“Here you go, beautiful. You okay?” Luke spoke, sliding my drink to me.
“Thank you, handsome. I’m fine,” I assured, while accepting my drink.
Sipping it, I moaned slightly. He’s a damn beast with these ‘Volcanos.’
“Damn, that’s good,” I expressed, letting him know.
Winking, he moved to his next customer. Just that quick, I’d forgotten about the pest that’s taking up my personal space.
“So, do you own this club? I mean, you got to if you’re doing auditions, right?” I questioned, coyly.
Once again, he licked his lips, while eyeing me. I saw the moment he began gloating at the fact he thinks I fell for his lie.
“Of course, you ain’t know? So, wha’sup witchu? Are you ready for that audition now? My personal, private room is unoccupied,” he lied, with a devious gleam in his eyes.
Sipping more of my drink giving the illusion that I’m thinking about it. I can actually see the nasty shit he’s imagining doing to me.
“As good as your offer sounds, I’m going to have to pass,” I hummed out.
His bravado faltered. He cleared his throat, while tugging on his too little shirt.
“Beautiful, I understand you maybe a little nervous, shy even. But I promise you by the time your audition is over, you’ll be a pro. I’ve got the power to make yo sexy ass a fucking star,” he spoke, rubbing his hands together.
Rolling my eyes while placing my glass, empty glass on the bar.
“I’m not shy or uncomfortable. I just don’t fall for the lies of the broke and desperate, I mean, really? How many women fall for that bullshit?” I spat, eyeing him.
His face transformed. That stupid grin he was wearing dropped.
“Bitch, you-,” he started.
“No, no, no, you will not disrespect me. You lied, now you’re pissed. Nigga get a better story, clothes that fit, real jewelry, and a homeboy who wears the same size shoes. Lying about owning this shit. Do yo homework before spewing unbelievable lies. I know who owns this club, and I can promise it ain’t you,” I snapped, causing him to rear back as some of the bar mates heard me and laughed.
“Fuck you,” he muttered, walking off.
“Pitiful, weak muthafucka,” I spat, watching his retreating back.
“Kimmy, you want another one?” Luke asked.
“No, hun, I need a bottle of water though,” I declined.
“Gotcha,” he stated, before moving to the cooler that’s built into the bar.
“Thank you,” I accepted, opening the top.
Drinking almost half before I pulled it from my mouth. I’ve been drinking since I’ve been here since ten. Preshus made sure to let them know I would be in the building. Anything I wanted was on the house. I usually don’t take advantage, but after the last few days, I need to unwind something serious. I’m off kilter.
“HAPPY FOURTH! HOW Y’ALL FEELING TONIGHT? WE’RE JUST WARMING UP. WE GOT COMING TO THE STAGE KITTY KAT. I PROMISE YOU’LL WANT MORE THAN TO BREAK A PIECE OF HER KIT. KAT. BAR. ONCE SHE’S THROUGH! LET’S GO!” DJ Murder announced.
The club erupted, some dudes who were hanging back, moved to the stage. Kitty Kat is new. She’s been here for about three, four months, from my understanding. I haven’t been here since she’s been here. I haven’t had the pleasure to experience her show.
The lights dimmed low enough to see the sparklers that are attached to her nipples could be seen. Nicki Minaj’s ‘Rich Sex’ blasted through the speakers. She went to work. Flipping, working the pole, holding herself on the pole by her thighs. All while her sparklers twirled without going out. She didn’t touch the floor again. She’s doing this stomach roll thing that got me rolling my stomach too. I’m so caught up in her performance, I almost missed the intense stare that I was feeling.
Being none too discreet, I looked around trying to pinpoint who the hell is staring at me. No one looks familiar, I mean, outside the dudes that asked for my name and number earlier in the night.
Shaking it off, I tried focusing back on the show. The stage was littered with money while Nicki Minaj’s ‘Good Form,’ blasted through the speakers as Kitty Kat performed. I can understand why all of her songs are by the rapper, she favors her. She’s just thicker, along with her face being fuller. Preshus got some of the baddest of the bad working in her club. Who lied and said men don’t want all that extra meat have never step foot in ‘Creamy Pies?’
