“Oh really, Mel? Hair on your chest, huh…?” India laughed. “You can keep it. I’ll stick to sexy drinks.”
The food arrived and both of them got busy eating. India was really pleased with her choice. She cut the chicken into small morsels, devouring it. Melquan went to town on his steak and potatoes, sitting directly across from her.
“Hmm… Melquan, this barbecue chicken is to die for,” India said, licking her lips and smiling.
“It must be, I heard ya the other six times ya said it.”
“I have to give credit where credit is due. It’s really good.”
“Well, maybe I ordered the wrong damn thing then. My steak taste just like steak, nothin’ to write home ‘bout. And you won’t hear me hootin’ and hollerin’ over it.”
“Don’t be mad, Mel. Here, try some of my chicken. I guarantee you’ll like it.”
India picked up a piece of chicken on her fork, dipped it in to the sauce and affectionately attempted to feed Melquan. Eyeing her, he opened his mouth, and accepted the offering of food. Melquan slowly chewed the food, still looking into India’s eyes. Their eyes seemed to search each other’s soul. Smile overcame their queries.
“Wasn’t it really good?” India asked, smiling.
“What? That chicken was bangin’. I’m orderin’ that, the next time, for sure. What’s the name of that shit again?”
“Melquan, would you please watch your mouth. This is a public place there’s families with children here, hon. Its grilled chicken with Jack Daniel’s sauce, okay?”
“My bad,” Melquan said, looking embarrassed.
“Here’s another piece,” India offered.
Melquan gladly accepted and chewed with a smile. Everything was going great with their nice impromptu date. They shared laughter and small talk. Melquan and India were caught up in the moment and they seemed to be enjoying their quality time together. This was a side of Melquan that made India fall in love with him in the first place. It was the street persona of Melquan that she could do with less of. They were from two different worlds. India came from a two parent, middle class, household in New Rochelle, New York. Melquan was the product of a broken home. He grew up in the Edenwald projects.
There was a bond between Melquan and project life that India felt she couldn’t comprehend. It was like a magnetic force field that kept pulling him back in. She was trying to help him become a better man, but his occupation and familiarity seemed to play a huge factor in Melquan’s decisions. The mood remained light until India’s insecurity reared its ugly head.
“So, Melquan who was that girl I saw sitting in between your legs?” India asked.
Melquan was caught off-guard by India’s line of questioning. He thought he had gotten away with that act. Melquan fumbled with his thoughts, he knew his answer had better be justifiable good.
“What? Oh her…? That was nobody.”
“Oh really…?” India asked, raising her eyebrows in suspicion.
“Yeah, she’s nobody…?”
“I wonder… Hmm is that what you say about me when I’m not around, Mel? Who is she to you? And please, don’t tell me she’s nobody, Melquan.”
Sipping her third Apple Martini, India watched Melquan squirming under her direct line of questioning. Melquan didn’t want to go there, but India was giving him no choice.
“Is that all you got to say? She’s nobody...? Melquan, I know you. If that was me, there had better be a good explanation. That man had better be my father. Or there would’ve been hell to pay.”
“Look India, if you must really know, that’s Mike Copeland’s cousin. True story, we stash guns and drugs in her crib. She works with us. And that’s all! We had drugs stashed in da area, so she just sat there to make it look good. Just in case five-oh roll on us. Whatever’s goin’ down, we’d just look like we together. Matter fact, she came right before you rolled up.”
Searching for the truth in his expression, India stared deep in Melquan’s eyes. Feelings of compassion were returned. She reached over and gently kissed his lips.
“Thanks for explaining that to me. I don’t know the ins and outs of all your business, but seeing another woman up on you like that, makes my skin crawl. That’s why I’m so happy you took the time out of your day to spend it with me. I really feel so special, Melquan.”
“That’s cause you are special, India.”
India reached out and grabbed his hands and stared lovingly at Melquan.
“I’m glad you believe me…” Melquan started to say, but India put her finger on his lips.
