I walked slowly to the door and thought about what to say. When I went inside, he was sitting in the living room chair with his legs folded and a blank stare on his face. He glanced at his watch.
“Nice of you to finally show your ass up.”
I tossed my keys on the table. “You can leave now. I’m here.” I went into the kitchen. The door swung and almost hit him in the face as he followed me.
“Classes taking all damn night now, huh?”
“No. I had something else to do.”
“Something to do like what?”
“Look,” I said, turning to him, “it’s really none of your business.” I opened the refrigerator for something to eat, but Jaylin pushed me away, slamming the door.
“Scorpio, whether you like it or not, you are my business. I got all kinds of money tied up fucking with you, so therefore, I’m here checking up on my investment.” He pulled the kitchen chair away from the table and sat down. “So, let’s try this again: where have you been?”
I pulled a chair from the table and put it right in front of him, then held his hands in mine. My eyes watered as I spoke. “Can we please end this? I’m tired, Jaylin. Truly sick and tired of your disrespect. I can’t give you what you’re looking for. Take this . . . this condo, the Corvette, the watch, the clothes, the gifts, everything. I’m leaving this relationship with what I had when I came into it, and that’s love for myself.” I released his hands and wiped my tears. He leaned forward and put his hand on my cheek.
“Yeah, whatever. Now, where have you been? Leave me if you want, I really don’t give a damn, but I still want to know where you’ve been tonight?”
It finally hit me. Jaylin really didn’t give a damn about me. All he cared about was if somebody was screwing me better than he was. I wished like hell that Shane and I had made a different move, but for now, I put my face right in front of Jaylin’s and yelled with gritted teeth, “I was out getting my pussy sucked by an old friend of yours, Shane Alexander! He sucked it so good that I couldn’t help myself from coming in his mouth. It’s so funny how time flies when you’re having fun, ain’t it?”
Jaylin sat like a zombie. His stare felt almost life-threatening, and when he shut his eyes, I knew he was pissed. He leaned back, taking a moment to stroke his goatee. When his eyes opened, his eyebrows rose, and he said calmly, “Shane Alexander? That’s been your mystery man all along, huh? I should have known when I saw his motorcycle outside that day.” He swallowed. “Tomorrow, Scorpio. I want you to get the fuck out of here. I want the keys to your car and I don’t ever want to see or hear from you again. As for everything else, the watch, the gifts, the clothes, the gratifying dick—keep that shit. Eventually you’ll wind up selling everything for money anyway. Mackenzie, she’s moving in with me. If you want to fight me for her you’ll have to take me to court. I’ll fight you with one of the best damn lawyers in St. Louis. Personally, I don’t think a judge in their right mind would side with a stripper or homeless mother, and let’s not give Mackenzie the opportunity to tell them how she really feels.” He stood and lifted my chin. “I was really starting to love you. Thinking seriously about asking you to be my wife. It’s a damn shame you fucked up, though. In the meantime, if you’re looking for a way to reconcile with me, call me tomorrow before midnight. Maybe I’ll forgive you, or maybe I won’t. If you don’t call me, Cinderella, your glass slipper and all the gifts and freebees I’ve been given you turn back into a raggedy-ass tennis shoe.” He leaned down, gave me a peck on the lips, and left.
Chapter 13
Jaylin
That hot-ass coochie! Words couldn’t express how upset I was with Scorpio. I was so frustrated, I had to go to Stephon’s house to talk to him about the situation. It was almost one o’clock in the morning when I called, but I sounded so grim he told me to come right over. I called Nanny B and thanked her for lying to Scorpio about Mackenzie being with me, when in reality she was still sleeping at my house. I hadn’t wanted to bring her home, knowing that Scorpio and I were bound to go at it. Seemed like that’s all we’d been doing lately. There used to be a time when she just went with the flow and kept her mouth shut, but I guess Shane Alexander had her looking at things a little differently.
