“So who’s this girl that Tommy’s seeing?” Nicky asked.
“Her name is Donnie.” Carla said.
“Donnie and Marie!” Tee-Tee giggled and began singing, ‘I’m a little bit Country, I’m a little bit Rock and Roll.’
“Have you met her?” Nicky asked.
“No I just found out about her. But she can’t be all that If Tommy never mentioned her before.” Carla said encouragingly.
Nicky nodded staring off into space. “You still like Tommy?” Tee-Tee asked.
Nicky was caught off guard while thinking about him. She turned to Tee-Tee. “Of course I still like your brother honey.”
“No! I mean do you still like-like him?” Tee-Tee pressed.
“Oh Tee-Tee go ask your father to dance.” Carla said as The Stylistics ‘You’re A Big Girl Now,’ played. Tee-Tee jumped up and excitedly ran over to her father. Carla watched smiling proudly as Tee-Tee snuck up behind her father and put her hands over his eyes then laughed out loud as he pretended not to know who it was.
Nicky watched Carla watching Smitty and Tee-Tee dance proudly. “You still love Smitty don’t you?” She asked.
Carla turned to Nicky and grinned slyly. “I could ask you the same question about my son.”
“This was a nice turn out.” Nicky said quickly changing the subject.
“Umm-hmm”, Carla replied twitched her lips but let it go. Nicky did not have to answer. She could see with her own eyes that Nicky was still interested in her son. Carla was confident things would work themselves out. Besides, if Donnie was half as much of a dud as Corbin was then perhaps he and Donnie would hit it off and Tommy and Nicky would get back together.
On the other side of the spacious living room, Corbin went over to make a plate of food. Guy was working on his third plate of lemon chicken and Swedish meatballs. He wiped his hand on his sweater then offered it to Corbin.
“Guy Forde.” He said graciously.
Corbin placed a napkin in his hands before shaking Guy’s hand. “Corbin Ramses the third.”
“Nice little get together huh?” Guy asked dancing in place while piling more food sky-high onto his plate.
“I suppose.” Corbin answered rolling his eyes like it pained him to answer.
“And great job with the food my brother. These fancy little meatballs are the bomb. But why am I telling you for? You already know.” he said popping one in his mouth.
“Actually, I wouldn’t know because I’m vegan.”
“I tried that but they told me I can’t eat pussy so I said fuck that shit!” Gus said laughing and held his palm up for Corbin to slap it. “Up-top.”
Corbin left him hanging with a vile expression and was confused as to why the raunchy guest was complimenting him for something he had absolutely nothing to do with. Nicky walked up smiling and gave Guy a kiss on the cheek. After she made him promise that he was not going back to juvenile detention she continued to the kitchen never once acknowledging Corbin. He caught the cold shoulder treatment and wondered what that was all about then assumed she was also upset about all of these intruding freeloaders roaming her home. That was enough to piss anyone off.
“Man, I hope Tommy and Nicky get back together.”
“Pardon me?” Corbin said.
“Oh sorry, just wishing out loud about my cousin Tommy and Nicky, the fine sister that I was just talking to. They used to be a couple back in the day. Jesse and Angie ain’t got jack on them. And I was hoping they get back together.”
“Well I do not see that happening ever. Especially since Nicolette and I are involved!” Corbin snapped.
“Hold up. Wait a minute. You? And Nicky? Git the fuck outta here! Dude, I thought you were like the head caterer or something.” Guy burst into laughter. Corbin found nothing amusing. “I mean no disrespect buddy, but there’s more chemistry in the dirt on the bottom of my Adidas than there is between you two.” he said unable to contain himself, to which Corbin replied by angrily slamming his plate down and stormed off into the kitchen.
Nicky was admiring Tee-Tee’s birthday cake with some of the actual caterers. It was a delicious work of art. Three fluffy layers of delicious mouth-watering strawberry cake with a crème filling, covered with creamy vanilla frosting. ‘Happy Birthday Tee-Tee’ was spelled out across the top in candy letters and a smiling miniature Strawberry-Shortcake cake doll topper made the image complete. And then Corbin entered.
“Nicolette why wasn’t I informed that criminals would be attending this party?” Corbin asked sucking the life out of the room. The caterers traded looks and took it as their cue to leave.
