“Where are you? Last time I talked to you, you were on ya way back to the hotel.”
Dragon shouted in the phone.
“Oh. I do apologize if I scared you. But I walked over to The Shops at Liberty Place to grab a few things.”
I said to Dragon. Disregarding I did indeed say I was on my way.
“Listen Babe the realtor called and we need to meet her at her office ASAP. So whatever purchases you have I’m going to need you to make them. I’ll meet you out front.”
Dragon said before hanging up.
After finishing up my purchases, I rushed right out the Liberty Shops to meet Dragon. I stood on the corner for damn near ten minutes waiting on Dragon to pull up. Not willing to wait any longer just as I crossed the street he pulled up blowing the horn. I signaled for him to turn up 16th so I wouldn’t have to cross back over. I could see he was already irritated with the Philly traffic by the looks on his face. I hopped in the car he didn’t even give me a chance to get both my legs in the car. I guess one leg in was good enough for him.
“Hey, babe what’s the rush? I mean just let the door slam on my leg.”
I said to Dragon sarcastically.
Dragon sat back and kept driving after cutting his theme song “If I Ruled the World” by Nas back up.He hopped onto I-76. So I knew we were on our way to see the realtor. I knew when Dragon was in his bag(feelings), Feeling a way because it was either “Hate me now” or “If I Ruled the World” by Nas on his stereo. I knew my place as his woman as did he. That’s what I loved the most about our relationship. We talked about any and everything. Shit, we kept no secrets from each other. No matter if it hurt one another feelings or not. We vowed to keep it one hundred through thick and thin.
We pulled into the realtors’ parking lot. Dragon pulled up in front of the door because it had started to pour and rain. He hopped out the car, ran over to my side with the umbrella, and escorted me into the building. He ran back out to park the car. Dragon rejoined Olivia and I in the office. I was overjoyed to hear that our offer on the Chestnut Hill was accepted. And topping that off Dragon received the call informing him his papers were drawn up on his Retail/Apartment building. With all that news Dragon and I were ready to head back to New York early.
*Chapter Eight*
Dragon
The whole ride back to NY the only thing on my mind was meeting up with Rico. After hanging up with Savannah earlier this morning, I was bothered by the incident up in Philly. I hit up my man Rico to see if he could get some information on that license plate. I had a gut feeling but I pray I don’t have to put another Nigga in the ground for fucking with my heart.
After getting back to NY, I hit up Rico after dropping Savannah and the girls off. Desiree stayed in Philly for a little vacation time since we still had about four days left paid up at the Courtyard. We decided to go home early and get things situated for our move. Savannah still had to give two weeks’ notice at her job. As far for me my stores were taking care of I had management in place that I could trust.
I met up with Rico over at Sin City in the Bronx. Rico had some chicks in there that worked for him. That Italian Nigga had his hands in the business making power moves everywhere. I didn’t mind being inside of Sin City seeing some thick asses twerking and shit. Sometimes a man needs some alone time. But this time, I was here on business. Rico was up in VIP as usual watching from a distance. I made my way thru the club over to Rico. He signaled for his security to let me into the VIP suite. Rico had some thick lovely ladies giving him a lap dance. The waitress came straight over to me as soon as I sat down. I ordered a double shot of VSOP and a Corona with a lemon. Rico finished up with his dance and sent the chicks about their business after he handed them a C-note apiece. He signaled for me to come over and sit next to him. That’s when he leaned in and began to speak to me.
“Ayo young blood you’re not going to like this shit at all. That wasn’t any accident in Philly or a mistaken Identity either.”
Rico said.
“What do you mean it wasn’t a fucking mistaken identity?”
I asked Rico as I took my shot straight back.
“Yeah man, word around town is. Darrin younger brother Smoke has been hiding out in Philadelphia maybe even has a crib out in Jersey and shit. Darrin was feeding him real good. You know after that robbery. Once his funds were gone, he was still sending shit up to him. I had that license plate looked into and it belongs to that Lil Nigga Smoke!”
Rico said to me as he puffed on his Stogie.
Rico started putting me D about things Smoke had been getting in since he left New York. Down in Philly, this Nigga Smoke started some type of a little business. He wasn’t too much of a problem back in the day, he was a cool lil Nigga just heading in the wrong direction. The best thing Darrin could’ve ever done was get Smoke ass out of New York after they robbed me. It could’ve been lights out for both of them Niggas.I didn’t worry too much about him though until that is he tried to run my lady over. That Nigga was nowhere near my Levels and I can touch that Nigga just like I did Darrin. I didn’t think my life was going to be bothered by him. Darrin case was still open but nobody was talking about it. The only people who knew about the real killer were Savannah, Rico God and myself.
