by Jade Jones
“Girl, you say that every other month,” Shayla reminded Kim while waving to her father. “I mean, hell, you were the one telling me it wasn’t gonna be easy holding your man down in prison. What changed now?”
“That’s just it. Change,” Kim emphasized. “That nigga ain’t gon’ never change. I ain’t got time for it no more, Shay.”
Shayla walked inside her home and immediately headed to her bedroom for some privacy. Now that she was living with her parents again, it seemingly came rarely. “You knew that already,” Shayla told her friend.
For years Shayla had watched Cool drag Kimberlyn through hell and high water. And still, she stayed—even with all the late night creeping, side chicks, and physical and verbal abuse. Truth be told, Shayla had never cared for Kim’s fiancee, but she did respect his place in her life.
“Ugh, I did. But I still believed there was hope,” Kim said. “But fuck all that. I’m trying to get out and do something tonight. Need to take my mind off the B.S. with him. You down?”
Shayla kicked her off sneakers and plopped down on her full size mattress. It was a huge step down from the California king size canopy she once slept in with Dex. Yet it was also a valuable lesson when it came to rushing into some shit. After all, she and Dexter had only been dating three months before they hastily decided to move in together.
Shayla blew out a long dramatic breath as she deliberated on her answer. “Girl, you know I don’t do that club shit.”
“Grandma, you don’t do shit but sell Ikea,” Kim joked. “That’s why you need to come up out that house and kick it. Just me and you.”
Shayla instantly perked up after hearing Kim’s friend, Nina wouldn’t be joining them. She liked her about as much as she liked Cool—which was virtually nonexistent. Though the two had never exchanged words, Shayla just didn’t care for Nina’s ratchet persona. She was loud, obnoxious, and an attention whore by nature.
“Hmm…I guess…,” Shayla finally said after carefully considering it.
“Bet! I’ll be there around ten.”
4
Don't know why I came in this club with you, girl…
Don't know why I came in with these diamonds on my chain…
Surrounded by bad bitches I can't get 'em out my face…
Maybe ‘cuz a nigga handsome and wealthy…
Is it ‘cuz a nigga cook like a professor…?
I don't know how you feel can you tell me…
I won't know how you feel 'til you tell me…
Is it ‘cuz a nigga handsome and wealthy…?
Romeo and his boy Desmond held shit down from the VIP section like the young bosses they were. Popping champagne bottles, and smoking the finest skunk they were mistakenly assumed to be local celebrities.
The small section was crowded with a plethora of beautiful women from every shade and nationality. There were enough females for every nigga in VIP to have three—and that was only if Romeo was willing to share.
Drawing the most attention to himself, the young show boater was draped in several expensive yellow canary diamond chains. A $720 Vivienne Westwood button down hugged his chiseled torso. Black designer jeans hung casually off his waist, and on his size twelve feet was a pair of matte black Giuseppes.
Two beautiful women sat on either side of him, each vying for a place in his life—no matter how insignificant. Sexy, wealthy and new to the city, Romeo was fresh meat to the vultures looking for a baller. And even though he knew their motives, Romeo still loved the attention. Twenty-five without a care in the world, he didn’t plan on settling down anytime soon.
Much like his homie, Desmond Wright was also quite the exhibitionist. Sporting a crisp white V-neck, white jeans, and white and black python high tops, he oozed a million dollars. Around his tattooed neck was over two hundred grand in jewelry easily, and his wrist sparkled with a new shiny Rolex.
Entrepreneurs in their own right, Romeo and Desmond loved to flaunt their wealth. Born and raised in poverty, it felt good to wake up every morning without a financial care in the world.
Growing up, all they’d ever known was the grisly streets of Compton. Banging and selling drugs was their life until they finally made a come up some four years ago; one that changed their lives forever.
Pink Dragon was currently the hottest marijuana on the market. Frosted in a fuchsia-colored substance, it contained one of the strongest strains known to man. Rappers talked about it in their songs, and all the A-listers back in Hollywood were familiar.
