The End of the Rainbow by Dontá Morrison

innocently said.
    “Are you serious?” He asked, before he delicately kissed him on the lips,”I would love to let you take me shopping.”
    *****
    The Range Rover pulled up at to the valet in front of the South Coast plaza. While all the ghetto fags were swarming to the Beverly Center, he went where the white folks shopped. Tyrin was excited about the venture because he loved to make Khalil happy. However, he hated shopping and the whole mall experience. To be honest most of his clothes were purchased by Khalil and he liked it that way.
    Tyrin followed in amazement and watched Khalil talked to salespersons like he was a vendor for the company. On most of the merchandise he knew the quality better than the paid representatives and it was quite comical to observe. Nearly a thousand dollars later they were on the 405 fwy heading home in complete satisfaction with their purchases.
    They made a stop by their co-owned apartment building in Leimert Park because they needed to do a walkthrough of the recently vacated unit. They hoped that the former residents hadn’t trashed the place and it would be a simple clean up task for their contractors.
    Early on in their relationship the two of them were living together in one the apartments within the eight unit complex. When the owner made it known that he was preparing to sell the
    building they jumped on the opportunity to purchase the prime piece of real estate in the heart of Los Angeles’ Crenshaw district.
    They transformed the property both inside and out, and created a space for tenants that was worthy of the rent increase. The joint venture, tied in with a few other investments, is what catapulted them to the home they currently reside in “We should replace the carpet. It looks like they spilled oil on it. Or better yet, we can upgrade it to hardwood.” Khalil said as he stood over a black stain.
    “You think we should see if Rick can get rid of the stain? Or are you just trying to get more money for the place?” Tyrin asked.
    “Well it’s always about the money but if you want to take the time and check with Rick that’s cool too. I’m just thinking about the fact that if we change the flooring and raise the rent, the next occupant that moves in can’t complain about anything. If we try and change it after whoever moves in, we can’t raise the rent. Make sense?”
    “Good point I’ll check into it on tomorrow. We forgot to pick up a For Rent sign on the way over here.” Tyrin said. “It should be one out back in the garage. Want me to go look?”
    “We can go together.”As Khalil walked towards the front door, Tyrin stopped him and hugged him tight. “I love you boo.” He squeezed Khalil like it was his last time holding him and as they stood in the middle of the empty room embracing each other like they had just discovered love. “I love you too.”
    *****
    Boa was a hot new steakhouse in West Hollywood that was known for both its cuisine and upscale atmosphere. Khalil stayed back in the cut and proudly watched Tyrin glide over to the concierge and make her aware of their reservation. He coolly walked back and informed him that it would be five minutes before their table was ready. Khalil looked at his new Cartier watch that was presented to him before they left the house and jokingly said,
    “I’m clocking her.”
    “I’m glad you like the gift. I’m going to the bathroom, be right back.” As Khalil stood next to the wall he noticed a group of successful looking black women staring at him. He politely smiled and gave a head nod; which was apparently the opening they were waiting for because one of them beckoned him to come over.
    He reluctantly walked towards the women and kindly said, “Good evening my queens how are you?” The women who seemed to be in their late twenties, early thirties were instantly impressed with his appreciation of their worth.
    “My name is Alyria and I was dared by my friends to grab your attention and pull you our