by Saundra
“You just be safe in it. Don’t be texting and driving or drinking and driving. The first time I catch you or hear some crazy shit in the streets, I’ma kick yo ass then take the keys. And you know I’ll do it.”
“I won’t do any of the above, I pinky swear.” She gave me that innocent grin that she was famous for. “But please give me a rain check on the drapes. I promise I’ll go any other time you choose. Erica is waitin’ on me to pick her up; we are about to hit up the mall and do some shopping.”
“Girl, I just took yo ass shopping yesterday,” I reminded her. I didn’t know if she forgot, but my wallet had not.
“I know, but I can always use something. And besides, I really just want to whip the scene in my new car and show off.” She giggled while faking like she was turning a car wheel.
“I swear you crazy. A’ight, though, I’ll hold off until next weekend or something, but we got to get this done. You still got some money?” I kept her pockets laced because I never wanted her broke.
“Yeah, I got about two stacks. I told Erica I was gon’ get her a couple of fits and couple pairs of shoes. You know I gotta keep my girl on point, too.”
“True that. Matter of fact, grab her two stacks out the safe and give it to her. Tell her I said enjoy.” I had no problem buying things for Erica. She and Penny were tight like Isis and I were. I knew what it was like to want nice clothes and not have them. It felt good being able to help her out.
“Cool, I’m sure she won’t mind that . . . You really are the best, Secret. I’ma grab those stacks, then I’m out. Oh, and I put your breakfast in the microwave.”
“See, that’s what I’m on right now.” I skipped over to the microwave and retrieved my plate, which was still warm. Penny having other plans actually worked out in a way. Isis and I had a spa appointment at four o’clock anyway. So I guessed I would grab an extra hour or two of sleep before jumping in the shower.
Back in bed, sleep decided not to claim me, so I caught up on Basketball Wives LA before it was time for me to get dressed. Soon I was jumping in my newly purchased Audi backing out of my two-car garage. Watching the garage door close, I sat for a while and admired my new condo. Finally things were coming together. After all Penny and I had been through, we could see the fruits of my determination. From being raised by a drunk, abusive mother, to working dead-end jobs, to being brutally beaten, to finally finding a safe, secure safety net for my sister and myself, I couldn’t ask for more. Except for maybe a cold iced tea from Starbucks, which was calling my name. I decided to head over and grab just that.
After placing my order, I noticed a familiar face fixing my drink. It was Tasha from my old job at Chic Clothing. How that trifling roach had got a job at Starbucks, I had no idea. Personally, I thought she was too ghetto to be on the white people’s side of town working. I guess the manager had been desperate for help. I kept my eyes glued to her. She was the last person I would trust to fix anything for me. Thankfully, she wasn’t a fool. Passing my drink to the cashier, she walked around the counter. As she stepped into my space, her eyes seemed to admire me as they glided up and down. She couldn’t help but recognize the change. The fact that I was getting money was apparent. “Well, I must say you lookin’ good.” That was her piss-poor way of giving me a compliment. My confidence should have told the dumb bitch I already knew I looked good. I didn’t need her two cents to know that.
I reached for my tea as the cashier passed it to me. Tea in hand, I glared at Tasha again, then looked her up and down; with a sneer on my face I replied, “Well, I think it’s safe to say you look like you always do: shit.” With a smile I made my exit. Bitch had some nerve to attempt to say one word to me. I’m not sure what made her think I would act any different. Time didn’t excuse all things. I made myself a mental note not to ever visit that Starbucks location again. It’s like they say, be mindful of how you treat people, because you never know when you might run into them again in life.
Chapter 27
Isis
Turning over in bed, I smiled as I realized that my new boo was still in bed next to me. I snuggled up closer to him; his warm body felt so good next to mine. It felt so good not sleeping alone every night. Rico was his name. I had accidently bumped into him some time back while in Macy’s trying on sunglasses. Then a few months ago while shopping at the BMW store for my new whip I ran into him again. I’m not superstitious, so I’m not sure if this was fate or not. But this time he made it his business to introduce himself to me. After he wrapped up the purchase on a BMW i8, he asked for my number. To my own surprise I had given it to him without thinking twice. He called two days later, and after careful convincing I agreed to go on a date with him. On our first date I found out that he owned a racecar part shop. One more date and three months later we were inseparable. That’s part of the reason I decided to get my own condo. Since I had a boo, I needed my own space. I loved being able to wake up to him if and when I felt like it.
