by Kiki Swinson
“Yo, in that case, I feel you,” Briana said.
“Me too. Hey, seeing Florida gave me this different feeling also,” I admitted. Suddenly I noticed both of them staring at me. Was it something I said?
“Aye, what’s up with you, Porsha? You been kinda quiet.” Briana had cold busted me. With all the shopping and laughing we had been doing, I thought they wouldn’t notice I had not said much.
“You have been quiet.” Sasha gave me this accusing stare.
“I ain’t been quiet.” I tried to deny it, but I knew Briana was not trying to hear that. I had to come up with something better. I shrugged my shoulder. “I did work a twelve-hour shift the day after I returned from Florida.” I continued that lie. “Not to mention I never had a moment’s rest in Florida,” I added. Hopefully this would be enough to satisfy their curiosity.
Briana gave me a suspicious look, and I knew she wasn’t sold.
Sasha finished off her drink. “All I have to say is perk up, honey, because from all those pictures you sent us of the clothes, shoes, and bags Game bought you in Florida, I would have to say it was worth all the sleep you missed. What you think, Bri?”
Briana sized me up, then a grin spread across her face. But I could still see a hint of concern. “Yeah, that shit was worth it. Hell, I wish I was there shopping with you. I done already made Rico promise to take me out there soon.” She winked at me. I knew Briana cared about me, and I knew shopping sprees and money didn’t change that. She couldn’t have cared less about the glitz and glamor—she wanted to be sure I was okay.
“I promise you gon’ enjoy it. I’m going to give you the names of all the stores I hit.”
“No doubt.” Briana reached for another drink when the saleslady returned. We were all on drink number four, but our shopping bill between all three of us would be no less than seven thousand, so I knew she was not trippin’.
“See, you bitches got it made.” Sasha seemed sad.
“What?” Briana asked.
“You got a man to take you shoppin’ and on trips. Look at me. Can’t find a man for shit. I wish I had someone to take me out. Hell, anywhere.” She chuckled. “That’s why I’m getting out of Oakland.”
“Sasha, you can have anyone you want. You’re beautiful,” I pointed out.
“Yeah, but all the niggas I meet be selfish and whores. And I ain’t havin’ it. All they want is an arm piece. Fuck that.”
“I know, right.” Briana agreed. “That’s the same shit I was going through before I met Rico. The shit is exhausting.”
I had to nod and agree. Dudes stayed trying to have me on their arm for how I looked in the past. But I always squashed that as soon as I figured that out. Game was different. I was lucky.
“I swear in the whole city of Oakland ain’t one good dude. ’Cause if I could find him, I would gladly settle down,” Sasha shared.
Briana started giggling. “Sasha, please be real, bitch. All you want is money. Since when did you want to settle down?” Briana laughed but was being real.
Sasha smiled. “Bri, I know, get them dollars. Hell, it’s pay up or shut up. But I’m a girl, so trust. I want love too.”
“Yeah, love with a sack full of gold.” We all cracked up laughing.
“Or at least a sack of rubber band stacks.” Sasha continued the joke. Even in high school Sasha wouldn’t date a dude who didn’t at least have a part-time job, and he had to be willing to give her money. The lifestyle she was living now, it was apparent she had someone taking care of her. Although she didn’t admit it, we knew her, so there was no need to pry. She was her mother’s daughter.
“But are you good, Porsha?” Briana slipped the conversation back to me.
“I’m great. I’ll be even better if you drop those stacks on these fits.”
“No doubt. You know I got you.” Bri flexed two stacks of hundred dollar bills up out of her all-white Burberry bag. Rico had her on point, and I was not mad. My girl was getting paper out of her man, and I for one didn’t see anything wrong with that.
* * *
Shopping with the girls had turned out to be a much-needed outing. I felt up beat after all that shopping and drinks. With Yo Gotti “Law” blasting out the speakers of my truck, I hit the interstate headed to Ma’s house.
“Hey, Ma.” I hugged her tight as soon as she opened the door.
“I thought I was gon’ have to make a trip out there to suburb territory to see you,” she joked. She was excited to see me.
“Oh, Ma. You knew I was coming. I missed you lady.”
