by Tiece
“Yeah, I see. I’m really proud of my lil homey. He really did his thing,” Dmitri said looking around the fairground covered with tricked out vehicles, vending spots where people could buy food, portable potties, and even a section with bounce house rentals for the kids.” Dmitri smiled and nodded with delight. “See I don’t mind helping people who do what they say they’re gonna do with my money.”
They both got out of the truck and walked around enjoying the scene. Women were already walking by saying lil slick shit or just wanting to meet them to see if they had a car in the show. This was their way of seeing if it was a good time to holla at some very attractive men that had it going on. Plus, they were dressed so fly that women couldn’t help but stare or come over.
As they were meeting new faces and checking out the different vehicles, Ronnie showed up out of nowhere and tapped Dmitri on the shoulder. Dmitri turned to face his friend and hugged him with a dap that followed.
“What’s up potna?” Dmitri spoke.
“Ain’t nothing my man,” Ronnie spoke back. Ronnie and Dmitri had been best of friends since middle school. He was the only someone that stayed loyal to him after he lost his parents and once Dmitri took flight with Dom then Ronnie followed suit.
“Aye, what’s up Malcolm?”
“Ain’t nothing much Ronnie,” Malcolm spoke back giving Ronnie dap. They were friends because of Dmitri, but like Russell, Ronnie didn’t stick around when he was hanging out with Dmitri. It was just an unspoken code that they all followed. It was the only way to keep business transactions or talks private between the other.
“Aye excuse me Malcolm. I just need to holla at Dmitri for a second.”
“Go ‘head. I’m just gonna be checking out these whips and shit. Handle ya business.”
“Yeah, I’ll be right back potna.” Dmitri said as he and Ronnie walked off to a private corner of the fairgrounds to talk.
“So have you heard anything about the hit yet?” Ronnie asked.
“Not yet, but I expect to hear something soon.”
“Do you even know who we’re knocking off?” Ronnie pondered.
“I don’t even know. I haven’t gotten an address or anything yet. I do know that it’s close by and if he wants it done he’ll give us ample amount of time to get there.”
“Okay, sounds good.”
“I hope it’s a quick in and out because I don’t plan on sticking around too long. I have a nice lil mini vacation that I’m taking right after to San Antonio, Texas.”
“Oh’ yeah, I forgot about that. So dude is straight on the mollies and shit now?”
“Yep, that’s why I’m pulling out not long after. Once Dom says it’s clear then I’m outta here. I’ma stay there for a couple weeks because I need this vacation then I’ll be back.”
“I don’t blame you, potna. Hell, it seems like we’re vacationing everyday with the nice whips, stylish gear, and pockets full of cash, but ain’t nothing like a getaway. I honestly love it, because that’s the only time I get to relax and clear my mind.” He said thinking that he also needed to take a vacation soon. “Shiiit, I wish I could go with you but Dom wants me to stick around.”
“I feel you. That comes with being his right hand man.” Ronnie casually stated.
“I know right,” Dmitri responded thinking that being Dom’s right hand man was no joke because he was more important than a doctor; always on call.”
“Well, I’ma get outta here. I got this lil shorty waiting on me over by the entrance. I think I’m gonna go get me some pussy before I murk whoever this poor soul is.” Dmitri grinned, but Ronnie didn’t. He’d made a joke but he rarely laughed at anything. “A’ight my man, we’ll talk soon.”
“Yep, I’ll call you.” Dmitri said. Ronnie threw up the deuces as he saluted his partner then just as quick as he came, he was leaving. Dmitri walked the fairgrounds checking out the vehicles and getting his mack on with the beautiful women there as he scanned the crowd to see if he could spot Malcolm.
Malcolm was checking out this fly ass 1986 Chevrolet Silverado sitting on 28’ inch VCT God Father Rims. It was midnight blue with a black pearl and the hood was up showing a very clean all chrome small block 350 motor. He already knew that it sounded good even though the truck was shut off. The owner of the truck walked over to him.
