by Saundra
“Thirsty, huh?” I asked.
“Yes.” Penny smiled at me. “Miami is too damn hot today.”
“Penny, where is Erica? It’s been a minute since I seen her,” Isis asked.
“I was wondering the same thing,” I added. We were used to seeing Erica whenever we saw Penny, but lately she was a ghost.
“Erica be busy all the time. I have to pencil my time in with her.” Penny giggled. “Nah, for real she be busy. But I hung out wit’ her earlier today for breakfast and drinks.”
“Where the hell y’all have breakfast at that allowed you to have drinks? Ain’t neither one of you twenty-one.” I knew Penny drank sometimes; I even allowed her to drink around me. But now she was out ordering drinks at restaurants.
Penny giggled. “I knew that would catch you off guard. We had breakfast at Erica’s crib. She cooked and made margaritas.”
“Oh, I was about to say somebody ’bout to lose they liquor license.” Isis chuckled.
“I know, right. But why the hell y’all drinking alcohol for breakfast anyway?” I threw in.
“We were celebrating Erica completing a paper she been workin’ on for over a month. Now we can get back to kicking it.”
“Well, y’all shouldn’t make no habit of that,” I continued to push the issue. Drinking alcohol in the morning sounded like some alcoholic shit to me. All I could see was Jackie up at the breakfast table, eight o’clock in the morning, with a six-pack, then another six-pack by lunchtime. “But you should bring Erica over sometimes.”
“I will. Let’s go for a swim.” Before we could reply, Penny ran and jumped into the pool. Isis and I looked at each other and followed suit. We jumped around throwing water at each other and laughing.
I jumped up and down, splashing water; it went everywhere. “Stop, Secret, you gone mess up my hair.” Penny faked like she was afraid of the water and swam to the edge, climbed out, and poured herself another glass of champagne.
“I miss having good old-fashioned fun with y’all.” I couldn’t stop smiling just thinking about all the fun we had shared, and some of the crazy things we had done just for a laugh.
“Me too,” Isis agreed with a grin.
“Me three.” Penny jumped backed in. I looked over and saw her pouring her third glass of champagne. I knew we were having fun, but she was putting the wine away.
“Dang, Penny, I know it’s free, but slow down. You have to drive home, or did you forget?”
“Sure, Mom,” Penny joked, then ran, jumped back into the pool, and splashed water in all directions. Isis and I ducked as if we could really avoid the splash.
We played around for a while until we were tired, then climbed out of the pool and ate the sandwiches, fruit, and, of course, finished off the Cristal—at least what Penny left for us, because, if I didn’t know any better, I would have thought she was trying to finish off the entire bottle. We were having so much fun that before we knew it, the sun was setting, so we sat and watched it go down. Then Isis called it quits for the night. I refused to let Penny drive home after all the wine she’d had. So she stayed over. I had to admit, I was glad to have her back at the house. If it were up to me, she would live with me forever. But she was not having that, so I chilled.
Chapter 18
Secret
Kirk and I had not spoken about what had gone down with Rock nor did I even think about it. But I was on my way to meet up with him in some “undisclosed” location is what he told me over the phone. According to him, I was the only one he had shared the location with. I wondered what was up. With Kirk it could be anything.
I pulled up to this grassy area with nothing around but big trees and wind. It was beautiful. He let his window down. “Park and get in with ya’ boy,” he instructed. Shutting off my ignition, I climbed out of my car, hit the locks, and jumped in with Kirk.
“What’s up?” I spoke.
“Shit,” he answered. “Buckle up. You know we follow all safety guidelines when I’m in motion.” He put the car in drive and drove off.
“Yeah, except you do a damn hundred,” I joked.
“I be all the way up.” He grinned. “Real talk. I wanted to let you know that I appreciate you for having my back a few weeks back. I know shit got a little crazy, but you handled that shit like a pro.” He glanced at me, then back at the highway. We were now on the interstate and out in the middle of nowhere.
“Shit get crazy dealing wit’ you.” I smiled. We veered off the interstate into another country area and kept balling.
