Carl Weber's Kingpins

by Brittani Williams

  We got into our cars and headed down to a local lounge called Déjà Vu. This was Tasha’s favorite spot. I wasn’t a huge fan of local spots, because they often were filled with the same people I tried to keep my distance from. When we pulled up, there were a few people hanging around outside, but from the amount of cars parked in the lot I knew that it had to be packed inside. I felt totally underdressed as I walked in and found wall-to-wall men in expensive gear and women scantily clad. Bitches always went the extra mile to get attention. I shook my head as we made our way through the crowd, and over to the bar.

  “Give me a double shot of Patrón,” I said to the petite barmaid. I needed to get tipsy quick if I was going to enjoy myself in this environment.

  “Really? That’s how you feel?” Hope laughed, sitting down on the stool next to me.

  “Girl, yes, if I’m going to tolerate this ratchetness in here.”

  Tasha laughed. “Girl, maybe I can grab me up a boo thang. There’s always some prime meat up in here. A bitch can stand some good dick tonight.”

  I looked around the bar after I threw back my shot. The burning going down my throat caused me to shake a little. Both Hope and Tasha laughed at me. I wasn’t a big drinker, but I wasn’t the nicest person when I was sober.

  “Ooh, girl, don’t look right now, but Dontay’s fine ass just walked up in here with his entourage,” Tasha said, taking a sip of her Long Island Iced Tea.

  I slowly turned, and looked over to the crowd that followed him. No doubt he was fine and hella paid. I’d heard a lot about him, but had never actually met him. From what I’d heard, he was one of the most feared drug traffickers in the city, and he wasn’t one to fuck with. I knew scamming him could mess around and get me killed, so I never sought him out.

  His diamonds glistened all the way across the room. I found myself staring, almost mesmerized by his presence. I bashfully turned away when we locked eyes. I was practically a married woman, yet salivating over this man. He had this aura that was hard to ignore.

  “Girl, I’d suck him from sun up to sun down! You hear me?” Tasha blurted.

  “You are a fool,” I replied, shaking my head.

  “Aww, this is my shit,” Hope said, getting up from the stool while quickly drinking the rest of her drink and slamming her cup down on the bar.

  She pulled me off of my stool toward the dance floor. Tasha followed me. Once we were on the floor we began dancing to the beat. I was feeling good. Floating off the Patrón was definitely lowering my inhibitions. I was doing my best twerking routine as Hope and Tasha encouraged me to continue. I had the full attention of everyone in the small lounge, and I loved it. The center of attention was where I loved to be.

  Before I knew it, they were doing the last call for alcohol. I didn’t need any more to drink, but I went to the bar to sit down and rest my feet while Tasha and Hope went to the ladies’ room. I was looking down at my phone when I was startled by a deep voice in my ear.

  “Can I get you a drink?” a tall, dark-skinned brother said over the loud music.

  “No, I’m good, thank you.”

  “Aww, come on. You can let me buy you a drink.”

  “No, really I’m fine. I have to get up early in the morning.”

  “Just one,” he said, touching my hand.

  “The lady said no, thank you.” Dontay was now standing in between us.

  The annoying bugaboo retreated without another word. Dontay turned to face me. “You cool?” he asked.

  “Yes, I’m fine. Thank you.” I smiled. I tried not to stare at the chain dipped in black-and-white diamonds. I was sure the price of it was well over fifty grand.

  “I’m Dontay,” he said, sticking his hand out to shake mine.

  “I’m—”

  “Alisha. I know who you are.” He laughed.

  I was taken aback. How the hell did he know me? I knew my name rang bells, but I certainly didn’t think they chimed loud enough for him to hear. I stuck my hand out to meet his.

  “How did you know my name?” I asked.

  “Because I know everything. I have my ear to the streets. Nothing gets by me,” he said, still holding on to my hand. “That’s a nice rock you got there,” he said, looking at my engagement ring.

  “Thanks,” I said politely, pulling my hand away.

