by India
I laughed as I pictured the two of them sitting in the rocking chair trying to see what’s happening on the soaps, but dosing off at the same time.
“Well I didn’t want anything, I was just bored.”
“Bored? Girl you’re in Miami with your husband. Get off the phone with me and go enjoy yourself.” She lectured.
“I’m trying to enjoy myself, but this vacation would be a lot better without Gucci!” I reached into the top drawer and pulled out a matching set of lime green Apple Bottom bra and panties.
“Chile’ that Gucci works my last nerve! I just wish she would find a man and go on ‘bout her business.” She confessed.
“I didn’t know you had a bad taste for her.” I said in utter shock. “I thought ya’ll were cool mom. Damn, this is news to me.” I smiled as I pulled on a D&G lime green jumpsuit with gold trim and matching accessories.
“Girl please! I only put up with her to please my son, the same as you darling. They’ve been close for years and I learned a long time ago that there is nothing that anybody can do to stop that.”
I let out a sigh and rolled my eyes because she was right.
“Nikki, even though they’re close, you’ve got to remember you’re his wife honey, and the mother of my precious grandbaby, not her! Don’t let her steal your happiness. No matter what it looks like, remember that he chose you to spend the rest of his life with. She’s just along for the ride.” She made all the sense in the world. I was actually beginning to feel better. I ended the call and called Chloe to meet me in the lobby. I grabbed the four large stacks of money from the dresser, placed them in my purse, grabbed the room key, and headed to the elevator.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Tonya
“So what the fuck is up? You happy to see a nigga or what?” Roscoe asked as he stepped into my living room wearing the same clothes he had on that fateful night he was arrested five years ago.
“Come on Roscoe, you know I am baby.” I faked happiness and hoped he couldn’t sense it. Don’t get me wrong, I was extremely happy he was home, but I was pissed that he had caught me off-guard like this. My house was a mess, the kids weren’t home and to top it off, I was praying that this nigga wasn’t trying to fuck right now because I was still smelling like sex with Adonis.
“Where my kids at? He said as he walked to the back of the house where their rooms were.
“Um they been at my mothers’ house for a few days. She wanted to see them and they wanted to see her, so it worked out for me to get a lil me time.” I tried to grab a few of the dirty dishes off the coffee table.
“Damn Tee yo’ ass really been on vacation and shit. Look at this house! Now that I’m home, I want this shit straightened up, aiight?” He said and it was something in his tone that turned me on.
“Yeah baby I got you. Why don’t you go upstairs and run a nice hot bath and relax while I take care of this mess. I can also order us some lunch or something.” I said while flashing him a smile. He accepted my proposal and ascended up the stairway to our bedroom. After I heard the water come on, I grabbed my cell phone and instantly called my mother. “It’s about time you called and checked on your kids Tonya.” She answered. I rolled my eyes because now was not the time.
“Ma, don’t start. Look, I wanted to come by and get the kids today. I have a surprise for them. Roscoe’s home!”
“Wow! So let me get this straight. The only reason you want your kids is because their daddy is home. You are sorry you know that! Girl come on and get them then. Hell, the only reason that I’m letting you get ‘em is because I know their dad is good to them. He loves them so much I wouldn’t make him suffer just to spite you.”
“Whatever Ma. I’ll be there in a few hours. Don’t tell them that Roscoe is home, I wanna surprise them.” I said and closed my phone. I looked around the house but didn’t know where to begin. I turned up my stereo and blasted 97.9, the local radio station. They always played the jams that I cleaned to, whenever I did clean and today would be no different. I grabbed the broom, mop, and a few trash bags, then got to it.
About an hour and a half later with everything complete, the living and dining room were back in order. I even cleaned my kitchen up - refrigerator and all. “Now this is what I’m talking about Tee.” Roscoe said coming up behind me kissing me on the neck.
“You look good and you smell good too.” I said when I swung around to face him. He was rocking an all black Rocawear ‘fit. He must’ve shaved too because his face was as smooth as a baby’s bottom and his bald head was shining like new money.