“I know. But here is a symbol of my appreciation.” He handed me a brown envelope. From the feel of it, I knew it was full of money.
“You know the way to a girl’s heart.” I opened the envelope and glanced inside at nothing but hundred-dollar bills.
“And that ain’t all,” he declared. The car slowed, then came to a complete stop in front of an old barn. We were at another undisclosed location. And this time it was just that because I didn’t have any idea where we were.
“Where we at now? What’s up?” I looked at the other three cars parked with no one in them.
“I brought you out here because what you did, Secret, can’t go unnoticed. You got all it takes to be on top. But I been knew that . . . Today I want you to meet the connect.”
“The what? I mean who?” My head shot in his direction like a cannon. Now I was confused for real. “Why would you do that, Kirk? I don’t know what you thinkin’, but I ain’t ready for that!”
Aye, yes you are. You may not know it. But you ready. Trust me, it’s a good move.”
“But—” I started to speak, but he cut me off.
“Haven’t I gotten you this far? Look at you now. And this shit ain’t even half over . . . Besides, one day you might have to fill my shoes to keep you and Isis going.”
“To keep Isis and I going,” I repeated with a laugh. “Keep us going how?”
Kirk looked away, then back at me. “I don’t know, sometimes I feel like my days are numbered, like someone is watching me.” He then looked away again off into the distance. “I have done some foul shit, Secret. But I think you know that.” He turned his attention back to me.
For a minute I thought he was serious, but clearly he was just fucking with me. I laughed. “Man, get the fuck outta here. You gone be straight.”
“Probably.” He smiled, and it seemed forced. I felt something in the pit of my stomach but forced it away quickly. “But shit always real, Secret. Remember that. Now come on, we got shit to do right now.”
We walked inside. A few guys were standing around; they seemed more like guards than anything. One of them led Kirk to a tall, dark-skinned guy with a goatee. “What’s good Kirk.” He spoke first and reached out and shook Kirk’s hand.
“Ain’t shit. You got it,” Kirk replied.
“And this must be the beautiful lady you been tellin’ me ’bout.”
“No doubt. Secret, this is Dough,” Kirk introduced him.
“Hi,” I spoke.
“So, Secret yo’ real name?”
“That’s what I was told.” I smiled.
“Damn, well, it fits you. You are beautiful.”
“I been told that, too.”
“Aye, I told you she a trip.” Kirk laughed.
“No doubt,” he cosigned. “I like that shit.” He looked me over. “So my man Kirk right here told me a lot about you and your girl. What’s her name again?”
“Isis,” Kirk chimed in. I could not believe he had mentioned Isis to this dude. She would have all kinds of fits.
“Damn, the names. But it’s all good.” Dough continued to smile. “I like what I hear. It ain’t too many of y’all out there. And I want you to know that I respect y’all to the full. You might not know, but being here means a lot in the land of the living.”
“Well, thank you. I’ll remember that.” I grinned. I didn’t need him to tell me that meeting the connect to any drug world was major and dangerous all rolled into one. It wa
s not game and to most it was an honor.
“The shit you did a few weeks back is unforgettable. So trust me, I won’t. And I got something for you.” He signaled one of the assumed guards over. “This is for you to do what you want.” The guy handed me two bricks of cocaine. “I want you to know you are always welcome in my house and my presence. Never forget that.” I wasn’t at all sure what that meant, but I had an idea. I glanced at Kirk, then back at Dough.
“I won’t,” I replied with my two full bricks in my hand.
Kirk had one of the guards walk me back to the car while he met with Dough. I didn’t know what to make of the meeting I had experienced, so I didn’t try. I went back home to life and tried to forget about it. And I knew I could never mention it to Isis. But there was still the question of what to do with the cocaine. I didn’t have an answer for that, either, so I put it up in my house. I had other shit to press about.
Chapter 19
Isis
I was in candle heaven up in Yankee Candle. Everyone who knew me knew how much I adored candles. Secret was a candle addict also, and normally we shopped for them together, but she was on something else today. So I was out in Yankee Candle alone, sniffing every candle I could get my hands on.