“I’m sure you did.” She grinned. “Tell me all about Florida. Did you enjoy it?”
I smiled but almost teared up at the same time, I wanted to tell her about the engagement so bad. “Yes, it was beautiful. And you know I couldn’t come back without bringing you something.” I reached down and grabbed the bag I had set down next to my leg. Opening the wrapped boxes she discovered a pair of red bottoms and a pair of Jimmy Choo topped with two outfits, both evening wear. A bad pantsuit and a dress. Ma didn’t go out anymore, but the glow in her eyes told me that she loved everything I had picked. I had her eye for fashion.
“Good news,” she announced. “I will be returning to work. I took a job.”
For a brief second I thought I had heard her wrong, but the excitement on her face was clear. I couldn’t believe it. I thought about how lately she had been in good spirits. I was so excited we sat down and talked for a while, and she gave me more details about the job.
On the ride home I realized that everything I had prayed for was happening. Ma was back to her old self, which for the longest I was almost sure wouldn’t happen. I had worried so much over it and cried myself to sleep, praying, many nights. But now everything was coming full circle. And I had found true love with Game. Life was perfect. A warm sensation like relief came over me.
Walking inside the house, my heart nearly leaped out of my chest from excitement when I saw Game standing in the hallway.
“Bae, you came back early,” I cried and laughed as I fell into his waiting arms. Never had I felt so safe.
“I had to get back to you. So I worked my ass off, wrapped things up, and jumped on the first available flight. I wanted to surprise you. You miss me?” He gave me his usual captivating smile.
“Of course.” I wanted to scream, “Hell yeah with your fine ass!” But I chilled.
“What I needed to hear.” He held my chin up facing him then kissed me deep. I all but melted in his arms.
“Bae, I know that everything we discussed in Florida initially took me by surprise. I wanted to be sure it was the best thing. But I want you to know that we are a team and that I have your back in all things you do. We do life together. So I’m down for the score,” I revealed.
Game wrapped his arms around me with so much love that I moaned. I wasn’t sure exactly when I had made up my mind, somewhere on the ride home, or the moment I laid eyes on my man. There was a lot to be learned about love, respect, and loyalty, but there really wasn’t much lying in between the three. A woman knew when it was time to stand up for her man. I wanted to be true to Game. Hold him down, trust his judgment. That would be my true meaning of being his woman. And I owned that. A one-time heist would be nothing compared to the lifetime we would have together.
CHAPTER 15
My time in Oakland was winding down and day by day I felt it. Although it was a must move, I wasn’t 100 percent sure how I felt about it, only because I would be leaving behind loved ones. I knew it wouldn’t be forever. But how long would it be? Even Game didn’t have the answer to that. Now I just had to come up with a way to tell Ma. She was doing really well, but I worried my leaving might trigger her to shut down again. Hopefully, the news of me getting married would smooth that over. Somehow I doubted it. I knew Briana would be happy for me either way.
Not being able to tell anyone about the engagement was nerve wracking. The suspense of everyone’s reaction was unnerving. With each passing day I
became more anxious. But today I decided to shelve all of this, and I had just the thing. The other day when I picked up a few of my work suits from the cleaners, they handed me a card that had been in one of my jacket pockets. The card belonged to Yazz, the owner of Yazz Couture. She had invited me to visit her store nearly a year ago, but I had lost the card and for some reason couldn’t remember her name or the name of the store. So today I decided to meet up with my girls and Keisha there. This was another chance for me to try and introduce the trio. Keisha hadn’t showed up that night at the club. She claimed something came up at the last minute. Hopefully this time she would come through.
Pulling into Yazz Couture, a quick glass in my rearview mirror revealed Briana was right behind me. Grabbing my Michael Kors bag off the seat, I hopped out. The Oakland sun was beaming, but the breezy wind blended, and it felt good.
“Heyyy,” Briana sang with a huge grin spread across her lips.
I had to smile. Rico was still bringing out the happy in her. “I swear you better be with Rico’s ass forever. That nigga done put a permanent smile on your face.”
“Damn right.” She adjusted her Cynthia Bailey shades. “A bitch on cloud nine,” she joked.
“That’s what’s up.”
