Angel finally came out the building at 12:05, Kay ending his call when he saw her. She was followed closely by Najee and two other attorneys. Kay ignored them, greeting her with a kiss on the lips.
“Mmm. You smell so good Kay,” she said, running her hand through his hair.
“And you are so beautiful.” He ran his hands through hers.
“Look at them,” she said, rolling her eyes in the direction of Najee and the two other attorneys standing around talking and watching them.
“They’re probably wondering what do you have that they don’t.” Kaylin winked at her then he put her in the car and shut the door. They went up the street to the Hyatt, where they stayed for about two hours before he drove her back to work.
Chapter 13
Everyone was getting ready for Kay’s birthday party. Roz had paged Trae to tell him that she was ready to leave the beauty salon. Then she called Angel to make further plans for the day. Angel told her she was leaving at 6:30 because Kay had some stops to make.
When Trae walked into the salon he stood and looked around for his woman. Every female within his sight was staring him down. But he had eyes only for Tasha. They made eye contact. He winked at her and she smiled as her hairdresser put the finishing touches on her hair.
“You look very cute,” he said, kissing her on the forehead. They walked out of the salon and headed for the Navigator. He opened the door and lifted her in. Then she saw the white box sitting on the back seat. She reached back for it, set it on her lap, and opened it.
“Oooooh Trae, you do love me,” she said, picking off the biggest strawberry on the cheesecake. Trae was already on the cell talking to Kay. She grabbed him around his neck and gave him a big kiss saying, “I love you, baby.
“Man, I wish I had a knife or a spoon, or something,” she whined.
As soon as they got into the house Tasha went into the kitchen to get a knife. She scraped half the strawberries off, put them on a saucer, and devoured them.
“Tash come get in the shower with me!” Trae yelled from the other room. She looked at her watch. It was 6:45, and they were supposed to leave at 8:00. She put the cheesecake in the refrigerator then went to join him in the shower. By 7:45 they were getting dressed.
“I still can’t believe Kay and Angel are kickin’ it,” Tasha said in obvious disbelief.
“Why not?”
“I don’t know. It’s just weird that after all of this time she finally gets with somebody and it’s your boy.
“He’s gonna look out for her.”
“He better, or else I’m gonna kick his ass,” she said, laughing. He was already dressed and was now sitting on the side of the bed watching her get dressed.
She spun around. “How do I look?”
“Ma you wearin’ the shit outta that outfit.”
“Daddy, you killin’ it yourself,” Tash told him.
“We ready to stun ’em or what?”
“No doubt,” she said, spinning around again.
“You missin’ one thing. Come here,” he said. He opened a long box and took out a platinum ankle bracelet with “Trae” written in diamonds. She put her foot up on the bed and he placed it on her ankle.
“Awww baby, this is too cute. Why does “Trae” have to be on it?” she teased.
“To let them niggas know they ain’t got nothin’ comin’ and to remind you what time it is.”
“Nigga I don’t need a reminder,” she said, laughing. She noticed that the only jewelry he wore was a big rock in his ear and his presidential Rolex.
“I’m bling blinging way more than you,” she bragged.
“That’s how it’s supposed to be. You got Kay’s present?” “Yup, it’s in my bag.”
“Let’s roll, then.”
They pulled up at the Ritz around 10:30, and cars were everywhere. It looked more like a show than a birthday party. They stepped out of the Nav singing
“So fresh, so clean.” Kay and Angel, equally fresh and clean, were waiting on them.
Tonight was going to be off the chain. Fat Man Scoop was spinning on the ones and twos, and New Day, featuring Muqa, would be performing. They were a new hip-hop group on Kay’s label.
Quite a few folks, including Black Rob, G-Dep, KRS-l, Coco Butter of the Doug Banks show, and Queen Pen, would be stopping by to wish Kay a happy birthday.
“Happy birthday, my brotha,” said Tasha, hugging Kay and giving him a small box.
“Thanks, sister-in-law,” he said, picking her up and kissing her on the forehead. “And congratulations on the baby.”
