by Charae Lewis
Dinero: Hell yeah but we cool now.
Cadence: I'm sorry. That wasn’t my intention. Can I see you soon?
“This bitch ain't gon’ learn,” Dinero mumbled to himself.
Dinero: I don’t know. I'll probably be at The Onyx tonight.
Cadence: Okay well maybe I’ll see you tonight.
“She swears I invited her ass,” Dinero grumbled to himself. He decided not to protest. In a weird way, Cadence’s persistence stroked his ego. Dinero knew that she was off-limits because she still had feelings for him, but he was secretly enjoying the chase. He was aware that this game his was playing with Cadence could potentially go sour, but he had enough confidence in himself that he wouldn’t take it too far.
****
Ever since Asia and Aimee had touched down in sunny L.A., they had been on the go. After landing and checking into their hotel room, the twins met up with Kylie and Kellan. Aimee instantly clicked with them especially Kellan since she was pregnant too. Since Rodeo Drive was calling their names, the girls all went shopping. Asia and Aimee had bought so much stuff that they knew they would need an extra suitcase when it came time to leave. Asia wasn’t into labels that much, but she decided to indulge since Dinero had given her a credit card.
After shopping, the girls went to eat at the popular restaurant Philippe Chow. The women pigged out on all sorts of food. Seeing that Aimee was getting tired, Asia decided to go back to the hotel and rest. The label was having a private celebration later that night, and Asia wanted to make sure that her camera was charged for the evening festivities.
As soon as the twins got back to the room, Aimee kicked off her shoes and laid down in the bed. Asia decided to check in with Dinero and put her outfit together for that night.
“Aimee, I'm so happy you came with me. I would've missed you,” Asia told her.
“Me too, but at least you would've had some people to hang out with,” she replied, referring to Kylie and Kellan.
“I know. They’re pretty cool. Did you know that Kylie went to high school with Paris and Camara?”
Aimee gave her a surprised look. “Really? I didn’t know that. Kylie does remind me of Paris.”
“Yeah, she does. Did you call your baby daddy?”
“Yeah. I've been texting him all day. I miss him already,” Aimee whined.
“Girl, it’s only been some hours. You're whipped.”
“I'm not gonna deny that,” Aimee winked.
A knock at the door stopped their conversation. Since Asia was closer, she got up and went to see who it was. When she opened the door, Asia was surprised to see Sheek standing there. He was dressed casually in a white tee and denim jeans. He gave her that sexy smile that he possessed before saying, “What's up? I was just checking to see if everything was cool with you.”
“Uh yeah. I'm fine. I'm just relaxing with my sister before the event tonight.”
“You brought your sister?” Sheek peeked his head into the room to get a good look at Aimee. “Damn, y’all look just alike.”
“We get that a lot since we’re identical twins,” she joked.
Sheek chuckled. “Damn, I didn’t know you were a twin. Well, you and your sister can ride with all of us tonight. Is that cool?”
“Yeah, that’s fine. Thank you.”
“Oh and don’t worry about taking any pictures tonight. This is a chill night for all of us,” he informed her.
Asia gave him an unsure look. “Are you sure?”
“Yeah, I'm positive. No work tonight for anyone.”
“Okay. If you say so.”
“Aight. I’ll see you later on,” Sheek said and then walked off.
Asia closed the door and walked back over to the bed. She was all ready to work, but now that Sheek had insisted that she take the night off, Asia was stoked. So far, Sheek had been very professional, and Asia could appreciate that. Sometimes when she was hired by men, who were mostly club owners, they would always try to come on to her. It was so refreshing to work with Braylon and Sheek because they seemed to be all about business.
“Who was that?” Aimee questioned.
“That was the president of the label. His name is Sheek.”
Aimee narrowed her eyes. “I gotta watch him. He was giving you that look.”
Asia twisted her face. “What look?”
“The look like he wants you. And I know he ain't ready for hurricane Dinero, so he better fall back,” Aimee kidded.
“Girl okay,” Asia agreed. “My hubby crazy for real but I don’t think Sheek was looking at me like you're saying.”
