by India
“You look good yourself, and I love the Cartier glasses.” I said pointing to the glasses that he’d just picked up from the jewelry store. He paid to have his glasses blinged up with a few diamonds on the nose piece as well as the wiring around the lenses. They definitely gave him the boss appeal hands down.
“Thank you baby, let’s roll!” We walked out the door and I looked at the Maybach sitting in our circular driveway all shined up.
“Wow we get to ride in the Maybach? About time we get some use out of this five hundred-thousand dollar car.”
Mario had purchased the Maybach about six months ago and we had only rode in it twice. The first time was just a test drive from the dealership, and the second time was when we drove it home from the car lot. I didn’t understand why he had to have it, but still continue to drive his Range Rover. Mario looked at me, “Nikki we look like money, so we got to ride in style.” He laughed as we drove off into the night air.
We pulled up to the bowling alley and it was packed. A line was formed outside. I assumed that it was for the people that weren’t invited, like the groupies and the wanna bees. We pulled up to the front door and the valet ran over to grab the keys to park the car. “Naw blood leave mine’s right here at the door! Don’t let nobody lean on it, look at it, take a picture of it or nothing, you understand?” The young boy nodded furiously. “Baby I’m glad you got valet parking because everybody bought they sweet whips out tonight.” He said as we admired the parking lot. I had never seen so many expensive cars in one place my whole life. I wondered if this was how the parking lots looked at some of those celebrity parties in Miami, Beverly Hills, or the Hampton’s. Whoever said Detroit was broke must’ve never been to a party like this one.
“Yeah, I kind of figured that would happen so valet was a must; I also paid for extra security.” I said as we walked inside of the brick building. There was a camera man right at the door and he instructed us to come over to his photo station to take a few pictures. The backdrop had the words, Made in tha’ D’ at the top, the Detroit skyline in the middle, and the Joe Louis fist in the front holding some money. The bottom read: Getting money H.O.F. (Hand over Fist) which was the name of Mario’s crew.
“What up boy.” We heard from the crowd by the bar. Recognizing the voice, Rio went over and dapped up someone and then I noticed that it was Sam. He looked fresh to def in his Evisu hook-up and his girl Chloe looked good as well in her royal blue strapless Luxury dress. I could tell that she was bothered by something, but tonight it just wasn’t my problem. I looked at her like a little sister and tried to steer her in the right direction with her relationship from time to time because they reminded me of Mario and I a few years ago. However, tonight I was going to enjoy the fruits of my labor and call her tomorrow. “Hey Nikki.” Sam hugged me.
“Hey guys, how long you been here?” I asked as Mario walked away and went to the bar to get us some drinks.
“About an hour, this party is dope! You did a really good job. I heard the radio stations are up in here.” Sam said looking around the place.
“Yeah I saw the stations promo van out in the parking lot. I’m glad everyone is having a good time.” I said in a loud tone because the music was definitely on full blast. Sam excused himself and walked away into the crowd to greet another person. So there I was, left alone with Chloe, and with no choice but to acknowledge her sadness.
“What’s up boo?” I asked her. She looked like she was about to cry and it broke my heart.
“Girl, I can’t tell you right now but can I come over tomorrow and talk to you about a few things?”
“Yeah of course, you know I’m always here for you.” I said patting her shoulder. Mario walked back up and handed me a Nuvo bottle. I smiled because that was my drink and I loved the bottle because of its perfume design.
“Baby, did you put a VIP area up in here for us?” He asked taking a sip from his cup.
“Yeah it’s this way.” I said as he and Chloe followed behind me. We walked past the dance floor and they were getting down in true Detroit fashion. Right in the mist of the action was Gucci, sporting a GIGI Hunter dress. That girl was popping her ass up and down like she was at work and the crowd was loving it.
“Go Gucci, go Gucci.” The onlookers sung to hype her up even more. As we made our way past her, she must’ve spotted us because she stopped dancing and caught up with us.
“What up doe?” She fanned herself and finger-swept her hair to put it back into place.
“Hey Gucci.” We replied in unison. We all took seats in the VIP area that overlooked the entire bowling alley. I looked at the crowd in amazement. There had to be at least five hundred people in attendance, and it appeared that everyone was enjoying themselves. I was thankful because I wanted tonight to be drama free.
Chapter Eighteen
Mina
I didn’t want to go to the Off the block party when we first got the invitation two weeks ago but I knew Sam would be there so I quickly changed my mind. I put on a red parachute dress and had my hair professionally done this morning into a cute short bob with red highlights. We pulled up to the party and valet parked the car. As we approached the man at the door, I looked at the crowd lined up, then back at the Maybach, and knew there were definitely some big names inside. “What’s the name sir.” The man asked looking down at his clipboard.
“Tre’ and Mina.” Tre’ answered. The guy flipped a few pages, then let us pass. We were ushered over to take a picture and I asked Tre’ what did H.O.F. mean.
“Hand over Fist, because that’s how we gettin’ it!” He answered, I nodded and then we got in line at the bar. “What up Mina and Tre’.” I heard Sam say and smiled because he looked finer than ever.
