She Used to Be the Sweetest Girl

by Briann Danae

  “You look just like my no good baby daddy. I don’t want no parts of that,” Neka chuckled.

  “Shit, I take care of kids too. Want me to play stepdaddy?” Dell asked and everyone laughed. He was dead serious though. He didn’t mind putting on a front to get the pussy; he had two kids of his own.

  “Naaah, I think I’ll pass on that,” Neka said still laughing. Smiling, she let him finally grab her hand, just to be nice. Curious to know more about chubby chubs, she made a mental note to find out exactly who he was. The resemblance between him and her baby’s daddy had her interested.

  “It’s all good. You gone want me later,” Dell laughed.

  Reilyn and Vino were enjoying their own little conversation and exchanging credentials. The guy she made eye contact with when they first approached the group, stood back just peeping the scene. That had always been his thing to do. Eyeing Reilyn as she flirted with Vino, a frown appeared across his face. Not wanting to show his discomfort, he excused himself away from the group and headed toward the restroom. Pulling his cell out, he called one of his homeboys up.

  “Yeah. Hello? We good. Nah, He don’t know yet, and that’s how it should stay.” He went silent waiting for the other person to respond. “I’ll try to get that all mapped before we do anything. Yeah nigga .. alright. Hit my line later.” Hanging up the phone, he walked back out to see everyone ready to part ways.

  “It was nice running into you. Can’t wait to see you tonight,” Reilyn said, hugging Vino.

  She didn’t care if this was her first time actually meeting him; she wanted to feel his body against hers. Pulling away, Reilyn smirked. Saying their goodbyes, the girls walked away. Vino had his eyes focused on Reilyn’s backside, just as all the other men did. She was carrying major weight behind her and there was no way they weren’t going to look.

  “Maaan, she thick then a muthafucka,” Dell said.

  “Hell yeah! That nigga Vino gotta pass her to us after he smash. I know she got some kill,” one of his friends said.

  “Y’all niggas wild man. Who said I was even going to fuck her?” Everybody stopped walking and looked back at him with the “yeah right” face.

  “Shit, if you don’t. I definitely will my nigga,” Dell said, making them laugh.

  That was the furthest thing from Vino’s mind. She may have been thick and cute in the face, but sometimes you have to pass up a chick or two. To him, not everyone was worth sexing. He was focused anyway. He didn’t have time for no clingy shit. He had only got her number so he could see where her head was at. Vino may have been a young nigga, but he was wise beyond his years.

  Nine

  Brix scrolled through her laptop looking for well-kept, but affordable cars. Her mama had finally convinced her to trade her car in after getting it fixed. The damages cost her a pretty penny and some of them she could not pay for in one lump sum. The Camry shop explained they would have her still riding in style, but that’s not what she wanted to hear. She simply wanted her car back.

  Not only were there damages done to the car, but somehow the engine all of sudden had issues as well. Not wanting to stress about the car anymore than she had to, Brix put her feelings to the side and prepared herself for a new car. The dealership offered her a nice amount of money for her trade in and she was more than grateful.

  “Have you found anything yet?” her mama asked, stepping into her bedroom doorway.

  Raising her head from the screen, Brix sighed and shook her head no.

  “Not yet. Nothing is really catching my eye. It’s either too high and exactly what I want or the perfect price, but the monthly payments are outrageous.”

  “Are you looking at brand new cars Brix?” her mother asked, already knowing the answer.

  “Well, I was at first. They are offering me a good amount for the trade in.”

  “That’s why you aren’t finding anything. You need to look more in your price range. Meaning a couple thousand dollars less than what they are offering you. You still have to get tags, insurance and everything else.”

  Sighing heavily, Brix shut the laptop. She had been searching for over an hour on all different websites, and at this point, she was tired. Blinking her burning eyes a few times, she looked at her mama.

  “I’ll look again in a few hours. This is stressful.”

  “I know it is, but you have to get out of this funk. How do you expect to get around every day?” Mrs. Carla asked, walking further into the room.

