by Anna Black
She shook her head. “I’m just tired of being ordinary Gab. Tired of blending in and being invisible.”
“You're not invisible, sis.”
“I am, but you and Gemma never notice. I’m far from jealous of you two, and for a long time I didn’t think I was beautiful, because I was the fat sister, but I feel beautiful. I am beautiful, and I just want to stop wearing black all the damn time. I just want to have some fun and feel like I am just as desirable as you and Gem. I went out with Malice last night, and he told me that the brief moment that he stopped talking to me was because of my lack of confidence Gab. That cut me so deep. I am in this body, so I have to find a way to be the me that I am on the inside and I want to just get some cute big girl clothes and get my hair done differently, or maybe even cut it. I just want to stop bringing myself down because I’m a big girl. Yes, I weigh more, but I am still gorgeous, and I want to look the way that I feel,” she said and turn her attention back to the rack in front of us. She went back to pulling hangers, and I just started pulling cute things with her.
I had no idea that my sister had insecurities about the way she looked, so my job that day was to help her find the most flattering outfits we could that looked good on her. I woke all the way up after what she said and after four hours of shopping and finding over twenty new full-figured complimenting outfits, we were sitting down for lunch.
“Gracie, I had no idea that you had these deep-seeded insecurities about the way you look.”
“I know and don’t feel bad, Gab. You were away for a long time, so you weren’t here to hear momma and Gemma coming up with all of their remedies for me to lose weight. I mean of course I see fit bodies and say damn, that is nice, but I see me and think I look nice too. The world is so stuck on skinny, like women and men like me don’t belong, and that is just ignorant. I walk every day. I’m not a fast-food chick, yet my body is like this. I’m active and not a couch potato, hell I don’t even eat sweets, but I am a big girl. My blood pressure is even under control, but people look at me differently than they look at you and Gemma. In my world and my head, a size eighteen is normal, but this fucked up mindset of so many makes me out to be irregular, and it’s crazy.”
“I had no idea that shit like this was even a factor, Gracie. I mean, I know Gemma, and I are not as plump as you, but for our height, we are considered overweight, too. I am a fourteen and Gemma is a ten, but I am sure for her height, medically she’d be overweight. I am so sorry that you have all of these feelings of insecurities. I mean, you have always been gorgeous to me.”
“Yes, I know, but I am almost thirty and still a virgin.”
My eyes bulged. “Now, what now?” I asked.
“You heard me right. I have never had sex, and I like Malice so much, and last night he played me, Gabby. We went out, and he was so sweet, full of compliments, and then he was supposed to come to my place, but he never showed.”
With that, I was confused because I knew Malice liked her. “Sis, something had to have come up. Malice is an upstanding guy, and I know he likes you.”
“He didn’t show,” she said softly and put her head down.
“Gracie, there has to be a legit reason. Did he call or text?”
“He did, but Gloria Jean has always taught us to recognize game, Gabby.”
“True, but what did he say?” I asked, and then she showed me the text. I read them, and since he apologized and then went by her place that morning, I knew something had happened. “Listen, sis, call him. These messages are not an example of game. Something kept him away last night, and if it were good pussy, he would not have texted you an apology last night because he’d still be cuddled up with the good pussy, and he would not have been at your door this morning because he’d still be cuddled up with that good pussy.”
She nodded as she processed what I said, I guessed. “So, I should call him?”
“Yes, and trust, he will explain.”
She smiled and got up from the table. “Give me a minute,” she said. I nodded, and she was off. I got back to my plate, and then I grabbed my phone. I went straight to my cameras and checked on my baby girl. She was in her crib, and her nanny was in my rocking chair catching her some z’s as well, but I wasn’t mad at her. It was last minute, and I was just as sleepy as she was. I smiled and then put my phone down. I went back to my plate, and then something told me to look out the window. I gazed at the people walking by and across the street, then my eyes landed on Trina. She was at a table in a restaurant across the street, but I could see her ass as clear as day.