I felt him stir next to me. I glanced at the clock on the nightstand. I concluded I still had a few hours before I was supposed to meet up with Secret for our spa day. The spa was our new thing; we both loved being pampered. The ringing of my cell phone forced me to sit up. Reaching for the phone, I saw Kirk’s name on the caller ID. When I answered, he gave me the code “push,” which meant I had a transfer to make right away, which meant I needed to get to my laptop to print off the codes and get to work.
I attempted to ease my way out of bed to keep from waking Rico, but that failed. I felt his hands reach for me. He tried to gently pull me back in the bed next to him.
“Babe, I have some business to tend to, but I promise I’ll be right back. Get some more sleep.”
“That’s just it, you know I can’t sleep without you. Come on get back in bed,” he pleaded. And he looked so sexy lying there with his light skin, six feet five inches tall, with a flat top and beautiful lush lips. Rico was the spitting image of Boris Kodjoe. Damn, he was fine. I did not want to get out of bed, I wanted to jump on top of him and never let go. But instead I tamed myself and settled for a gentle kiss on the lips instead.
“Listen, time is money.” I kissed him again. “I promise I’ll be right back.” Reluctantly, I climbed out of bed. I dragged myself down the hallway to my office, where I pulled out my laptop and made the transfers. It took a bit longer than usual because Kirk called and told me to sit still on standby because he had a few numbers he was waiting on. By the time I made it back to the room, it was time for me start getting dressed. Secret hated when I was late.
I found Rico asleep. I sat on the side of the bed. “Babe,” I called him gently. He opened his eyes and looked at me. “I have to get in the shower. It’s late, and I’m supposed to meet up with Secret; we have a spa day planned.”
“Come on, climb back into bed with me.” Again he gave me that sexy look that I hated to deny.
“Trust me, I really want to do just that, but I can’t. I do not want to hear Secret cursing me out for making her wait. The girl is a diva. I can hear her mouth now.” I chuckled.
“It’ll be okay. I promise.” He reached inside my robe and rubbed my breast. Pushing the covers back, I looked at his member, and he was more than ready. And that I could not resist. Pulling my robe off and exposing my naked body, I crawled over to him and climbed on top. One stroke and I forgot all about Secret for the time being.
* * *
“Yo ass is fifteen minutes late. I almost left,” Secret chastised me.
“I know, but I was on top of Rico.” I grinned. Just thinking about it made we want to call him up.
“Whatever. Come yo ass on in here.” She laughed. Inside we talked, laughed, got pampered, and sipped wine. “So when can I meet this mystery guy? It’s been, what, three months? And not once have I even gotten a glimpse of him. But it’s clear you feelin’ him. Hell, and he keep a smile on yo face.”
“That he does,” I had to agree.
“What about Marco? You never brought
him around.”
“Marco. What made you think of him? Shit, you know I don’t keep them around long. I done been cut that ass off. You are really late on that one.”
“Poor guy.” I laughed. I really wasn’t hiding Rico, but I wanted to wait until the right time to introduce him to Secret and Penny. I didn’t know if it would work out or not. And I didn’t want to be serious just yet, but maybe it was time to at least let them meet. “Tell you what, it’s been a minute since we turned up. Why don’t we hit the club this weekend and I’ll bring him through.”
“Now you know I’m down with that. I’ma give Kirk a call and have him book VIP and pick up the tab. We gon’ turn that motherfucker out.” She was hyped; she always loved to party. I too couldn’t wait. We had been working hard raking in the cash. VIP, music, and an overflow of drinks sounded like exactly what we needed.
