Giovanni

by Dominique Butler

  "Hey, this is Tiffany," he said, pulling the girl next to him. We all say hey to her. They sit next to me on the couch.

  "So how long have you two been dating?" Mrs. Lilly asks.

  "For the last six months," Danny said.

  “You must really like her to bring her here," Mrs. Lilly said. I look at them to see Danny holding her hand and Tiffany blushing.

  "Would you like some wine?" Michael asks Tiffany holding a wine glass.

  "Yes," she said quietly. Michael pours some in the glass handing it to her.

  “You want Scotch?" Michael asks Danny.

  "Yes. Camille, how have you been," Danny asks me. I turn to him.

  “I’m good. How about you?" I ask him.

  “Can’t complain. I got a good woman at my side," he said, kissing Tiffany's hand. Michael hands him a glass of Scotch. "Thank you," Danny said, then stares at me while he drinks his scotch.

  I look around the room to see Gio have a heated look at us. I lean into him.

  "Are you ok?" I whisper.

  “What was that about?" he asked. I shrug my shoulders. Victoria comes into the living room.

  "Dinners ready," she said, drying her hands with a towel. We all get up with our glasses heading to the dining room. As I step away from the couch, Gio grabs my hand, stopping me. I look back at him.

  "What's wrong?" I ask.

  "Just waiting for them to go first," he said.

  We waited a few seconds for everyone to leave the room Gio let go of my hand then grab my face mashing his lips on mines we kiss for a few minutes before I let go. I take a step back, taking a few deep breaths.

  "You look so beautiful, I couldn't wait," he said, pulling me into his chest. We stayed like that for a couple of seconds

  "We have to go eat," I tell Gio. He huffs, then let me go holding my hand.

  We walk out the living room back towards the front door I look around admiring the house we made it to the dining room table. Everyone is sitting at the table, passing food around. " So good of y'all to join us," Michae said.

  I look down, not wanting to meet anyone's eyes. Gio directed us to sit next to Danny and Tiffany. I look around the table to see that Victoria and Michael are that the ends of the table Brandi and Mrs. Lilly are sitting across from us. I look over at Brandi to see she has a plate full of food.

  " The food looks delicious," I said, grabbing some lasagna.

  " Thank you," Victoria said for the first few minutes everyone was quiet.

  " So Tiffany, how did you and Danny meet," Victoria asked.

  Tiffany takes a drink of her wine, " we met at my dad's Jewelry store," she says.

  " I went to pick up mom's watch she dropped off," Danny said.

  " Is it a family-owned business?" Victoria ask.

  " Yes, it's been in the family since my great-grandfather," Tiffany said. After dinner, Michael joked with Gio and Danny after we finished dinner.

  " Go relax in the living room," Victoria tells us as everyone walks out, I see that Mrs. Lilly and her start picking up plates. I turn around start helping clean the table " dear, you don't need to do this. You're a guest," Victoria said.

  " I can help Mrs. Ricci," I tell her, still picking up plates.

  " Thanks that's very nice of you," she said

  " That’s Camille for you; she'll help as long as you’re being nice to her," Mrs. Lilly said.

  " I'm not mean," I tell her Mrs. Lilly looks at me then walk through the double doors across the room.

  "Camille, I hope I'm not prying, but I hope that what's going on between our families can be resolved," Victoria said.

  " I hope so too," I tell her. I grab a couple more plates then head into the kitchen I walk in to see the most beautiful kitchen I had ever seen. Everything was stainless steel with black marble counters and island in the middle of the floor with bay door and a little table " this is so beautiful," I said.

  "Thanks," Victoria said, walking past me to the dishwasher. I walk over to her. I hand her the dishes.

  "Camille, do you have plans this weekend?" Victoria ask.

  " Yes," I tell her.

  " Oh well, we can find another time to talk more," she said.

  " I would like that," I tell her. We walk back and forth, grabbing dishes while Mrs. Lilly wraps the food up.

  "Camille, can you take these plates?" Victoria said, handing me them, then she goes in the oven pulling out a red velvet cake.