“What’s up, man?” Malcolm spoke. “I’m digging your whip. This bitch is clean as hell.”
“Oh, I appreciate that, man. I’ve put a lot of work in it.”
“I can tell.” He said still admiring the truck. “Aye my name is Malcolm Chandler.” He said reaching out for a handshake.
“I’m Gerome Prince,” he stated shaking his hand.
“Are you from around here?” Malcolm asked.
“Nah, I’m originally from Burke County, but I’m usually a traveler. My job requires it.”
“Oh okay, I gotta partner that travels through the county quite often he said thinking of Cash, but it was nice to meet you, man. Le’me know when you wanna sell that truck.” Gerome laughed as if that wasn’t going to happen any time soon but he gave him dap anyway and they parted ways. Malcolm looked down at his phone as it rang. It was Amara calling.
What the hell she wants now? He thought almost not answering it because Amara had already gotten on his bad side and there was nothing she could do to change that at that point.
“Yeah,” he answered.
“Malcolm,” she said sounding a bit chipper at that point. “I spoke up for you and let’s just say that you can keep Diamond around. You don’t have to break things off.”
At first, Malcolm was happy, but then he thoroughly thought about it. “For how long I wonder?” he pondered. “It’s like I can stay with her now but how long will it take before we’re back at the point of me having to leave her?”
“Malcolm, from my understanding, you’ll be able to stay with her. This shouldn’t come up again as long as you stay on the right track.”
“But why tell me to move on with somebody else then want me to end things after I’ve been with her for three years?”
“Because you love her now and she isn’t just there to help you get over me anymore.” She simply said, remembering that it was a deal that the two of them had made in order for her to help him ease the pain of his broken heart. He ended up at Shake a Tail Feathers by doing just as Amara had said. She knew of pretty girls that worked there that just needed a break and he was to go there and choose one, but to find something in her that would help him get over her while also helping the girl get on her feet. The only problem was that Malcolm ended up falling for the girl within a couple of months and the rest was history; so seemed his feelings for Amara. “If you fuck up in this game, people or things that you love the most are the first things taken from you.” She said thinking that Malcolm was removed out of her life because she’d broken a golden rule by falling in love with one of workers.
“What’s the change of heart though?”
“I don’t know. I guess for once he heard me out.” She said.
Malcolm smiled. “You ain’t playing with me are you?”
“You must’ve forgotten who you are talking too? I don’t play remember.” She said with a slight smile. It just made her happy to know that he was back happy. “Well, I gotta go but we’ll talk soon.” She then ended their call. Malcolm smiled from ear to ear. He was feeling so much better now.
Dmitri finally spotted Malcolm and walked over to him. “Are you enjoying yourself, potna?”
“Yeah, this shit is nice as hell. Lil homey did good.” He said looking down at his phone again. It was Diamond calling. “Aye excuse me, fam. It’s my girl.” He said walking off a bit for a more private conversation.
“What’s up babe?” he answered.
“I didn’t wanna bother you but I was calling to tell you that I’ll be going to pick up Amber later on.”
“Why?” he questioned. “I thought we discussed letting your mama keep her for the weekend. Quit be
ing so stubborn Diamond. Let her stay like we agreed.”
“Honestly, I would, but when I called to check on her, mama was talking about some break-ins that had been occurring in the area and that one man ran up in this woman’s house while she was home. Mama said that the lady was on the news saying that when the robber kicked her door in and saw her sitting there watching TV he took off running.”
Malcolm frowned. “Damn, what kinda shit is that?” he silently thought about it for a few seconds. “Yeah go get her. Tell your mom to come over and stay some nights too.” He said determined to take this time to help them rebuild their relationship.
“Baby, she doesn’t have to come,” Diamond said really not feeling the idea at all.
“What I tell you about being stubborn,” he said with a smile on his face because it was part of her stubbornness that turned him on.
“Okay, but only for a couple of days. I can’t be around the woman long or I’ll choke her.”
He laughed out loud. “At least a week baby,” he said.