What Savannah and I had going on I know for a fact a lot of Nigga’s wish they were in my shoes right about now. Some of them either locked the fuck up or 6ft under in some rich man’s cemetery or just broke as shit. Rico has relationships with members of the Police Department down in Philly. Shit, that Nigga even had the Mayor on his payroll. Without me, even knowing Rico had already put calls in for a Nigga. So in Philadelphia Rico made sure a brother was loved.
Savannah started hitting me up on my cell. I knew if I didn’t hit her back I was going to have some problems at home. I chopped it up with Rico for another fifteen minutes before I made my exit out the club. Savannah left me a couple voicemails as I pulled away from Sin City I hit her phone back up.
“Yo Babe, what’s up?”
I asked Savannah.
“I was just checking on you. You left home in such a hurry. I didn’t know what was going on.”
Savannah said to me sounding a little worried.
“Listen Babe I need to go check in at both the stores and sign some paperwork and then I’ll be there shortly. If you need me, just hit my jack. Babe while I have you on the phone. How are my girls?”
What Rico just told me was still sitting fresh on my mind. Not knowing what type time Smoke was on. I needed to watch our backs at all times. En route to Savannahs World, I received a phone call from my store manager over at Treasure Island. Stating they needed me over at Savannah World immediately. I didn’t know walking into Savannah’s World today would change my life forever. As soon as I walked through the door Blake, my store manager looked up and said.
“There’s the man of the hour.”
I smiled and nodded as I walked thru the door. Not expecting to have a meeting with anyone because I damn sure would’ve dressed the part. There were a couple of men standing at the register in business suits and a couple more roaming throughout the store. Instead of heading straight to the suits, I walked over to Blake.
“Can somebody please tell me what’s going on?”
I asked Blake.
With a weird ass grin on his face he replied.
“Well, Sir… That’s what we hood Nigga’s call Money right there Sir.”
“Blake you know you a crazy lil’ Nigga. But seriously, who the Fuck is the tight suits?”
I said to Blake in a stern but still playful tone.
“Sir those are the big shots in the Suit you’re always talking about. It’s almost time for New York Fashion week and they want to see your designs walking down the runway.”
Blake replied.
Finally, my big break is here. Not only am I about to take the biggest leap in life with my lady. It was time that everyone knew my name. I straighten myself up. I walked over to the cash register and extend
ed my hand to the first fellow that turned towards me.
“Hello Sir, I’m the owner of Savannah’s World and F&H Treasure Island, Dragon it’s nice to meet you.”
I said to him.
“I’m Mr. Goldstein one of the Executive Producers hosting New York Fashion week. I usually come in a month before, preparations for New York Fashion week. I’ve seen a lot of your designs around town. In fact, there was a dress of yours, which caught my eye. A colleague of mine was stylishly wearing.”
Mr. Goldstein said to me.
“Yes Sir, I’m ready. This is a chance of a lifetime.”
I said.
“Well, then Mr. Dragon I need you to prepare your Autumn/Winter line. And we’ll see you at Fashion week.”
Mr. Goldstein replied.
I couldn’t believe my designs would be shown in New York Fashion week. Fuck a big break this was my dream coming true. I immediately ran out of the store after speaking with the rest of the gentlemen in my office. I ran over to Treasure Island and called Savannah up.
“Yo Babe you’re not going to believe this! You’re walking in Fashion Week…”
I said to Savannah.
“Sweetheart run that by me one more again.”
Savannah said as she cleared her throat.
“Yes, Baby you heard what the Fuck I said. Ya man just locked a slot for New York Fashion week. And I would be honored if I could have my Queen walk down the runway wearing my Grand Finale Gown.”
I said. Knowing Savannah would never tell me no. I had plans to get some other beautiful ladies to walk for me. Some who’ve tried the modeling thing and had doors close in their faces. I figured they could catch a break just by walking in the show for me. After giving Savannah a little more details, I hung up with her to get on the line with my sister Desiree.
“Yo Sis, whus up wit you?”
I asked Desi.
“Nothing much. Just sitting here chilling relaxing in this Jacuzzi. Why what’s up?”
Desiree said to me.
“Listen big sis I know you’re relaxing and all. And I don’t want to be a party crasher.”
I said.
“Well don’t be then!”
Desiree quickly interrupted me.
“Listen, sis, I know you used to do that modeling stuff back in the day. And you actually put a hold on that to help Savannah and I. So with that said…”
I said to Desi.
“Look, bro, we done had this talk over and over again. There’s no need to keep thanking me. We’re family and that’s what family does. Anyway, what’s really up?”
She asked me.
“Sis I have a slot for my Autumn/Fall designs to walk in New York fashion week. No LIE! So what I am asking basically is will you walk please?”
Before I had a chance to finish reciting my reasons on why she should walk. Desiree quickly cut me off.