“Yeah Tee, a nigga had to go and get fresh. I’ll be back in a few, I need to link up wit’ my niggas in the hood real quick.”
I gave him another once over and finally noticed that he had his car keys in his hand. “Okay, don’t be long baby. I’m going to get the kids in a minute so you know they’ll wanna see you.”
“Yeah no doubt. When I get back here, we need to talk about that Mario thing too.” He kissed my cheek then went out the side door. I watched him pull out of the driveway in his black and blue Marauder bumping Notorious BIG’s c.d. Ready to Die. My thoughts were instantly consumed with what was up with him. Although I had prayed that he didn’t want any booty, I was very much in shock that he actually didn’t. For as long as I’ve been with him, whenever he is away from me for a while, sex is always the first thing on his mind, but today it wasn’t. To be honest, I didn’t like it. I told myself that maybe he had a lot on his mind about Mario or gettin’ back into the game. I shrugged it off because I knew that real soon we would be on top and things would soon change.
Chapter Thirty
Gucci
“Damn baby, are you really gone do a nigga like that?” The stranger that I had woken up with this morning asked me as I was throwing him out of my hotel suite.
“Nigga I don’t know you, you played your part and it was fun, now get the fuck on!” I yelled as I tossed the wedding ring that he had left on the nightstand back at him. I met him last night at the Liquid Club. He was a sexy-ass Jamaican, chocolate skin, beautiful dreads, and the perfect smile. He brought me several drinks. I could tell by the bulge in his pocket that he either had a big wallet or a big dick ,so either way I couldn’t lose. I invited him back to my suite and he took me for the ride of my life. He was working with a nine inch curved piece, and I ain’t lyin’ when I say he fucked me into submission.
“So me only good for da’ fuck.” He stood in the hallway pulling up his pants and I folded my arms like, so what.
“Alright, alright me leavin’ you crazy bumbaclot!” He continued to curse me out on his way down the hall towards the elevator. When I was tired of laughing at his ass I slammed my door and went over to the phone to order room service.
I had decided to stay in today because, to be frank, I was sick of running behind Mario and his wife. Nikki hasn’t done shit but complain and whine this entire trip and I for one was tired of it. She was cool people but she was too damn emotional. I knew she felt threatened by me and Mario’s friendship, but she needed to woman-up and get over it. If I wanted her man, I would have had him and that’s that!
Mario told me about how she was trippin’. Then he asked me to fall back last night, which is how I ended up meeting the Jamaican dude at the club that I went to by myself. Nikki didn’t know how lucky she was to have a nigga love her the way Mario did. I was snapped away from my trance when my cell phone rang. “Wassup girl?” I looked on the caller I.D. and it was my girl Satin.
“Hey Gucci how is life in Miami treating you?”
“Girl I actually miss Detroit. I’m ready to come home, real talk.” I flipped through the channels on the television.
“What? Girl bye!” She smacked her lips. “Anyway girl, Roscoe was released from the pen. I saw him ridin’ through the hood last night.”
I sat straight up in the bed and muted the sound on the television. “What? When did he get out?” I wanted to know. “Did he mention anything about
Mario?” I rambled on, barely giving Satin the chance to reply.
“Yeah, he got out early for good behavior I guess, but I’m not sure exactly what day. Girl, niggas is saying he’s plotting on Mario big time. They say Mario wasn’t giving his bitch money for the kids and shit while he was locked up or something like that.”
I smacked my lips and thought of that dirty bitch Tonya. “That’s a lie! Mario always take care of his people no matter how small of a position they have. You know damn well he looked after his ex-partners family. Hell, I personally delivered the checks myself to that gut-bucket bitch. I can’t wait to get back in the D’ so I can bust that bitch right in her mouth.” I stood from the bed, now pacing back and forth. “Aye, let me hit you back. I gotta call Mario and put him up on game.”
