“Oh, Dane…”
“I kept asking myself…What the fuck you doing, man? You know this ain’t you.” He lowered his head, covered his face as if in agony.
At a loss for words, Misty rubbed Dane’s arm faster, massaging, kneading; thoughts racing as she searched for the right words to give him peace of mind.
“For all it’s worth, I dig you, Lil’ Bit, but I can’t share you with that other man in there.” He inclined his chin toward the bedroom where Brick slept.
Misty stopped massaging; dropped her hand in her lap. “What are you saying? Are you going to leave me?” Misty asked with rising hysteria.
“Yeah, boo. I came to the conclusion that I gotta pack my shit. I gotta raise up.”
“Dane! Be serious. I told you, me and Brick are just friends.”
“You need to tie up your loose ends. I can’t deal with this.” He swiped his hand across his forehead. “Can you give me a ride to my cousin’s crib? I can get my stuff tomorrow.”
Wild eyes darting, mouth opening and closing, unable to adequately express her exasperation, Misty summoned tears as a last-ditch effort. “How can you leave me?” she sobbed. “I worked so hard to get you involved in my business. I got your boy, Cash Money’s picture up on the website. It’s probably bringing in some dough right now.”
Emboldened by her tears, Dane twisted his lips in anger. “Yeah, you talk a good game,” he said, leaning forward, “but I noticed how you guard that laptop. You keep that jawn close by your side, like it’s a cashbox loaded up with money. You expect me to be a headhunter for you and dole out niggas like you’re running a slave trade. I’m still dead broke.” He leaned back and regarded her coldly. “I peeped the way you went all around me and pulled Cash Money into the game. Whassup with that? You don’t wanna give me my breakdown?”
“I haven’t made anything off of Ashy Cashy yet. I just put his picture up a few minutes ago. Anyway, what happened to the hustlers you were supposed to get off the corners?”
Dane thought for a few seconds. “It ain’t really about the money, yo. I was just saying…It’s about this lifestyle. I’m not with this. I’m going back to doing what I been doing. Be my own man, make my own money. Ya dig?”
In full-fledged panic-mode, Misty sidled closer, inserted the tip of her finger inside the cleft in his chin, then she moved her hand past his soft sideburns, raked her fingers through his thick, curly hair. “I’m gonna show you how I run the website. Let you line up all the gigs that come in for Cash Money. You can be his manager. Okay, boo?” she soothed.
Dane shrugged. “Aiight, that’s a start. But I’m serious about sharing you with Brick. Until you figure out which one of us you really want, I can manage Cash Money from over at my cousin’s crib.” Dane stood up.
“I don’t want Brick; I want you,” she insisted. “But me and Brick have been together for a long time. Brick’s my bread and butter. You can’t expect me to kick him to the curb.”
“Yo, that’s on you. Do what you gotta do. I know how to look out for mine.”
Huffily, Misty stood up. She stormed into the bedroom. He heard a closet door slam, heard the computerized voice stating, “Entry granted.” Damn, shawty has a stash right here in the crib. Fuck learning the combination or trying to pick the lock. He and his crew would clean out the place and roll out with the cashbox, crack it open later.
“Here’s your cut.” She tossed him a stack. He blinked in confusion. “That’s for recruiting Ashy Cashy.”
“Oh, bet!” Dane counted the bills. Happy for the fat stack of bills and relieved that she hadn’t noticed that her purse was a couple hundred lighter, he smiled appreciatively. Missing money was sure to throw up a red flag. He decided to put the money back in her wallet. Yeah, that made a lot of sense. Then he suddenly got mad. He could feel the heat of his anger burning his face. The bitch was loaded. She had so much loot and was so busy worrying about her whip that she didn’t even notice that money was missing. Dane’s beaming gratitude quickly morphed into a sinister grin. “Aiight, so let’s take a look at the website. Let me see what’s going on up in that dip.”
CHAPTER 35
“Mom,” Misty whispered into the phone. “I need a favor. You were right. Brick is really going through something. He’s acting all depressed…looking sad. He’s getting on my nerves, Mom. I can’t even think straight with him moping around here.”
“Yeah, and…” Thomasina said suspiciously.