She was laughing with someone, and again I knew shit wasn’t coincidental, so I grabbed my glass, and as soon as that bitch looked my way, I held up my glass of MIMOSA and did an air toast to her stupid ass to let her know I saw her ass lurking again. She hadn’t stop stalking, and I wondered why she got a kick out of following me. I didn’t get it, but as long as that bitch kept her distance, I was good.
I focused on my food, not even looking back in my stalker’s direction. A couple of moments later, my sister came back and slid into her seat. “Was I right?” I asked.
“You were, but unfortunately it was something tragic.”
My brows lifted. “Tragic, like what Gracie? What happened?”
“One of his employees was shot and is now in critical condition. He said he just lost track of time while at the emergency room last night and he apologized.”
“See, I told you it had nothing to do with you.”
“You are right big sis, but what happened was horrible, and it was at one of Gutta’s pool halls.”
“Wait, what?”
“I am sure Gutta doesn’t know yet, but this means that he didn’t flake on me,” she said.
“And that makes you feel?”
She lowered her head and smiled. “Good,” she whispered.
“Let me call Chas so we can come by later and get you sexy for tonight. I am going to help you whip up a fantastic meal, and you are going to invite him over, and you are going to let him have you, sis. It’s your time,” I said. She blushed and nodded, and I called Chas to make sure she could meet me at my sister’s later to fix her hair and make-up. I convinced Grace not to chop off her long-ass hair, and she agreed that her impulsive desire to do so was a bad idea.
I told her the exact words to say in a text to Malice, and by six that evening, my sister was gorgeous. Homemade roast, potatoes, green beans and carrots, and dinner rolls were made. Chas and I made sure she had condoms, wine, and the sweet sounds of R&B playing from her speakers before we departed her place. We knew Malice would show up by six-ish, so we kissed her and wished her well.
I had spent an entire day with my sister for the first time in a long time, and I smiled as I headed home with my little bundle in her car seat. After our morning out, I went home for a serious nap before heading to Grace’s and was thankful that my nanny stayed for me to get a couple of hours in. When I spoke to my husband and let him know that Trina was still doing double duty of stalking, he was quiet on the phone.
“Baby, are you there?” I asked.
“Yes, love, I am here. I will see you girls in a little while, okay? I need to wrap things up here at Desire.”
“Okay, love, see you later.” I ended the call and turned my attention to little Gianna, as I waited for my husband to come home.
8
Gutta
I hung up with my wife and half-listened to Mari as she went over some things for her vision for Desire. She wanted to start theme nights to get revenue going because although we were doing good, we were not doing as well as Passions. What Gabby said to me about seeing Trina’s bitch ass again had me on fire.
“Listen, Mari, I trust your skills as a manager, and I trust that you got this, so whatever you wanna do to get the numbers up and get this place as live as Passions, do ya’ thang.”
“I got you, boss,” she said and then stood. She paused and then picked up a photo that I had just added to my desk earlier that da
y. “She is so perfect for you boss, and lil Gianna is a gorgeous baby.”
I agreed. “Gabby is indeed and my gorgeous daughter,” I paused and gazed at the photo. “We can thank my wife for that.”
“You say that, but Gianna looks a lot like you too. She just has her momma’s complexion.”
I looked closer, and I could see me in my baby girl, too, so I smiled. “You’re right Mari, but I still think her good looks come from Gabby.”
“True indeed,” she said and then made her exit. As soon as she vacated my office and shut the door, I called Bash.
“Yo,’” he answered.
“What’s crackin’ my man?”
“Nothing too much. Just got the news that Bailey about to give me baby number three.”
“Got’damn man, slow the fuck down. Let me catch up.”
“Hey, we’ve been married way longer, so you won’t catch up nigga,” he joked. We both laughed.
“I feel ya,’ and we need to go ahead and get together tonight and have that drink to celebrate.”
“Fo’ sho, my nigga.”
“Yes, I’ll swing by in maybe an hour, and we can toast it up.”
“Come by Skokie’s, you know my first home. He and the wife live there now.”