Nicky calmly counted backwards from five before speaking. “Lower your voice! And calm down. I’m trying to enjoy myself. I haven’t seen a lot of these people in a while.”
“And I can think of several reasons why. In fact, I was just talking to one of your charming guests who had the audacity to mistake me for a caterer. Me a caterer? Perish the thought.”
Nicky shook her head and walked back into the living room. Corbin followed her out like a stray cat and was about to ask what was wrong when the doorbell rang.
“That’d better be my son.” Carla said eyeing her watch.
“I’ll get it.” Nicky said rolling her eyes at Corbin then headed for the door. He observed her briefly checking herself in the hanging mirror before unlocking the door and made a mental note then stormed upstairs. Nicky opened the door and her big bright smile dropped at the appearance of a beautiful freckled faced woman smiling and holding a gift-wrapped package. “Yes?” Nicky asked.
“Hello, I hope I’m at the right place. You’re Nicky right?” The woman asked.
“Yes I am.” Nicky nodded.
“Hi my name is Donnie. I’m a friend of Tommy’s. He invited me.”
“Oh…sure come on in.” Nicky said. She was a bit taken back at how beautiful Donnie was.
“Di-zamn!” Guy said loudly as Donnie removed her jacket. She was wearing a beautiful silk dress that accentuated her curvy svelte figure in a classy not trashy way.
“Put your eyes back in your head Guy. This is Tommy’s friend.” Nicky said taking Donnie’s jacket.
“And why am I not surprised?”
“Hi, Donnie Campbell, pleased to meet you.” She said to Guy.
“The pleasure is all mines.” Guy said kissing the back of her hand. “Real talk, when I grow up, I wanna be like Tommy!” he said drooling.
“You mean you’re still growing?” Carla teased stepping forward and patting her nephew’s stomach. “Hello, I’m Carla Tommy’s mother.”
“Oh, I’m Donnie pleased to meet you.” Donnie said leaning in for a hug.
“Oh, you’re a hugger. Ok.” Smiling uncomfortably, Carla pulled back from the brief embrace and hated to admit she was impressed with Donnie’s appearance. She was pretty, smelled nice and from her style of dress accustomed to the best.
“So, where’s Tommy?” Donnie asked.
“He had to make a stop and pick up his sister’s gift.” Nicky informed her.
Tee-Tee suddenly came flying around the corner with her cousins chasing behind her. “I heard the bell! Is that Tommy? Is my big brother here yet?” She asked hopeful.
“No not yet honey.” Carla said.
“So this must be the birthday girl. Hello Tee-Tee. My name is Donnie. I’m a friend of your brother’s.” Donnie said smiling.
“Oh hello.” Tee-Tee said bashfully. “You’re pretty.” she said.
“Why thank you. You’re pretty too. And I just love your hair.” Donnie said causing Tee-Tee to blush.
“My Mommy and me went to the beauty salon this morning. And then we got our nails painted see?” Tee-Tee said showing off her bright pink nail polish.
“Wow they look nice.” Donnie said then turned to Nicky. “Nicky your home is beautifully decorated.”
“Thank you.” Nicky smiled. Donnie was so nice and pleasant she was making it e
xtremely hard to dislike her.
The DJ put on Eric B. and Rakim’s ‘I Ain’t No Joke!’ just as the door rang.
“Now that’s Tommy!” Both Nicky and Donnie said simultaneously then stared at each other awkwardly and quickly laughed it off.
Carla raised an eyebrow and reminded herself she promised her son she would not meddle in his personal affairs. No matter how hard it was.
“I got it, I got it!” Tee-Tee yelled excitedly running to the door. She snatched it open and squealed with delight as her brother’s dog barged in and showered her with sloppy kisses.
“What about me baby sis? Don’t I get a kiss too?”
With Rakim singing his theme song, Tommy’s entrance was too cool for words. He was sharp as a tack. Dressed to perfection in a cream leather trench coat, double-breasted black Armani suit and cream turtleneck that fit his strut like it was painted on. His dark alligator shoes shined like they were still breathing and the gold and Onyx pinky ring plus matching Rolex glistened tastefully. The diamond stud in his left ear rounded off the ensemble nicely. There was no denying it, Tommy Strong was, ‘No Joke!’ With one arm he lifted his sister into the air and the other held a garment bag and a six-pack of Guinness Stout. Both Nicky and Donnie sighed secretly wishing it was them being squeezed by Tommy’s strong arms.