“Oh, I believe you, Melquan. I just don’t want history repeating itself. I told you, the next time, I’m gonna hav’to take a stand. And you might not like the stand I take.”
“A’ight, you got that. I can respect that,” Melquan smiled.
“You understand me now, Melquan? Cause I don’t wanna have to get ghetto all on a bitch. Ya know...? Throw on my sneaks, hoodie and jeans, grease my face up and go whip a bitch ass for my man…” India said, putting on her best ghetto girl act.
“I couldn’t picture that with a Sony camcorder,” Melquan laughed.
“Don’t get it twisted, kid. It could ugly when I spaz out. Lucky for you, I’m way past that. I’m too much of a lady, a mature one with a son. I learned a long time ago that you can’t keep a man anywhere he doesn’t want to be.”
“I hear that. Check please,” Melquan said, waving at the waiter.
“It’s my treat, Melquan. You’re always doing something for me. Let me do something for you once, please…?”
India pulled out her credit and checked it. She put it back and pulled out another out of her purse.
“You good, hon? You know I got this, right?”
Melquan pulled a fat bankroll and paid the waiter. He placed a big tip on the table. India eyed him and kept her eyes peeled on the amount of money in the hustler’s hand.
“Gosh Melquan, business must be really, really good,” she said, eyeing the money.
“Yeah, it’s doin’ a lil’ sumthin, sumthin,” Melquan quietly smiled.
“You’ve got to be walking around with about six months of my salary in your pockets.”
“I don’t know‘bout all that now,” Melquan smiled.
“I do,” India laughed. “If you pull out any more money, I’ll be very tempted to rob you,” India laughed.
“Oh, I see you got jokes, huh? You don’t have to rob me. I’ll easily get butt naked and empty my pockets for you, baby.”
“Okay, okay stop tempting me. You know I gotta go get Zach from his after school program.”
They laughed effortlessly, leaving the restaurant. Maybe this will work Melquan was thinking getting into the car. India walked to the passenger side with him then she opened the door, and shut it after he got inside. She ran around to the driver’s side and jumped in.
“India, what’s wrong with you, girl?” he asked. “You just grinnin’ from ear to ear.
“I’m happy,” she smiled. “For the first time in along time, I got somebody that I truly want to be with and who wants to be with me. Life is soo good.”
Chapter Fourteen
Geting a Rep…
It was an evening after school. Fall was bum rushing the projects. The air was crispy and new. Jose Jr. locked the door to his apartment with a smile because he had put one over on his dad. Again his father fell for the library routine, this time it was even easier. Maria did not attempt to block, like she had done in the past. They had a conversation and he made her realized, she had been causing him to be on punishment too often. She agreed, relaxed, and now he could breathe.
One of the building’s elevators was temporarily out of service. Jose decided to take the stairs. He heard loud voices and smelled the strong scent of weed when he entered the staircase. Jose loosened his waistband, and his jeans hung low. He twisted the red NY Yankee fitted, pulled it down to his nose and let his backpack sagged.
Quickly Jose began his descent toward
the buildings lobby. In no time he was with a group of teenagers, all of whom he knew.
“What’s good, Jose?” one of the kids said.
“G mackin’...” Jose replied.
Showing him love, the others gave him dap and hugs. There were changes in his demeanor. That squeaky clean catholic school image was quickly fading. Jose’s street persona was now in full affect.
“Whatcha gettin’ into now, Jose…?”
“I’m getting’ready ta go do my thing in da shoe, son…”
“Oh word?” one kid shouted.
“Do me…” Jose bragged.
“Be careful out there,” another teen said. “We goin’ over to the center to see what’s poppin’ in there.”
“A’ight, I’ll holla at y’all later,” Jose said.
Jose walked down the rest of the steps, bopping. His swagger was at an all time high. His new Nike ACG boots squeaked whenever he took a step. He was ready, jeans sagging and his black hoodie low on his face. Jose was walking the walk.
Mike Copeland was the first to see him and smiled. Jose walked over to him like a soldier reporting for duty. He gave Mike Copeland a firm handshake and awaited further orders.