“Okay girl, if I hear about anything else I’ll call you. Bye,” she said. I immediately hung up, calling Mario whose phone went straight to voicemail. “You know who you reached so leave a message…BEEP.”
“Yo’ my nigga hit me back, word from back home is that Roscoe out and he lookin’ for you. We gotta put a handle on this A.S.A.P.”
Chapter Thirty-One
Chloe
After meeting Nikki in the lobby of the hotel we headed out for a day of sightseeing. We took a boat tour to view Oprah’s penthouse, Shaq’s old house, Diddy’s famous mansion, and many others. Of course we did some shopping. Now we’re dining at Bubba Gump Shrimp. “So is everything okay with you and Sam?” She asked while sipping from a strawberry margarita.
“Well, he is trying to make up to me, so he’s been hella nice, spending money like it ain’t nothing so you know I’m milking this shit.” We slapped fives.
“I know that’s right girl. I ain’t mad at cha’ and even though I’m feeling this much needed vacation, I must admit that I can t wait to get home.” She said as I looked up from my coconut shrimp then smacked my Mac covered lips.
“Why? Ain’t nothing in Detroit but trouble. Girl please, I’m enjoying this warm weather, five star hotel, and shopping sprees.”
“I ain’t really in a rush to see Detroit like that. I’m just saying I can’t wait for this trip to be over because once we get home and get this stuff delivered, we’re free. He can retire and we can blow that popsicle stand.” She laughed but I felt kind of sad. She was a really good friend to me, and although I hated to lose her, I did understand. She had been in this game far longer than me and I know she couldn’t wait to start her new life. “Why you looking so sad? At least you know your man is getting the throne and you’ll be able to get that house you been dying for, not to mention all the other things you want.” She tried to make light of the situation.
“Yeah you’re right but I’m going to miss you tho’. Not to mention the fear of Sam changing up on me. More money…more power…more power…more Pussy!” I said flatly and Nikki just nodded her understanding.
“Chloe he loves you so you will be okay. As far as me, you know I’ll always have your back; you’re like my little sister boo.” Nikki looked away and I could’ve sworn she was dabbing at a small tear in the corner of her eye.
“Awe, thanks girl. So what are your plans after Mario retires?” I bit some more shrimp and watched her play with her food.
“To be honest, I’m nervous as hell! I feel like everything is going too smooth. Something bad is lurking in the shadows just waiting to attack as soon as we let our guard down.”
“Nikki don’t trip. Y’all beat the odds already, so count your blessings. This will all be over in a week and you’ll be home free. Until then, just sit back and think about what you want to do and the places you want to go.” I laughed.
“You’re absolutely right girl, you ready?” She asked and I nodded. We paid the bill, leaving a forty dollar tip then we zoomed back over to the hotel.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Tonya
Roscoe had been home for three days and he still hadn’t tried to have sex with me. I was pissed to say the least. “Who the fuck is she?”
“Who the fuck is who?” He asked from the bathroom as I laid on the bed and watched him brush his teeth.
“Who you been fuckin’ Roscoe? Because it damn sho’ ain’t been me.” I snapped. He walked out of the bathroom towards me.
“Lower your fucking voice before my kids hear that bullshit you talking. I ain’t been fucking nobody.” He whispered.
“You been locked up for how long? And you ain’t tried to hit this? Don’t tell me that you playin’ for the other team now?” I half joked.
He lunged across the bed and choked me so hard I couldn’t speak. “Bitch if I ever hear that dumb shit come out your fucking mouth again, I will kill yo’ ass.”
I couldn’t believe this nigga had put his hands on me and on top of that, he had threatened to kill me. As he loosened his grip on my neck, he ripped my panties off and slid his dick in forcefully. “Is this what you want huh, you want a nigga to fuck you like this.” He pumped fast and hard. It felt good but it hurt at the same time.
“Roscoe stop.” I begged because after a second or two the pleasure was all gone and pain was the only thing lingering behind. He pumped harder and harder, until I swore he was touching my cervix.