“Thanks Kay,” she said smiling. Then she hugged Angel and spun her around telling her how tight she looked. Angel did like-wise then she hugged Trae saying, “What up?”
They all headed for the VIP section marked “Birthday Boy.” Trae’s cousin, Omar, Shanna’s man, Bo, Mel, Supreme, and Kay’s sister, Tamara, and her friend, Brenda, were already there. The photographer started taking group pictures, then paired up the couples before taking singles.
Before long the blunts were passing along with the Hennessey Petrone, Cristal, Moet, Alize and Dom P. Trae told Tasha she couldn’t have any, ordering a virgin strawberry daiquiri for her, instead.
At 12:01, Kay cut his birthday cake. The cake was huge. He hugged Trae and thanked him for hooking him up. Kay didn’t want to open his gifts until he got home. But folks started cussing him out. They wanted to be nosy so he went ahead and opened them. Angel and Tamara, who clicked immediately after Kay introduced them, put the gifts away at the end of the session.
Tasha was sitting on Trae’s lap sharing her urge to drink with him when Nikayah came over and called him.
“Give me ten minutes,” he told her. “I’ll be right back.”
“Why is Kay’s sister acting like a bitch?” Tash asked Trae before she let him up.
“I told you I used to fuck with her. You didn’t think she would be happy to make your acquaintance, did you?”
“No, but if I have to step to her it’s going to be ugly.”
“Shit. I see I can’t leave you alone not even for ten minutes. C’mon with me,” he said, trying to lift her off his lap.
“Trae, you know I don’t want to be around Nikayah. Forget it. I’ll be alright for ten minutes.” He looked at her as if he wasn’t so sure.
“Promise, I’ll be fine,” she assured him. “Just hurry back. You’re my date remember?”
“Ten minutes,” he said, kissing her on the lips. She stood up, making sure to give Nikayah her back.
Angel came over to her. “You a’ight? I see you got a couple of problems.” She caught the back of Nikayah.
“Girl, they are testing my patience, Kay’s sister with her bitch-ass attitude and now Trae. I don’t understand how he can act like me and Nikayah were never together. I almost had a heart attack when I recognized his voice calling Trae. I don’t even want to look in his face.”
“I heard that,” Angel agreed.
Nikayah and Trae spoke for a couple of minutes before Nikayah disappeared onto the dance floor.
“Trae!” Kay yelled. Trae turned around and saw Kay coming towards him.
“Playa I’ma have big beef with you if you crash my fuckin’ party. Risa and Daysha are here. They both want to holla at you.”
“Nigga I paid for this shit. I can crash it if I want to,” Trae joked.
“Playa, handle your business and do it quietly. Don’t fuck up, I’m trying to do somethin’. I’m out.”
“Where are you goin’, playa? I’ll put up a grand to bet that you got bigger problems than me,” Trae challenged.
Kay shook his head and smiled.
“Dawg keep your G. I know I got major issues. Selena, Brittany, and Nicki are here, not to mention Red. And you know Brittany is crazy as fuck. She can make a nigga catch a charge if he don’t watch it. I can get rid of two with no problem, but Brittany is gonna want to start some shit. I can’t have that with Red around. She is on me. She already took my pa
ger.”
Trae started laughing. “Dawg I know you ain’t let her do that.”
“I’m diggin’ her, man. I gots to chill for now. So I gave her that, not the business pager. I’m in love!” he howled. “Yo Red got it goin’ on!”
Trae burst out laughing. “Sounds like you gonna crash your own party, dawg. Don’t try to put that shit on me.”
“Nah, I gots this.” He winked at Trae and split.
“Uh uh. Let’s go sit at the bar. I see Mecca and Shanna,” Tasha said, pulling Angel’s arm. Angel said bye to Tamara, and she and Tasha headed for the bar.
“How come y’all not sitting in the VIP section?” Tash asked Shanna and Mecca when she and Angel got to the bar.
“Because we can see all of the action from here,” Mecca said.
“I’m glad y’all finally decided to come over. What’s up with Trae’s friend, Omar?” she asked, looking at Tasha.
“I don’t know. That’s his cousin. He’s quiet. Why?”