“What up, Jose? You ready for work or what…?”
“You know it…”
“That’s da fuck I wanna hear,” Mike Copeland answered with authority.
He nodded to one of his workers, who quickly walked over to Jose and handed him a package of crack. Jose’s heart began pumping faster. Blood rushed to his head and made him dizzy. Mike Copeland looked at the transformed Jose, and a smile pasted his lips.
“A’ight Jose, let’s see da fuck you made of, right now. Cuz, here comes your first custie,” Mike Copeland said, turning away.
A strong craving for crack cocaine brought Tess through the horseshoe. She was looking for the best crack available, and knew exactly who had it. Mentally she had already bypassed other drug dealers, preferring to look for those with more familiar faces. She hoped, they would give her the best deal.
Tess stopped in front of the building Melquan’s operation was run out of. Mike Copeland disappeared into a nearby building, anticipating her begging.
“What’s good?” Jose called out. “I got what you need, right here. Come check me out!”
His new face so automatically drew a suspicious stare from Tess.
“Who you…?” Tess wondered aloud.
“Why?”
“Cause I asked,” Tess replied. “I ain’t never seen you out here before.”
“Just cause you ain’t never seen me, don’t mean I ain’t been out here.”
“Oh, you gotta smart mouth too, huh?” Tess commented. “You seen Mike?”
“Mike? Who dat…?”
“Mike Copeland! Don’t play stupid, I’m a grown ass woman.”
“Oh him…? Nah he ain’t out here right now. But I’m holding down his thing.”
“You are, huh? Why didn’t you say that? Lemme see it.”
Jose was shook at first, but impressing Mike spurred him to action. He reached into the bag and pulled out a handful of dimes of crack. Tess carefully inspected the drug, looking for the biggest rocks. When she found them she placed them inside the palm of her hand.
Tess announced, “All I got is ten dollars. Can I get these two dimes for ten? Mike’s my peeps and he always hooks me up.”
“Well, I ain’t Mike,” Jose snapped.
“Please, please,” Tess begged in her softest voice. “Maybe we can work sumthin out. I do a lil’ sumthin, sumthin for you, and you take care of me.”
“Look Miss. You can’t do nothing for me. I’m good. All I want from you is that paper.”
“Well, fuck it then. Take this lil funky-ass ten dollars. I ain’t got time for your bullshit. I’ll see Mike another time… You know what you ain’t never gon’ get no money being so petty,” Tess erupted, handed him the ten bucks turned to walk away.
“Yo Miss, wait a minute, you forgettin’ sumthin. Where’s my other dime at?”
“What?”
“Yo, don’t play stupid with me, Miss,” Jose warned. “I know what I gave you. Open your hand.”
Tess started to make a run for it, but was sure the kid would catch her. Once he did there was no telling what he might do. Tess didn’t know this kid and there was no telling what kind of beating he was capable of inflicting. Tess thought better of the situation and decided to return the drug.
“Huh…?” she said, pressing the crack back into Jose’s palm.
Jose quickly inspected it. Satisfied the package was the same that he had given her, Jose didn’t utter another word. He watched her walk away.
“Heads up, here comes another one…”
Jose snapped back to reality when he heard Mike Copeland’s voice. Alerted back to his grind, he reached into the bag to for more of the product to pitch another potential customer. Under the watchful eyes of Mike Copeland, Jose set about his grind. He never noticed the other eyes who were watching him. A pair belonged to someone who was very friendly with his father.
Charlie Rock rolled into the horseshoe unannounced. The man in the wheelchair was completely disappointed watching his friend’s son get his grind on. His stomach turned when he saw Jose Jr. hustling. His father didn’t get out the game and make other great sacrifices for his family’s sake, just so his son could hustle drugs.
The game wasn’t for lil Jose, plain and simple. Charlie Rock knew he had to do something about the new drug dealer in the horseshoe. He tugged at his silver and black goatee, racking his brain for an answer. Charlie Rock wanted to do something would curtail Jose’s chosen career path.