“Tommy-Tommy-Tommy!” Tee-Tee shouted repeatedly and hugged him back. She was ecstatic to see her big brother and it was evident how close the siblings’ bond was.
“Happy birthday day baby sis.” Tommy said then noticed both Donnie and his ex-wife hungrily staring him down like a Big Mac on the Fat Boys’ tour bus. He bowed his head in their direction then respectively walked over to his mother and kissed her first. “Hey Mommy-O.”
“Don’t hey Mommy me. Weren’t you supposed to be here earlier?” Carla started in on him.
“Sorry about that but it was out of my control. For real. The guy I commissioned to make Brat’s gift wasn’t done until today. But wait til’ you see it. Trust me it was worth the wait.” Tommy explained holding up the garment bag while conveniently leaving out the part about making a quick stop at the bogus candy store on the corner of Fulton and St. James for some Bud before picking up her gift. He hugged Donnie and whispered “I’m happy you’re here” in her ear causing her to blush and Nicky to wince.
Nicky cleared her throat. “Hello Tommy.”
“Hey Nicky,” Tommy said leaning in for a brief awkward hug from his ex-wife.
“So, I see you brought your dog.” she said kneeling down to receive a sloppy kiss from her.
“Yeah about that I didn’t think you’d mind. You remember how she hates to be left alone.”
“Didn’t mind?” Nicky cut her eyes at him, “What I do remember is us discussing that-”
“So, have you guys met Donnie?” Tommy spoke up. Nicky cut her eyes at Tommy for rudely cutting her off in mid-sentence.
“Well we have, but your father hasn’t because she just got here a few minutes before you.” Carla said.
“Oh word? Yo Pop! C’mere a sec.” Tommy shouted across the crowded room.
Smitty excused himself from playing Spades with his buddies and came over and hugged his son. “Young pup.”
“Old dog.” Tommy grinned.
So who do we have here?” Smitty asked eyeing Donnie’s long shapely legs, but feeling the heat from Carla’s glare, he quickly averted his eyes and cleared his throat.
“Pop this is Donnie. Donnie this is my dear old Dad, Smitty.” Tommy introduced.
“Tommy, you didn’t tell me how handsome your father is.” Donnie complimented, causing Nicky to roll her eyes. “Nice to meet you Mister Strong,”
“Why thank you young lady and you can call me Smitty.”
“Okay, Smitty.” Donnie smiled.
“Hey where’s Bug-Out at?” Tommy asked looking around.
“He hasn’t shown up yet.” Nicky said pretending not to be irked by her ex.
“Yeah but he is still coming right?” Tommy asked anxious to see how his cousin was doing since being in rehab.
“As far as I know he is.” Nicky said feeling the need to remove herself. “Why don’t you give me your things so you can introduce your date to your family.” She said taking his sister’s birthday present and placing it amongst the huge pile of gifts, then headed into the kitchen with his beer.
“Oh, okay thanks. Well Donnie let me introduce you to the rest of my family.” Tommy said and took Donnie around to meet his grandparents, extended family and everyone else in attendance. As he was making the rounds Corbin was coming down the stairs and spotted him then came over.
“Armani huh? Decent quality, for off of the rack.” Corbin said blatantly.
Tommy glared then turned to Donnie who was wondering why the old guy with major attitude was trying to diss him as fine as he looked in his suit. “Donnie this is-”
“Corbin Ramses. I’m Nicolette’s suitor, pleased to meet you.” Corbin addressed Donnie speaking up before Tommy could get off a cheap shot at his name. He then eyed Tommy. “Your friend is quite stunning. You’re a lucky man…As am I,” and with a scowl he stormed off into the kitchen.
“Did I hear correct, that’s your ex-wife’s new man?” Donnie asked.
“Boggles the mind don’t it?” Tommy asked.
“No comment. But I will say this much, he sure doesn’t like you. Or your suit. While I’m extremely fond of both.” She flirted.