Media quickly labeled their weed as the most potent, and just like that Romeo and Desmond became overnight celebrities. However, they couldn’t take all the credit for their speedy rise to success. Truth be told, their achievement wouldn’t even be possible if it wasn’t for Ava—the third wheel in the trio.
Posted next to Desmond in a black Herve Leger dress, no one would’ve ever thought Ava would be mixed in with such a business. Half-Alaskan and half-Polynesian, the 5”6 bombshell was breathtaking at first glance.
Long, wavy jet black hair flowed freely down Ava’s back and stopped just inches above her curvy ass. Her tight, slanted eyes were hazel, and she had the cutest pair of dimples. Her athletic body and pretty smile were just the added bonuses.
Though Ava had the whole package—money, intelligence, and good looks, her love life was deplorable. Since a teenager, she’d always had a poor sense of judgment when it came to men—and because of that she rarely dated nowadays.
It was a man who’d convinced her to move to the states in the first place. Kent Summers—a wealthy real estate tycoon—had promised Ava the world and more after swearing to divorce his wife of ten years.
He’d met the exotic beauty while on vacation, and just couldn’t ignore his attraction. In the beginning, Kent spoiled with her luxuries, and talked a good game. But like they say; if something seems too good to be true it probably is.
Ava dropped everything to move to Hollywood to be with him. Yet when she got there it was a whole other story. Apparently, Kent was in too deep since his wife hadn’t signed a prenuptial. The last thing he wanted to do was give away half his estate so he stayed begrudgingly, breaking Ava’s heart in the process.
On her own with nothing but a Visa waiver, Ava hotel-hopped until the day she met Romeo and Desmond. At the time, they’d been trying their hardest to develop a strain so potent it put white widow to shame. Ironically, Ava had majored in botany, and the rest was history.
Unlike Romeo and Desmond, Ava didn’t look like she was having anywhere near as much fun. Truthfully, she didn’t care for the large crowds, but she knew keeping up their image was important—especially in their profession. Besides, they’d just moved to Atlanta from L.A. two days ago so naturally they wanted to see what the night life was hitting on.
An increase in demand had led the trio to the Peach State to begin with. Although Romeo and Desmond loved relocating, Ava could take it or leave it. ATL wasn’t really her cup of tea. She missed the beaches and the smell of saltwater. But instead of pouting about it, she rolled with the punches for the sake of a paycheck.
Twelve people deep, Romeo and Desmond’s camp was relatively small, but they didn’t mind. In the words of Jay-Z, ‘less was more’. In a game where greed could make the most loyal person turn, they could only afford to fuck with their day-ones.
The small posse was the rowdiest in the club, yet management wouldn’t dare put a stop to it—especially not after Romeo had bought out the entire bar. As usual, money spoke volumes.
Meanwhile downstairs, Kimberlyn and Shayla shuffled through the thick crowd of club-goers in an attempt to find an empty space. Compound was overly packed that evening for the Atlanta Falcons after party. But surprisingly, it wasn’t their section that was garnering the most attention that night. The two Cali boys undoubtedly had the place on lock.
In the midst of heading towards the bar, Kim looked over at the noisy VIP section. Pungent smoke clouds hung in the air, bottles were popping, and every
body looked like they were having a good old time.
“Hold up,” Kimberlyn said, stopping dead in her tracks. “Is that…Nah, it can’t be…”
Shayla was so caught off guard by her friend’s abrupt stop that she bumped into the back of her. Luckily, she had impeccable balance in her six-inch heels. “What? Who is it?” Shayla asked, clearly confused.
Kimberlyn didn’t even bother responding as she grabbed Shayla’s hand and headed over to VIP.
5
“Wait, where are we going?” Shayla asked.
The moment she saw Romeo, she felt a faint flush of color rise in her face. Naturally, Shayla wasn’t all too pleased with the sight of him surrounded by beautiful women. So that’s why he didn’t hit me up…If her pride wasn’t wounded before, it certainly was now.
Shayla tried her best to hold onto her confidence, especially after it was diminished by Dexter. But she’d be lying to herself if she said she wasn’t a little bit bothered. This is why I never get my hopes too high when it comes to dating.