He was one motherfucker who just bugged the hell out of me. Since he acted like such a little bitch when I took Felicia from his ass, I ain’t had much respect for him. He claimed he didn’t love her, so what was the big damn deal? Women come and go all the time and he knew what kind of woman Felicia was. He also knew that ain’t nobody’s shit safe these days, especially with a brotha like me around. Whomever I want, I get. No ifs, ands, or buts about it.
When I got to Stephon’s house, he already had the door open for me. He yelled my name from in the kitchen and told me to come on back. When I came in, he was sitting on the counter, scraping some ice cream from a container.
“So, what’s so important you had to interrupt me in the middle of the night?” He put the spoon in his mouth and licked the ice cream. I got a spoon from the drawer, but when I reached for his container, he snatched it away. “Man, you better get your own. It’s some more in the fridge.”
I laughed and pulled out a container of Ben & Jerry’s Confession Obsession from the fridge. Preparing to let off some steam, I hopped up on the other side of the counter and dove in.
“Have you seen Shane Alexander lately?” I said.
“No, I haven’t. I heard he was back in town, though. Why are you asking?”
“Because that punk motherfucker is going to be a thorn in my side, that’s why.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“I mean, that nigga been sucking my woman’s pussy. She’s been seeing this mystery man that I haven’t questioned her about, and tonight, she told me that it was Shane.”
“Which one of your women?”
“You know which one, man, Scorpio.”
“Damn! Lucky son of a bitch.” Stephon shook his head and laughed.
“Man, don’t play. I’m serious. Shit hurt me like hell. I was really starting to trust her and that was the only reason I made that bet with you. Too, I was really starting to feel something for her ass.”
“Did she tell you she wanted to be with Shane or what?”
“Nope. But I know Shane. He’s a persuasive brotha. Personally, I think if he even suspects I’m with Scorpio, he’s seeking revenge.”
“Why? Because of the Felicia bullshit back in the day?”
“Exactly. So, I need you to set up something for me.”
“Something like what?”
“I don’t know. That’s why I’m here. You’re a creative brotha. Throw a party or something. Send the man an invitation . . . Do something. I want to see what’s up with him.”
Stephon rubbed his chin like he was in deep thought. “I just thought of something. I was at Felicia’s house the other day, and when I came in, she was on the phone. When she went to the bathroom, I looked at the caller ID and it showed Alexander, S. I laid it down and didn’t think nothing of it.”
“Do you think it was Shane?”
“Had to be. I didn’t press the issue because I could care less about who Felicia talks to.”
“You wouldn’t have looked at the caller ID if you didn’t care. And what if it’s his baby she’s having and not yours? Wouldn’t you like to know? No doubt, the Black Stallion gon’ be a problem for us, I can feel it.”
“Yeah, you might be right. Listen, I’ll get one of my boys from the shop to set up something. It won’t be no party because I think just the three of us need to catch up on old times. You catch my drift?” Stephon got off the counter and so did I. “Now, we’ve got to wrapped this up. I got not one but two ladies waiting for me downstairs. I’ll give you a hollar tomorrow.”
“Straight up? You going out like that now, huh?”
“Always. I’m trying to get myself in good shape for when I fuck Scorpio. Bet’s still on, right?”
“Hell, naw! Fool, don�
��t play. Bet is off! Don’t you go near her, man, and I mean that shit.”
“As much as I would love to, I promise you I won’t. Seems like you kind of got some deep feelings for her, and I will never let another woman interfere with us again. But, uh, with that being said, do you think I can get my money by tomorrow?”
“You don’t give up, do you? Ain’t like I believe she’ll let you shake her down anyway, but since I broke the bet, and I’m a man of my word, I’ll wire the money to your account in the morning.”
Stephon patted my back. “Five thou is cool. And if you’d like to come downstairs and join the party, I’m sure the ladies would be more than happy to share.”
“Naw, not tonight. Knock yourself out. My shit still trying to recover from my birthday.”
“I can’t believe Heather and Scorpio were too much for you.”
“Let’s not forget about Nokea. Worked her all night too.”
“You lying. Are you working that again?”