“What up my nigga.” Tre’ dapped him up.
“Hi Sam.” I said like a nervous school girl.
“You look nice.” He whispered in my ear as he hugged me.
“Where is the boss man?” Tre’ asked as the bartender handed him our drinks.
“I left him right here, but If I know him, he and his wife are up there in the VIP area. Even though this is family, that nigga don’t like crowds.” He said scanning the club for an easy route to get up to the VIP section I assumed. I instantly got nervous again because this is the first meeting I would have with the boss’s wife. In the car Tre’ warned me to not fuck anything up. I was also nervous because it had just hit me that Sam had probably brought a date. The thought of him having a woman had never crossed my mind and I don’t know why. He probably had chicks in line just waiting for a chance to talk to him.
I knew I had no right to be jealous but nevertheless, I was and it was hard not to show it. We followed Sam through the crowd, then up about fifteen steps into a nice semi-crowded area with tables marked reserved. Then we stopped at a table with so much liquor on it that you could barely see the white table cloth. There were bottles of Patron, Don Julio, and Moët so I knew this was where we were stopping.
“Hey Boss.” Tre’ said and pounded Mario. “This is my wife Mina. Mina you know Mario, this is his wife Nikki and I’m sorry what’s your name again?” He asked some chick in a half naked GIGI H. dress and I wondered if that was Sam’s girl.
“What up, I’m Gucci.” She said and tipped her champagne glass my way.
“Hello.” I replied.
“And this is Sam’s lady Chloe.” He said but she didn’t say anything. She just looked at me and rolled her eyes. I didn’t speak either, I just nodded because the feeling was mutual.
We sat down and everyone engaged in small talk. Gucci complimented my hair and we chatted about other things but I couldn’t help but notice how Chloe never took her eyes off me. “Girl that young girl is something else and she think everybody wants her man, don’t let her get to you.” Gucci whispered in my ear. If she only knew, I thought.
Chapter Nineteen
Chloe
Ain’t this a bitch! I bet the Mina who Sam called out is the one sitting right across fr
om me right now. Where in the fuck did she come from anyway, with that simple ass dress and hairstyle. That bitch couldn’t have been from here, looking all lame and shit in that red dress. I rolled my eyes as she pretended not to notice me looking at her and Gucci whispering. “Aye baby you okay?” Sam asked sitting down beside me. I smacked my lips because he knew he was still in the dog house for calling me Mina. I haven’t said anything to him ever since that happened unless it was absolutely necessary. He’s been bringing me gifts home every day and he swore that he has never cheated on me, but my momma didn’t raise no fool.
“Well thanks for inviting us Mario.” Mina’s husband said interrupting my thoughts. He was an attractive older man but for some reason, he stood out like a sore thumb and something about him wasn’t right at all. For one thing, his ass was a tad too nervous if you ask me. The others may not have been paying attention because they were engaged in conversation, but when you’re quiet and observant you notice a whole lot.
“You’re part of the team now so it’s nothing big homey. This is how we do it.” Mario said back.
“Let’s all raise our glasses for a toast to the man in charge of H.O.F. If it wasn’t for you Mario, we wouldn’t be enjoying the good life!” Gucci said as she raised a bottle of Moët and we all did the same with our own drinks.
“Yeah bro H.O.F forever.” Sam added and everyone repeated.
As if on queue someone handed Mario a microphone. He stood and loosened his tie, the music went off and a spotlight hit our table. “First of all, I want to thank all of you for coming out tonight. If it wasn’t for y’all there would be no H.O.F.! We’ve been gettin’ money hand over fist for years, but this has been our best year thus far and I just wanted to show you my appreciation.” He paused briefly while the crowd applauded. “I also want to thank my beautiful wife Nikki for sticking by a nigga’s side through the good and the bad times. I want to thank my best-friend Gucci for being down with me since H.O.F. was just a thought. From the bottom of a nigga’s heart, I’m really thankful for my squad. It’s been wonderful but as you know, all good things must come to an end so that better things can happen and unfortunately my time with you all is up.” he announced and the crowd gasped. There were also whispers exchanged between the party goers. One man even shouted out, “Mario man, you can’t leave, without out you there ain’t no H.O.F.”
“Yeah man where you going anyway? Ain’t nowhere like the D, so you must be facing a bid or something.” Another man hollered out and everyone laughed.
“You right Jay, ain’t nowhere like the D, but ain’t nothing like my family and I’m retiring on New Years Eve. I wanted all of ya’ll to hear from the horses mouth that I’m passing the thrown to my youngin’ Sam. I been training this nigga for two years; he’s shown me a lot and has proven himself. I hope that you all respect my decision and give him the same respect you’ve given me. I still got six months left before I retire, so let’s go out with a bang H.O.F. FA’ LIFE!” He screamed and the crowd cheered back.
I should’ve been happy that Sam was going to be the king but how could I? Sam got up from the table, gave Mario a pound and I smiled a somber smile. I excused myself from the moment, whispered in Nikki’s ear that I would see her tomorrow and headed towards the door.
As I stood outside in line to retrieve the car from valet parking, Sam came up behind me. “Why you leaving Chloe?”