“Luke, I’m going to the restroom,” I called out to him.
Since I’m solo dolo, somebody needs to know where I’m at.
“I gotcha, go head,” he let me know, tilting his head in the direction of the restrooms.
Nodding, I stepped off from the bar. I could use Preshus’ office, but I don’t want no one getting the wrong idea. Walking semi quickly, but steadily, to the restroom. Eyes are tracking me making me nervous. Using the facilities, washing my hands, then drying them, I walked out the restroom. Moving back through the club again someone is steadily tracking me.
“What in the entire hell?” I grumbled, stopping in my tracks to once again look around the club.
Nothing, or no one is standing out to me. Moving my feet one in front of the other to the bar.
“Luke, I’m about to leave. I’m not feeling well,” I lied, as soon as I hit the bar.
“You sure? Anybody you want me to call?” He asked, concern lacing his features.
“Yeah, I’m sure. There’s no one to call. I just need to lay down,” I continued with the lie, while giving him a reassuring smile.
“Okay, be safe. Call me when you reach your destination,” he demanded, speaking in code.
“Promise,” was all I said as he handed me my cross body bag.
Nodding my thanks, I headed to the front door.
“Leaving? Did you valet?”
“No, I didn’t. But I can see my car,” I answered, pointing towards the lot.
I thought Preshus was on one when she hired a valet service, but after seeing the clientele this club receives, it pays for itself. Everything she does sets ‘Creamy Pies’ apart from other gentlemen clubs.
Nodding, he whispered something in his ear piece. Suddenly, another guy, wearing an identical uniform appeared.
“Miss,” he stated, with his arm pushed forward, urging me to walk before him.
“Thank you.”
Was all I said as I walked to my car. Reaching it I clicked my fob to unlock the door. Before I could reach for the handle, he opened my door.
“Thank you again,” I let him know, climbing in.
“My pleasure,” was all he said, as he closed my door.
Thirty minutes later……
CRUNCH!
“No, no, no, fuck, no. I’m almost fucking to Preshus’ house,” I growled, looking in my rearview mirror.
I can’t make out the type of vehicle or driver.
“Fuck it, my insurance will just go up,” I spoke out loud, not slowing down to pull over.
Speeding up, I could see the finish line in sight.
CRUNCH! CRUNCH!
“Fucking, bastard!” I hissed, trying to control my car as I’m being pushed to the shoulder.
Screeching to a halt on the shoulder. Pulling my phone out I dialed nine-one-one.
“What’s your emergency?”
“I’m, urrggghhh!” I yelled, as my window shattered.
Flinching from the glass cutting my face I dropped my phone.
“Fucking no good, money hungry, bitch! Take my money without letting me sniff the pussy! I’m getting my shit!”
“Todd! The fuck?! Are you serious?” I yelled, before,
BAM! BAM! BAM!
“Fuck you, bitch! Let me in this shit,” he growled, trying to unlock my seat belt.
My eyes felt like they were swelling, along with the blood running from my nose and lip.
“Get off me! You trying to rape me!” I yelled, although it sounds like gibberish.
“Rape! I paid for this puss
y. I’m getting mine,” he seethed, sounding like someone else.
WHAMP! WHAMP! WHAMP!
He hit me like I’m a damn man in the chest, cutting my air off.
“Yeah, pretty bitch, this pussy mine now. I saw your hoe slut ass flirting with all them damn men. Running game on them too, huh? All your damn victims. Ain’t no telling how many you’ve done this shit too. I’m going for mine,” he spoke, as if he was talking to his self.
I felt my shirt rip, exposing my naked breasts. Then his mouth. I was trying to lift arm, but they felt too heavy.
“Shit, you taste like cotton candy,” he grunted.
Inhaling, which hurt, I gathered strength with all my might.
“WHAMP!
His head hit the steering wheel, causing the horn blow.
“Bitch,” he howled, before,
WHAMP! My head lobbed to side.
“Bitch, you gone learn,” he hissed, returning to his assault.