“Yes, he was. And as far as Dinero, I say a prayer for you every night,” Aimee laughed.
Asia threw a pillow at her. Aimee always made jokes when it came to Dinero. Yes, he was a handful but he was hers, and no one understood him like she did.
****
Dinero stood next to Keith as they surveyed the club. Somehow, they’d ended up at The Onyx getting lifted. After smoking several blunts, the men were now sipping on 1738 Remy. Dinero was feeling nice and mellow from the weed and liquor. The only thing that would complete his night was some sex, but with Asia being gone, he knew he would have to suffer. Dinero bobbed his head to Fabolous’ “Trap Royalty” when he noticed Cadence walking to the bar. She looked pretty with her hair styled in a curly afro. The jumpsuit she wore hugged her curves, and her pumps accentuated her toned legs. Keith seemed to have spotted Cadence too as he pointed her out to Dinero.
“There go your bitch. How the fuck does she knows where you be at?” Keith asked.
“I told her earlier that I would be here.”
Keith gave Dinero a knowing look. “You know you wanna hit that. Why you playing? You need to make that happen while Asia’s out of town.”
Dinero smacked his lips. “Why are you encouraging me to fuck up?”
“Because it’s the perfect opportunity especially with wifey out of the way,” Keith explained.
Dinero laughed. “Listen, Cadence ass would not be able to handle it if I gave her the dick. Her feelings are involved, and I don’t wanna have to murk that bitch for trying to come between me and Asia.”
“She wouldn’t be on that shit if you explained the rules to her ass,” Keith argued.
Dinero waved his hand, tired of having the conversation with Keith. He didn’t understand where Dinero was coming from so he decided not to waste his time. Cadence walked over to where they were seated with a bright smile. She greeted Keith and then sat next to Dinero. Her perfume filled the space they were sitting in. Cadence kissed his cheek tenderly and then took a sip of her drink.
“Why you kissing all on me? You tryin’ to get me in trouble again?” he asked with a smirk.
“No, not at all. Your wife is rowdy. I can’t hang with her,” she giggled.
Dinero nodded his head agreeing with her. “Yeah, she’s wild as hell.”
Suddenly, Cadence began to look around. “Hold up, she’s not going to run up on us again is she?”
Dinero and Keith both began to laugh. Cadence looked like she was actually scared that Asia might pop up on them.
“Nah, she’s out of town,” Dinero replied still laughing.
Cadence breathed a sigh of relief. “Oh okay. Cool.”
“Why are you always by yourself? You don’t have any friends?” Dinero questioned.
Cadence shook her head. “Well, I don’t have any friends here since I just moved back. I do have some down in Mississippi, though. Stay out of my business,” she joked.
“I'm just saying. I noticed that you're always by yourself. I thought something was wrong with your ass.”
She rolled her eyes. “No, nothing is wrong with me. But guess what? I moved out of my mom’s house and found me a place of my own.”
“Word? That’s what's up,” Dinero spoke with a glazed look in his eye.
“You should come by and see it.”
Dinero twisted his face. “Now why would I do that?”
“Because
we’re friends and I want my friend to see my new apartment.”
“Fuck outta here,” Dinero spat and waved his hand. “Tell me why you really want me to come over.”
Cadence released a deep breath as she tried to form the right words to say. “I want you to come over so we can spend some time together.”
“And what else?” Dinero asked, not in the mood for her to be beating around the bush.
“And that’s it,” she insisted.
“Nah it’s not, but you can keep on playing that game by yourself.”
Cadence didn’t respond. Instead, she sipped on her drink and danced in her seat. Dinero knew Cadence wanted more than what she was requesting. She didn’t care about him seeing her place and Dinero knew that. That was why he was forcing her to tell him the truth. Dinero, Cadence, and Keith all drank the night away until the club closed. After closing, Dinero walked Cadence to her car.
“So are you going to come by tomorrow?” Cadence persisted as she opened her car door.
“I don’t know. I’ll see,” Dinero replied while feeling the effects of the liquor he’d consumed.
