by Lena Skye
“So what are you, anyway?” Crystal asked.
“What do you mean?” Kai asked.
“I’m sorry to come off rude when I ask that question, it’s just that I’ve been wondering about your ethnicity since I met you. It’s clear that there are a couple of things in there,” she said as she gestured towards his torso.
He laughed, “What do you think?”
“I honestly don’t know and I hate being wrong about stuff, so I need you to just tell me.”
“Aww, you’re no fun.”
“Come on and put me out of my misery.”
“I’m half black and half Samoan,” he said.
“Get the hell out of here, like The Rock?”
He shook his head and grinned, “Yes, like The Rock.”
Crystal wanted to get up and do a dance in the middle of the small restaurant but it would make her look thirsty and insane. He was her dream man; she always wanted a man like him. Well, not always but now she’d met him, she wanted him.
“Whew,” she said while she fanned herself.
“That gets you excited?”
“I would be lying if I said that it didn’t get my engine revved a little. You are one sexy beast and you’ve got the brains to match. Now, I just have to wonder what’s wrong with you. Do you have a criminal record, are you a momma’s boy, or do you have a micro penis?”
He almost spit out his drink from laughing, “A what?”
“A micro penis,” Crystal asked again’ without blinking.
“What in the hell is that? I mean I know it’s a small dick, but damn...micro?”
“It’s an actual medical condition, so I need to know if you suffer from that affliction.”
He shook his head, “I can guarantee you that I don’t suffer from a micro penis, I’m pretty good in that area. I’ve never heard any complaints.”
“That’s probably because they said it behind your back,” Crystal giggled, feeling the effects of her Cosmopolitan.
“You want me to just whip it out right here at the table? I’ll do it.”
“No you won’t!”
“Dare me.”
“I would rather you not go to jail for indecent exposure, think of the children that you work with,” she laughed.
“See you’re scared,” he gave her an award winning grin.
Crystal licked her lips subconsciously, he was absolutely delicious. She liked him a whole lot, he knew how to laugh.
“So are you an only child?” she asked.
“Nope, I have three brothers and a little sister.”
“Nice.”
“What about you?”
“I have an older brother and a much younger sister.”
“Are you close with your brother?” he asked.
Crystal scoffed, “It’s hard to be close to someone that’s in and out of prison so much. No we’re aren’t close.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. If you don’t mind me asking, what is he in for?”
“Home theft.”
“Wow.”
“It’s okay, his choices and his consequences. I don’t have the time to worry about it.”
“That’s crazy how that happens. Two people can come from the same parent and be completely different.”
“I am who I am, in spite of my mother. He turned out the way that she raised us.”
“So you mean to tell me that you didn’t grow up as a spoiled princess?”
“Excuse you?” she said, “Far from it. I grew up in the damned hood and I had to work hard for everything that I have. I have the best because I work my ass off for it.”
“Well, then you and I have something else in common. I too grew up poor. Granted my siblings turned out pretty well but that has more to do with our parenting. I’m impressed that you’ve been so successful without the proper guidance.”
“Yeah, that’s why I love working with kids. I want to help provide them with the same support systems that I had. If it weren’t for quality after-school programs and adults that cared, I don’t know where I would be. So it’s important that I provide the best, it can change the trajectory of a child’s life.”
He looked at her and was mesmerized, “Wow, where have you been my whole life?”
“Working,” she grinned.
“Your dedication is second to none and I know that this isn’t a business meeting but I can’t wait to work with you. You’ll give us the kick in the pants that we need.”
“Oh please, you all have it together. Your organization is just younger but you’re on the right track. I can only imagine what the female staff act like when you come around.”
“I ignore them, I don’t sleep with people that I work with,” he said.
“Oh no?”
“Well, I don’t sleep with people that work for me,” he laughed.
“Good, I was worried for a minute. I thought that I was going to have to end this date early.”
“Damn, would you really do that?”
“I mean what’s the point in hanging out if I can’t get any?” she laughed.
He shook his head, “You’re something else.”
“I try. So tell me something else about you.”
“Hmm okay. I grew up in Florida, I love football, and I have 2 wonderful children.”
Crystal’s face took on a frown. He never disclosed that he had children.
“Why the frown? Not a fan of Florida?”
“It’s not that, it’s just that I’m not too keen on dating men with children. I prefer not to have to deal with the baby mama drama.”
“I don’t have baby mama drama. Me and my ex do what we have to do for our kids and that’s about it. It’s understood that we will never be together again.”
His stock had plummeted in Crystal’s mind, she knew that something was wrong with him. “I’m sure that’s indeed the case. However, I just don’t see myself with a man that already has children.”
“You know that I’m 35 years old, right?” he said.
“What is that supposed to mean?”
“It means that I’m not old but I lived a life before I met you. It’s a little unrealistic to expect to find a person with no kids at this age. How do you expect to be with someone with ridiculous requirements? You’re a beautiful woman but you need to loosen up if you want to find someone of substance.”