  “You getting married?” he asked.

  “I thought you knew everything,” I replied sarcastically.

  “I was just fucking with you to see if you’d be honest. I know Desi really well. He’s a lucky man.”

  Again, I was speechless. I wasn’t quite comfortable with him knowing so much about me. Granted, I knew a lot about him, but I wasn’t all up in his personal business.

  “What are you? Some sort of stalker?” I asked with a twisted lip.

  He burst into laughter and held his chest as he continued to crack up at me for almost a full minute. “Stalker? I ain’t never stalked no woman. I’m the man in these streets! If you don’t know, sweetie, you betta ask somebody.” He continued to laugh.

  “I’m just saying you know an awful lot about me, that’s all.”

  “Don’t flatter yourself. I know an awful lot about everybody.”

  I sucked my teeth and turned around in my chair. I was tired of the conversation and hoped that Hope and Tasha would show up any minute.

  “Well, Alisha, you enjoy your night, a’ight? I gotta run,” he said before walking away.

  I didn’t even say good-bye. Don’t flatter myself? Really? He knew I was the shit. Why else would he have come over in the first place? A few seconds later, Tasha walked over to me with one hand on her hip.

  “What were you doing talking to my future baby daddy?”

  “Girl, please. Nobody wants him. Some asshole was over here annoying me, and I guess he overheard the convo. He asked him to step off. That was it.”

  “Oh,” she replied. She didn’t seem 100 percent satisfied with my answer, but it was the truth. Though Dontay was fine, I wasn’t interested in his arrogant ass.

  “Let’s get out here. I’m beat,” Hope said.

  We left the lounge and headed over to the parking lot. I spotted Dontay sitting on the hood of a black Mercedes with a cigarette in his hand. He looked over at me and chuckled. I kept walking over to my car, got in, and drove out of the parking lot without giving him a second look.

  Chapter Twenty-two

  Salt in the Game

  Alisha

  “Two more days until I become Mrs. O’Neal,” I said, smiling while rubbing my hand across Desi’s chest.

  “Are you ready?” he asked.

  “Ready as I’ll ever be. I can’t wait until you see me in that dress.” I sat up in bed.

  “Yeah, Tasha told me how good you looked in it. I’m excited. Never thought I’d be getting married for real.” He laughed.

  “Well, I’m the type of bitch you get and keep,” I replied.

  “You know you killing my pockets. You’ve spent almost a hundred grand on this wedding.”

  “I know, baby, but I’m only getting married once. I want the wedding that I’ve always dreamed of.”

  “That’s for damn sure. You’re always gonna belong to me,” he said, leaning in to kiss me. “I gotta roll. Got some shit to take care of. I’ll check on you throughout the day,” he said before getting up and heading to the bathroom to take a shower.

  After he was dressed, he kissed me and left. I smiled as I watched him walk out of the bedroom. I was ecstatic about becoming his wife. My fairy tale was finally coming true. I looked over at my cell phone that had a few missed calls from Hope. I’d been so wrapped up in my morning lovemaking that I hadn’t made my wakeup call. I dialed her as I got up to look through my closet for something to wear.

  “Hey, girl. Sorry I missed calling you this morning.”

  “Did you listen to my messages?” she asked with worry in her voice.

  “No, I just called you instead. What’s up?”

  “Well, I heard
through the grapevine that Dontay’s been asking a lot of questions about you. I think you need to do some damage control before he fucks up your wedding.”

  “Huh? Why the hell is this fool so worried about me? He doesn’t even know me! Prior to that night at the lounge I never even had a conversation with him!” I yelled into the phone.

  “I know, but I also know what kind of nigga he is. When he sets his sights on something, he doesn’t stop until he gets it.”

  “But I don’t know what he wants. Do you know where I can find him?”

  “Not really, but maybe we can slide through the lounge. I heard he’s always in there.”

  “Let’s do that tonight so I can see what his problem is.”