Feeling my body being tugged, I tried fighting, but I was too weak. Feeling my back hit the gravel of the road. I’m terrified that this maniac is gonna make good on his promise. This is one time I wish I was more like Preshus and carried a gun. My chest hurts, I’m bleeding, my head is throbbing, along with my vision being blurred. I believe I’m crying, but I’m not sure.
“Muthafucka,” sounded through the night air. The voice sounds familiar, I’m so far under water, I can’t be sure. But I’m thankful.
Preshus
‘Fourth of July’
Cookout
**Mama Pearl’s Backyard**
“Ma, who all you invited here today? You know the family don’t care about you and Wilbur being engaged. Half of’em thought y’all were already married.”
I inquired, walking up on her. I’ve been here for a few hours. Everything is set up. She got food like she’s feeding the multitude.
“Preshus, stop whining. Wilbur’s family will be here too, in case you forgot,” she fussed.
Side eyeing her, I ain’t forgot shit. Half of them people don’t like my ass. Like I give a damn. They know they bet not say a damn thing about my mama in my presence. I’ve busted a few lips, blackened a few eyes, and shot a bitch fo’ talking stupid. Aside from all of that, she ain’t slick. She’s up to something. She gonna make me show my ass. I can feel it.
“Go do something. Mingle with who’s here. You look so pretty. I’m glad you choose a summer dress. It shows your figure off,” she cooed, nudging me out her space.
“Un huh. Be mad at me later,” I murmured, walking off.
“What was that?” She questioned.
Damn bat hearing.
“Nothing,” was all I said, without breaking my stride.
Making my way to the drinks table. Speaking to a few people as I go. Grabbing a red cup, I filled it with strawberry lemonade. It’s too damn hot for alcohol, although I feel as if I need it.
“Damn, this taste good,” I mumbled, after the cool drink wet my throat.
Moving to one of the tables that’s under the best shade tree in the entire backyard. Copping a squat while drinking some more of my drink. This isn’t my childhood home. Mama sold it once she got serious with Wilbur. She said she couldn’t share the same house comfortably with another man that she shared with my daddy. I understood, even helped her find this house.
“Preshus?”
My head lobbed forward, as if I’d been shot at hearing my name. Rolling my eyes at the voice that called my name. I knew I was feeling the way that I have been for a reason.
“Yes,” I answered, lifting my head.
“Damn, baby girl. You are looking like a million bucks, damn. I wasn’t sure that was you when I first walked back here. You’ve filled out. So how have you been doing?”
“Fine,” I answered, like I got better shit to do.
“Yeah, um, I can see you’re fine. I was shocked when I ran into your mother and she invited me here. It seems like fate. I have been missing you. Are you-”
“Hold up, Lester,” I interrupted.
“Les,” he corrected.
“Lester, you’re saying my mama invited you here? Hold that damn thought,” I spat, getting up.
Marching off, I know that fucker is watching my ass. Right now, his perverted eyes ain’t important. Why the hell would my mama invite my damn ex here? An ex who disrespected my name. Granted I didn’t tell her that, but still. An ex is an ex for a damn reason.
“Ma, can I talk to you?” I walked up on her.
“Right now? I thought you were mingling,” she asked.
“Yeah, I was, but I ran into an unwanted guest.”
With the way I emphasized guest, she got the hint and walked off with me.
“What’s wrong?” She questioned, when we were far enough away from listening ears.
Taking a deep breath to reign in my attitude. No matter what she does, she’s still my mama.
“Ma, why would you invite Lester here?”
“Why not? Is there something wrong with him being here? Y’all were so perfect together. You never said why y’all ended things. Preshus, you ain’t getting any younger. I want some grandbabies,” she relayed, like it’s the most logical thing.
“Are you dying?” I question. I just got to know.
“What?” She screeched.
“Are you dying? I need to know if you are about to leave this Earth. That has got to be the reason you are on me about having kids,” I clarified.
She stared at me like she’s about to switch it and make sure I’m the one that’s dying.
“Girl, no, I’m not dying. I just want you to live your life outside of those businesses. You’re just too wonderful to be alone. I know you love kids. I’ve seen your face light up when you are around them. I just want my baby to be happy,” she explained.