  She barely came upstairs to Brix room. Those stairs were killer on her knees. Before the accident, she wouldn’t mind going up there and tidying up a little bit and reminisce of when Brix was still a young girl. She cherished the moments she’d have to sit her down and chastise her about things. Brix never really got in trouble, but she was way too nice to people and her mama couldn’t stand it. Although she was proud to have raised her with respect, Brix thought no one could do any wrong. She found out the hard way dealing with Drew though.

  “Ma, I know ways to get from point A to point B.”

  “I sure hope so Brix. I know that was some female just hating on you. Why else would they do that much damage?” she asked, shaking her head.

  “It’s Shemel. They love him ma, like really love him. I don’t know if it was one of his groupies or a secret girlfriend or what, but they went to work on my poor car,” Brix replied, shaking her head. She still wasn’t over the incident.

  “Speaking of Shemel. Where has he been at?”

  “Busy. He’s headed out of town tomorrow for some business meetings for his music,” Brix said smiling.

  Even though she had only been knowing him for a short amount of time, Brix was super proud of him. His hustle and ambition was out of his world and he deserved everything that was about to take place in his life. She was a little sad he would be gone for two weeks, but none the less supportive. He would only be a FaceTime call away.

  “Have you listened to any of his songs,” her mama asked grinning.

  “Yes, I have no choice really. It’s either his music or some other rappers. We gone have to change that though.”

  “You really like him don’t you?”

  “He’s alright,” Brix blushed.

  “He keeps a smile on your face, so he’s alright with me too then. Now all we need to do is find out who messed up your car and maybe he’ll be more than alright,” Mrs. Carla said chuckling.

  “Yeah, that’s what I’m waiting on too. You cooking tonight?” Brix asked, tossing the cover from over her legs. It was still early in the morning and her day off. No matter how late she tried to sleep in, her body was used to being up early and on the go no later than seven.

  “Yes ma’am. I have some chicken thawing out now in the fridge.”

  Brix stomach growled at the mention of food. Grabbing her phone, she started to text Carissa and Lexi in their group chat about breakfast. Carissa texted back immediately confirming she was down. She was never one to miss a meal. Lexi replied, stating Trey had just made it home from off the road and they were spending some quality time together. Smiling, Brix replied an okay and told Carissa to come pick her up in an hour.

  Carissa: An hour! Girl, I could fix my own breakfast in an hour. Bye!

  Cracking up, Brix replied with laughing emoji’s. Carissa was too much. An hour was nothing compared to the time they had to always wait on her.

  Brix: Whatever Rissa. I’ll just ask Ma.

  Carissa: Okay damn. I’ll go and you better be ready

  Laughing, Brix hopped out of bed, and started to head toward the restroom when her phone started ringing. Turning back around, she snatched it up and a huge grin appeared across her face.

  “Hello,” she sang into the phone. That’s just what type of mood he put her in. Made her wanna sing to him.

  “Good morning to you, too,” Shemel, chuckled. “Someone’s in a good mood.”

  “Good morning. I wasn’t at first, but it's turning around. You ready for your trip?”

 
“Yes and no. I’m hype for the opportunities, but I have stuff here I need to handle.”

  “Stuff like what,” Brix asked, placing him on speaker phone so she could brush her teeth.

  “See you. Run the streets a little more and get this paper. They talking about we leaving tonight and my ass haven’t even been to sleep yet.”

  After spitting and washing her face, Brix rubbed some cocoa butter on her smooth skin and picked the phone back up.

  “You need to get more sleep, Shemel. That’s not healthy,” she chastised.

  “I’ll sleep when I die baby. Where you at though? I’m tryna take you out before I head out. Aye, turn right there,” Mel said, giving someone directions.

  “I’m at home. Where else would I be. Where are you?”

  “Shit, I’m outside. Throw some clothes on.”

  “What! Why are you outside?” Brix asked, scrambling to throw some jeans on. They were the closest thing to her. Looking through her closet, she pulled out an over-sized sweater and threw a bra on before maneuvering it over her head. Running back to the bathroom, she puffed her hair out. After spraying on a few squirts of perfume, she slipped on her boots. Ain’t nothing like rushing to get ready when ya man is outside. She was moving like the speed of lightening. Grabbing her purse, she ran downstairs.