  “All right, I’ll come over around nine. Cool?”

  “Yeah, that’s cool.”

  I was furious. I thought about asking Tasha if she wanted to go, but after the way she reacted the first time I decided that might not be a good idea. Especially when I was set to marry her brother in just two days. I was focused on things going perfectly. I had some running around to do during the day and Tasha was meeting me at the florist in less than an hour. I hurried and made it there just in time. She was patiently sitting inside of her car waiting for me.

  “Hey, boo,” she said as she got out and walked over to hug me.

  “Thanks for coming. I just want to make sure these flowers are perfect. I really appreciate your help, seriously.”

  “It’s no problem at all.”

  We went in and chatted while we waited for the florist to finish with a customer.

  “Guess what! I finally got Dontay’s number, and we’re supposed to link up this weekend.” She smiled.

  Under any other circumstances I’d be happy for her, but until I figured out what his ulterior motives were I just couldn’t be. “Oh, yeah? That’s what’s up. I really hope it works out for you. I know how much you like him.”

  “Girl, I’m obsessed with that man, and he doesn’t even know it. I mean, I’ve had a crush on him since I was a teenager.” She laughed.

  “Obsessed? Girl, you might not want to say that out loud again.” I laughed. I wanted to tell her what Hope had told me, but she’d probably take it the wrong way and assume that I was jealous. I was happy with my man. Although Dontay was a great catch, I wasn’t interested.

  “I’m just joking. I’m not really obsessed. I’m just glad that I’m finally going to get a little quality time with him.”

  “I hope it turns out to be worth the wait.” I smiled.

  The florist was finishing up with the customer and went into the back of the store to retrieve the flowers that I’d had Lisa order. The flowers exceeded my expectations. They were perfect in every way. Things were shaping up nicely, and this wedding was going to be the talk of the town for years to come.

  After leaving, Tasha and I had a quick lunch before parting ways. I made a few more runs before going home to get dressed for the lounge. As promised, Hope arrived at nine, and we were on our way.

  The parking lot was packed as usual. I looked around to see if I could spot the Mercedes that I’d seen Dontay sitting on the last time, but it wasn’t there.

  “I hope he comes, because I really need to talk to him.”

  “He’ll be here, I’m sure,” Hope said, adjusting her dress as we made our way over to the entrance.

  Once we were inside, I did a quick surveillance of the room. I couldn’t spot him or any of the men he usually brought along with him.

  “Do you see him anywhere?” I asked Hope as we both took a seat at the bar.

  “Nope, not yet.”

  I tried to remain calm, but inside I was losing it. I just wanted to settle whatever this thing was so I could continue with my plans. After a few drinks and songs later, I noticed him entering the building. I tapped Hope on the shoulder, interrupting her conversation with the guy seated next to her.

  “He’s here,” I said.

  “Go talk to him.”

  “I am. Be back in a minute,” I said as I slid off the stool.

  I took a deep breath as I walked across the room. It was tight so I had to excuse myself at least fifteen times before I made it over to the VIP section. There was a guard standing at the front to keep all the patrons on the outside of the red rope. Dontay stood up when he saw me and walked out of the VIP section to greet me.

  “So, to what do I owe this pleasure?” he asked, rubbing his right hand across his beard.

  “I came to talk to you because I heard that you’ve been asking a lot of questions about me. I’m getting married in two days, and I really don’t need any drama on my wedding day.”

  “You’re right. I have been asking about you, but it’s really harmless. I’m not trying to fuck up your wedding, especially if you really plan to marry him.”

  “Yes, I really plan to marry him. I don’t get you or what you want from me.”

  “I just want to get to know you,” he said, stepping closer to me.

  I immediately backed up a bit. The last thing I needed was someone running back to Desi and telling him that this nigga was all up in my face.

  “Listen, I’m practically a married woman. I don’t need to get to know any other niggas, okay?”

  “I know you think you have it all, but I know for a fact your man ain’t got it like me. I also know he ain’t slinging his dick like me either,” he said, moving in on me yet again.