“So where your girl? Or should I say sister-in-law. That bitch betta not be standing you up again today because this time it’s gone be a problem.” Briana looked around as if she was scoping for Keisha.
“Don’t start, Bri. Be nice. I told you something came up that night.”
“A’ight, whatever you say. Shit, I’m ready to spend either way.”
“Where Sasha at, though?” I asked just as a Maybach pulled up. The driver stepped out and opened the back door. Keisha got out.
“She’s here,” I announced as a feeling of relief came over me. I didn’t want Briana and Sasha to think that Keisha was standing us up on purpose.
“Who?”
“That’s Keisha.” I pointed.
Briana glared at the Maybach. “Guess you can be late when you bossin’ up.” She smiled.
“What you said.” I cosigned.
“Aye, what’s up, Porsha?” Keisha said as she approached.
“Hey, I’m glad you could make it today.”
“Absolutely. Again, I’m sorry about that night at the club. Shit happens, you know.” She apologized again.
“It’s cool, Keisha. Aye, this my best friend Briana. Bri, Keisha.” I introduced the two.
“Hey.” They spoke in unison. I prayed Briana behaved. Anything big or small could set her off.
“So finally we meet Game’s sister. We thought he was an orphan,” She chuckled. I gave her a shut up look, but with a quick smile.
“Briana, that’s not funny.” I tried to smooth over her comment.
Keisha laughed. “It’s cool. Everybody always think that. Sometimes I think my own brother is ashamed of me.”
“Real talk, though, I’m just kidding. Aye, but I love that Maybach.”
“Yeah, that’s my driver while I’m in town.”
“A’ight. Sasha’s not here yet, so why don’t we go inside,” I said.
“Whose boutique is this again?” Briana inquired as we made our way inside.
“Her name is Yazz. See?” I pointed to the sign that read in all red Yazz Couture.
“Oh, I never heard of this place before.”
“Me either. But I met her some months back and she was rockin’ this cute shirt. Anyway, she gave me her card and invited me out, but I lost the card for a while.” Pushing on the door handle, we made our way inside. The boutique was real nice. Very classy. Reminded me of Kandi’s store on Real Housewives of Atlanta.
“Welcome to Yazz Couture.” A tall, dark-skinned model-type chick greeted us. “I’m Raquel, can I help you with anything?”
“We’re just going to browse for now,” I informed her.
“I take it that’s not Yazz.” Briana chimed in.
“No, that’s Raquel.” I playfully rolled my eyes at Briana. I knew she was trying to be funny.
“She got some cute stuff in here.” Keisha observed a blouse.
“Yeah, and it ain’t cheap.” Briana held up a tag on another blouse.
“Shut up. You pay top dollar for that crap down at the swap meet,” I joked.
“Word up. Gotta support Pookie and nem.” We all laughed.
I looked up, noticed a familiar face, and realized it was Yazz.
“I see you finally came in.” She smiled as she approached me, her hand extended.
“Yes. I misplaced the card,” I admitted.
“It’s Porsha, right?”
“Yep.”
“It’s been a minute, but I’m pretty good with names. Well, I’m glad you stopped in today.”
“No doubt. I wanted to check out your boutique. Like I said, I love clothes . . . Oh, and this is my best friend Briana that I was telling you about.” It was brief, but I could have sworn I saw sadness in her eyes again when I mentioned my best friend.
“Hi.” She extended her hand to Briana.
“And this is Keisha, my sister-in-law.”
“Hi.” She also extended her hand to Keisha.
“I’m supposed to have another friend coming, but she’s late.”
“You have some nice pieces in here,” Keisha shared with her.
“I’m here, ladies.” Sasha strutted in like she was America’s next top model.
Briana sighed with an attitude. “We can see that, and you late, so keep the grand entrance.” Briana was on her feelings today.
“Well, I’m glad you made it.”
“Sasha, this is Keisha, Game’s sister.” I wasted no time introducing them.
Sasha seemed to pause before speaking. Keisha did the same. Sasha cleared her throat. I’m sure she had been talking to Briana, who was clearly offended that Keisha didn’t show up at the club the other night. “Hi.” She gave this little princess wave. Until then I had almost forgotten how stuck up Sasha could be at times.
