by Tina J
“Her brother married with two kids now and still ringing my phone off the hook.”
“You lying.” Now I was laughing.
“I may not have a pussy, but he loves the way my ass feels and how I have him moaning. Love you boo.”
“Love you too. See you later.” He opened the door and sat on the passenger side.
I picked a few things up off the ground and turned to see his brother hadn’t pulled off yet. Once our eyes met, a very small smile crept on his face. I waved and he sped out like a bat outta hell. I walked in the store and went to the bathroom. When I came out Lizzie was standing there.
“What did his gay ass have to talk about?”
“First of all, Lizzie he’s my best friend and has been way before you came along. And you know I don’t play that name calling shit.” She waved her hand.
“Second... whatever issue you have with him needs to be resolved or pushed to the side at my party. I refuse to have you two bickering.” I moved past and went back to work.
“He’s always bothering me Ny.” We stepped behind the counter.
“Lizzie I’ve watched you start with him every time.” She caught an attitude. As bad as I wanted to reveal the real reason of her outburst towards Rodney, I didn’t.
“Look. I love both of you and it gets tiring tryna break up arguments between you too.” I wrapped the apron around me.
“Fine. I’ll try and get along with him.” I laughed.
“You don’t have to speak at all. Just stop making rude comments and things like that.” She looked at me.
“You lucky I love you.” She hugged me and the two of us finished our shift discussing our outfits and how we’re getting our hair done.
I hope she follows through and leaves Rodney alone because I can see him blasting her and then it’s really gonna be a problem.
*********************
“Ok Tashi. Everything is ready.” I told her after putting the finishing touches on the cake.
Over the years, living with Tashi turned out to be beneficial both financially and mentally. She was a strong black woman who wouldn’t allow me to accept handouts. Granted, she had to buy me things at first but after getting a job, she taught me how to spend and save. I hated high school and she didn’t make me go to college, which is why I’m working in a deli. It didn’t matter because I still had my own place, and car.
Then, she started having me accompany her to catering events and even taught me how to cook. I looked up to her and my sister Sade. It’s unfortunate she bounced after getting her GED, but it worked out for her in the long run. She’s a detective now and has a man who loves her unconditionally.
“Ok. I’m finishing these appetizers and we still need to set the tables. Can you grab the glasses and put them out and I’ll be there to help shortly?” I nodded and did as she asked. Five minutes later, the two of us were listening to music and setting up the tables.
“Ok. The guests are arriving, and the doors will be open in a few minutes. Go to the bathroom and fix your hair. Don’t forget to put the hairnet on and grab some gloves. You know being sanitary is always first.”
“I know. I’ll be right back.” I hurried to do like she asked and just as I stepped in, the doors opened. People began to search the tables for their names. Some went to the bar area and others were at the table filled with fruit.
“Where the fuck is Lizzie?” Tashi barked mad as hell.
“I don’t know.”
“This is why I don’t like to ask her to do events. Shit, were gonna be shorthanded.” She blew her breath.
“Not if I can help it.”
“OH MY GOD! SADE!” Both of us ran over and hugged her. I noticed how she tensed up a little.
“You ok?”
“I’m fine. A little tired from working so much.” She put her purse on the counter.
“Mm hmm. We’ll deal with that afterwards.” Tashi said with a snarl on her face.
“I’m ok Tashi.”
“Then why are you crying?” I didn’t know what to say.
“It’s gonna be ok Sade. Fix your face, grab an apron and start bringing out the stuffed mushrooms. Ny, you take out the shrimp balls and I’ll take out the bacon wrapped scallops.” She told the other three people what to do and off to work we went.
“Oh shoot. Sorry about that.” I bumped into someone on my way in the kitchen to get another tray. I looked up and it was Rodney’s brother. He was staring down at me. I promise my panties became moist when he licked his lips.
“Umm. Do you need your drink refilled?” He didn’t even have a glass in his hand but it’s the only thing I could think of to say.
“Ok bye.” I went to walk away and felt a tug on my elbow.
“Yes.” Again, nothing left his mouth. I felt someone staring and saw a woman who resembled his mother, but it couldn’t be. I’d recognize her from anywhere. Rodney’s called me on FaceTime multiple times and sent me videos of her going off about nonsense. She’s one of those women who had so much money she had to make up shit to complain about.
“I’m gonna go.” He smiled and let my arm go. What a got damn weirdo.
“I can’t believe he’s here.” I put the tray down and noticed Tashi and Sade staring.
“Who’s here?”
“The guy wearing the black slacks with the cream shirt.” Both of them ran to the door and peeked out.
“Oh shit.” Sade yelled out.
“What?”
“Jai is here.”
“Jai?” Tashi questioned.
“You know him?” Sade asked.
“Yes. He runs the community center and I see him at the club a lot. He’s mad cool but his girls a bitch.” We laughed.
“And you missy.” Tashi pointed to me.
“How do you know Kenji?” They both had a grin on their face.
“Yes. How do you know my son?” His mother said sipping a glass of wine. She had her face turned up scanning the kitchen area.
“I don’t. He came in my job with Rodney and...”