“Yeah, we’ll see. Oh and just a heads up, I’m going out to eat with Tammy and the girls first then I’ll go to mama’s and pick them up. She may not want to come, but if she doesn’t then I’m leaving her ass. I ain’t doing no begging.”
Malcolm shook his head. “I love you baby. I’ll see you tonight when I get home.”
She grinned. “I love you too baby. I’ll see you later.” They ended their call. By the time Malcolm turned his back Dmitri was just hanging up his phone.
“It seems we got hotlines today, potna.” Dmitri said with a smile.
“Yeah, that was my girl right there or shall I say my better half. I think I’ma marry her one day.” Malcolm said causing Dmitri to smile because he never spoke of his woman, not too funny.
“That’s beautiful,” Dmitri responded always wanting a woman like that in his life. “Well, let’s grab a bite to eat and keep browsing the grounds. I heard that Trina was about to perform in a little while anyway. I need to run up on a shorty like yours and wife one of ‘em tonight. Hell it might even be Trina. She is, of course, the baddest bitch.” He smiled, causing Malcolm to laugh out loud as he continued.
“We’re turning up tonight potna! I don’t have anywhere to be and hopefully you don’t either.” He said feeling pretty good that Dom had called and told him that he didn’t have to be with Ronnie when the hit took place. He’d also spoken to Ronnie already with all the information that he needed to know so Dmitri was free for the night. As they walked the grounds he wanted to call Ronnie and make sure that he was good but no sooner than he could pull his phone out to call, two sexy ass girls walked up to them. Malcolm smiled, but knew he had a woman that would be home waiting for him, but his right hand man, already had plans of fucking one or both before the night was over.
Chapter 15
Lance was lying across the plush bed in the hotel suite at the Holiday Inn. The curtains were pulled back on the balcony doors as a cool night breeze blew briskly through the room. The sun was just setting and he could see the beautiful night sky showing rich colors of red, orange, blue and purple mixed with the gray clouds. This would’ve been a perfect moment if Chloe had been there. His thoughts reflected on her and how she’d been carrying on some kind of scandalous in the past few weeks. It was like she changed overnight. One minute she was down for her man and the next it seemed as if she was down for leaving his ass. He sighed while picking up the phone to call his brother.
Russell answered almost immediately. “What’s up bro?”
“What’s up kid,” Lance spoke back. “I got them cookies ready for you if you wanted to come and get them.”
“Oh nah bro,” Russell responded. “I thought I was going to be able to come out, but man I still feel sick as hell from last night. Tammy cooked for me to eat something but I don’t wanna eat. My stomach still ain’t right.” His thoughts were that it was payback for kissing his brother’s ol’ lady.
“Damn kid, you were really getting your drink on. I don’t remember when you had a hangover that lasted this long. You normally shake that shit off and keep it moving with another drink in your hand.” Lance shook his head feeling bad for his baby brother. “You should’ve woke up and drunk a beer. You know that’s what normally brings you back.”
“Man, I couldn’t drink anything this morning. Don’t seem like nothing wants to go down but somehow it’s finding a way to come up.” He said thinking about throwing up right after he’d tried to eat.
“Sorry to hear you’re feeling like that. Shit, I’m feeling fucked up too, but that’s neither here nor there. Just get well soon.”
“Preciate that bro,” Russell said. “You know I’ll get at you later,” he said just wanting to lie down and sleep that fucked feeling off.
“A’ight kid,” Lance said then they ended their call. Lance sat up on the side of the bed. His mind was cluttered and the only person on it was Chloe and her recent behavior. The shit honestly had him fucked up. Maybe after taking a shower and pulling himself together he could began to feel better.
He sighed slowly rubbing across his deep waved hair then feeling the need to step out on the balcony. Hopefully the breeze coming in from the cool front could help clear his thoughts. As he walked out on the balcony he could see clear across the Augusta area. The night lights from cars traveling, highway and street lights brightly shining, and buildings still running businesses were lit up making the scene look like a perfect 3D photo as he gazed silently. He looked out into the open sky noticing small specks of stars beginning to show just that quickly. There was only one person at that time that he could talk too without it ever going anywhere.
