Hustle Hard

by Saundra

  “All you have to do is go down to the furniture store that I use and get what you need. I already talk to them.”

  “Thank you so much, sissy.”

  “And don’t go over twenty thousand, or I’m taking all the shit back.”

  “Thank you.” Penny hugged me and kissed me on the cheek.

  “And I put out ten thousand for you. Make it look nice up here,” Isis added. Penny’s jaw dropped again, and she hugged Isis for the second time.

  “Y’all are so good to me.” Tears formed in her eyes. “I’m going to pick up Erica right now. We got some shopping to do. Lock up when y’all leave.” Without another word, she dashed past us, down the hall, and out the door.

  Isis and I just looked at each other and smiled. “See, it was for the best. Look how excited she is,” Isis said.

  “She was too excited. I think she forgot me already.” I was in my feelings. I would miss having her in the house, so close.

  “Awww,” Isis cooed. “Now stop being a baby and grow up.”

  “Whatever.” I shooed her. “Since you want to talk about growing up and facing reality, did you think about the gun?”

  “I know you ain’t on that again, Ms. Trigger-Finger.” She had the nerve to make up a name for me.

  “Hell, yeah, I’m still on it, and you need to be. This shit is real out here. I want you to be safe, Isis.” I didn’t know what it would take to get it through her head.

  “And I will be safe, so stop stressing about it. Now can we please go grab something to eat? I’m hungry.”

  “That and a drink. I’m too fuckin’ sober.” I released pure frustration. Talking about this gun with Isis was like talking to a brick wall. A drink would clear my thoughts, and the gun talk would slowly fade. Isis looked at me and laughed. We locked up Penny’s new crib and were out.

  Chapter 5

  Isis

  I woke up in a pool of sweat, my heart racing top speed, and a nervous, uncertain feeling in the pit of my stomach. I gripped my sheets and glanced around my room. I tried to find comfort in knowing that I had only been having another dream about Rico, my ex-boyfriend, who had left without warning. I lifted my head up for a brief second, then bopped it back down on my pillow. These dreams were coming more frequently and wearing me down. Each time, Rico disappeared in some form or fashion. Sometimes we would be happy, having a good time, and others we seemed to be in distress, as if we had been arguing or having a disagreement.

  This time we seemed happy as we made our way through a crowd of people. It appeared we were sightseeing. Then, rapidly, the crowd seemed to thicken, and people were moving faster, and voices became elevated. I couldn’t make out anybody’s words, just the cackling of voices. All of a sudden, Rico disappeared, and I became frustrated as I desperately searched the crowd for him. Then I woke up drenched, and once again confused as to why these dreams were happening to me. I was over Rico and had written him off. Now I just needed the nightmares to stop.

  Lying in bed, trying to gather my thoughts, I just stared up at the ceiling. The ringing of my cell phone annoyed me. I was certainly not ready to converse with anyone until I was calm and collected, so I let ring until it stopped. I didn’t even look at the screen; that way I didn’t know who was on the other end. But no sooner than the ringing stopped did it start right back up again. “Uggh,” I sighed out loud to the empty room. Why wouldn’t people just leave me to my own peace?

  Slowly I rolled over and reached for the phone, taking it off the nightstand. Kirk’s name was on the screen, and I knew he was not going to ease up until I answered. I hit talk. “I’m still in the bed, Kirk. I will be in later,” I announced right away. I hoped this would answer his question so that the call could end quickly. Kirk called me all the time to solve this or that. Somehow I had spoiled him, and I was living to regret it.

  “See, why you got to act all mean, Isis? It ain’t even like that.”

  “What, then?” I was not falling for that innocent act.

  “I just called because I wanted to invite you and Secret to lunch at Nobu.” That got my attention. Nobu was top-of-the-line, one of the most expensive restaurants in Miami. I wasn’t bougie, but I loved expensive food and drink. But I was still nervous and tired and felt the need to get some rest. “I reserved a room already for us.”

  “You talkin’ about lunch. What time is it?” Since I had opened my eyes, I hadn’t even bothered to look at the time. And with the curtains pulled tight, I had no way of seeing the outside. I didn’t know if it was night, morning, rain, sleet, or snow outside.