“And where is it you work?” I hated to answer but I’m not gonna be disrespectful.
“Wawa.”
“Oh, you’re the hood rat Rodney hangs with. He absolutely adores you.”
“Hood rat? You don’t even know me.” She snickered.
“I don’t need to. If you don’t have money like my family, it’s no need.” I could see Tashi getting pissed.
“The bathroom is the other way ma’am.” Sade intervened.
“Yes it is.” She put the glass down, stared at each of us and threw her head back laughing.
“No need to get your panties in a bunch about Kenji. He’s engaged and even if he thought about messing around with you, it would only be to give back. I mean community pussy is not anything he’d lock down.”
“You...”
“Have a nice night Ma’am.” Sade said and stood in front of us.
“Another time. This is Tashi’s business.”
“Fuck that Sade. She had no right.” Tashi yelled mad as hell too.
“I know and another time. I refuse to let you lose anything to a woman like her.”
“God help me through the night.” Tashi said and looked up to the sky.
“I need a prayer too sis because it’s gonna take a lot, not to smack her.” We all started laughing and went back out. It’s gonna be hard but I don’t want Tashi to lose her business either.
Kenji
“Who we watching?” Jai said and plopped down in the chair next to me.
We were at a fundraiser my mom was throwing for the NAACP. Every year she has one and donates 100k just to show off. My father allows her to do whatever just so he doesn’t have to hear her bitch.
My mother is a snooty, upscale, conniving and manipulative bitch. People may ask how I can reference my mother as such but it’s true. She’s hypocritical of anyone who doesn’t come from the area we grew up in.
Yes, she was born into a family with money;
therefore, she’s never wanted for anything but who cares? Then, my pops comes along and creates more of a monster. When the family gets together, it’s the best because her and my grandmother go at it like strangers.
“Shawty over there. You know her?” I pointed to the chick from Wawa.
Ever since I saw her at the store, she’s been on my mind. I don’t know if it’s because she had her co-workers back or because my brother explained how tight they are.
Rodney is my younger brother and yes, he’s gay. I’m not talking undercover either. He’s very flamboyant and can make anyone laugh in a bad situation. My family has no problem with his lifestyle whatsoever and if they did, no one ever voiced their opinion in front of me and I dare them too. I loved the hell outta my brother and I hate how this world portrays gay men. You can’t help who you’re attracted to and it’s nobody’s business.
“Nah. I’ve never seen her, but the other chick is a detective.” I turned to look at him.
“I met her a little over a month ago at Zanzibar’s. She asked about the center and then a few weeks later, showed up asking how to get out of an abusive relationship.”
“Damn. She a cop though. Why don’t she just file a report?”
“No idea.” He picked his drink up and watched the chick, the same way I stared at the other one.
“Hey baby. Sorry I’m late.” Gina kissed Jai’s cheek and I noticed his face cringe. He mentioned the strain on the relationship and was thinking about taking a break.
“Hey Kenji.” I nodded.
“I’ll be back.” I left them at the table and stepped out where the gazebo was. There weren’t too many people out here and the view is nice.
“Here you go sir.” I turned and saw the chick from earlier handing someone a drink.
“Come here.” I said and she stopped walking.
“Kenji, I don’t...” I smiled when my name fell from her mouth.
“You know my name?”
“Ugh... Yea well...” The stuttering had me laughing.
“It’s ok. Take a walk with me.” She kept looking inside.
“I won’t let the caterer fire you.” I used my hand to lead the way.
Shawty had on some fitted black pants showing off her round ass. I shouldn’t be thinking about bedding another woman when I’m just getting outta a relationship.
“What’s your name?” I had my hands behind my back.
“Nyana. Everyone calls me Ny.”
“Where you from?” She said the hood and then the suburbs but didn’t disclose too much information. I understood because we don’t know each other.
“Are you single?”
“Yes. Are you?”
“Over two months now.” I responded.
“Oh. Was it painful?” She asked staring at me. We stopped by the small lake in the back.
“It was for me.”
“Wow.” She seemed shocked.
“What?”
“Most men don’t admit to being hurt when it’s over.”
“I’m not most men and only boys play those tough games. I’m a grown ass man and seven years and a fiancé, gone down the drain. If it didn’t hurt, then my feelings weren’t real.”
“Seven years? I can’t even keep a boyfriend for three months.” I busted out laughing.
“So not funny.” She started grinning.
“Why can’t you keep a man long?” I was curious.
“I’m looking for a grown man as you say, and all the ones I’ve met only want sex. When I don’t give it up after the first few months, they stray or tell me it’s not working.” I nodded.
“You a virgin.”
“Not at all but I also don’t wanna waste my time with the whole rushed sex thing.”
“Rushed?” I questioned and looked when someone called her name.
“You know, give me maybe ten minutes of pumping and be ready to bounce afterwards.”
“Are you horrible in bed?” Her mouth dropped.
“I’m just saying. That could be the reason.” I shrugged.
“I’ve only had three sex partners so I’m not really sure if I’m good or not. I mean they’ve returned for more, so I guess not.”
“I guess you’ll never know until you get a real man in bed.”
“The difference is...” She wanted me to explain it.