“I don’t feel like going over there,” Shayla said.
Irritated by her friend’s usual ‘stick-in-the-mud’ personality, Kim turned on her heel and faced Shayla. “And why not?” she asked, hands on hips.
Shayla didn’t feel comfortable telling Kim it was because of Romeo, so she blamed it on something else. “It’s already too many chicks over there…”
Kimberlyn burst out laughing hysterically. “Bitch, them insignificant ass hoes ain’t got shit on us!” she said. “Please don’t tell me that’s the issue. Because it’s certainly not for me.”
Had Kim brought her girl Nina instead of Shayla, she would never be having that conversation. Nina was down for whatever whereas Shayla was timid when it came to certain shit. However, Kim was determined to break her out of that. Damn, Shay could be such a bore sometimes.
“Come on. You tripping,” Kim said, leading a reluctant Shayla to the VIP.
Ever the passive type, Shayla hesitantly followed behind her friend.
Kim was right about one thing though. The moment they barged into the paid-for section, all attention immediately went to them. Shayla’s stomach flip-flopped nervously as she tried her best to cover her exposed bosom. She felt extremely underdressed in the pink cutout dress Kim had brought for her to wear.
I don’t know why I let this broad talk me into coming here, Shayla thought.
Kimberlyn looked overly provocative in a pair of skin tight leather shorts and a denim bustier. Apparently, she was trying to fuck up Cool’s name and rep after their “split.” With her size D’s spilling over, it was obvious that she was looking to get the attention of every man in the place. Cool would have a fit if he wasn’t locked up. He’d never permitted her to dress that way and Kim knew it. Shayla, on the other hand, was a bit more modest.
Kimberlyn had no qualms about interrupting a conversation with a random groupie. “Desmond?” she asked, somewhat in disbelief. For a second, she thought her eyes were deceiving her.
The ghetto bird he was speaking with instantly rolled her eyes in disgust. She’d been trying to snag the baller all night before Kim showed up unwelcomed. Cheap bitch, she thought, eyeing Kimberlyn’s tasteless outfit. She wasn’t wearing anything designer, and yet she had the audacity to barge in their VIP.
“Kimberlyn…?” Desmond said, equally taken back. “Damn, is that you?”
“My, my, my. What a coincidence running into you tonight.”
Shayla looked from Desmond to Kimberlyn and instantly wondered about their history. Kim had never mentioned him in the three years they’d been friends.
“Damn, girl. Shit, how long has it been?” Desmond asked, walking over to her.
“Too long,” Kimberlyn said, leaning in for a hug.
Desmond wrapped his strong arms around Kimberlyn and held her tightly. His expensive cologne surrounded the two women, and his sex appeal was undeniable. Even Shayla had to keep from staring a bit too hard.
Caramel complexion, mahogany-colored eyes, and an athletic build, Desmond was the epitome of a pretty boy who was slightly rough around the edges. Between him and Romeo, Desmond was certainly the level-headed one.
Years ago, before he and Romeo made their come up, they had visited Atlanta with a few friends. It was then that Desmond met Kimberlyn while she was dancing at Blue Flame. The two hit it off instantly, and Desmond even delayed his flight an extra two weeks. Yet all good things eventually come to an end. With a two-year old daughter back home, Desmond had no choice but to return to the real world. Reluctantly, he went back to Cali to be with his baby mama, and Kimberlyn went on to meet Cool.
Although Desmond and Kim’s rendezvous only lasted a few weeks, she still held a special place in his heart, and vice-versa.
After embracing each other for what felt like an eternity, Desmond finally pulled apart and looked Kim over “You just as untouchable as I remember,” he complimented.
That immediately caused Kimberlyn to blush.
Behind him, Ava shuffled in her seat as if she was uncomfortable, but no one seemed to notice.
Mona—the female Desmond was previously entertaining—didn’t find anything flattering about his comment. As a matter of fact, she was quite offended. “Are you kidding me?” Mona finally spoke up. “Untouchable?” she snorted. “Nigga, your standards must not be that high…”
Offended by the rude remark, Kimberlyn advanced on the chick, ready to rumble. “Hold up, bitch. You obviously don’t know me, but you can get to real quick,” she threatened.