Cadence gently wrapped her arms around his neck. “Please, Dinero. I want you to come by,” she begged.
Dinero looked into her eyes but then quickly looked the other way since Cadence’s lips were inches away from his. Her juicy lips were enticing him, and he didn’t want to indulge. Dinero wasn’t a big kisser, and besides, Asia had the only lips he wanted to kiss.
“I told you that I’ll see. I don’t wanna promise you shit because you gon’ be sweating me.”
Before Cadence could respond, a car pulled up behind them and blew a horn. Dinero turned around ready to snap but was surprised to see his mother, Rochelle and her husband, Carlos. Dinero could tell that his mom was not pleased with him by the look of disapproval displayed on her face.
“Ma, what y’all doing out this late?” Dinero asked as he stepped out of Cadence’s embrace and walked over to the car.
“We’re hanging out but never mind that. What the hell are you doing with somebody who doesn’t look like your wife, Asia?” Rochelle said, loud enough for Cadence to hear.
Dinero chuckled and shook his head. “I just came from the club. That’s a girl I used to know.”
“Well, I bet Asia wouldn’t like it that this girl had her arms wrapped around your neck. You better get your shit together. As a matter of fact, you come see me tomorrow. I got more shit to say,” she snapped.
Dinero looked at Carlos, who was snickering in the driver’s seat. “Yeah aight, Ma.”
“I'm not playing, Dinero. You better be at my house tomorrow,” Rochelle said sternly.
“Aight damn. I gotta go,” Dinero said walking away.
Rochelle and Carlos drove off while Cadence stood with her door open. She held a timid look on her face, not knowing what was going on.
“Is that the woman who raised you? She looks different.”
“Nah, that’s my real mama.”
“Oh. When did you guys reconnect?” she questioned.
“It’s a long story but look, I’ll see you later,” Dinero said and then walked to his car.
He was dreading hearing from his mother. Once again, he had been caught with Cadence hanging onto him. If Asia were to see that scene, she would for sure try to kill him and Cadence. Rochelle was right. He did need to get his shit together before he ended up losing the person who meant the most to him.
Dinero started his car and drove home with thoughts of Asia on his mind.
****
Asia sat next to Aimee as she sipped on her glass of champagne. They were enjoying the event that Fabian’s label had put together. The hall was decorated with black and white balloons and in the middle of each table were centerpieces made of Fabian’s logo. There was also a photo booth and open bar. Fabian’s latest single blared the through the speakers causing some guests to hit the dance floor. Aimee pulled out her phone and continued to snap selfies with her and Asia. Kellan sat next to Aimee looking like she was ready for a nap at any second.
“Kellan, you look like you're tired boo,” Asia said to her.
She giggled. “Girl, I am. This baby is kicking my ass, but I don’t want to leave yet. I know Braylon is enjoying himself and he wouldn’t want me to leave by myself.”
“You're making a sacrifice for your man,” Aimee teased.
“I'm trying. I don’t see how you have the energy you do, and you're further along than me,” Kellan told Aimee.
“I have my days but for the most part, my pregnancy has been cool,” Aimee replied.
“I hope when I get pregnant that I have a good pregnancy too,” Asia added.
Aimee scoffed. “If its gon’ be Dinero’s seed then don’t count on it. That baby is going to give you hell.”
Asia hit Aimee’s arm and then laughed. “You better quit talking about my baby. I don’t be talking about dark skin dream,” she said referring to Big.
Aimee smacked her lips. “You're always talking about him. Oh, he said he owe you a slap for making me walk around all day too.”
“Girl, Big don’t want these hands,” Asia joked.
“I gotta meet y’all men. They sound hilarious,” Kellan giggled.
“Girl, they're a trip for real. Hopefully, you’ll meet them at Fabian’s birthday dinner since they all know each other,” Asia said.
Kellan nodded her head. “Okay cool. I can’t wait.”
Asia was checking her phone when Sheek came and sat next to her. The intoxicating smell of his cologne invaded her senses. He looked handsome with his freshly cut hair and goatee. Sheek’s black Versace suit hugged his muscular body while his Gucci shoes added a nice touch to his look. Asia couldn’t deny that his sex appeal was off the charts that night.
