by Donald Welch
Streams of well-wishers congratulated June while Nettie was downing her fifth drink, which did not go unnoticed by Skylar, who asked Nettie if she was going to be okay. Nettie said yes, hugged and thanked them for coming.
Skylar and Sidney made their way through the crowd on the dance floor until they reached the side exit that led to the street.
“Well, that certainly was interesting,” Sidney said to Skylar as they walked hand in hand toward their car.
“A little different, huh?” Skylar lay her head on his shoulder.
“I’d say so. It’s like a whole different subculture in there,” Sidney stated. “Don’t get me wrong, I thought I was prepared for what I was going to see tonight. I knew there were going to be a lot of guys like CeCe and Pepper, you know, real over-the-top personalities, but, babe, there were some thugged-out brothas in there. I swear, if I saw any of those cats on the street or at a Sixers game, I wouldn’t know shit. And some of the sistas? Whew, man, I was like—what the hell?” He shook his head.
Skylar laughed. “Tonight we got a crash course in reality.”
“You’re so right about that. This was a night to remember.”
“Thanks, baby, for coming with me. It meant a lot to Nettie, and it meant even more to me,” she said and kissed him passionately.
“Damn, I get all of that? Just for going out with you? Man, what I gotta do next for a little more than a kiss?” he playfully asked.
“Well, I don’t know. I mean, are you sure that I’m the one to give you more? Because your eyes were burning holes in Ananda’s butt when she walked offstage.”
Sidney couldn’t tell whether Skylar was seriously jealous or just teasing. He didn’t care which, he liked it.
They joked for the rest of the ride. When they reached home and got out of the car, they lingered in an embrace on the street before Skylar got in the driver’s seat and Sidney went into the house. Looking at her watch, Skylar figured that by then most of the Friday night crowd had assembled at Legends. She wondered if Storm had arrived on time and how things were. At least she had Flynn and Princess overseeing things until she got there.
Back at Deana’s, a strikingly beautiful light-complexioned girl was next in line to give June a congratulatory hug. Her presence caught June off guard. It was her ex-lover Candice. She stood and hugged her, and asked how she’d been. It was immediately obvious to Nettie that this was not just some old friend. In a split second, her whole energy changed.
“Babe, this is Candice. Candice, this is my girl, Nettie.” June was uneasy about the introduction but played it off.
“Nice to meet you,” Candice said as she offered her hand to Nettie, who did not take it but nodded her head while offering a slurred hello.
Candice and June played catch-up, keeping the conversation light while Nettie quietly continued stirring her drink. Candice told June that she had just moved back to Philly from Miami because her mom was sick. June asked for her mother’s number. She wanted to call her and say hello. They both took out cellphones and exchanged numbers. Afterward, Candice excused herself and went over to the bar, but not before addressing Nettie.
“Nice meeting you, Neda,” she said.
“It’s Nettie. Nice meeting you, too,” Nettie said and then raised her glass to her lips and took a sip. Watching Candice walk away, she didn’t waste time asking about her.
“So, when did ya’ll break up? And don’t tell me some shit, like, ya’ll just friends, ’cause I can tell that shit right there. That wasn’t no friend hug. That was an ‘I used to be your piece’ hug.” Nettie looked at June.
“Mami, don’t start, okay? That was somebody I dealt with a long time ago. I ain’t even seen that girl in years,” June told her. But this didn’t satisfy Nettie.
“How long ago?” Nettie wanted to know.
June already knew where this was going, so she came out with it. “Since high school. Candice was my first.” June offered. “First what? Ass? Friend? Lover? First what, June?” Nettie snapped at her.
Seeing that Nettie was completely smashed, June suggested that they get ready to leave.
Nettie told her that she wasn’t ready, and for her not to run off just ’cause her first came in. June rolled her eyes and shook her head.
“I’ma head to the bathroom and when I come back we going home, ma’.” She attempted to plant a kiss on Nettie’s lips but was pushed away.