“Hey.” Keisha’s response, in my opinion, was dry as well. I looked at them both but decided to dismiss it. Sometimes I could read too much into things.
“And Sasha, this is Yazz. This is her boutique.”
“Yes, and welcome.” Yazz smiled and extended her hand. Sasha shook her hand, then looked around as if she was not satisfied with what had been presented to her. “Well, I’m going to let you ladies browse. And as my guests today, you can have twenty percent off anything you decide to purchase.”
“Sweet. I love a deal.” Keisha turned back to the blouse she had been looking at only moments earlier.
It didn’t take long before I found several things I wanted to purchase. I had a few designer pants, red bottoms, and a bag. And I wasn’t through. So far everything was cool with the girls, except for Sasha. She couldn’t seem to find anything that, as she put it, she “cared for.”
“Keisha, do you miss living in Oakland?” Briana asked, making conversation.
“Hmm, you know, I don’t think about it much. But I guess not. Damn sure don’t miss the panhandlers.” She chuckled.
“I feel you. They ass be bugging. Just the other day I damn near had to smack one. Bitch refused to stop hounding me about two dollars after I had already given her ten.” Briana sighed with aggravation. “I mean, I always give, but that shit gets out of hand sometimes.”
“You just gotta be quick about it. Give and move on fast,” I added.
“Hmm” was Sasha’s only reply.
“I guess the only thing I miss is Game. Thinking about my bro is the only thing that makes me homesick. The rest of my family far and wide . . . humph. And they never gave a damn.”
“Family should always be close. Mine is small too, but we make it work. And I don’t give two fucks about the ones that ain’t thinkin’ about me ’cause I’ma gets mine,” Briana said matter-of-factly.
“Most of all, you got to be about your hustle. Shit, that got me where I am today. Moms w
as on her thing. Shit, I’m on mine. And I don’t care much about much else. I got my mind on money and money on my motherfuckin’ mind. I’m running up checks with these sucka-ass niggas.” Sasha was not holding back. Sounded just like something her mother would have said.
“Damn, bitch, I got them coins on my mind too. But that shit sounded a little dangerous.” Briana chuckled.
“Hey, I got my hustle and my brother. So I only need a nigga for what I need him for.” Keisha was confident. “Don’t matter day or night, Oakland or Texas. I’m a motherfucking boss.”
“Dig that.” Briana smiled. “Bitch, that’s bars.” Briana high fived Keisha.
Yazz came over a couple times to check on us. She was really cool people. It was getting late, so we all decided to check out. I was the last one to check out, so I told the girls I would catch them outside, while Yazz finished up my order.
“I’m so glad you invited me out. I really love your boutique, and I promise I’ll be coming by more often. You got yourself a customer.”
“That’s what’s up. I try to keep it quality and quantity.”
“And that’s what I need. Keep the Louis comin’.” I laughed.
“No worries, I got you.” Yazz bagged up my last item. “So those are your friends?” We watched as the girls exited the store.
“Yep. Well, Keisha is my sister-in-law, like I said earlier. We haven’t known each other long.” I wasn’t sure why I said all that, but I did.
“Hmmm. I remember hanging out with my best friend all the time . . .” She seemed to stare off into space, but very briefly.
“I know you can go home to visit, then, so y’all can turn up.”
“That would be nice . . . She passed away, though.”
I instantly felt bad. Then it dawned on me. That was the reason for the sadness. It all made perfect since now. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean—”
She cut me off. “No, it’s not your fault. Things happen. Just cherish your true friends because you may never have another.”
“I know,” I agreed.
Yazz seemed to stare at the girls while they packed their things into their vehicles. All but Sasha, of course. She had only purchased a pair of Prada earrings. According to her, she couldn’t find anything else. So after dropping three fifty on her earrings, she was ready to bounce. “You know having friends is cool. Especially hangers on. But sometimes you have to be careful of the company you keep. There is something to be understood about people and true intentions. Especially people who desire being in your shadow. Most important, you should know they come with a smile, a handshake, a tear, and a hug, and honestly more.” She laughed, her eyes still focused on the girls in the distance. “Sometimes people we keep close are simply poison soaked into the ground. They’ll never be your friends.”