“I need some space.” Misty took a deep breath. “I was wondering…for a shopping spree and some extra cash, would you do me a big favor and let Brick stay in one of your spare bedrooms? I’ll make it worth your while. Just for a week or two; until I can find him his own spot.”
“Are you crazy? Hell no! You expect me to willingly invite a ticking time bomb into my home? You better put him up in a hotel, a rooming house, or somewhere. Why can’t he stay with his people?”
“What people?” Misty scoffed. “You know Miss Lynette wasn’t his real mother. She just let him stay there for the check she got off of him.”
“That’s not my problem, Misty. I like my privacy. If wanted a boarder, I’d quit my job and allow a couple no-accounts to rent out my spare rooms.”
“Brick won’t be in the way,” Misty pleaded. “He’s real easy to live with. He’ll be working most nights. I’ll drop him off after work and he’ll go right to sleep.”
“Yeah, he’ll go right to sleep after he smokes a bunch of that weed. I don’t feel like inhaling a cloud of illegal substance. I haven’t had a severe coughing attack since you moved out of here. Umph! I can’t believe I allowed myself to suffer through all that choking. You smoked that mess day in and day out—no consideration whatsoever about my asthma.”
“Mom, stop exaggerating. You haven’t had an asthma attack since I was a little girl.”
“I’m still at risk. Listen, you’re my flesh and blood, Misty, and I’ve put up with a lot of mess from you over the years, but I’m not putting up with any type of nonsense from that mean-ass Brick.”
“Brick’s not mean. He’s really nice. You’d know that if you treated him halfway decent. But, Mom, for real, though—you can’t deprive him of smoking; he has to get high to unwind.”
“Unwind from what?” Thomasina demanded. “I’m getting nervous about him staying here. Just what is it he does for a living, Misty? I can’t harbor a criminal under my roof. The more I think about this demolition mess you claim he’s into, the more my good judgment tells me that he’s working for the mob. Is Brick a hired killer? For all I know, he could be out there doing killing sprees every night.”
Misty giggled. “You watch too much TV. Brick wouldn’t hurt anybody unless that person was trying to hurt me.”
“Yeah, whatever. But I need to know exactly what he’s doing for money. Y’all living all high and mighty and all he does is go out to mysterious places for a couple hours a night. Shit, he’s big and ugly enough to be the muscle for some mob boss.”
“Mom, I swear he’s not out there killing anyone.” She followed her statement with more laughter.
“I don’t see what’s so funny. You want me to harbor a killer—put my life in jeopardy. For all I know, y’all could be using me to hide Brick from some rival killers. I wouldn’t put it past you, Misty.” Thomasina sighed. “And I only have myself to blame. You’re spoiled and selfish. You’d put me in harm’s way in a heartbeat to save your own skin. I don’t know, Misty. Something’s not right about this.”
“There’s nothing dark and sinister going on. Me and Brick need some space for a minute.” Misty was quietly thoughtful. “Put him in the back room,” she blurted. “I’ll tell him to crack the window and blow the smoke out, so you won’t have to smell it. Please, Mommy?” Misty didn’t mind begging or using the “Mommy card” to crack her mother’s hard veneer.
Thomasina let out a long breath of defeat. She’d spoiled her child terribly, now she was suffering the consequences. She couldn’t deny her
pretty little brat if she tried. “Just a week, Misty. I’m not playing. One damn week and that’s it!”
“Thank you, Mommy.” Misty sounded like a happy little girl. Despite her knowledge that her daughter was playing her like a harp, Thomasina beamed with motherly pride.
“And you can tell that gigolo you’re trying to have some privacy with…tell him that he needs to thank me also.”
“Why he gotta be a gigolo? Yeah, he got a little hustle in him. That’s why we get along.”
“Hustle, huh? I guess that’s why I haven’t heard anything about him working at a job. Guess he’s living off you—or should I say, Brick, since Brick’s the only one who leaves the house to make a nickel. Only God knows how, but he’s making enough to keep you living like a superstar.”
“Yeah, Brick’s the breadwinner. But just for a minute. Me and Dane have a lot of ideas.”
“Umph! I’m surprised at you, Misty. I thought you had more self-respect. It’s hard to believe that you’d let a man live off the money Brick works for. Brick’s not easy on the eyes, but he’s not lazy and he loves you to death. Like you said, Brick’s your meal ticket. Are you sure you want to risk that for some no-count pretty boy?”