  “What you doing man,” Mel asked, laughing.

  “I’m about to walk out now. Ma! I’m gone,” Brix yelled out, heading toward the front door.

  “I’m pulling on the street now. Don’t come out yet. I gotta use the bathroom,” Mel lied. He didn’t have to pee at all; he just wanted to really surprise Brix. She thought he forgot all about him mentioning a car, but little did she know he had done the exact opposite.

  “Oh, okay. See you in a few,” Brix hung up and flopped down on the couch.

  “What you in here hollering about,” Mrs. Carla asked, walking in the living room.

  “I was about to leave, but Shemel has to use the bathroom,” Brix replied, pulling out her phone to text Carissa. She didn’t just want to cancel her plans with her, but she also wanted to spend time with him by herself. The quality time and his presence was always appreciated.

  “We talked him up huh?” her mama asked grinning. She adored Shemel. Not only was he a gentleman, but also bringing out a side of Brix she hadn’t seen in a while. It was good to see her so happy lately.

  “I guess so,” Brix replied, with a smile.

  Shemel sat in the passenger seat twirling the key fob in his hand, admiring the smooth driving of the vehicle he had just purchased. He wasn’t big on dropping huge amounts of bread for no reason, but Brix was well-deserving of this gift. He decided to make the purchase immediately after seeing her car and didn’t second guess his decision not once.

  The truth behind the damages of her vehicle was eating him alive, but he knew he couldn’t tell her. At least not yet. With him going out of town, there was no telling how Brix would react to the scandalous act Reilyn committed. He didn’t expect for her to be cool with the shit. What female would? Cutting him off while he was out of town wasn’t an option though. He’d keep the secret just that until the timing was right.

  “You can pull into the driveway,” he told the guy from the dealership.

  Pierre was driving Shemel’s Yukon, trailing behind them. Mel had called him early that morning asking to do him a favor and of course he said yes. He knew his boy was trying to get back in good graces. The driver pulled in the driveway and Mel hopped out. He was dressed casual in some dark jeans, a gray Supreme hoodie, with his Cool Greys on. Those were still one of his favorite pair of 11’s. His dreads were freshly twisted and braided into two French braids to the back. His manager suggested not wearing his dreads in the bun he usually threw it up in or all over his head.

  Ringing the door bell, he stood somewhat nervous waiting for Brix to come to the door. He knew she didn’t want a new car, but against her whining and demands, Mel did what he thought was right. No matter how much she complained about her Camry, he wanted to upgrade her. He planned to do so in all areas of her life, starting with a new ride so she could match his fly.

  Brix opened the door and felt her undergarments immediately get soaked. Shemel looked so good standing there, she was reconsidering breakfast and thinking of ways to make him miss his plane. His Versace Eros cologne was so intoxicating, Brix closed her eyes, inhaling him deeply.

  “You gone let me in,” Mel asked chuckling.

  Slowly opening her eyes, Brix grinned then moved to the side. Closing the door, she leaned against it and checked out his appearance. It was simple, yet tasteful.

  “You look nice,” she complimented.

  “So do you. Wassup? Come here and give me a hug,” Mel summoned.

  Brix stepped into his embrace and hugged his waist. He was so much taller than her. Mel could place his chin on top of her head, which she thought was the cutest thing. Rubbing his hands through her freshly washed hair, Mel lifted her head and brought his lips to hers. The kiss was juicy and her lips were so soft, Mel almost scooped her up and took her upstairs. He didn’t have time for that though. Plus, he wanted their first moment to be special. Pulling away from his embrace, Brix stepped back some and cleared her throat.

  “So where are we going?”

  “We can slide to the Boardwalk Café. It don’t matter for real.”

  “Yes, that’s fine with me.”

  “Alright bet. Let me go use the bathroom real quick.”