“Well, tell Trae I want to meet him.”
Tasha and Angel got up on the stools and looked around. “You sure can see everything from here. This ballroom is gorgeous,” Angel said.
“Look at all of these people,” Tasha said.
“Kay must be very popular.”
Never missing anything when it came to her man, Tasha’s eyes landed on Trae, who was now in Risa’s company. She was rubbing up and down his arm.
“What are you doin’ here?” Trae asked her with an attitude.
“I miss you. Why are you so angry with me? It’s like you hate me.”
“That’s no longer important. Answer my question. What are you doin’ here?” he asked again.
“This is Kay’s party. Tamara invited me,” Risa said in her own defense.
“And why am I no longer important?”
“When did you and Tamara become such good friends?”
“Don’t worry about it. Why are you so angry with me?” she pouted, folding her arms.
“Can’t we talk?”
“What do you want Risa? You only got one minute.”
“Trae don’t make me turn this party out.”
“You ain’t turnin’ shit out. Fuck with me and they’ll be takin’ your ass outta here in a body bag. You got me fucked up. And now you’re down to thirty seconds.”
“So the sista that’s draped in diamonds with the long weave is the reason you haven’t been coming over or returning my pages? And why the fuck do I have only thirty seconds?” she asked, stomping her feet like a five year old. Trae was trying hard not to laugh at her.
“That’s all you called me over here for? And that’s not a weave.”
“Oh, so when you wanted to fuck we could talk. Now I can’t get a minute,” said Risa, fighting back the tears.
“Talk to the nigga who had his car in your driveway at two in the morning. Whose car was that? Jabree’s?” Her eyes grew as big as saucers. When she didn’t respond he said, “Yeah, I thought so. I left your keys in the plant on the back porch. I told you it’s all about Trae. Your minute’s up,” he said, walking away.
She followed him and grabbed him by the arm.
“Trae let me talk to you,” she begged.
“We ain’t got shit to talk about. Get off my suit.”
She let go. “Fuck you Trae!” she yelled. “You ain’t all of that, to have a bitch sitting around waiting on you!”
Tasha’s eyes were still glued to Trae, who was moving through the crowd looking for Daysha. When he found her, she was sitting with her girlfriend, Lynne.
“Hi Trae,” Lynne said, standing up and hugging him.
“You havin’ a good time?”
“So far. I’d be having an even better time if you introduced me to Kay like you promised.”
“You’re too late.”
“See how you do Trae?” said Lynne, flopping back down in her chair.
“I’ll introduce you to Mel.”
“When?”
“Later on.”
“A’ight,” she said, perking up and winking at Daysha as she left the two of them alone.
Trae turned to Daysha, who had just lit a cigarette.
“You smoke now?”
“What do you care? You don’t even have the decency to return my calls or pages. I had to come all the way here to see you and see who the bitch is that has you occupied,” she said, blowing out a cloud of smoke.
“What do you want?”
Trae asked, trying to prevent the cigarette smoke from getting in his suit. He was getting agitated. She put the cigarette out.
She stood up and wrapped her arms around his neck. He reached up and unwrapped them. “That shit stinks ma.” He backed up a little.
“Why can’t we work this out? Why can’t you work with me?”
“You know it’s too late for that. It’s over, girl. The fire has been out, you know that.”
“What do you want from me Trae? It’s been almost two years for us.”
“I wanted you to stop sneaking behind my back and snortin’ that shit. That’s what I wanted. Then you had the nerve to lie about it.”
“Trae I am grown. I don’t need nobody’s permission for shit.”
“Well, handle your business,” he said, walking away.
“I was tired of you anyway Trae.”
He stopped and turned to her. “You wasn’t tired of spending my money, was you?”
“You think you the shit, nigga. But you sell the shit so you ain’t no better. I should call the Feds on your ass.”
He leaned over and coolly whispered in her ear, “Bitch, if you ever again mention anything about snitchin’ on me, they’ll find your body parts floating in the fucking sewers.” He gave her a look that let her know that he would definitely make it happen.