  “It’s ten o’clock now. So you have a couple of hours. I already called Secret.”

  Tiredness was really trying to call the shots for me. I yawned silently. “Cool.” I gave in because he would probably just beg until I agreed to show up. “I’ll be there, and you better not bring one of them whack chics you be foolin’ wit’. ’Cause the last one wasted red wine on my allway white bag.”

  “You still on that. I gave you like five thousand for that.”

  “True, but that ain’t the point. I took time shopping for that. Minutes of my life I can’t get back ’cause I stay too busy. So I would appreciate if your women had some type of class so they do not get drunk and destroy my things.” I was still slick upset about my Gucci bag, not to mention that I hadn’t been able to get another one because they all were sold out. I wanted to smack that girl. Thank God I’d never seen her again. Kirk had taken to bringing around his low-life, money-hungry slides, and they were all problem-causers. I was over it.

  “Nah, but you ain’t got to worry about that anyway; this for Secret and you. One hundred.”

  “Okay,” I said with an apprehensive tone, then ended the call. Slowly, I climbed out of bed and made my way to the bathroom. As I turned on the shower I wondered what Kirk was up to. Sudden lunches at Nobu. My eyebrow was raised, but on the other hand I decided not to worry about it, because with Kirk it could be anything, good or bad.

  I pulled up to Nobu’s valet right behind Secret. We both climbed out of our cars at the same time.

  “Hey, boo!” Secret gave me a huge grin.

  “What’s up? I see you brought the Ferrari out.” I loved that car. I had contemplated getting one several times. Each time I thought about the price, I changed my mind. I wasn’t as bold as Secret to drop that much cash on one vehicle. Not that I didn’t have it, because I did.

  “Of course. Why would I leave my bitch behind?” We laughed and headed inside the restaurant. The host greeted us and led us to the private area in back, which was VIP. This was the area the celebrities used when they wanted to eat in privacy. Kirk had it like that. To my surprise, Kirk was already inside.

  “Damn, you beat us today.” Secret did not hide the fact that she was shocked.

  Kirk chuckled then gave us a shy look. “I’m a gentleman. I would never invite my ladies out and not be on time.”

  That was funny to me, because in the past, that was exactly what he had done. But it was all love. “Oh, yeah, let me backtrack, ummm . . .” I pretended to remember when.

  “Okay, you got me. I turned over a new leaf.” He laughed.

  “Well, it’s never too late,” Secret said as she pulled out her chair and sat down. I followed suit. “Yo, this place is nice. I heard about it a couple times, but I didn’t know it was like this.” Secret glanced around.

  “I heard about it, too. I had thought about treating myself,” I admitted. And I would have, if time permitted.

  “I’m glad y’all like it, then. Nothin’ but the best for my girls.”

  That got my attention. He was being way too over-the-top. “Oh, no, something is up.”

  Secret glanced at me then back at Kirk. “No doubt: VIP lunches, the extra added charisma. I agree with Isis, something is up. So what is it?” Secret folded her arms across her abdomen and we both glared at him with our undivided attention.

  Kirk laughed again. He knew we were on to him. “Y’all know it ain�
��t like that; we been rockin’.” One of our waiters approached the table with a bottle of 1914 vintage Bordeaux

  “Yep, the best.” Secret observed the bottle and knew what I knew. That wine was expensive. It cost no less than five thousand dollars. The waiter looked at Secret and smiled before walking away. “Yep, Isis, this is huge, my nigga. Dude might need a kidney or something.” Kirk and I both busted out laughing. There was no end to what Secret might say.

  Kirk took a sip of his wine, and his facial expression took on a more somber look. Setting his glass on the table, he glared at us both. “Real talk, we are on top right now. We gettin’ mad money. And I have to continue to let y’all know I appreciate you. Your loyalty is utmost. It’s niggas in the streets that know the code, and they don’t even have that. But you two, it ain’t never a doubt in my mind.”

  “No doubt we could deliver nothin’ else.” Secret spoke up, and I shook my head in agreement. For the most part, I hated the schemes Kirk had put us on to, but not once had I ever considered crossing him or being disloyal.