After placing the candle called Margarita Time down, I turned to grab the Lemonade Lavender from the shelf behind me; only I couldn’t reach out for the Lemonade Lavender because Bobbi had me cornered. My eyes darted around in my head trying to find someone else close by, but there was no one. The store was empty except for the cashier and another black female with dreads at the front of the store.
“Isis, I just want to say that I’m sorry,” Bobbi tried to apologize. I wouldn’t look at him, but I felt his eyes all over me. I wanted to shut my eyes and just disappear. I continued to look around for an escape route, and Bobbi continued to talk. “If you would please let me explain, just hear me out.” I’m not sure why, but I looked him in the eyes and, just like that, my emotions started.
Through clenched teeth I said, “Bobbi, you need to move out of my way. Now.” I attempted to take a step to get around him. Bobbi did not budge.
“I’m sorry. Things are not what they seemed. I promise.” His pupils seemed deep and distant.
I was beginning to feel disgusted with his presence, and his words made it worse. I had to be rid of him. “Listen, if you don’t move out of my way, I will scream. And I will not stop screaming until they bring in the cops,” I threatened, and I meant every word. He stood with a pleading look still in his eyes, but slowly he backed away.
I no longer wanted a candle, I just wanted to be away from my past. I walked as fast as I could through the growing crowds at the mall, trying to find an exit. I kept glancing behind me to be sure he was not following me out. But I couldn’t be sure. Clearly he was still following me around town, but I was not catching him at it. I hit the locks to my Cadillac truck as soon as it was in view. Once inside, I locked my doors and dialed Secret’s number. I was up to my neck with Bobbi’s stalking bullshit; I could no longer keep it a secret. I had meant to tell Secret back when Felicia had encouraged me to. But so much had been going on, I just never found the time. That would end today.
“What’s up, chic?” Secret sang into the phone.
“Are you out?” I asked. Not that it mattered, because either way, I needed her.
“Yep, just picked up some rib tips.” I could tell she was in a good mood. I hated to be the one to ruin her day, because what I had to tell her would probably completely demolish her appetite.
“I need you to come by the house now.” I tried to keep my voice calm. But I’m sure my words set off her suspicion.
“Why? What happened?” I knew she would throw questions at me, but I didn’t want to talk about it over the phone.
“Just get to my house, Secret.” I ended the call, jumped on the interstate, and headed toward the house. Now I was conscious about Bobbi following me. I could barely drive for viewing in the rearview mirror to make sure he wasn’t behind me. I knew that wasn’t safe, but I was paranoid he was on my trail, because it was clear that, at some point, he had been following me. Felicia had told me get a restraining order, but I didn’t want to get the cops involved, but this shit was getting out of hand.
I pulled into my garage and waited until the garage door was down before climbing out of the truck. From what I could tell, he hadn’t followed me home, but I wasn’t sure if I could be certain of it. No sooner than I got inside, my doorbell was ringing. I rushed to the door, and just as I thought, it was Secret.
“What the hell’s going on, Isis? You got me rushin’ over here. I almost had two accidents.”
“Girl, Bobbi has been following me,” I released. I was so upset I could feel my blood pressure rising.
“Bobbi who?” Secret seemed genuinely confused.
“Bobbi, as in my ex-boyfriend Bobbi.” I broke it down to her. I wanted to get past this so we could figure something out.
“No, the fuck he didn’t. Where the hell he at?”
As much as I hated to admit to the fact I had been keeping this from her, I let it spill off my tongue like lava from a volcano. And it felt good to let it go. Secret stood with her mouth wide open as I laid out how I thought I had seen Bobbi at the club, then how he had showed up at Starbucks, and his latest stalking addition, Yankee Candle. Honestly, as I revealed all he had done, I found it hard to believe myself.
“I don’t know how, but he is back,” I said.
“This conniving, thieving son of a bitch got balls the size of Godzilla. How dare he even think that he can come back and even approach you?” Secret’s face was bloodshot red; she was pissed as she paced the floor.