Crystal rolled her eyes, “Are you seriously trying to lecture me? You’re single with two kids and yet you’re lecturing me?”
His eyes widened, “Wow, this has taken an awkward turn.”
She was disappointed about his kids, but she still wanted a piece of him. They didn’t have a long term future but she wanted to see just how well-endowed he was.
“Okay,” she said, “How about we scratch that and get our date back on the right foot.” Crystal ran her foot up his leg beneath the table.
Kai had a disgusted look on his face as he moved his chair away from the table, “What are you doing?”
“I’m just trying to have some fun with you. Didn’t think that you would flip out over it.”
“I’m not flipping out, it just caught me off guard.”
She smiled, “Okay, I was worried. How about we take care of this bill and then get out of here.”
“I’m sorry but I’m going to have to pass.”
“Why?” she asked, feeling offended.
“I don’t have casual sex.”
“You’ve got to be kidding me. Are you Christian or something?”
“I have my beliefs. Now can I ask you something?”
“Go ahead.”
“Why would you want to sleep with me if you don’t like me? You obviously lost interest after you found out about my children, why would you continue to pursue me.”
His question caught her off guard, she was rendered speechless. It was a question that she’d never been asked, men didn’t turn her down for sex.
He shook his head again, “Crystal, you’re a wonderful woman, but you have issues.”
His words struck her at her core, how dare he speak to her that way. He had a lot of nerve to and she was tired of his shit. She stood to her feet, grabbed the water from the table and threw it in his face, “Screw you, asshole.”
“Wow, so you’ve just proven my point,” he said as he wiped his face with the linen napkin in his lap.
“Take your point and shove it up your ass,” she said before she stormed out of the restaurant. For a reason unbeknownst to her, she wanted to cry.
#Chapter8
“Just call me karma.”
Mimi
Reggie drove to Mimi’s house, he could have taken the train but he needed to see Mimi quick. He was blinded with rage, she ruined his life and it was time for them to have it out. How dare that bitch show up at his home, talk to his wife, and try to ruin everything that he held dear. He didn’t deserve any of the bullshit that she was pulling.
He’d given in to damn near all of her demands since he was an adult. She’d given him a lot but he gave her something in return, himself. He was way too young to be fucking around with her, she was a predatory cougar. He pulled up to her place and walked up her stairs without hesitation. He didn’t know what he was going to say to her, but he would figure it out when he got inside.
Pissed wasn’t even the word that she was going to be when she saw him at her doorstep, but he no longer cared about what happened to him. He’d lost the only woman that he’d ever loved thanks to her. She needed to know how in the hell he felt. It had been 2 days since the day that Tamika threw a damned lamp at his head. He had to work through the stress, and every day his contempt for Mimi grew stronger and stronger.
He rang the doorbell and soon Solomon came to the door, Mimi’s current boy toy. “Where is Mimi?” Reggie asked.
“Why? She’s not expecting you.”
“Man quit playing with me, where is she?” he said as he pushed his way into the house.
Solomon looked like he wanted to test Reggie’s power. He’d been wanting to stomp a hole in him since the day that Reggie showed back up. Mimi was his meal ticket and anyone getting in his way was a problem.
“Solomon, calm down baby, and go to the back,” Mimi said as she emerged from her room.
“You sure?” Solomon asked.
“Did you hear what I said?” she said again with more bite to her voice.
The fire in Solomon’s eyes simmered down to a low boil, he sneered at Reggie and headed to back, “If you need anything just call out for me and I’ll drop that dude.”
“Bye boy,” she laughed and slapped his ass when he walked past her. When he went to the room he shut the door behind him. Mimi focused her attention on Reggie, “May I help you?”
“Why are you so intent on ruining my life? Why couldn’t you just leave well enough alone?”
She laughed, “Just like you, blaming everyone else for your short comings. Poor baby, it has to hurt to be a constant victim.”
“Man, I’m not trying to hear any of that bullshit; I need you to answer my question. You talked to my wife; don’t you think that was crossing the line?”
“Since when have you ever known me to pay attention to a line? Just ask your brother about how I feel about lines.”
“Don’t talk about my brother, don’t even mention him,” he said through clenched teeth.
“Touchy subject huh?” she laughed, “You ruined your own life, that has nothing to do with me.”
“That’s funny considering that things didn’t get fucked up before you stuck your nose in my business.”
“You wanted me to be in your business and the most fucked up parts of your life have nothing to do with me. You’re so damned ungrateful. I came in to save your broke ass when nobody else did, and this is the thanks I get. You barging into my fucking house acting like you’re going to do something when we both know that you are not about that life.”
“You have no idea of what I’m capable of.”
“Oh, the baby cub has claws?”
“I’m far from a child, I’m a grown ass man.”
“Then act like one for once in your life. Take some real responsibility for your actions and stop trying to blame other people for your fucked up decisions.”