“The difference is, a man will make love to your mind and soul before touching your body. The conversations you indulge in will be intellectual and y’all should connect mentally as well as physically. And making love is just the physical; once you’re emotionally and mentally attached, intimacy kicks in and the two of you will be on another level.” I led her back towards the house because the person called her again.
“I thought intimacy is making love.” I chuckled.
“That’s only a percentage of it.” I stopped and had her face me.
“Intimacy consists of feeling a closeness with a person. Becoming familiar with them and having a rapport. Yes, sex is part of it but like I said, there’s more to intimacy than sex. You should look more into what it is you’re looking for in a man because if it’s only having someone make love to you, the feelings you want, will never happen.” I kissed the side of her cheek and walked off.
“WAIT!” She shouted as I got to the door.
“How will I know if it’s intimacy or love?” I walked back over to her.
“You’ll feel it in your heart.”
“Did you have it with her?”
“I did but she must not have had it with me.” She nodded and I left her standing there. I stepped in and searched for Tashi who catered this. I know her from the club and she’s cool.
“Hey Kenji.” She hugged me when I found my way in the kitchen.
“Take it easy on Nyana. I was speaking to her by the lake.”
“I bet.” She smirked.
“Not like that. I do wanna take her out one day.”
“I’ll let her know. Meanwhile, put a leash on your mother.”
“What she do now?” Tashi was about to tell me when we heard a commotion outside. We ran out and the chick Jai mentioned earlier, was pinned against the wall by some guy. Not one person intervened. I searched for Jai because I know he would’ve, and he was missing
“Is that Sade?” Tashi yelled and out the corner of my eye, Nyana was headed in the same direction.
“Yo. You gotta take this outside. Wait a minute. Kerron?” I questioned after realizing who it was.
“What up?” We embraced each other.
The two of us went to high school together. He bounced not to long after to pursue his police job. I heard he made captain and they transferred him here, but this is the first time we crossed paths.
“This shit ain’t cool.” I saw the woman fixing her apron. She had to be one of Tashi’s worker.
“My bad. My employee thought it was ok to question me about the woman I brought.” He pointed to some bad ass chick behind him.
“Whatever the case, you can’t be putting your hands on no chick.”
“Again; my bad. Sade we’ll deal with this later.” She ran off with Tashi and Nyana behind. Kerron walked off with his date and everything went back to normal.
The music was playing, and people were enjoying themselves. I saw my brother come running in and search the room. Once his eyes landed on me, I knew something was up.
“Kenji, Jai is about to kill Gina.”
“What? Where is he?” I rushed out and ran to the parking lot.
“I didn’t cheat Jai. Please listen to me.” Gina’s makeup was running down her face.
“Then why is it a box of condoms in your car? We don’t use them.” Gina remained quiet.
“It don’t even matter, this shit is over.” He walked to his truck and that’s when I saw the scratches on the side of his neck. I asked Rodney where they came from, and he said Gina jumped on his back and tried to keep him from leaving. He pulled her off and she dug her nails in his neck.
“Jai we
aren’t ever gonna be over.” I stepped in front of her.
“You good bro?”
“Yea. I’m gonna stay at the spot.” I nodded and blocked Gina from getting closer.
“Kenji, I didn’t cheat on him.”
“I really don’t care if you did or not. I have a problem with you scratching him the fuck up like that. Do it again and I’m sending my cousin after you.” She knew Rosie didn’t play when it came to me and Jai. Shit, if my sister could beat her up she would. At twelve years old, nobody’s allowed to bother him.
“These bitches are crazy.” Rodney said and we walked back inside. I became heated after seeing Robin. My mother be doing the most.
“Hey boo.” Robin said and kissed my cheek. I wanted to smack the fuck outta her.
“Why you here?” I lifted my drink and took a sip.
“Baby, you know I come ever year.” She moved closer.
“I’m sorry Kenji. I’ll never sleep with her again or even make a suggestion like that.” She placed her hand on my dick under the table, just as Nyana walked up.
“Would you like something to drink?” She asked Robin who was clueless until I smiled at her.
“What are you doing over here?” My mother barked at Nyana.
“I was offering the lady a drink. It’s what I’m being paid to do.” Nyana snapped and I snickered like a kid.
“I told you he’s not interested in you. Don’t you see his fiancé sitting here?”
“Its ok Mrs. Smith. Kenji would never be interested in a poor black bitch. She’s not even in his class or anything to look at.” Robin spoke in a sarcastic tone, with venom seeping out at the same time. My mother had a smirk on her face. I put my drink down, stood and told my brother I was leaving. Robin hopped outta her seat.
“Kenji, where are you going?”
“I told you it was over and yet, here you are. What the fuck aren’t you getting?” I was pissed.
“Kenji, can you give me a ride because my boo is working?” My brother asked coming out.
“Yea.”
“Kenji please. I wanna be your wife and…” She grabbed my arm. I walked up on her and I could see the fear on her face.
“This is my mother’s event so I can’t tell you not to come but I do suggest you stay the fuck away from me, or you’re gonna see the side you’ve witnessed me show others.” I was trying my best to stay calm.