A waitress came around and asked if she could get anyone a drink. Nettie ordered another Ciroc straight up with a twist of lime.
While sitting there alone Nettie noticed a female watching her. Once the woman realized that Nettie saw her, she disappeared into the crowd on the dance floor.
June came out of the restroom, to see Candice standing by the entrance.
“So, I see you’re hag-tagging now?” She hurled the insult at June, who didn’t appreciate it.
“I don’t like talk like that, Candy, and you know it!” June warned her.
“I’d apologize, but I just didn’t think I’d ever see you with a chick that old,” Candice said and laughed. “You always liked them around our age, right?”
Realizing that Candice was only going to become more and more sarcastic, June tried to excuse herself and leave.
“That’s right, walk away. Just like you walked away from me years ago,” Candice said, getting loud. Even though the music was blaring, her voice could be heard within earshot of several patrons, who assumed it was a lovers’ quarrel.
“I never walked away from you. You cheated on me, remember? How dare you say that shit to me, ma’!” June barked. Candice moved her to the side wall of the club to calm her down and avoid all the attention they were now getting. Once against the wall, Candice managed to calm June down.
“I’m sorry for causing a scene, but seeing you again brought up so many memories.”
“It’s cool, ma’. That’s understandable. But look, I’m finally happy now. In these past three years with Nettie, I’ve seen some trying times, I won’t front. But I’m in love.”
“That’s not easy to hear,” Candice said, forcing a smile. “Did you ever love me?” she asked.
“Of course I did, girl,” she told her. “Still do. You never stop loving your first. I’m just in a different place now.”
Nettie wondered what was taking June so long to come back. She was ready to go home now. Her festive party mood was now over. Standing up, she looked over the crowd to try and spot June, but knowing how short June was, she figured that this was impossible. Amusing herself with that thought, she headed out into the crowd to find her.
“Let me get back over there to Nettie. Take care of yourself, Candice. It was good seeing you—and tell your mom I’m going to holla at her, okay Mami?” She started to leave when Candice asked if she could at least get a good-bye hug.
“No prob’, ma’.” June reached out and gave Candice a heartfelt hug. Candice held on for dear life and June could tell she was crying. Comforting her, June closed her eyes and patted her gently on the back. Memories of what could have been entered her mind.
“What the fuck is this?” an out-of-control Nettie shouted, and crashed a beer bottle down on Candice’s head. “Bitch, I knew when I met you that you had bitch eyes!” She started grabbing Candice by the neck to choke her. June tried to pry her off Candice, who was bleeding, and screamed for Nettie to stop and let go. By now the music had stopped, the lights had been turned on, and surprised spectators were looking on. Even though her head was bleeding, Candice refused to go down in flames. She managed to grab hold of Nettie’s wig, tossing it in the air while slapping her in the face. It took a while for security to break them up. The women were finally separated, but continued kicking and screaming as they were being led away.
The bouncers took Candice to a back office to attend to her bleeding head, while another security guy hurriedly took Nettie to the exit with June. As they were escorting Nettie out, somebody handed June her award. She looked back but couldn
’t make out who it was. But she could hear the sound of Candice’s voice, screaming, “I’m going to kill that old hag!”
< TWENTY-FOUR >
Who Is He (And What Is He to You)?
By the time Storm arrived at Legends, it was packed. Thank goodness that Flynn had been handling things until she arrived. After her impromptu encounter with Pia, which had lasted longer than she’d anticipated, she had little time to go home to freshen up before getting to the club. She wondered how June’s celebration at Deana’s went. She felt bad that she hadn’t been there to support Nettie, but all those dykes would just bring back memories of her time upstate. Besides, since Skylar was going to the celebration, there needed to be someone in management at the club. Walking through she greeted the waitresses and made sure they were all on their game. She saw Alexia near the bar talking with Flynn. She liked Flynn and hoped for his sake that the situation between him and Alexia worked out. Alexia seemed cool. They hadn’t really had a lot of time to get to know each other, but whenever they did interact it was pleasant. Flynn noticed Storm and walked toward her.