“Fasho. And thanks for loosening up everything for me.” I winked. “Makes my job a lot easier now.”
“No problem. But you know I’m jealous, don’t you?”
“Too bad—get over it. You shouldn’t have been up in there to begin with.”
We laughed, and after he walked me to the door, I jetted.
When I got back home, Mackenzie was still asleep in her room. I knocked on Nanny B’s door and she told me to come in. She was wide-awake, lying on her side and watching TV.
“Jaylin, sit down for a minute. I need to speak with you.”
“Nanny B, can’t it wait until tomorrow? I’m tired. I’ve been running around ever since I got off work.”
“This won’t take long. I promise you.”
I took a seat and loosened my tie. “Okay, what’s up?”
“Don’t you ever ask me to lie for you again. Scorpio called in a panic looking for Mackenzie, and I had to apologize for lying to her. I don’t like lying to anyone, and you shouldn’t have involved me in your mess.”
“You’re right, and I’m sorry. I just didn’t want Mackenzie being around us arguing, that’s all. I promise you I will never ask you to lie for me again.”
“Good. Because if you ever put me in a situation like that again, I’m leaving. I’m fifty-seven years old, and I do not want to be caught up in the middle of your games.”
“That’s fair. And once again, I promise you it will never happen again.” I stood and headed for the door. I did have a slight attitude, only because Nanny B always tried to check me and put me in my place. This time, though, she was right, so I couldn’t trip too much.
“Jaylin?”
I turned at the door and sighed. “Yes.”
“I love you like a son. And before you go to bed tonight, call Scorpio and let her know Mackenzie is okay.”
“I’ll call her tomorrow. And thanks, I love you too.”
The phones were going crazy at work and everybody was running around the office in a panic. The stock market had plummeted; all my clients were losing money. I took one call after the next, trying to calm my clients. The market was bound to turn around, but there seemed to be no end to the brutal setback we’d all endured. I was losing money too, but I couldn’t let anyone see or know how much pressure I was really under. I loosened my tie from around my neck and kept my eyes locked onto the monitor in front of me. Angela was doing her best to keep up with my calls, but I had to also be the secretary to make sure everybody got served.
By one o’clock in the afternoon, I had to take a break. I still hadn’t heard from Scorpio, and was disappointed she hadn’t called yet. Nokea called, though. She told me how scared she was about meeting with Pat on Friday, and needed a little pep talk. I told her to bring LJ by on Friday, and let him spend the weekend with me. Her meeting with Pat didn’t sound like it was going to be pretty, and like always, I offered her my support.
The moment I hung up the phone, Angela buzzed in to tell me a man was outside insisting we had an appointment today. My planner had nothing scheduled, but I asked Angela to invite him in.
She opened my door, the man following her. He was Caucasian, about six-two, wore a black suit, and had neatly combed back his salt-and-pepper hair. He took a seat before I could offer, and laid a brown leather briefcase on my desk. When he crossed his legs, I caught a glimpse of his expensive-looking, shiny deep burgundy shoes. Diamonds gleamed in his gold cufflinks. I could smell money on him a mile away, which, I thought, could prove to be beneficial for me. I asked Angela to close the door, and introduced myself.
“I’m Jaylin Rogers,” I said, offering my hand. “I’m sorry, but I don’t recall making any appointments today.”
He stood up and gripped my hand. “Jaylin, I’m Mr. Robert McDaniels. We didn’t have an appointment today, but I’m positive that you can find time in your busy schedule for me.”
I strutted back to my chair, and thought hard about who in the hell this man could be. When he opened the briefcase, it hit me. He was Heather’s husband. He turned the briefcase around and removed a tape from inside. Before he closed it again, I saw that it was full of money. I didn’t say a word. He slid the tape across my desk.
“Do you have any idea what’s on this tape?” he asked.
“Nope, not a clue.”