“And that’s all that matters.” Tommy winked then spotted his dog playing with his sister and some of his younger cousins across the room. “C’mere girl.” He said patting his thighs and throwing a kiss in the air to get her attention as she obediently trotted over. “Go get daddy a beer.”
Faithfully she went off to answer her master’s bidding as he watched grinning devilishly.
“What are you up to?” Donnie asked.
“Who me?”
“Yes you. You’ve got this look in your eyes,”
“What kind of look?” Tommy smiled like the Grinch.
“Like you’re plotting something diabolical. I’m curious, has Corbin ever met Mayhe-” Tommy cleared his throat as a reminder. “Oh right, May. Has he met May before?”
“You mean before today? Nope!”
“Tommy!”
“What? I just want a cold brew.” Tommy said innocently as his dog pushed the kitchen door open and went inside. “Baby count along with me. Five-four-three-two-”
Suddenly on cue a loud scream came from the kitchen then Corbin came flying out in a frightened panic shouting. “OH MY GOD!” Nicolette! In your kitchen! A-dog. A HUGE-dog!” Corbin said over spasmodic breaths holding his arms apart to over exaggerate May’s size. At the same time, she came out the kitchen carrying Tommy’s beer in her sharp teeth beer clueless. When he saw the gentle giant, he screamed again and ran behind Nicky like a frightened child.
“What’s wrong Cupcake? Don’t tell me you’re scared of my little ol’ puppy dog?” Tommy asked cracking open his Guinness and patting her for a job well done.
The room became deafly quiet then a man dressed in a loud plaid suit spoke up, “Maybe he’s a cat person. Meow.” and burst into laughter along with everyone in the room.
“You have the maturity of a zygote!” Corbin said to Tommy and stormed off.
Tommy shrugged like whatever as Nicky stormed over. “Seriously?” she said.
“Hey he started, all I did was finish.” Tommy said.
“And you told me you weren’t going to bring her.” Nicky complained pointing at his dog but Tommy could swear she was pointing at Donnie.
“I never said that.” he smiled and took a sip of beer.
“No but you implied it. All these years and you still haven’t grown up.” Nicky snapped then briefly cut her eyes at Donnie before going after Corbin.
Tommy smiled and continued drinking when Guy popped up from out of nowhere and shouted, “Tee-ski in th
e place to be!” with outstretched arms.
“Look who it is. So how was license plate camp?” Tommy asked embracing him.
“Oh you got jokes huh?”
Tommy laughed and turned to make the introductions. “Guy, I’d like for you to meet-”
“Oh I already know who this is. What I wanna know is do she got a sister?” Guy asked eyeing Donnie.
“Yes, but she also has taste.” Tommy wise-cracked.
“Hardy-har-har,” Guy said then leaned in close and threw an arm around his cousin. “Yo I heard what you did for cousin Bug-Out. I think that was really top choice.”
“That’s what family does for each other.” Tommy said bumping fists with his cousin.
Tommy cut his eyes across the room at an almond complexioned woman in her early fifties conversing with a group of people. “Aunt Cookie’s still mad at you.”
Guy sucked his teeth, “Yeah man, I don’t know why she be tripping.”
“Maybe it’s because she’s embarrassed when people ask where her son is and tells them that you’re away at Penn State, when in actuality your ass is really in the State Penn.” Tommy scolded.
“Whatever. It was only Spofford. Not Sing-Sing.” Guy said watching his mother across the room. By the sad look on his face it was evident he missed their relationship.
“Go on over there and talk to her.” Tommy said.
“I don’t know. She’s still pissed about me getting caught with the Lo-Lives.” Guy shrugged.
“I must really be out of the loop. What are the Lo-Lives?” Donnie asked.
“They’re this gang of juvenile delinquents that run into department stores, snatch entire racks of Polo clothing, then bolt.” Tommy explained. “Everybody gets away but this one here, who claims he stopped all that mess.”
“Word is bond Tee, I did stop boosting Tee. But I needed to cop this dope ass Polo sweater for a Def-jam concert I was going to later that night and I ain’t trying to spend money on the white man’s clothes like no Herb.” Guy explained trying to sound tough but came off sounding like a fool.
Havoc and Mayhem Page 21