“Hey, Storm. What’s happening?” He couldn’t help but notice that she had been drinking.
“I’m good. Everything all right here tonight?” she asked as she looked around.
“Yeah, cool. Everyone’s having a good time, so we’re good.”
“What time did Skylar say she was getting back tonight? You know?” Storm asked.
“I have no idea, but she said as soon as June received her award she and Sidney were leaving.” Looking at his watch, he said, “I figure she should be here soon. Everything all right?” he asked.
“Yeah, I just need to talk to her about something,” Storm answered.
“Oh, okay, cool. You know, Storm, can I have a word with you on the personal tip?” He pointed to one of the back tables on the side not far from the bar, away from most of the crowd and nowhere near the speakers.
“Yeah, sure,” she replied.
“I know it ain’t none of my business. I know you and I don’t really know each other that much, but I do know and respect your sister. It’s obvious that ya’ll ain’t feeling each other. But I know, too, that your sister is hurting inside about it,” he said sincerely.
“Listen, Flynn, you’re right, it isn’t any of your business. I know you mean well and I don’t have any beef with you. You’re a pretty cool cat. But what me and my sister are going through didn’t happen yesterday or before I was locked up.”
Flynn looked surprised.
“Oh, so you telling me you didn’t know I was in jail?” Storm said, surprised.
“No, I never knew. I mean, I knew Skylar had a sister, but just assumed you were away,” Flynn told her.
Storm was shocked. She assumed, surely Skylar would have relished telling anyone that wanted to listen that her loser sister was in jail. Well, on second thought, maybe not. It might have embarrassed her, now that she thought about it. In either case, she wasn’t about to rehash her life story for Flynn.
“Yes, Flynn, I was locked up for a while, but I’m out now and ready to claim what’s rightfully mine,” she said.
“That’s what I wanted to talk to you about, Storm. Some of the staff have been talking and everybody kinda heard that you wanted Sky to sell the place so you can get, I guess, your half. We guess that’s what you want.” Flynn was cautious but continued speaking: “But let me say, this place is Skylar. She worked so hard to get this place to where it is, and we’re all proud of her. Closing it down will kill her. Like I said, I don’t know what kind of bad blood you two got running through your veins, but ya’ll is family, and it just seems that something should be done to work it all out,” Flynn said and shook his head.
“It can. She can either sell it or buy me out. That’s all I’m saying, Flynn. Now, I know you’re trying to be helpful, but let’s end this conversation, now. This is about much more than this property. Skylar and I have issues that go way back, my brotha. If she didn’t tell you I was in jail, then I know damn well she didn’t tell you what they are,” Storm said.
“Like I said, I just want you two to work things out because I don’t have any family. I lost my brother to street violence. We weren’t on the best of terms. As a matter of fact, the day he was killed we weren’t speaking. It was over some petty shit that we should have squashed long before then.” Flynn paused to collect himself. “When my grandmom called me and said that I should come home because something happened to my brother, I played it off. I thought he just got jumped or something because he ran with that kind of crowd. So, I took my time getting home.
“When I finally got there, my brother was gone. Shot twice in the chest, the second bullet piercing his heart. When my grandmother called me, he hadn’t died yet. Once he was pronounced dead, she suffered a heart attack. ‘Momma’ died, too.” Flynn’s eyes welled up, as did Storm’s.
“Now it’s just me, Storm. I probably couldn’t have prevented those two events from occurring in my life, but I could have controlled my stubbornness and selfishness. You know what’s funny? They say that most comedians are sad and unhappy, which is why they select comedy as a way of dealing with shit. That can’t be far from the truth. But I’ll tell you, ain’t nothing funny ’bout what I went through!”
Storm honestly felt sorry for him, but like she said, he didn’t know Skylar’s and her history.