“My thoughts exactly. I just couldn’t believe it the first time I saw him at Starbucks. But to see him today was just way too fucking much.” I rubbed my forehead, frustrated and creeped out at the same time.
Secret stopped pacing and faced me. “And how could you keep something like this from me? I should have known from day one, the first time you thought you saw him at the club. Fuck, Isis, you just can’t keep shit like this to yourself.”
I didn’t even have a defense for myself. There was no excuse I could give that she would understand, but I tried anyway. “I know, and I wanted to tell you after Starbucks, I really wanted to. But I know you, Secret, and you blow your top off the bat. Half the time you have no chill, and I didn’t want you to do nothin’ crazy.”
“Damn right. Shit crazy is all motherfuckers like Bobbi’s scheming ass understand. And his ass is mine.” Secret pulled out her iPhone. “I’m going to call Kirk right now; he gone take care of that ass. Nigga gone wish he never knew his way back to fuckin’ Miami.” Secret tossed out threats. And I knew they were not idle.
I dashed across the room at the mention of Kirk’s name and snatched Secret’s phone from her hand as she attempted to find Kirk’s name in her call log. “No, Secret, I don’t want to get Kirk involved in this. I need to handle this myself. I got it.” I reached behind me and pulled out my gun to prove to her I was not playing. “And I have no problem using it.” I wanted to be clear.
Secret’s eyes bulged at the sight of my gun. It was probably the last thing she expected to see me unveil. “When the fuck did you buy a gun? Last you told me, you hated them with an extreme passion.”
“And I did, but I had to do what I had to do. After the first run-in with Bobbi at Starbucks, I decided then and there it was for the best. I wanted to feel safe, and I thought this was the best form of protection.”
“Who’d you cop it from?”
“Who else, Mike P,” I shared. “He’s the only one I trusted.”
Secret stood back and glared at me. “Well, I’ll be damned.” She gave a hearty laugh. “You around cocaine being delivered, and you don’t think you need a gun. But Bobbi’s pussy ass comes to town, and you run out and buy piece. You’re wild Isis, but okay.” Secret shook her head like she approved. “The next time you see him
, you better blow his fuckin’ head off.”
“Girl, I know this talkin’ ’bout he sorry. I could have gutted him like a fish right in the middle of Yankee Candle if I had a knife.” Just thinking about him standing in front of me blocking my way with his fake apology made me want to throw up.
“I don’t think not doing anything right now is for the best. Because I really believe in my heart we should just call Kirk up and let him silence this nigga. He done proved he ain’t to be trusted. But I want to respect how you want to handle it. So I’m gone chill, but if and when you need Kirk, just holla. ’Cause I promise he got this.”
“Trust me, I will.” And I meant it. All though what Bobbi had done to me was the lowest of the lows, I still didn’t have a desire to see him dead. I honestly didn’t believe it was worth all of that. But I didn’t trust him, and if he crossed me or made me feel threatened in any way, I would pull the trigger on him myself. All I really wanted him to do was stay far, far away from me. What was done was done. I couldn’t change it, I just wanted to be left alone so that I could move forward and shut out the past. Because as crazy as it sounded, when I thought of Bobbi it made me think of Rico. Even Rico had never stolen from me, but Rico had walked out on me, which was sort of the same thing Bobbi had done to me. And it hurt.
Chapter 20
Secret
Climbing out of the shower, I grabbed a towel and dried off, looking myself over in the mirror. I wondered if I would be this fine forever. I smiled at myself and mouthed, “Yep.” Grabbing the French lavender lotion that I had picked up from Bath and Body Works, I treated my whole body to it. My phone started to ring. I glared over at it to see Erica’s name on the screen. My hands were still slippery from the lotion, and I almost let the voice mail catch it, thinking I could just call her back. But the pit of my stomach tingled for some reason. It had been a while since Erica had called me. I worried something might be wrong. I caught it on the last ring. “What’s up, Erica?”