“No! You don’t get to place the blame at my feet. How about you take some responsibility for your actions. You’re one fucked up woman, do you know that? What kind of woman goes and finds kids to screw?”
“You were legal baby, and I didn’t hear you complaining.”
“You know what I mean.”
“No, I don’t know what you mean. You weren’t complaining when I was paying your school fees, when you were driving that car, when I paid for your brother to stay in an apartment in college, or when I paid for that rock that was sitting on your wife’s finger. You were ‘grown’ then and you still weren’t complaining. You just want to blame me because your bullshit finally caught up with you.”
“I didn’t come here for this bullshit,” he said.
“Well you’re going to get it anyway,” Mimi said in an authoritative voice, “I’ve coddled you for far too long and for that I truly am sorry. However, you don’t get to play with everyone’s feelings around you without remorse. You led your wife on for how long? She thought that you were faithful throughout your relationship. You stood before God and made a vow to her and you broke it.”
“You can’t be serious right now? So you’re saying that you didn’t try to ruin my life? That you didn’t have my brother damned near killed? That you didn’t talk to my wife just to fuck with me?”
She grinned, “I admit that I do have a bit of a mean streak, but I only fuck with people that deserve it. Just call me karma.”
“You think this shit is a joke?”
“I’m not playing with your ass. I laugh and joke but I don’t play. So get your mind right, honey. The only reason that I’m entertaining your bullshit this evening is because I have nothing better to do. Nothing much ever happens on Tuesdays.”
“What is it going to take for you to leave me alone? I want you out of my life and pockets for good.”
“You’ve got it. I’m done with you now. I’ve had my fun. You’re living a shitty life and you’re on empty. You’re a washed up college football player that will probably be begging for cash on the streets of New York in two more years. You’re broken baby, and nothing good can ever come of that. You may have that brand new job, but you’re going to fuck it up and I won’t be here to save you this time. However, I may put a dollar or two in your cup if you dance for me.”
Reggie thought that all of the veins were going to burst out of his head. He’d never wanted to strangle a woman before, but he wanted to wrap his hands around her neck and squeeze until he felt all of the life drain from her body. She’d pressed his buttons, she hit below the belt. His failed football career was one of his major regrets. She threw it in his face as if she didn’t think that he would choke her.
“Face it baby,” she continued, “There isn’t anything that I could do to you that’s going to be worse than what you’re going to do to yourself.”
“Just shut the hell up,” he said as he rested his hands on his head and paced her house.
“You feeling froggy, baby? Leap. Give me a reason to put you down like a dog.”
“You think you’re a badass now because no one has ever put you in your place. Trust me, your time is coming. There will be a day when no one can save you, not your money or your goons.”
“That may be true because no one lives forever, especially in this lifestyle but you’re too much of a bitch to truly do anything. Now get your pathetic ass out of my house.”
Reggie nodded his head and gave her a sinister grin, “One day you’re going to get exactly what’s coming to you.”
“Bye boy.”
“Bye bitch,” he said before he headed towards the door.
“If I actually valued your opinion, that would have hurt,” she laughed as he walked out of the door.
<
br /> He felt emasculated, it ate away at him. Reggie had hit rock bottom.
#Chapter9
“You can’t keep it in your pants to save your life.”
Kalena
Kalena sat at her mom’s kitchen table and ate some of her amazing cooking, “Oh my goodness, you’re going to make me gain weight.”
“Girl please, you couldn’t gain weight even if you tried,” her mom laughed, “Our genes just aren’t set up like that.”
“Sometimes I hate not having a booty,” Kalena laughed.
“You’ll get over it.”
“If I keep eating your cooking then maybe I’ll get one.”
“You’re going to need my cooking, prayer, and a great surgeon.”
“Oooh, I’m gonna get me a Kim Kardashian booty,” Kalena laughed.
“I would stick a pin in it as soon as you stepped through my door with that monstrosity.”
“What do you know about Kim Kardashian?”
“I’m Christian Kalena, that does not make me blind.”
“I see.”
“Speaking of Christian, I’ve found a new church, you should come with me.”
“I don’t know about that, mom. I’m happy with the way that my life is, I believe in God and everything but I don’t think that church is for me.”
“I can’t believe that I raised you sometimes. You need to get your butt back into church; it’s a great way to get some stability. I know that it’s made me feel better, and I think that you’ll really like it.”
“I’ll think about it,” Kalena lied.
“Mmhmm, sure you will.”
She gave her mom a knowing grin, “I gave you the politically correct answer.”
“I’ll leave you alone for now. I’m just worried about you and your soul.”
“My soul is intact, mom.”
“For now, what about when you die?”
“Wow, someone is being morbid.”
“I’m not trying to scare you; I just want to be honest with you. I wouldn’t be your mother if I didn’t tell you how I felt. I love you and I want to see you in heaven someday.”