Chapter 28
Secret
Tonight was the night, and I was ready to be on one. Pulling up to the club, I could see the crowd was thick. The line to get in was wrapped around the corner, and I knew half of them wouldn’t even get in. Thanks to Kirk, we were known and never had to wait in line when we went out. I decided to bring Penny along with me. She claimed she was a woman, and it was time I treated her as such. She said the club was a start. Looking fly as fuck, we walked up to the front of the line.
“What’s up, Secret?” Paul, one of the bouncers, greeted me right away.
“You know I’m ready join this party.”
“Aye, and you know I got you.” He removed the rope and motioned inside.
“This is my sister Penny. Remember her; you might be seeing her.”
“With a face as beautiful as that, how could I forget?” He smiled. And just like that Penny was inside, no ID or nothing. But we did carry the fake ID I had made for her just in case the cops busted the club or something. You never know.
Inside was popping. Yo Gotti’s “Five Star” was bumping. Penny looked around in awe. “Mesmerizing, ain’t it?” I said over the music.
“No doubt, and I love the energy.”
“Well, let’s move. We VIP all the way, baby.” Passing through the crowds, we made our way upstairs to our section.
“Heyyy!” Isis sang when she saw us. “Aye, aye, turn up,” she chanted, moving her hips to the music.
“Aye,” I chanted along. All I needed was a drink in my hand.
“Hey, Penny.” Isis gave her a hug. “You lookin’ good, girl. Killin’ that dress—these females better bring out they big guns tonight,” she complimented her.
Penny took the bait and modeled her fit. “I know, right. I came to slay. Please understand I’m the youngest but the baddest in this club tonight.”
“They don’t even know,” I agreed; my baby sister was a beast. “Now it’s time for me to get my drink.”
“There is the bar,” Isis pointed out. We all three glided over to the bar where, of course, I started off with a shot; it was a must. I did not believe in playing around. I ordered Penny a martini. I really didn’t like her to drink, but like she said, I needed to stop treating her like a kid. So her maximum would be two drinks only for the night. “Drink that slowly. And remember what I told you. Never ever put your drink down in a club and walk away. If you put it down consider yourself done with it,” I schooled her.
“Real talk. The mistake can be dangerous,” Isis cosigned. But we both would be watching out for her either way.
“I got it. No worries.” She sipped. “I’m just ready to dance.” The way she held on to that drink I thought I saw a bit of Jackie in her. But I knew I was just being paranoid.
“So where is this mystery man, Isis? Or is he possibly invisible?” I joked.
“Ha ha. You got jokes, huh. For real, though, I just want to be sure he cool. So I thought I’d wait a minute. And you better behave.” She pointed at me.
I playfully raised both my hands in defense. “I’m always well behaved so no worries.” I smirked.
“Follow me.” She led us over to where I saw Kirk and some of his squad chillin’. “This is Rico.” She introduced this tall, light-skinned dude.
“Hi, I’m Secret.” I extended my hand. “This is Isis, my best friend since we were in grade school. And this is my baby sister, Penny.”
“Hey,” Penny spoke as she eyed all the guys in the circle.
“It’s nice to finally meet you both.” Rico shook both our hands.
“And don’t start that grillin’ ol’ dude shit,” Kirk jumped in.
“Shut up, Kirk.” I chuckled. “Ain’t nobody about to do all that. I ain’t the feds.” I laughed. The word “feds” got all of Kirk’s friends’ attention. I quickly regretted saying that.
“Listen, the bar is paid for. I want you to turn the fuck up on me until you drop. Don’t disappoint me.” He came to my rescue. I guessed he could see sorry written all over my face. The word “feds” was never good to use around a bunch of drug dealers and criminals. “Fellas, who ready to get on those Don Julio shots?”
“Let’s do it,” Rico spoke up.
“Follow me then.” Kirk led the way to the bar.
“Damnnnn, that tall motherfucker fine!” I stressed. “I swear he the taller version of Boris Kodjoe.”
“He is fine,” Penny cosigned. We all watched as he walked away with Kirk and his crew.
“Isis, you gon’ have to beat these bitches off that nigga with a bat,” I warned.