“I think you do know. But since you insist that you don’t, I’m going to enlighten you.” He moved my crystal framed picture of LJ and Mackenzie over to the side and sat his ass on the edge of my desk. He picked up the tape, and shook it around in his hands. “On this tape is you having sex with my wife. That includes the mudslinging bash, the foyer fucking festivities, and even the one that burns me up the most. And that’s when you took it up on yourself to screw her in my bed.” He sat back in the chair and rested his finger along the side of his face. “So, Mr. Rogers, we need to have a serious talk. Talk about how I’m going to make you disappear.”
I smiled, picked up the blue crystal globe from my desk, and rolled it around in my hands. I looked at him through it, then set it down again. I thought about pitching it into his face, but there was a better way of dealing with this situation. So, instead, I leaned back and bounced a pen up and down on my desk. “Mr. McDaniels, did you learn anything from watching the tape?”
“Yeah. I can honestly say I did.”
“Really? And what might that be?”
“I learned that I have a whore for a wife, and I also learned if I have to kill someone I will do so.”
“Damn,” I grinned. “Sounds pretty painful. But I was hoping that you learned how to fuck your wife better, so a brotha like me wouldn’t be able to step in and dick her down like I did. Or, should I say, like I do because I just tapped into that tight-ass pussy the other day. You didn’t get that on tape because it occurred at my house, not yours.”
“Ha,” he shouted and smiled. “You are a piece of work, aren’t you? But little do you know, Mr. Rogers, I know everything there is to know about you. So, let’s see...As a matter of fact, you did lay my wife at your house. On your thirty-second birthday, if I recall. Then you drove around in your fancy Mercedes Benz and found yourself some more pussy for the day because my wife just wasn’t good enough. Now, I can understand why because, whew, the woman whose condo you drove to that night was beautiful.” He drew the word out, enunciating each syllable. “And the one with the spiked hair and short turquoise dress, wow! I gotta hand it to you Jaylin, you definitely know how to pick ’em.” He stood and opened the briefcase again so I could see the money. “If my sources and calculations are correct, I’d say your net worth is about, let’s say, one-and-a-half million dollars. And that’s at the most. I’m proposing half of that today, and I’m asking you to disappear as quickly as possible.”
I snickered at his offer and clapped my hands. He was really starting to work my nerves. After I stroked my goatee a few times, I stood and turned the briefcase toward me. “I must say, you definitely have done your homework.” I closed the briefcase and
smiled. “Thirty-three, Mr. McDaniels. I turned thirty-three on my birthday, and not thirty-two. Not only that, but you forgot to do the extra-credit on your homework because you are several million dollars shy of my net worth.” I picked up the briefcase and opened the door for him. “Next time you come see me, you need to come correct. I’m a Negro that’s not for sale, so go home, fuck your wife, and feel free to watch the tape again. You just might learn how to make that pussy talk to you like it speaks to me.”
He stood face-to-face with me and took the briefcase from my hand. “Next time, Jaylin, I’m not going to be as pleasant. I’ll pay you another visit in the near future, and when Higgins and Schmidt find out what kind of animal they have running things for them, those assets you have are going to disappear.”
I laughed. “Animal, huh? I think of myself as an animal sometimes too. Not a monkey, or any animal like that, but like a panther, a black panther that prowls and creeps into your bed at night and fucks your wife when you’re not there. And as for my assets, please. This job is playtime for me. I only come here because I don’t have shit else to do. There is nothing that you, Higgins, Schmidt, or any other motherfucker can take from me because my true money comes from my inheritance. Black folks get those too, you know? So, for the last time, get your ass out of here so I can get back to business. My message light is blinking, and I’m sure it’s probably your wife on the phone begging me to fuck her.”
He winked and chuckled. “Jaylin, it’s been a pleasure.” He held out his hand to shake mine, but I just looked at it and grinned. “You’re really going to wish that you never came in my house for a drink that night. Right about now, I’d hate to be in your shoes.”
“Good day, Mr. McDaniels, and the next time you come, show a brotha a lil’ appreciation for bringing your wife back to life. You failed at doing so, and it’s been a true pleasure for me.”
Naughty 2: My Way or the Highway Page 14