  “I want y’all to know that things can get deeper. We gone be monster big. I’m talkin’ retirement. Y’all gone be able to live out the rest of your lives and do whatever.”

  That was music to my ears. That’s all I ever wanted. “You know that’s our plan. Be done and just walk away.” I did a hand gesture like I was washing my hands of it.

  “And you will,” Kirk assured me. “But, listen, I’m going away for a few weeks. I got this thing I’m puttin’ together. It’s gone be major. All I need is for you two to step up at the shop while I’m gone. Just like you pretty much do now, the day-to-day. Deliveries will be the same. And you already know I got you protected, so ain’t shit to be worried about.”

  “Listen, whatever you got going on is good. But right now everything at the shop is cool. That don’t need to get messed up, Kirk, ’cause I ain’t wit’ the crazy stuff.” I wanted to be clear. Kirk always had new ideas; he was constantly thinking about making more money and improving situations. That was cool. But sometimes it opened up new, unwanted issues, and I wanted to remain clear of that.

  “Aye, no, it’s all good. I ain’t gone do shit to jeopardize what we got going. Trust everything I’m doing is just taking us up and beyond the top.”

  “I’m all for that,” Secret chimed in.

  “Good, then let’s eat some of this expensive-ass food.” Kirk picked up his fork and knife, ready to dig into the juicy filet mignon that had just been set down in front of him.

  My mouth watered as I sized mine up. I was ready to eat, and I did just that. We all talked, laughed, got full, and left after Kirk paid the almost six-thousand-dollar bill. My assumption had been correct; that wine alone had cost him five thousand dollars and some change. Kirk didn’t bat an eye at the bill. Afterward, we said our goodbyes, jumped in our vehicles, and were out. I felt good. Nothing felt out of the ordinary. I just didn’t want any drama, and as long as we stayed cleared of that, I was cool. I had already told myself at the first sign of drama, I was out. I had zero tolerance for the bullshit. I just wanted to make money, start anew, and be happy.

  Chapter 6

  Secret

  It had been a long day at Hot Rides, and I was glad to be home. As soon as I opened the door, I took in a deep breath then let out a sigh of relief. A shower and a glass of bubbly were calling my name; first things first, the bubbly. I headed to the kitchen and pulled out a bottle of champagne I had left chilling. Reaching the cabinet, I grabbed a glass, popped the cork on the bottle, poured, and watched as my glass filled to the rim. Taking in one sip, I let it slide down my throat and waited for the tingle in my toes. Once I felt that, I knew I was still alive and well.

  Snatching up the bottle, I headed down the hall, and for the first time I realized how quiet the house was. No music playing, no television, nothing; just rooms filled with silence. A lonely feeling suddenly filled the pit of my stomach, and I felt ill. It had been weeks since Penny had moved out, and I missed her. I called her every day, but it still was not the same as having her there.

  I went back into the kitchen, grabbed a few snacks, and headed toward the den. I knew exactly what to do to get me out of the funk. My favorite movie, Something New with Sanaa Lathan, would do the trick. However, twenty minutes into the movie I was lonelier than when I started. Plan B was my new hope. I picked up my cell phone and dialed Calvin. Calvin was a dude I kicked it with for company and my needs. To my surprise, his phone went straight to voice mail. Realizing quickly that I was out options, I contemplated calling Penny. But I dismissed that thought as soon as it entered my mind. The last thing I wanted to do was bore her with my complaints of missing her.

  “What’s up?” Isis chirped into the phone after the first ring.

  “This house is so damn quiet. I could hear a pen if it dropped in the neighbor’s house.” I pouted. “And I’m tired of eating the loneliness away.” I fake-cried with my eyes pulled tight as if Isis could see me through the phone.

  Isis was silent for a brief second, then busted out laughing. “You’re being a baby. Stop pouting . . . Why don’t you get your things and come over here.” Isis extended her hospitality, and I was not surprised.

  Going over to Isis’s house didn’t sound like a bad idea. Nonetheless, I had a better idea. I always had the better idea. “Fuck that. It’s a Saturday night and we sitting around the house like old Molly the maids. We need to hit up the club.”

  “I can’t front; it has been a minute.” Isis wasted no time agreeing with me.