He headed back to the VIP section. All of the females were gone, except for Tamara who was talking to Brittany. Kay was able to get rid of Selena and Nicki by sending them home, but like he predicted Brittany wasn’t having it.
The men were chilling, smoking blunts, drinking, and bull-shitting around.
“Come sit down Trae,” one of them yelled.
“I’ll be back. Where did the ladies go?”
“You don’t see us sitting here?” Tamara asked desperately trying to capture his attention.
Trae ignored her. “Check the bar!” one of the brothas yelled.
He went over to the bar and, sure enough, they all were posted around, Tasha, Angel, Shanna, Mecca, Sanette, and Kay’s cousin, Alicia. “Ma why are y’all at the bar when we got that whole section over there for y’all to kick it?” Trae wanted to know.
“We want to see all the action,” Angel said.
He picked Tasha up off the stool. “C’mon ma, time for us to get crunk.”
“Put me back down Trae,” she said with an attitude. He held her tight. “What’s the matter with you?”
“Your ten minutes was up fifteen, twenty minutes ago. You had better been tying up loose ends, burning them, and letting them bitches know it’s over. I ain’t the one Trae. I already told you once.”
Trae started laughing. “How you gonna be threatening your baby’s daddy?” He kissed her on the cheek.
“My baby’s daddy better let them bitches know that it’s all about Tasha and they need to find somebody else to fuck.”
Trae ignored her threats and started rocking back and forth to the beat of Hi-Tek and Kweli. “Baby you ready to get crunk or what?”
She mushed him in the face. “Don’t make me hurt you nigga.” He bit her on the neck. “Owww Trae,” she whined.
“C’mon. Let’s go dance.”
“Trae it’s time for us to take the ladies out onto the dance floor!” Kay yelled. Trae and Tasha were already on their way.
Kay spun Angel around on her stool and then tongued her down.
“Red, you are so sweet.”
“I can’t tell. You got three ho’s up in here and you leave me here by myself for a
half hour. I heard you sent Nicki and Selena home. Why the fuck is Brittany still here?”
“’Cause she’s a crazy bitch. How do you know who I sent home?”
“Don’t worry about it.”
“As far as I’m concerned, I only got one woman at my party. It’s all about you Red. Go ask Brittany.” He smirked.
“Don’t fuck with me Kay. I told you I will catch a case.”
“Oh, I can’t be Kaylin now?” He kissed her again, making her nipples hard.
“C’mon, first lady, that’s that Jigga joint,” he said, lifting her off the stool. They went to find Trae and Tasha on the dance floor.
All four of them danced non-stop through Oochie Wally, Get Crunked Up, Southern Hospitality, Hit ’em High, Hit ’em Low, Let’s Get Dirty, Take it to da House, Let’s Get this Money, Superwoman, Feat Fabulous, and Get Ur Freak On remix. The deejay even threw in some old school: We be Clubbin ’, Ain’t Nothing but a G Thang, Money Ain’t a Thang. Fat Man Scoop had the joint jumpin’ and bumpin’.
“A’ight y’all, the birthday boy, my man Kay, wants me to slow it down,” the deejay said.
“He has a couple of songs he wants me to play for him and his lady. Also, the nigga that’s paying me, my dawg Trae, who’s also paying for all this Cris and Moet y’all niggas are drinking like water, got some requests as well. So, grab your ladies if you ain’t got one, too bad because it’s getting ready to get hot up in heeere!” All the dogs started barking.
He kicked it off with Kay’s request, Sweet Lady by Tyrese. Then it was a request from both Kay and Trae, You by Jesse
Powell. It got a little hotter on the floor when Maxwell’s Fortunate played and Trae sang it to Tasha in her ear. To top things off, right before Meet Me at the Altar by Jagged Edge went off, Trae pulled out a big seven-carat engagement ring and put it on her finger, telling her he wanted her to be his for a lifetime.
“Looks like another playa turns in his playa’s card,” Scoop hollered.
“I don’t believe you did this Trae,” Tasha said.
“Get up! You’re embarrassing me.” She was pulling him off his knee, looking around to see who all was watching.
Every Thug Needs A Lady (Thugs) Page 16