“No that’s how you want it right. Tell me this tho’?” He said while staring down into my eyes. “Why you let that nigga get my pussy?” I froze just as he pulled out and came all over my stomach. “Yeah Tonya, I saw that nigga leave here the other day. Then when you opened the door, you was naked and the crib was smelling like pussy! I didn’t fuck you because I was mad as hell that you gave my shit away. All you had to do was keep it real with me, I would’ve understood! Everybody have needs and I wasn’t here to meet yours so I swear on my life that I would’ve understood. Don’t worry Tee, it’s cool no hard feelings I’m over it.” He said getting off the bed holding his dick in his hand as he headed for the bathroom.
“Who got you over it?” Was all that I could say because I knew he was implying that he too had fucked someone else. He turned and looked back at me with a smirk on his face and closed the door.
He came out a few minutes later and tossed a towel at me to wipe the cum up. “So down to business. I’m hearing that Mario got a big drop going down in two days that’s supposed to get him out of this game for good, and I’m snatching that shit!”
“How you gone do that?” I asked as I stood from the bed.
“I heard that he coming through in an eighteen wheeler and is supposed to make the drop at four a.m. at an abandoned warehouse near the Eastern Market. Rumor has it that somebody is going to pick it up an hour later. I’m going to be there waiting on that busta and word to my mama, I’ma show him that he fucked with the wrong one. I’ma leave his ass stankin’ then I’m taking that truck.” He said with greed in his eyes.
“How you find all of this out?” I said in a skeptical tone.
“Lets just say I have a very reliable source!”
Chapter Thirty-Three
Nikki
I could’ve kissed the pilot as we landed at Metro Airport. I practically ran from the plane with Chloe and Gucci in tow. We made our way straight to the front door, bypassing the luggage pick up because we had already mailed our stuff home. I searched for my mother-in-law and then pulled out my cell to call Mario. “Hey baby ya’ll made it home?” He asked.
“Yeah we’re here. How are things with ya’ll?” I questioned just as my mother-in-law’s oversized silver Escalade pulled up to the curb. We jumped in. I let Gucci take the front so I could get in the back with the baby who was strapped into his car seat.
“Yeah, we got here about twenty minutes ago so I’ll see you when you get to the house.” He said and we hung up. I kissed all over my baby and he smiled at me.
“Dang they’re here already?” Chloe asked.
“Yeah, Mario said they got here twenty minutes ago so we’ll see them at the house. I guess it was a good thing they left yesterday afternoon, since it was a twenty-four hour drive.�
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“Did you girls have fun?” Ms. Claudia asked.
“You know I did Ms. Claudia. You know how me and Mario get down in Miami.” Gucci said and I rolled my eyes.
“Yeah all the times ya’ll went was on business so maybe next time he go it will be a family trip, with just his wife and son.” Claudia cut her up with that one and I smiled.
“Ms. Claudia next time we have to do a girls trip and you have to go with us.” Chloe added.
“Well you know Ms. Claudia don’t fly darling. So If you can drive me there then we’re good to go.” We all let out a chuckle.
“Hey little man. Mommy missed you, did you miss me?” I played with my son as he cooed and grinned. I was glad we were hours away from leaving this place; putting Detroit in our rearview. A lot of people fantasize about this life. They think about the money and power but tend to dismiss the risk factors; like going to jail, the threats on your life, and not to mention the frenemies that smile in your face knowing damn well they ain’t happy for you. If life was different, and I felt as though I had any other opportunities, I would’ve been thrown all of this away in a New York minute; because to me this wasn’t really living. My man was gone from sun up to sun down most days. I lived in fear of my door being kicked in by the police and the hood niggas, not to mention all the false admirers. Yeah okay, we could take trips whenever and buy whatever we wanted but we had to do it looking over our shoulders the entire time. So to reiterate, this to me wasn’t really living. I knew the minute my son was born that we needed to make a change. Now that the time has come, I’m more scared than ever. Something keeps telling me we won’t make it to the finish line, at least not together.