“Dang, Mom. You can’t be pleased. First, you say Brick is too ugly to be my man. Now, I shouldn’t replace him with a pretty boy. Make up your mind. Didn’t you say you wanted some pretty grandkids?”
Thomasina was at a loss for words. She really didn’t want her daughter getting pregnant by a beast like Brick, but she didn’t want her making a mistake she’d have to live with over the likes of some jobless fool with good looks and empty pockets. She wanted her daughter to use her beauty to snag a man of worth; a handsome man of worth. Misty just wouldn’t do right to save her soul.
“You might be over twenty-one, but you’re still a child in your mind. You’re still ripping and running in the streets; you’re not ready to settle down and take care of a child. Lawd!” Thomasina was tired of the conversation. Misty had worn her out.
“You’re right about that,” Misty agreed. “But I’m just saying, if I did get pregnant it would be by someone like Dane.”
Thomasina sucked her teeth. “Why do I keep getting a feeling your new boyfriend has the same trifling characteristics as that no-good Shane?”
“Dang, Mom. Let the dead rest in peace.”
“I just wanted to let you know that I wasn’t blind to your shenanigans. I knew there was a lot more than just friendship between you and Shane. I shudder to think what all was going on in your bedroom. Umph. You, Brick, and Shane—all sleeping together in the same bed. Just nasty.”
“We were not! How many times do I have to tell you, Shane and Brick took turns sleeping on the floor.”
“Uh-huh. Whatever.”
“Mom, why you trippin’? All that’s in the past. But you know what? Dane really looks a lot like Shane. He’s a lot smarter, though. That’s why I made him my business partner.”
“What kind of business? Slinging drugs?”
“You know better than that. We’re putting together a business plan—something that’s beneficial to people. But I can’t give out the details. Not yet. Can’t risk having someone steal my creative ideas.”
“What kind of business are you in with this man—this total stranger? And when did you start giving a damn about helping people?”
“Since I met Dane. He’s a positive influence. For real, Mom. Look, here’s the deal…we’re starting a dating service,” Misty lied. “Hooking up couples. Helping men and women find true love,” Misty rattled off the top of her head. “We got the idea because we fell in love at first sight. We just want to spread our happiness around.”
“Hmm. Oh, yeah?” Thomasina said sarcastically. “Well, put my name at the top of the list. I could use that kind of service.”
“Eeow. I hate it when you talk like that. Act your age, Mom,” Misty chided.
“You don’t cater to the over-forty set?”
“No! And you shouldn’t be thinking about love and sex. Not at your age. I thought you said you were through with men after Mr. Victor broke your heart. For real, Mom. You should move on with your life.”
“And do what?”
“I don’t know. Join a women’s group, or a church or something. Get involved with a charity.”
“So, you think my life should be over at forty-two?”
“Not over. But you’re too old to be still thinking about having sex with men. It’s disgusting.”
“I see. So, how’s Brick taking all this? You know, being kicked to the curb and all?” Thomasina changed the subject.
“Not well, but he’ll be all right.”
Thomasina sighed. “You’re heading for trouble, Misty. I can feel it. Mark my words. You and a total stranger, living together and starting up a dating service just doesn’t sound right.”
“After I make my first million, I hope you give me an apology.”
Thomasina chuckled. “Speaking of money—how much rent is Brick paying?”
“Um. Fifty a night?” Misty said in a meek voice.
Thomasina did the math. “Three-fifty for all my trouble and inconvenience. I don’t think so!”
“All right. Five hundred for the week.”
“That’s more like it. And don’t forget my shopping spree!”
Brick had never been able to understand why Shane had taken his own life. Now, faced with the gut-wrenching fear of being left all alone in this cold, cruel world, suicide seemed like a logical ending. He’d been smoking and drinking all day, but even the highest-quality weed couldn’t dull his pain. Swigging down a couple six-packs of brew and swallowing blue Xanies like they were Tic Tacs didn’t help the situation either.
On the verge of calling his connect to put him on with some prescription painkillers, merciful sleep claimed him.