“Nigga you ain’t stupid, you know why!” I folded my arms.
“What Chloe, damn ain’t this what you wanted? You about to be the first lady and this is how you act?” He shook his head. I turned towards him and stared him straight in his face.
“Is that her?”
“Who?” He played dumb.
“Mina, is that the one you fucking?” He didn’t say shit so I asked again, “IS THAT THE ONE?” I screamed as my Dodge Avenger pulled up to the curb.
“Baby I ain’t fucking her.” Was all he said.
“Whatever! Get a ride home ‘cause I’m out!” I walked away and much to my surprise he didn’t come behind me. When I was inside the car, I looked back to see him re-enter the party.
Chapter Twenty
Gucci
“Now that was a party!” I told Satin on the phone the next day. She wasn’t able to make it because her daughter was sick. Therefore, I filled her in on all of the details from those in attendance, what everyone was wearing, and I included the drama between Mina and Chloe. I didn’t know why Chloe thought that everybody wanted her man but I guess she had good reason. After she left the party, I noticed Sam was all in Mina’s face and her husband didn’t even seem to pay attention because he was to far up Mario‘s ass.
I liked Mina because she wasn’t trying to be seen. She just sat back and played her position, unlike Chloe. Hell quiet as it’s kept, if Mina and Sam did fuck around I wouldn’t say nothing because I think Mina is better for him anyway. With his new position next year he needs a chick that can work from behind the scenes. “Alright girl, I’ll hit you up later.” I said and ended the call with Satin. I rolled over and placed the phone back on the cradle. Standing up from the bed, I headed into the bathroom to run some bath water. Just as I slipped my panties and bra off, I heard my door bell ring. “Damn.” I cursed then grabbed my hot pink robe from behind the bathroom door. “Hold on, I’m coming.” I yelled as I ran down the stairs. I peeked through the peep hole and to my surprise it was Mario. “What up doe.” I said swinging the door open.
“What up G.” He said, then closed the door behind him. He walked over to my living room and took a seat on the green leather accent chair. Then he looked up at me with a huge grin on his face.
“What you smiling for?” I smiled back because it was contagious.
“Because I just got the call of a lifetime! Gucci this shit right here is bout’ to make us rich. We’re gonna retire way sooner than we thought.” He beamed. I sat down on the foot ottoman in front of him, eager to hear the good news. I said, “okay keep going?”
“I got a call from Zion about a large package of heroin and cocaine in Miami that needs to be delivered back here to him in two weeks. The nigga that got it is afraid to bring it this far because of the risk. I was about to tell him that I wasn’t gonna take the risk either but he cut me off. He told me the package was worth ten million dollars and if I got it back to him safe and untouched, I could keep half of it.”
I couldn’t believe my ears, we were indeed about to be rich. I know Mario had money saved from his younger days but he probably never made that much at one time - ever.
“Oh my god nigga, when do we leave for Miami?” I asked cracking up. I was ready to leave right now.
“See that’s why I keep you around, I knew if nobody else would be down you would!” He squeezed me tight.
“Hell yeah I’m down, just tell me what the plan is and when to be ready,” I said. I listened intently as he ran down how we would fly into Miami and get the package back to Zion. As he continued to talk, I had begun to dream of all the new things that I would buy. Since I knew Mario was breaking me off a big chunk of change, I didn’t have to ask what my cut was.
As he stood to leave, I reached to give him a hug and my robe opened, completely exposing my bare ass. “Oh my bad.” I fastened my robe and felt a little ashamed.
“Girl it’s nothing that I’ve never seen, I‘ll call you later.” He said and closed the door.
Chapter Twenty-One
Nikki
“Can you believe he did that Nikki, and I bet it was that bitch from last night.” Chloe went on and on as she told me about her drama with Sam. I felt bad for her because I knew what it felt like to be jealous. However, I never had my suspicions confirmed by being called someone else so I didn’t know exactly what she was going through.
“Do you really think it’s the red-headed chick from last night though?” I asked because her husband had only been down with the team for a hot second. Therefore, I wondered where Sam could’ve possibly met her, talked to h
er, and become so infatuated with her that he would call Chloe-Mina. She looked up at me and gave the hell yeah face and I laughed.
“It ain’t funny, I’ma kick her ass!” She stressed and I pulled a strawberry from the fruit dish that was on the table and placed it in my wine.
“Chloe, you’re taking the wrong approach. You need more evidence and until you get it just make him pay for his mistake. See, a guilty man always tells on himself and if he did something wrong please believe that his actions will show it.” Hell my mama didn’t raise no fool and I didn’t have this house for nothing. Mario never cheated on me as far as I know, but I didn’t put nothing past him.
“How will his actions show it?” She looked as dumbfounded as a deer caught in headlights. Poor girl.
“Well, you’ve been asking for a new house right?” She nodded and I continued, “well ask him again and see what he says. If he still says no, then his ass is innocent. If he says yes all of a sudden, then his ass is guilty.” I said. We slapped fives just as Mario walked in through the side door.
“Aye we need to have a meeting.” He said pointing to the office right off the kitchen over to the right.