“Nah, I ain’t doing none of that.” Isis chuckled nonchalantly. “We ain’t serious like that; we just kickin’ it.”
My head spun around to her like it was on a swivel. “Bitch, you crazy. That’s the type of shit you hold down. But I feel you, though; my playa ways rubbin’ off on you.”
Isis smiled at me. “Nobody playa ways got nothin’ on you.”
“Yeah, you probably right.” I fake popped my collar. “A bitch is one of a kind. But what he do for a livin’ anyway?”
“He owns a racecar body shop.”
“Shit, he stacked then. You know how much money that shit cost? Those parts be ridiculous expensive.”
“Yeah, his pockets laced. Money, cars, big-ass house out in Santa Rosa, the whole nine.”
“Well, damn. Get money then, bitch.” I raised my glass in the air like we were about to toast. “That’s what’s up.”
Young Jeezy’s “SupaFreak” blasted out of the speakers. “That’s my jam.” Penny started to gyrate her hips to the beat. “I don’t know about you two, but I’m about to hit the dance.”
“Let’s do it,” I cosigned.
We lit the dance floor on fire. Soon I was dancing with one of Kirk’s friends who introduced himself as Sway, and he was cute as shit. I had seen him a couple of times before, but this was the first time we ever had any interaction. We sat and chilled for a bit, and after our few dances I gave him my number. No doubt he was feeling me. But what nigga wasn’t?
* * *
After all the turning up I had done at the club, I could not believe when Penny and I made it home. I was still restless. I downed a shot of Patrón and climbed into bed and still no effect, but I did have one thing on my mind and that was Sway. Just as I closed my eyes in order to force myself to sleep, my cell phone rang. The unknown number intrigued me so I answered.
“Who dis?” I answered with broken English on purpose
“Secret.” I heard my name and noticed the voice right away.
“What’s up, Sway?” I was surprised hear him on the other end. The way he had been bending back those Don Julio shots I thought he might have been throwed.
“Just sittin’ here relaxin’. I couldn’t sleep, so I thought I might see if you gave me the wrong number.” He chuckled.
“So are you satisfied now that you got your answer?”
“I’m Gucci.” He laughed. “I can’t believe you still up.”
“Couldn’t sleep either . . . How about you text me your address and I’ll come through.”
“No d
oubt. Check your text. I just hit the send button.” He didn’t waste any time.
“Keep the light on. I should be there in less than an hour.” I ended the call. Springing from my bed, I took a quick shower, slid into a pair of cutoff Guess jeans, pulled an all-white belly shirt over my head, topped it off with my pink-and-white retro Jordans, and grabbed my keys. Once inside the Audi, I typed the address into my GPS and balled out. I arrived at Sway’s front door in twenty minutes.
“I guess you were serious, huh?” He smiled at me like a kid in a candy store.
“Make no mistake about it, I’m a grown-ass woman. I don’t do games. Now are you gon’ invite me in?”
“My bad. Come on in.” He stepped to the side.
He shut the door behind me. I turned to face him. “Can I get you a drink or something?” he asked. He had to be kidding me; it was four o’clock in the morning, and the last thing I drove over here for was a drink. Stepping in his space, I placed my hands behind his head and pulled his lips into mine. I sucked on his lips for dear life. Picking me up, he carried me to his bedroom. He laid me gently down on the bed, but I didn’t want to waste any time. Standing up, I kicked off my jeans, stepped out of my bra and panties. I stood before him naked as the day I was born.
Placing both my breasts in his hands, he nibbled on them individually. I laid my head back and moaned; his warm lips felt so good on them. Gently he picked me up again and placed me on the bed, kissing my navel. He found my fruit and again brought me close to ecstasy. Finally, he took his pants off, and I gasped at what he was packing. I almost went crazy with anticipation. I couldn’t wait any longer to feel him inside me. This time I instructed him to lie down; straddling him, I eased my way down just a bit, then rode him until he begged me to stop. And damn, Sway was worth the ride. He kissed me deeply as if he was surprised at how much of a beast I was. And he hadn’t experienced the half.