According to his street indoctrination, snitching was done by snitches. He found fault in himself for what he wanted to do. Telling his friend would be going against everything he ever stood for in the game. Talking to the boy’s father weighed heavily on his mind. Charlie Rock would have to contemplate this thought long and hard before he could make a decision.
Jose Jr. was making drug transaction after drug transaction, when he noticed a wheelchair bound man coming his way. He reached into his stash and removed a handful of crack. Jose was well aware that addicts come in all shapes and sizes, normal and paralyzed. Seeking to get a closer look, Charlie Rock guided his wheelchair over to the new drug dealer in the horseshoe.
“What up, my man,” he greeted. “This the first time I seen you out here.”
“Well get a good look, daddy, cuz it won’t be the last. You a’ight? Need sumthin. Holla atcha boy…” Jose’s reply was smooth.
Hustling was in his blood. His father was a damn good one before he was born. Charlie Rock’s mind was distracted sizing up the young man.
“Ya want sumthin’ good, or what?”
He heard the young hustler’s chant and Charlie Rock looked at him and smiled, shaking his head.
“Nah nephew, I’m good!” Charlie Rock assured him.
With the prospect of making a sale gone, Jose turned his attention to other would-be customers. Charlie Rock maneuvered his battery-powered wheelchair a few feet away and continued to watch in disbelief. He was unable to shake that sickening feeling gnawing at his stomach.
Chapter Fifteen
To The Victor, The Spoils
It was still early, seven in the morning, and Melquan was resting comfortably in the bed. His manhood was suddenly aroused once more as soon as he spotted India walking out of the bathroom, just a towel clinging to her wet, shapely body. Melquan fondled her ass when she passed by him. Whether it was pure physical attraction or animal magnetism, Melquan had a thing for India. He couldn’t deny that.
India knew Melquan wanted morning sex from the first touch. It was the normal routine for him. Even though India couldn’t always accommodate Melquan’s yearnings, she tried to satisfy him. She was well aware of the fact that Melquan was the type to stray. Whenever she could help it, India didn’t want to give him any excuses.
“I got to go to work and you
’re gonna make me late, Melquan,” she protested in vain.
Melquan’s fingers were already rubbing her clit. It was no use resisting, India opened her legs and gave him more.
“Damn Melquan, you’re making it difficult for me to say no...!” she screamed when he raised her.
She hoisted and wrapped her legs around his waist. India threw her wet hair back and kissed Melquan when she felt the deep penetration. Her ass rose up and down in rhythm with his thrust. Her kiss dragged on long and sweet. Their passion was real and she sucked on his neck. It was the first time. Melquan’s body bucked faster and she did it again and again. Melquan’s mind was reeling from tasting ecstasy. He sucked on her breasts harder, while she bit his neck and earlobe. Her mouth drove him over the edge and he exploded.
“Ooh yeah, Melquan. Give it all to me!” she begged, moving her ass faster.
Melquan crammed his dick to the hilt inside her hot pussy. The friction of their lovemaking set her on fire and she erupted into an orgasm, holding her breath.
“Oh God, oh my no… This feels soo good!” India screamed.
She ran back into the bathroom and Melquan fell against the bed panting. He was ready to go again. By the time he got to the bathroom, India had already taken a quick shower and was getting in her bra and panties. She threw a towel at Melquan.
“Boy, I’ve got to go to work. Will you be here when I get home?” India asked, slipping into her nurse’s duds.
“I’ll probably step out for a few, but I’ll be back. More than likely, I’ll be here by time you get home.”
“Okay Melquan, make sure you lock up when you leave. And be careful out there. I’ll see you later,” India said, kissing him flush on the lips.
“A’ight, see you later. Have a good day at work.”
Melquan could afford to relax. Mike Copeland had the business under control. He was doing a good job of running the show. Still whatever he needed Melquan would always be there to assist, be it physical, maybe just giving advice. Melquan would continue to hold Mike Copeland down anyway he could. When it came to making money, Melquan didn’t have an ego. He knew that Mike’s success was his success and vice-versa.
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