Flynn wiped his face with his hand and said, “Look, Storm, I’m sorry for getting in your business, but you can see why I had to say something. I don’t want to see you two sisters make the same kinds of mistakes me and my brother made. And Legends is like my new family. It would kill me to see it torn apart, too.”
Storm stood, unsure of what to do or what to say.
“Look, it’s about time for me to start the show, so I’ll see you out there.” He started toward the main club room. “By the way,” Flynn said, “your boy DuBoy came by looking for you. Said he had been trying to call you and for you to call him as soon and you got in.” Flynn shook his body like a boxer entering the ring, and took the stage.
Storm was still standing where Flynn had left her, the echoes of his family drama now replaced by his antics as he pumped up the crowd with his opening. Everyone was laughing at his routine, and Storm finally moved from her spot, making her way over to her purse. She needed to call DuBoy and tell him that she had all the paperwork for Skylar and everything was on target. Searching through her purse, she realized she couldn’t find her phone. Maybe it was on the bar. She asked Jose, the bar back, if he’d seen it in the area. He hadn’t. Thinking for a moment, she looked around the club.
Alexia walked over to the bar to get a drink order, and Storm asked her if she had seen her phone. She hadn’t seen it either, but told Storm that on her way to a table she’d double-check for it in the office. Storm thanked her.
Watching Alexia walk away she was happy that she and Flynn had found each other. She didn’t know much about Alexia—and she hadn’t known much about Flynn before tonight—but it seemed like a pretty cool match. And if Flynn could find happiness, where was hers?
In jail, she thought happiness was going to be getting out. But now she was out and not feeling joyous at all. Discord with her sister, dealing with a man who really wasn’t right for her: the opposite of happiness. Why was she even with DuBoy? That was the million-dollar question these days. Who needed to put up with his shit? Yeah, the sex was the bomb, but obviously it took more than dick to be happy. Was it because fooling with DuBoy really fucked with Skylar? Would leaving him mean that Skylar had won again? Not one for all the introspective shit—and definitely not in the mood—Storm shrugged it off and reached for the bar phone to call DuBoy. For the life of her, she couldn’t remember his number. Damn cellphones. Who really knew anybody’s number anymore when all you had to do was push a button? She chuckled at the thought. Then she remembered that her cell was at DuBoy’s. She called it, hoping DuBoy would pick it up, but it went directly to voice ma
il.
“Damn!” she said out loud. She forgot that she hadn’t turned it back on. It didn’t matter, she thought. DuBoy probably wasn’t home anyway. She decided that as soon as Flynn completed his routine, she’d run back home to get it. Skylar would be here shortly. …
Her attention went directly to the front door, where she saw Torch and Cleet arriving. They sat themselves at their regular table; at least tonight they didn’t have to kick an unsuspecting couple out. Flynn noticed the two and decided to include them in the finale of his act.
“Hey, everyone, give it up for Suge Knight and Djimon Hounsou.” He pointed toward the two as a light came up over their table. The audience howled. Cleet didn’t react, but Torch displayed a sinister smile and waved his pointer finger at Flynn.
“Aw, shit, I’ve done it now. If y’all hear about anyone being hanged from a balcony by their ankles, it’s my ass!” Flynn joked to a very pleased audience. His act complete, Flynn exited the stage and Quince immediately started the music. Some patrons headed to the floor to get their groove on, while others enjoyed drinks and conversation. Flynn, a little nervous about the Suge joke, went over to Torch to make nice.
“ ‘Sup, man,” he said as he smiled and pounded Torch and then Cleet. “Thanks for playing along, dude.” He directed this to Torch although he was including both.
“It’s aight, nigga. It’s a funny night. And you a funny dude,” Torch said sarcastically as he glanced at Cleet, who nodded his head.
“Cool … Y’all need anything? I’ll send one of the girls over,” he said, relieved that things seemed okay with Torch.
“Send over your girl, Alexia. She’s good at what she does,” Torch said. Cleet couldn’t stop himself from laughing. Flynn didn’t know what he meant, but headed over to Alexia. Storm stopped him.
