they could talk about some things before the guests started to arrive. He was sure his friend was just having some pre-opening jitters. He left the house smiling happy with life and what he was doing.
***
Erikah stepped out of the cab in front of the little pub. After paying the driver she hurried through the door, and spotted her friends at a table in the corner. As she looked around the room she could feel eyes on her, both of men and women. She always attracted those stares wherever she was and had just learned to deal with it. Walking over to her friends she could see them shaking their heads. It was only a matter of time before they let her have it. It was all in good fun and she really didn't mind. Her friends were more like sisters.