“You having fun?” he asked as he licked his juicy lips.
Asia nodded, purposely trying not to make eye contact with him. “Yes, this is a pretty nice event.
“You look beautiful,” he complimented her.
“Thank you.”
Asia looked gorgeous in an ivory bandage dress that made her breasts sit up nicely. Aimee had done her hair in beautiful wand curls that framed her face. Her face was beat to perfection making Asia feel like a million bucks.
“Your husband is a lucky nigga,” Sheek told her as his eyes scanned her body.
Instantly, Asia began to feel uncomfortable with the look he had given her. She didn’t like the way his eyes had engrossed her body. Although Sheek was a handsome man, Asia didn’t want their professional relationship to get personal.
Asia shuffled in her seat, opting not to respond to his remark.
“I'm about to go to the bathroom,” Aimee announced and then got up from her seat.
“So how long have you been married?” Sheek quizzed.
“For almost two months,” Asia replied.
Sheek plastered a surprised look on his face. “So you're a newlywed, huh? I ain't gon’ lie. My feelings were hurt when I found out that you were married.”
“Why?”
“Because when I first saw you, I wanted you. But now I gotta fall back since I know that you're taken.” He grinned and placed his hand on her thigh.
Asia gave him a knowing look and politely moved his hand. “I see you're tryin’ it tonight.”
Sheek laughed. “I couldn’t resist. But keep it real, are you happy?” he continued to pry.
Asia nodded slowly becoming tired of the conversation. “Yeah, I am.”
Sheek rubbed his goatee and gave her another glance. He heard what she was saying, but that wasn’t going to deter him from getting what he wanted. Sheek wanted Asia like he wanted the fresh pair of J’s that came out each month. He was willing to be patient with her, but he was determined to take Asia from her husband.
Asia whipped out her phone to text Aimee. She needed to inform her of Sheek’s flirtatious behavior. Just when Asia had given him props for being professional with her, he just had to prove her
wrong.
Asia: This dude is flirting like a mf.
Asia sat her phone back in her lap. She felt it vibrate and flipped over and saw a text from Dinero.
Husband: Who the fuck flirting with u?
Oh shit! Asia ranted to herself. She had accidently sent Dinero the text that she was trying to send to Aimee. She needed to come up with something quick because Dinero was extremely jealous. Asia wouldn’t dare tell him that it was Sheek who was flirting with her. She didn’t want him to think something fishy had been going on between her and Sheek.
Asia picked up her phone to text Dinero, but was shocked when he decided to call her. Asia hurried and up and made her way outside so she would be able to hear him.
“Hello?”
“Who the fuck flirtin’ with you?” he barked.
“Nobody, just a dude at the event,” she lied.
“Don’t play with me, Asia. I’ll fly out there quicker than your ass could sneeze.”
Asia held in her laugh. “Dinero, calm down. I told you it was nobody special.”
“Yeah aight,” he said not believing her. “What the hell kind of event is this? It’s time for you to go back to the hotel. Don’t you have Aimee with you? She should be tired by now.”
Asia burst into a fit of laughter. Dinero was really trying to regulate some shit from a different state. “Nigga, you know you ain't worried about if Aimee tired or not. Stop it!”
He chuckled. “I'm just saying, she's pregnant as fuck, and you got her out all late. You need to take your ass to the hotel before I fly out there and beat that nigga’s ass that was all in your face.”
“Okay babe, I’ll leave in a minute. Is that cool with you?”
“Yeah and send me a DM too,” he requested.
Asia smiled because that was a term he used when he wanted her to send him some freaky pictures.
“I got you. I’ll talk to you when I get back to the hotel.”
“Aight.”
Asia hung up the phone and breathed a sigh of relief. She had almost gotten herself in trouble with her careless actions. She was so happy that she didn’t include Sheek’s name in the text. Dinero would've been really trying to come to L.A. to wreck some shit. Asia reluctantly walked back into the party with the intention of leaving after one more drink.