  “All we ever do is work. That shit gettin’ old, and fast. I need fun in my life so I can blossom.”

  “I am so agreeing with you right now. But I’m tired.” Isis let out a yawn.

  “Fuck all that; we too young to be sittin’ back ’bout to dry up. I ain’t even tryin’ to let that happen. Get you ol’ lady ass dressed. I’m comin’ through to pick you up. We hittin’ the club tonight and that’s that.” I put my foot down. I was not about to give her a choice, because she was not ready to make the right one.

  “Okay, I’ll be ready.” Isis sighed, but I did not care. She was going. I knew she would thank me later.

  I wasted no time after ending the call. I raided my closet for an outfit, jumped in the shower, and sped over to Isis’s crib. To my surprise I didn’t have to blow my horn or get out of the car. As soon as I pulled up, she opened the door and stepped out. And as usual she was killing it.

  “Damn, bitch, to say you wasn’t ready to go nowhere, you sure put on quick,” I commented. My girl was on point, rocking her white, pleated, high-rise shorts with a black Al cropped top, laced off with black patent-leather ankle-cuff Christian Louboutin heels. “That top is live. I need that.”

  “Cute all day. Ain’t no sleep stopping that.” She smiled. “I see you ain’t disappoint.”

  “You already know how I do. Upstaging these hoes, even if it’s simple,” I bragged. I had decided to keep it simple and sweet, but I still was winning and ready to turn heads. And I was sure my Rag & Bone skinny blue jeans, simple tied off-the-shoulder white top, and red suede tilt-heel pumps would do just that. “We ’bout to be lit tonight.” I was amped.

  “Turn down for what?” Isis cosigned.

  Chapter 7

  Isis

  I have to admit I was ready to snuggle up when Secret called me, talking about hitting up the club. Hell, I had worked all day, and the last thing I wanted to be around was a loud crowd of people and the endless thump of loud music. But Secret didn’t leave me a choice when she all but demanded I get dressed, because she was picking me up. Not to mention she was talking that sad talk about feeling lonely. I had known Penny moving out would affect her, but she had seemed like she was coping with it well. Tonight, on the other hand, she really sounded like she needed me. So there was no way I would disappoint.

  No sooner had we stepped off in the club, the DJ was on fire and that loud crowd that I had been reluctant to be around gave me
energy. We grabbed a drink from the bar and stood close to the dance floor.

  Future’s “Magic” blasted out of the speakers, and Secret start dancing right away. “That use to be my shit,” she yelled over the music.

  “I know, right,” I agreed. I bobbed my head and took a sip of my drink. Secret moved deeper into the floor, dancing. I continued to sip on my drink and rhyme the lyrics along with the song.

  I wasn’t sure at first, but this guy was coming toward me, and I was almost sure he would say something to me. I tried to look off in the opposite direction. It didn’t help. “Hey, I’m Jackson.” He was bold in his approach. I sipped my drink again, contemplating if I should even respond, but I didn’t want to appear stuck-up or rude.

  “Hi.” I let the word slide off my lips.

  “This may sound a bit corny, but you caught my eye from across the room. And I had to come over and tell you that you are beautiful.” He was right. That was the corniest bullshit I had ever heard. But how could you say that to someone without hurting their feelings?

  So instead I replied, “Thanks.” Slowly, I took another sip of my drink. I wanted to shut my eyes with the hope that he would be gone when I opened them. Instead I tried to fix my eyes on Secret on the dance floor, but I no longer saw her. The crowd had swallowed her up.

  “Would you like to dance?” he asked me. I guess he didn’t see that I was trying not to pay him any real attention.

  “Uh, no, actually I’m a bit tired.” He looked at me like he wanted to protest.

  “Well, if you change your mind, I’ll be over there, across the room.” He pointed back to the direction he had come from before walking away. I couldn’t lie: he was cute, fine even, but I was not in the mood for no dude at the moment. And especially not him, because when he opened his mouth it was clear to me that he had no game.

  Secret suddenly appeared out of nowhere, cradling her now empty glass. “Who was that cutie over here talkin’ to you?” I couldn’t believe she had seen that with all those people crowding her view.