  Walking down the hall to the guest bathroom, Mel shook his head. He had never went all out for a female like this and it felt weird as hell. Going to get breakfast? Yes. But buying cars, kissing on the lips, and feeling all mushy inside was something he was going to have to get used to. It seemed to be growing on him pretty quick honestly. He hadn’t been second-guessing any of his decisions toward their relationship and that’s what scared him a little bit. He was up for the challenge though.

  Turning the corner to leave from the bathroom, Shemel bumped right into Mrs. Carla, damn near knocking her on her ass. Reaching out to break her fall, he helped her catch her balance and apologized.

  “Sorry about that Mrs. Carla. I didn’t even see you.”

  “That’s cause yo behind so tall. You overlook us little people,” she replied back laughing.

  “You and your daughter with the tall jokes. It’s alright; I got y’all,” he joked back.

  Walking into the living room, Brix looked at the two and smiled.

  “What y’all laughing about?” she asked amused.

  “Yo mama trying to talk about my height. What you think? I’m too tall?” he asked her.

  Letting her eyes roam over his muscular frame, Brix bit her bottom lip. He was perfect. She didn’t care how tall he was. All she could visualize was climbing up that tree and wrapping her legs around his neck while-.

  “Brix,” Mrs. Carla said, glaring at her.

  “What? I mean, yes, huh?” she replied, shaking her head from her daydream.

  “You good?” Mel asked grinning. He was well-aware of what was on her mind. The sexual chemistry between the two was so strong, you could feel it in the air. Brix blushed embarrassingly at getting caught. She couldn’t help it though. Her mind went in another place when around him.

  “Sorry. I um, was thinking about something.”

  “Mhm. I bet,” Mrs. Carla replied, before walking toward the kitchen.

  The two looked at each other when she was gone and shared a laugh. They both knew what was up and didn’t need to say anything.

  “You ready to go now? I got a surprise.” Shemel asked.

  “Yes and what surprise? Oh my gosh! You got signed?” Brix squealed, while clapping her hands.

  “Nah, nah… not yet. You’ll be the first to know when I do though. My little personal cheerleader,” he laughed.

  “Oh hush. You got me excited hell. So what’s the surprise?” she asked, grabbing her purse from the couch.

  “You’ll see. Let’
s go,”

  Opening the door, Mel walked out first so she couldn’t see out front. He thought about blindfolding her, but thought that would be a dead giveaway. Not knowing how surprises really worked, he said fuck it and would just let her see the car when she saw it. To him, it was that simple. He’d learn all the hard shit later.

  Locking the door behind her, Brix stepped to the side of Shemel and gasped. Not being able to move from being in a state of shock, she stood there. Blinking her eyes rapidly to hold back her tears, she tried to call out to Shemel, who stepped away from the porch, but couldn’t find her voice. It was no longer present. Mel turned around with his hand stretched out and smiled.

  “Come on crybaby.”

  Not wanting to move, thinking this was all in her imagination, Brix stood still shaking her head no. She couldn’t believe he actually went out and purchased her a car. Mel walked back and grabbed her hand. The car dealer looked on in admiration as Brix let her tears fall.

  “Y-You, really got me a car Shemel?” she asked sniffling.

  “Yeah. You know something light to hold you over while I’m away.”

  This is nothing light at all, Brix thought. She was most definitely grateful, but a car? A whole car? Shemel had really outdone himself.

  Removing her hand from his, Brix used it to admire the huge red bow that sat perfectly on the car. Not just any car though. This was a metallic gray 2015 Lexus IS. The price on it was less than fifty grand and Shemel still got a deal. His dad is good friends with the manager at the dealership and let him cop it for nothing. They had spent so much money with his company over the years, it was his pleasure to bless Shemel with a new ride. It was better promotion for him.

  Pierre stood off to the side grinning. He was happy for his boy and thought he made the right decision. He would have never dropped that much money on a female. Her ass would have still been driving around in the old one if it was up to him. Shemel was a different breed though. He knew he had fucked up. Although he didn’t want materialistic shit to be at the forefront of their relationship, he knew this would cheer Brix up. Even if for a little while.