  We walk into the living room to see Michael standing holding his drink " you remember when Danny boy was trying to sneak back into the house, and he fell out of the tree," Michael asked, laughing.

  " Yes, we thought he was trying to break in, so you and Ron went out back with your guns," Victoria said, placing the cake on the table, cutting it.

  " That wasn't funny uncle you almost shot me in the ass after I ran behind the tree," Danny said making us all laugh I hand Victoria the plates she places a piece of cake on them then I start passing them out. I take a seat next to Brandi and Gio.

  " You remember when Gio brought that skanky redhead girl," Victoria said.

  " Which one?" Michael asks, standing by Victoria.

  " The one that talked him into taking the yacht," Victoria said.

  " I remember her. What was her name?" said Michael placing his plate on the mantel.

  " Amy, right," Mrs. Lilly said.

  " That was it. The girl was so cunning was able to get Gio to do whatever she wanted," Victoria said.

  I hope we're not talking about that bitch from my job, which would make sense she was really pressed to be his CO and trying to get me away from him.

  " Camille," Brandi said, shaking my arm.

  “What’s wrong?" I ask.

  “Mrs. Lilly asked you a question," she said.

  "Sorry, what did you say?" I ask Mrs. Lilly

  "Just that you'll keep all the floozies away," she said, making me laugh.

  "Yes, I can do that," I tell her. We talk for a few more hours until Gio gets a call.

  "I'll be right back," he said, leaving the living room.

  " We should be leaving Tiffany gotta get up early to open the store," Danny said, getting up from his seat. " Thanks for having us over," he said, giving Victoria a hug then hugging Michael.

  “You’re welcome over any time. It’s nice meeting you, Tiffany," Victoria said.

  " Nice meeting you, too," she said.

  Gio walks back into the living room, " we have to go," he said, walking towards me.

  " Ok," I said, getting up. I walk over to Victoria " thanks for having us over," I tell her she pulls me into a hug. " We're gonna have to find some time to hang out without the boys," she said.

  " I'll tell Gio when I get back," I tell her. I walk over to Michael to say goodbye, but Gio and him was talking.

  " Thanks for having me over the food was good," Brandi said.

  " Thanks, sweetie," Victoria tells her.

  Gio walks over to us " bye mama," he said giving her a hug

  " I'll talk to you in the morning," Mrs. Lilly said as we walk to the front door the car was waiting for us when we got outside. Gio opens the door for us Mrs. Lilly got in first followed by Brandi and last me but before I could get in Gio stops me " I'll be picking you up to take to the airport," he said. "Ok," I said, then got in the car.

  " Ladies, I hope you had a good time. I'll see you later," he said, closing the door. We drove off, and I look through the side mirror to see him getting in another car. He must have something important to do, I thought. The drive home was long, and quite I spent most of the time on Facebook. " We’re here, ladies," the driver said. I look up to see that we're in front of our apartment. I look over to see Brandi sleep and Mrs. Lilly playing on her phone.

  " Can you wake her?" I ask. Mrs. Lilly shakes Brandi awake by the time the driver open my side of the door. " Thank you, "I tell him as he helps us out of the car.

  " Have a good night," he said, walking back to the driver seat.

&n
bsp; " You too," I said as we walk into the building.

  We made it to our floor. "Night, Mrs. Lilly," I said while walking to my door.

  " Night girls," she said, continue walking down the hall, and I walk into my apartment, locking the door.

  " Dinner was nice," I said to Brandi walking to my room.

  " It was. They had good food, and Mr. Michael was funny," Brandi said, sitting on the couch. I walk to my room, looking at the clock by my bed.

  " Get dressed in what you're wearing on the plane. I don't know when Gio is going to pick us up," I yell while going right to the closet. I put on some grey Nike sweatpants, a white Nike shirt, and a Nike jacket that goes with the pants then slid my feet into some Nike slides. I hang up the dress I wore then walk out to see Brandi in some black leggings and a hoodie.

  "Did you pack any dresses," Brandi ask.

  " No," I said, grabbing the leg brace from the side of the bed.

  " You’re gonna need like two of them," Brandi said. I put the brace on.

  " Then get me two dresses and some heels," I tell her.