“God, I need you.” He prayed in a low tone. “I don’t know what’s going on in my life. Maybe I’m being punished for going back on my word. I know I said that I was done with drugs, but I’m just trying to make a living and keep my head above water. Please don’t punish me for that. If it helps at all please know that I’m not using. That is one promise that I’ll keep.” He disappointedly shook his head, because deep down he knew that he was wrong but getting back in the game was the only thing at that point that made things right.
“I pray that you can understand my heart right now and just keep me safe in all that I do. I don’t know what’s going on in my relationship but if this isn’t meant to be then show me. I don’t wanna stay in something that’s not meant for me. I love Chloe, but it seems like she’s been really testing me lately. I’m not a fool. I’ve been around. Anytime, your girl starts acting out for no reason either she’s messing around or she’s tired and wants to move on. Maybe she was already tired but just tried to stick it out with a brother. I don’t know God, but I just want to be happy and I want her to be happy too. In Jesus name I love and thank you.” He bowed his head and closed his eyes. “Amen.”
The sound of the city noises had him caught in a trance as he stood there listening to his surroundings. He had a sick gut feeling that made him want to cry, but he didn’t know what he’d be crying for.
Out of nowhere a familiar sounding voice could be heard close by. It caught him off guard because it was only one person he knew laughed like that. He looked to the side of him at the balcony that was next door. The slide doors were open, but he wasn’t close enough to peek inside the room. He frowned, hearing the faint giggling of the person again so he leaned in as close as he could to see if he could hear anything else. Just as the laughter seemed to grow louder as if the person was about to walk out on the balcony; a banging knock on his room door startled him. He damn near jumped out of his skin.
“Damn,” he said forgetting about what was going on next door and trying to see who the hell was beating on his room door like the law. He looked out of the peep hole and frowned. “What is she doing here?” he questioned himself knowing that he hadn’t mentioned anything about where he was going to nobody but his brother. He just jumped in his car and left. He reached for the doorknob. No sooner than he could op
en the door Chloe barged in like a wild animal.
“Where the fuck is she?” She asked scanning the room like she’d lost her mind.
Lance was caught off guard. “What the fuck is wrong with you?”
Chloe rushed inside the bathroom. “Oh don’t play with me,” she said snatching the shower curtains back to find an empty tub. “I know somebody is in here.” She started making her way out to the balcony, but Lance grabbed her by the arm and shook her.
“WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH YOU!” his voice roared with a very stern tone.
“I know you’re fucking around on me,” Chloe cried then swiftly slapped Lance across his face with a hard lick. From there it was like he blanked out. When he’d realized what he was doing it was too late. His hand was gripped around her neck choking her up against the wall with her feet dangling in the air. She squirmed to get loose until her body damn near became limp.
“Bitch, you don’t know who you fucking with but you gon’ learn today!” Lance yelled finally loosening the tight grip on her neck then stood back as he watched her fall to the floor, trying her best to catch her breath. She coughed, gasping for air. It was like he didn’t know who she was and she was starting to make him doubt who he was.
He grabbed his head pacing in a circle trying to calm his nerve then looked over at Chloe. “I can’t do this no more. If you want to fuck somebody else then just do that. Leave me the fuck alone before I been done hurt you.”
Chloe lay on the floor relieved that she was finally able to breathe a little easier. She cried feeling really embarrassed because it was a part of her that was hoping it was a girl there. A part of her felt that it would’ve eased her guilty conscience but the truth was that she had no business being there. She’d not been perfect in their relationship and had no right to point fingers but she didn’t know of any other way to push him away. She was done being in a relationship with a man who had no clue on what it was like to live legit. At any given time he could be whisked away again and she wasn’t going to wait this time. She didn’t feel the need to, and his actions had just solidified her decision to leave him.