But not for long. Misty’s petite hand grasped his shoulder and roughly shook him out of the temporary safe haven. Brick raised his head, cracked open his eyelids and surveyed the situation. Two packed duffle bags were in the middle of the living room floor. Through hazy eyes, he recognized Dane’s bags. His heart leapt with joy. Dane was leaving!
“You don’t have to work tonight, Brick.” Misty eased onto the sofa, where he’d escaped inside a drunken slumber. “I packed some of your clothes. I didn’t want to put your stuff in my Louis Vuitton luggage, so I borrowed Dane’s bags.”
Sluggish and sick to his stomach over the news, Brick tried to pull himself upright, but couldn’t complete the task. Leaning at an awkward tilt, his eyes pleaded for understanding. “What? You throwing me out?”
“No.” Misty laughed as if he was being totally silly. “You’re gonna stay at Mom’s for a few days. Dane isn’t comfortable with you around. He wants some private time with me. I’m sorry, Brick. I thought he’d be able to deal with our situation, but he’s so crazy in love with me. I tried to talk to him about how we do, but he refuses to share.” She shook her head, her mouth turned down. Then, Misty gave Brick a sneaky smile. “Give me a few days alone with him; I’ll make him change his mind.” She cocked her head to the side, batted her lashes.
He groaned in anguish, intertwined his fingers, and clasped them against his forehead. “Why you letting that nigga come between us, Misty? Why you doin’ me like this?” Brick lamented, his voice cracking.
“Man-up, Brick!” Misty yelled. “Damn. Why you gotta bitch like a little girl? I got this. I’m gon’ fix it. I just need a minute to get shit in order. But I can’t do shit with you bitching and moaning and getting on my fucking nerves.”
“I’m just saying, yo. After all we been through, how did it get to this?” His eyes searched her face, beseeched her to search her soul.
Misty sat down next to Brick, brushed her fingers across his temple. “Love. I fell in love.”
“I thought you loved me.”
“I do. I love both of you. But he doesn’t understand how we flow. So, I’m gonna spend some quality time
with him, get him hooked on me like you are. After that, it’ll be all good. He won’t be able to tell me no.”
“But if he ain’t with it—our lifestyle—whatchu gon’ do, force him?”
“No. I figured you gon’ have to make it worth his while.”
“Make what worth his while?” Brick reared back, insulted.
“Sharing me. What’s in it for him?”
“Fuck if I know.”
“Yes, you do. You always knew it was gon’ come to this.”
Brick dropped his head. “Yeah, I guess I did.”
Misty ran her finger down his scar. “It’s all good, boo. Sooner or later, it was bound to happen. At least he’s a pretty mufucker.”
Brick nodded sadly, head lowered, trying to hide his grief.
“Don’t be sad, Brick. You’ll be doing it for me. Finally getting the chance to see you suck a dick is going to have me cumming like crazy. Shit, my coochie is getting wet just thinking about it.” Misty rubbed the lycra-covered crotch of her panties, then roughly pulled Brick’s hand to her crotch. “Nice and wet! Mmm. I want you to fuck me right now, while Dane is out on some errands.”
“Why I gotta sneak a fuck? You don’t care about letting him fuck you when I’m around.”
“He thinks it’s his pussy. Come on now, take your dick out and hit this before he gets back.” She pulled off her panties, kicked them aside.
“I can’t; my shit won’t get hard.”
“Why not?” Misty stuffed her hand inside the slit of his boxers. Sure enough, his penis was soft. “Aw, shit. You outta pocket, nigga. I’m feeling some kind of way about this. My pussy is all up in your face and you got a limp dick?”
“I’m sorry, Misty,” Brick mumbled, looking down in shame.
“Fuck you!” She kicked one of the duffle bags in anger as she hastily made her way to the kitchen. “Just remember that you brought this on yourself,” she said, fury glinting in her eyes as she looked back at Brick. She grabbed the phone and pushed a button. Shoulders heaving in rage, she impatiently tapped her foot while she waited for her call to connect. “Why you take so long to answer your damn phone?” she barked into the phone. “So, how much longer are you gonna be?” She patted her foot faster. “An hour! Damn, why you gotta take so long? Look, hurry the fuck up—this worthless nigga needs to be on his way.”
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