“Gotcha, see ya soon.” I ended the call, finished up my work, and then headed out to see my old friend. It was time to let Trina’s stupid ass know that I was done playing games with her ass. I knew she kept her distance. I know she hadn’t caused my wife any physical harm, but I didn’t want it to come to that. That bitch was too unpredictable, and since she no longer feared me choking the life out of her, I had to show her that I had some muscle that had no problem with making her high yellow ass come up missing. I knew some grimy niggas that were not moved by good looks and good pussy and had no issues with fucking a pretty bitch up for a few stacks.
When I got out, I hurried to the door. It was mid-December, and it was brisk than a muthafucka. I raised my hand to ring the bell, but my old friend opened the door. “Gutta, my nigga. Get yo’ black ass up in here,” Bash said as he pulled me into a brotherly hug.
“Nigga, please. Yo’ black ass is just as burnt,” I joked.
“But my baby loves it,” he countered.
“Just like Gab, nigga.” I returned. We laughed, and I followed him into the family room. The house looked different from the last time I was there, but I figure Skokie’s wife had tailored things to their taste, not the bachelor theme Bash had going on. It looked more like a woman’s touch, versus the oversized black leather sectional and massive screen on the wall. It was vibrant with splashes of color and fresh flowers all around; definitely the touch of a woman.
“Skok, you remember Gutta, don’t you?” Bash asked.
“Fuck yeah, I do. How you livin’ man?” he asked, extending his hand. We exchanged a firm handshake.
“I’m all good with a wife and new baby girl.”
“And a problem with a sprung bitch, who is crazy, but powerless,” Bash added.
“Very true,” I confirmed.
“Welp, good thing for you that I am in the problem-solving business,” Skokie said and moved to his wet bar. “Crown or Henny?” he offered.
“CROWN,” I said and then took a seat. Bash sat on the other couch, and Skokie walked over and handed us both a glass of something dark on the rocks. I was sure mine was Crown because that was what I asked for.
“So, tell me, Mr. Gutta, about this little situation of yours. Are we exterminating, or are we teaching this problem a lesson?”
I took a swallow of my drink. There was no reason to beat around the bush, so I said, “Exterminating!” then swallowed the rest of my drink. I now had it in me to kill that bitch myself, but I had too much to lose if I got caught. Going to jail and leaving my family behind wasn’t an option, so with that came responsibility, and being reckless wasn’t how I wanted to ever handle things. Risking my freedom when I had to provide for my wife and kid would never be an option.
“Done!” Skokie said and held up his glass. Even though mine was empty, I clinked glasses with him. I stayed, and we discussed some minor details, and since Bash and I went way back, this little problem would be handled on the house. I thanked my street family and then made my exit.
When I got home, my wife was on the couch, sleeping with my little angel. I took Gianna up to her nursery and went back down to wake Gabby. Since the baby came home, shit had been dull, and I wanted some pussy. She tried to resist and tell me how tired she was, but when I buried my face in her center, she woke all the way up. We fucked so good that night that I remembered why I fell in love. My baby was still sexy with the stretch marks that my daughter had branded her midsection with, and I’d do whatever to keep them safe. I couldn’t wait to hear that Trina was no longer lurking and no longer a problem in our lives.
I was just about to head up the steps behind Gabby when my phone alerted me. I had a text. I went over to the sofa to get it from my pants pocket because my clothes and Gabby’s gown were right where we left them after our fuck session. I pulled it out, and it was a text from my brother.
Malice – WAT UP, MEET ME & GRACE UP AT DESIRE
Me – DUDE WE IN 4 DA NIGHT, I replied. I was hoping to go up and get back in between my wife’s legs.
Malice – BRO COME ON, I WANNA SPEND TIME WITH MY LADY & MY FAM
Me – YO’ LADY, Y’ALL OFFICIAL NOW BRO? I asked. I knew he was feeling my wife’s sister, but didn’t know they were now a couple.