  I grab my charger then walk into the living room with Star, following me to the living. I charge my phone then I grab the remote turning the TV on the news. Brandi comes out of my room with a bag and black heels and heels with clear strips. " What did you pick?" I ask her.

  “It’s a surprise," she tells me, putting them in my bags then taking a seat next to me we sit in silence with the TV on.

  I woke up to someone banging on the front door. " I'm coming," I said, walking to the door I look through the peephole to see Gio I open the door.

  " I have been calling for the last twenty minutes," Gio said, coming in.

  " Sorry we were sleep," I said, walking behind him.

  " Your bags ready?" he asks.

  " Yes there by the TV," I tell him I walk over to Brandi shaking her.

  " Yes," she said, rolling over.

  " We have to leave," I tell her grabbing my phone and charge. We grab all the bags heading for the door.

  " Gio," I call out.

  " Yes,” he said, stopping at the door.

  " Can you do me a favor, please?" I ask.

  " Yes, what is it," he said.

  I pick up Star. “Can you watch Star while I'm gone?" I ask. He looks at Star, scrunching up his face.

  “Don't be looking at her like that," I tell him. I walk past him, going to the elevator. We make it outside to see a black Escalade waiting with the trunk open, and the driver from earlier comes out.

  "Nice to see you again, ladies," he said, putting our bags in the trunk.

  " Twice in one night," I said, handing a bag to the driver. Gio holds the backseat door open. Brandi gets in first then I and lasts him. “Are we picking up Tisha," I ask.

  "She's riding with Angel," he says. I look over at Brandi to see she got on her headphones on. I pet Star calming her down while we ride.

  "So this cat," Gio said.

  "Her name is Star. She's still a baby, so you'll need to give her some attention," I tell him. Gio side-eyes me. "I'm serious, Gio, take care of my baby," I tell him.

  "Yeah yeah," he said, getting on his phone.

  A few seconds later, my phone rings; I pull it out my pants pocket, seeing that its Tammy.

  "Hey, Tammy," I said.

  "Hey, Mille. Are y'all on your way to the airport?" she asks.

  "We’re in the car as we speak," I tell her.

  " Good I'm so excited to have everyone at the reunion," she said.

  " It will be nice to see the family," I say, lying through my teeth.

  " I'll see you in a few hours," Tammy said before hanging up. I put it in my jacket pocket, closing my eyes, breathing in deeply.

  " You ok?" Gio asks.

  " Yes, this is gonna be a stressful couple of days," I tell him.

  We ride in silence from ten minutes before we pull up the airport. "Here we go," said that driver stopping. He gets out of the car, opening Brandi's door, letting her out. After he closes it, I put Star on the seat. I got out of the car, walking to the trunk, grabbing some bags. We walk into the airport, going straight to the check-in desk. We get in line to see Angel and Tisha already there.

  "Hey," Tisha said, instantly seeing me.

  " How long y'all been here?" I ask.

  "Ten minutes," she said.

  “I can't wait to sit in the sun and go to the clubs," Tisha said.

  " Lucky you," I said.

  “This is family reunion slash vacation girl you better have fun," she tells me.

  " I'll try," I tell her. If only she knew what type of family this is, I thought as we finally get to the desk. "I'm here to pick up tickets for Camille Smith," I said.

  "Let me see," said the lady getting on her computer. "Here we go three first-class tickets to Atlanta," she said, handing them to me. "You’re gate 48. The plane leaves in an hour and a half," she tells me.

  "Thanks," I say, walking over to Gio and Brandi.

  I know for sure that dad didn't get all three of us first-class tickets, I thought. I give Brandi and Tisha their tickets. "Let's go. We still got through bag checks and metal detectors," I say, and we all head to the long ass line closest to our gate. "Gio, I don't need you to buy me things," I tell him while we wait in line.

  “I know, but if I think that you should have it, then I'll make it happen," he says. I huff out air. What he's saying is really sweet, but we can't get this close while he's still under investigation, I thought.

  "How about this Gio, we put off giving gifts until you're in the clear," I tell him.

  "I'll try to," he said. We wait thirty minutes in line. We made it through the search then sit down, waiting to board the plane.