Jumping to her feet, Mona unflinchingly welcomed the challenge. “Show me, hoe!” she spat.
Desmond quickly stood between both women to keep them from clawing each other’s eyes out. Moments like those occurred in his life all too frequently, but he knew just how to deal with it.
“Aye, Monte, get this loudmouth bitch up outta here, homie.”
Before Mona could oppose, Romeo and Desmond’s 6”5 enforcer grabbed her by the arm. “Don’t touch me!” she snapped, snatching away. “I can leave by myself. I don’t need help.” Grabbing her clutch off the nearby leather sofa, she quickly left the VIP section—but not before flipping off Desmond.
“Anyway…I see you still attracted to the same type of bitches,” Kimberlyn laughed. “Loud and crazy. And speaking of bitches how’s your baby mama?”
Desmond gave her the side eye before plopping down on the sofa. In front of him was a table filled with a variety of bottles and champagnes for the ladies “Shit, same. Loud and crazy,” he laughed. “We ain’t rockin’ like that no more…”
“Is that right?” Kim asked, joining him. She then helped herself to a glass of champagne.
Desmond couldn’t help but to admire her boldness. Honestly, it was one of his favorite qualities about her.
Halfway across the club, Mona rushed over to the bar where three fellas patiently awaited her arrival. Unbeknownst to Romeo and Desmond, she had been sent over to scout them out. The game she was running was simply a front. In the end, Mona planned on making sure their asses suffered for the way they treated her.
“What it’s lookin’ like over there?” the leader of the trio asked once she reached him.
“It’s looking like those motherfuckers need to be dealt with early!” Mona vented. “If it’s one thing I hate, it’s an obnoxious ass nigga.”
Cackling, the leader handed her a small amount of cash for her services. They’d been running the same scheme together for years on unsuspecting cats. “Patience. All in due time,” he told Mona. “All in due time…”
Meanwhile, back in VIP, Romeo couldn’t stop gawking at Shayla. This time around she didn’t have her glasses on, and she looked stunning in her club wear.
Damn, she bad as hell, Romeo thought to himself.
Even though he’d gotten her number earlier, he had no real intentions on ever using it. Sometimes he did shit just to know he could—like getting the digits. Truth be told, Shayla seemed like too much of
a square for his standards. And judging from her standoffish attitude, he could see he wasn’t too far off.
Feeling as though Romeo was giving too much attention to Shayla, the female to his right quickly stood to her feet and left. She figured she was way too classy to be kicked out like her predecessor, so she departed quietly and willingly.
Romeo didn’t even bother stopping her as he continued to stare down Shayla. She was trying her hardest to pretend she didn’t see him as she stood next to Kimberlyn. He actually found her demeanor to be quite cute.
Normally, Romeo didn’t go for the good girl type, but there was something about Shayla that drew him to her.
The minute they finally made eye contact, Romeo beckoned her to join him.
Standing idly by—while looking extremely out of place—Shayla deliberated on whether or not she should. She already wasn’t feeling the groupies surrounding him. And she’d never been one to fight for attention…or over a man for that matter.
Quit playing. You know you want to, her conscience whispered.
Pushing her pride to the side, Shayla slowly made her way over towards him and sat down. Almost instantly the tension in the air thickened between the competitions.
“What’s up with you? Why you standin’ there lookin’ all mean and shit? I know that ain’t you,” Romeo said, playfully nudging her.
Shayla shrugged her shoulders, too nervous to make eye contact. “Clubs aren’t really my scene,” she told him.
“Oh yeah?” Romeo’s eyes shifted from her pretty face down to her thick chocolate legs. He didn’t see how a woman so gorgeous could be so timid. But Romeo was determined to break her out of her shell. “Well, loosen up a bit. Have a drink, and lemme help make it ya scene.”
In silence, Shayla watched as he poured her a generous shot of vodka. If she didn’t know any better she’d think he was purposely trying to get her loose. If I tell him I don’t drink, he’s probably gonna think I’m whack, she thought.