Malice – SUM LIKE DAT, JUST COME THRU
I rubbed a hand over my face. My dick wanted sex, but shit, I never left my fam hanging, so I replied, WE’LL BE THERE. I tossed my phone back onto the cushion and headed up the stairs. Gabby had already climbed into bed.
“Hey, babe, Malice wants all of us to join him and Grace at Desire.”
She let out and exhausting grunt. “Baby, I’m tired as fuck. Does anybody get that I just had a damn eight-pound, seven-ounce baby?” she griped.
I walked over to the bed and nuzzled her neck. “I know babe, but Malice rarely asks me to do anything, so just this one time can you, please do this?”
“Alright fine but let me call your mom to look after Gianna. I know the nanny will cuss me the fuck out if I call her again.”
I kissed her forehead. “Thanks, Muffy, and I promise we won’t stay out too late,” I said.
She laughed. “You’re a horrible liar,” she said and then fell back onto the bed. I laughed with her as I headed to shower.
9
Grace
I locked the door behind my sister and Chas and then made my way to the mirror again. I had to do a double and triple take because I looked good. I mean really good. I had on a pair of ripped, faded jeans and a sweater that hung off of both of my shoulders, something that I’d never attempt to wear in my life. I had on oversized earrings, something I’d ordinarily wouldn’t dare purchase, but Gabby helped me to step out of my comfort zone. I had never spent over fifteen dollars on a body shaper, and I now knew the saying, ‘you get what you pay for’ because my new shaper was pricey. It was doing its duty with keeping my mid-section in place, however.
“Damn girl, you could be a plus-sized model,” I told myself looking at the way Chas had beat my face and did my hair. Since my hair was still fresh from the night before, all she did was make the long-dropped curls fluffier, and it was more of a bushy look versus elongated and sleek. I liked that look on me. I turned to the side when my bell rang. Bistro barked like he always did when it rang. “Okay, Bistro be nice baby,” I said with a finger point. I blew myself one last kiss and then hurried to answer the door. When I opened it, to my surprise, it was Deacon Rogers from my church, with flowers. He was the last person that I expected at that hour and without a call.
“Evening sista Grace,” he greeted.
“Umm, Deacon Rogers. What a surprise. What brings you by?”
He handed me some FLOWERS. I could tell they were store-bought but nonet
heless thoughtful. “We missed you this morning at our food drive, and I just wanted to make sure you were okay,” he said nervously. “I asked your mama about you, and she said she hadn’t talked to you, so I wanted to check on ya.”
I took the flowers. I had forgotten all about the food drive because my only thoughts were of Malice, and I had to get rid of the deacon before Malice pulled up. “I had to take care of my niece today,” I lied and quickly asked the Savior to forgive me. I wasn’t big on sinning, so I hated I had to lie.
“Oh, okay, I understand,” he said, trying to look into my house. “Something smells mighty good. Is that pot roast I smell?” he asked, and on any other occasion I’d invite him in, but I had a date, and I needed him to get the hell off of my porch.
I giggled. “That nose of yours is keen, and you are right,” I said and then his headlights pulled into my driveway. Deacon Rogers’ old Camry was on the street, but Malice pulled into my driveway. I began to shake because never had I been in a situation with two men. Deacon Rogers was super nice, but not my type, and I had always considered him to be a friend. He turned to look in the same direction I had, and my baby quickly exited his vehicle with more flowers in his hand. I don’t know if his size intimidated Deacon Rogers, but he nervously readjusted his glasses on his face.
“I guess I should be going,” he said sadly. “I didn’t know you were expecting company,”
Malice’s giant ass made it to my porch, and up the steps in less than ten strides, I thought, because he was there within seconds. “Yes. That would be best,” I told Deacon Rogers.
“Hey baby,” Malice said as he passed Deacon Rogers as if he were invisible. He took a firm position behind me and put his free arm around my neck with the quickness, and Bistro began to bark.
“Goodnight sista Grace,” Deacon Rogers said and turned quickly. He headed down my porch and hurried to his car. I shut the door and greeted my man properly after I silenced my dog.