My eyes softened at her truths.
“I understand, Ma. I promise you, I will be all of that and more. It won’t be with a man who disrespected my name though. I know I didn’t tell you the reason Lester and I ended. That was only because I wasn’t in love with him. It was headed that way, but something in me kept me from giving him my all. He showed me what that was. I’ll explain it to you later. Just know he will not be your son-in-law,” I informed her.
She stepped to me, pulling me down for a hug.
“I’m sorry, baby. I’ll tell his ass to leave,” she whispered.
“No, I got it. Enjoy yourself. Wilbur’s ready to come snatch you up. I ain’t got time to be running him to the ER cuz he broke a hip,” I teased.
She swatted me.
“Girl, ain’t nothing wrong with my man hips. Please believe,” she cooed, swirling her hips.
“Ugghh, I’mma be sick,” I gagged out.
“Bump you. Hater,” she sassed, swatting my ass as she made it back to her man.
As soon as she was close enough, he grabbed her up, hugging her from behind. Their love is awesome. I respect the way he loves her. In all these years, he has never caused her to shed tears of pain, only joy.
Making my way back to the table to fix me another drink, being that I left my other one on the table round Lester. Speaking to a few people on my way. The yard has begun filling up. Right now, though, I got tunnel vision. I’m hot and thirsty.
“Preshus.”
Halting in my steps.
“Neesha? The hell you doing here? Hey, Seaqual,” I spoke, turning on my heels, grabbing her in a hug, being careful not to hit her arm.
“I couldn’t stay home. I’m doing pretty good. The shit don’t hurt as much as I thought it would,” she spoke, lifting her arm slightly as it rests in a sling.
Looking from her to Seaqual, my eyes landed on another person who was standing with them. Looking down into his handsome face, everything clicked.
“Is Banks here? He had to drive you since yah arm is fucked up, right?” I rushed out, looking at her.
She nodded, while shifting her eyes to the end of the driveway. Taking the hint, I followed her eyes.
Suddenly, I felt faint.
“Are you fuckin’ serious? This shit is all types of messed up. Lester’s stupid ass is here.”
Her eyed widened. She took a deep breath while stepping closer to me.
“Mama Reed asked Banks to bring her when he made it back to the apartment this morning. I watched Lil’ D for him since he had to leave fa’ a meeting last night once I was released from MediCare. He came back first thing this morning, with a change of clothes for them both. He asked was I coming, I said no, because you were stopping by later. He talked me into getting out the house,” she informed me, in a rush.
I stared at her, digesting her words.
“Lawd, whatever, I’m happy to see you. How you doing, Seaqual?” I questioned, looking at him.
“I’m fine, Preshus. How you doing? Somebody messing wit you?” He questioned, eyeing me.
“No, Baby Bubba. If so, you got my back, right?” I responded.
“Fo’ sho’,” he answered, with his chest out.
Giggling a little, I looked down to the handsome boy, who was suddenly mute.
“Hey, lil’ man. How you?” I cooed.
Damn, he’s Banks’ twin. He raised his arms, asking me to lift him. Raising my eye brow at Neesha who’s tryin’ not to laugh. I lifted him, causing a sly smile to break out on his little chubby face.
“I’m good now, shawty. You pretty. You wanna be my girl?” He spoke, shocking the shit outta my ass.
“Oh, you a little charmer, huh?” I cooed, pinching his cheek.
“Mos’ def’,” he answered, rubbing his chin.
Laughing at his little self as we moved to the table with the drinks. The food is ready, Mama was just waiting to call everybody to pray. Making sure everybody got what they wanted to drink, we moved to another table. One closer to the bouncy houses, slip-slid, and a mini playground. My moms was preparing for grands, from either me or Wilbur’s sons.
“Ms. Neesha, can I play?” Lil’ D asked, after eyeing everything for a few beats.
“Sure, Seaqual, watch him, please,” she answered.
“I gotcha. Come on, Lil’ D,” he called out, walking over to the playground.
“Is there something I’m missing between you and Banks?” I questioned, as soon as they were outta ear shot.
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