  "I see that you and Gio are getting close," Tisha says, taking a seat next to me.

  “We’re getting to know each other better," I tell her.

  " If that's what you want to call getting groped upon and kissing getting to know each other better, then y'all doing a great job," Tisha said. I know she didn't, I thought.

  "What about you and Angel spending the night and taking up most of your time?" I ask. She didn't say anything. "That's what I thought," I said, looking through my phone.

  Tisha smacks her teeth. " I was just playing with you didn't need to go that hard," she said.

  "I don’t play about that," I tell her.

  " What crawled up your ass?" Tisha asks, and I huffed out air.

  “Sorry, just don't want to go," I tell her.

  "You're on vacation. Have fun, don't worry about shit," she tells me.

  " Okay, mom," I said to her.

  "Flight to Atlanta is ready to board at gate 48," someone says on the intercom. We get up picking up our bags, and start walking to the gate. Brandi is in front of us, bobbing her head to the music, paying us no attention.

  " This is gonna be a fun vacation," Angel said with a big smile holding Tisha's hand.

  " Yes, I haven't been in the A in a couple of years," Tisha said.

  I hand the lady at the gate our tickets. "Just keep going straight," she said.

  " Thank you," I tell her before I can walk any farther I'm being pulled back into a hard surface.

  " Have a good trip I'll call you later today," Gio whisper in my ear then kiss my neck.

  "Talk to you later," I said, walking down the hall. It took us 10 minutes to board the plane with all this chaos. Angel and Tisha sit in front of Brandi and me.

  After the plane took off, I pulled out my laptop, looking at the financial statements for the business from five years ago. I see that the flow was steady for three years, but after that, things weren't getting paid on time, then money was being taken out at the end of each month. Dad and Chris run the barbershop. There was money being taken out, but since the barbers pay booth rent, that helps steady things while Aunt Stacie runs the salon. I see a little flex in certain payments, but it remains steady. I look at the restaurant that my dad's sister Angelique runs, and where Uncle Dre
works as a cook, I see that five years ago, there have been over 900 dollars taken out every other week.

  I need to make sure when I get financial statements to pay close attention to the restaurant, I thought. I lean back, thinking of why Angelique never knew this much money is missing every week. I pulled up messenger on Facebook, telling dad that I also need the order receipts from all the businesses. After sending that, I turn off the laptop putting it away. Seeing that we still got over an hour on the plane, I close my eyes the remainder of the flight.

  "Mille get up," I hear Brandi saying my name. I open my eyes. "We're descending," she said, putting on her belt. I straight up in the chair then put my seatbelt on.

  After we land, I tell Brandi, "Stay seated," while waiting for everyone else to get off. I wasn't in the mood for people to be bumping me. We get off the plane heading straight to baggage claim. I turn my phone off airplane mode to see that Tammy texted me saying that dad and Chris are picking us up.

  Chapter 16

  “Everybody got their bags?" I ask, causing them to double-check, then we head to the front.

  "Mille let's get something to eat," Brandi asks. I look at her.

  "You know that Tammy cooked us breakfast at the house, you can wait," I tell her. We made it outside. I look around, not seeing dad or Chris.

  "Who's supposed to be picking us up?"Brandi ask.

  " Dad and Chris," I tell her, calling dad's phone.

  " You know they're always late," she tells me.

  " If they're not here in a few minutes, then I'll pay for a cab," I tell her.

  I call dad's phone, it rings a couple of times then go to voicemail. I call Chris's phone, but it goes straight to voicemail. I see a cab pulling up. I wave my hand, hailing the driver.

  " Where are you going?" he asks when I open the door.

  " College Park," I say. He pops the trunk, we throw our bags in, and then we pile up in the car. Angel sits in the front while the rest of us in the back I tell him the address, then call Tammy.

  " Hey, sweetie. Did they pick you up?" she asks.

  “We’re in a cab. We should be there in an hour," I tell her.

  " Okay," she said, hanging up the phone. I look out the window looking at the scenery that I haven't seen in years.

  "What’s the plan for today?" Tisha ask.