  Once again I backed away. “You have got to be the most arrogant man I’ve ever met in my life. My man treats me very well, and he knows how to satisfy me.”

  “Listen, I just want to get to know you better and let you get to know me. I guarantee one night with me will change your mind. Matter of fact, you can even get married, but you’ll still be feening for me.” He was so close I could smell his breath, which smelled like Winterfresh gum.

  “Thanks, but no thanks, okay? I’d really appreciate it if you’d stop questioning people about me. Have a nice evening, Dontay,” I said before walking away. He grabbed my arm and stopped me. “Let my arm go,” I yelled.

  He laughed as he released his grip and put both of his hands in the air. I rolled my eyes and turned to walk away. I walked smack into Tasha who was standing in my view with both arms crossed and an evil stare.

  “I can’t believe you!” she yelled.

  “Can’t believe what?” I asked. I wasn’t sure how long she’d been standing there, but there really wasn’t anything going on—at least not on my part.

  “After I told you how I felt, you had to get in the way.”

  “Tasha, what are you talking about?” I asked, confused. I hadn’t gotten in the way of anything as far as I knew.

  “He called me this afternoon and cancelled. Said he couldn’t see me,” she continued to yell. Her face was frowned so tight you could see every wrinkle. I was honestly embarrassed because people were beginning to stare, including Dontay.

  “What does that have to do with me?”

  “He couldn’t see me because of you. Because he wants you!” she yelled.

  “What?” I asked. I was shocked and appalled.

  “You are marrying my brother in two days. Two days, Alisha, yet nothing has changed! You’re still the same scheming bitch you were before.”

  “Really, Tasha? Whoever is giving you information is totally misinforming you. I don’t want Dontay. I have a man I love deeply. The fact that you could stand here, disrespect me, and accuse me of shit I’m not guilty of lets me know you were never really my friend to begin with.”

  “You’re nothing but a liar and a backstabber. Clearly you were never really my friend either,” she yelled as she turned around and stormed off.

  She’d lost her fucking mind. I was beyond embarrassed as everyone continued to stare at me. Hope came over with a look of total confusion.

  “What was wrong with Tasha? She just stormed out of here like a bat out of hell.”

  “She accused me of messing around with Dontay. First, I
’m not interested in him and, second, how the fuck is she mad at me over a nigga who doesn’t even belong to her? She can kiss this friendship good-bye. She’s lucky I’m dressed in Gucci or I would’ve slapped her ass. I’m so fucking pissed right now. Let’s just go.”

  I began to walk toward the exit. I couldn’t wait to tell Desi about his sister’s behavior. He was sure to take my side and set that bitch straight. I hadn’t done anything wrong. I deserved respect, and I was going to get it one way or the other.

  Chapter Twenty-three

  Friend or Foe

  Alisha

  “What do you mean he’s not coming?” I asked, hysterically crying. I could barely breathe, and my chest was growing tighter with each passing second.

  “His sister called and said he wasn’t coming and you’d know why,” Lisa, my wedding planner, said with a look of pity on her face.

  I was dressed and ready. There were 200 guests sitting in their seats waiting for me to walk down the aisle. There was no way this could be happening to me. This had to be a nightmare! I desperately needed someone to pinch me and wake me up. Was Tasha really that conniving? Or, even worse, was Desi that gullible to believe the bullshit that she said?

  “Call him again,” I screamed. My makeup was a mess. I kicked off my shoes and began pacing the floor.

  “Still no answer,” Hope said, holding her cell phone in her hand.

  “Try again.” I continued to scream and pace the floor. Here I was in this beautiful gown with mascara running down both of my cheeks.

  “You have to calm down, Alisha,” Hope said.

  “Calm down? How the fuck do you expect me to calm down when my fiancé has yet to show up?”

  “I understand, Alisha, but they can hear you. I know you don’t want your guests to know what’s going on.”