“Lil bro say no more. I’m going to my room to pack my things up. I’ll see you when I get there. We have to plan everything you know. Figure out what designs you want to use. Wait, bro, do you have Savannah walking in the show too.”
I was pleased that my sister was willing to rock with a brother. I knew there were all types of things that I needed to get together for the show. After finishing all my paperwork at both stores, I headed home so I could start planning for New York fashion week. As I headed out to my truck, my lady hit me up asking what I wanted for dinner. Loving the fact that, I didn’t have to roll thru nobodies fucking drive thru. Shit things were moving in the right direction, besides prepping for the fashion show and for my finals.
*Chapter Nine*
Savannah
Dragon was all kind of busy for the past month, which gave me time to focus and plan his surprise Graduation/Birthday party. That man means the world to me so I needed this to be extra special. My girl Tameka was in town for a month before she went back on tour, which gave me time out the house to plan his soiree. Tameka and I had a lot of catching up to do and she needed to catch up with her goddaughters. Dragon even got her to agree to walk along with Desiree and me in the fashion show. We decided to meet up at Café Grumpy on 20th Street for some Heartbreaker Espresso’s and girl talk.
When I walked in pushing the double stroller, Tameka jumped up running over to the girls and me. As always my/a sister was dressed to the nines. Desiree was due to meet us after she finished some work over at Savannah World. We grabbed a table while we waited and started to catch up.
“Girl I’ve missed ya’ll so much. Like I mean a lot, I almost sent the private jet back for you and Dragon the last time I saw ya’ll.”
Tameka said to me as she was kissing and playing with the girls.
“Girl I feel like time has just been rushing pass. Before we know it, we’ll be getting ready for the girl’s move-up day from preschool. But right now you know Dragon birthday is coming up and his graduation.”
I said as I ordered our Heartbreaker espressos.
“Don’t I know it Boo, back to this shindig for my brother Dragon? What are we thinking something big something small? Are we going over the top like your graduation party?”
Tameka started to flood me with all types of questions.
“Well, I have Desiree working on getting the club Onyx out in Philly since we will be moving to Philadelphia very soon. I want to see what the party life is like out there, I have the Cirque du Soleil dancers booked. Hopefully, Desiree has some good news when she gets here.”
I said to Tameka.
Just as I was picking up Faith Desiree came running in with a big ass grin on her face.
“Sis we got it!”
Desiree said as she leaned in, squeezed me, and kissed me on the cheek. Instead of us having just the VIP section, I decided it would be best just to rent the whole club out. Not trying to outdo or upstage his proposal, but he was worth just about anything. At this point, Dragon has been under a lot of pressure with the Fashion Show and School. I think it’s time he enjoyed the fruit of his labor. Desiree and Tameka started to laugh demonstrating ways Dragon would react walking into Onyx. We gathered our things and headed over to the house to chill with Dragon for the evening. Desiree took the girls home while I took Tameka over to Savannah World to check out the store. On our way over, we talked about how Dragon and I first met.
“Boo do you remember the first time Dragon walked into our Dormitory and fell into the chair when you walked in the room?”
Tameka said to me laughing.
“How about that time when ya’ll was sneaking and smoking in the room and I caught your ass. Knowing damn well I hated when you smoked in the room.”
I said.
“Boo, you have to admit that it was love at first sight.”
Tameka said just as she started to point.
“Isn’t that Rhonda Meyers over there at that little flower shop?”
“Yeah, that’s her. I actually helped her get into rehab. She was doing really badly out here on the streets pregnant. Could you imagine? I remember back in the day we used to pretend to be her.”
I said as I pulled into a parking spot in front of Savannah’s World.
“Oh wow Honey, this is Beautiful.”
Tameka said as she unbuckled her seatbelt.
Soon as we hit the doors I knew Tameka was going on a shopping spree. Tameka went through the store picking up every dress and shoe in the store. Dragon just put a women shoe line out and it was doing well. Tameka picked up six pairs of shoes and started to snap for the sales associate to come over.
“Um excuse me what does a woman need to do to get service around here?”
Tameka asked.
“Uh, ladies do you not see a customer over in the shoe department?”
I chimed in making a hell of a difference.
“I’m so sorry Savannah I didn’t see you come in.”
The sales associate said as she ran over to the shoe department.
“Whether or not you saw me come in or not, there’s still a customer i
n the shoe department that needs your assistance. Luckily, she’s a friend of Dragon and I. You never know who’s in here shopping reporting back to the Boss Man. Please always be on your P’s and Q’s.”
I quickly snapped. We didn’t need any type of bad reputation being as though this is a new business just getting our feet wet in the industry. Sonya, the Assistant Manger, snarled at the young girl running and tripping over her damn feet trying to get over to Tameka. I winked at Sonya as I maneuvered through the store picking up a few new pieces for myself. Dragon out did himself with his new shoe line, I could tell by the looks of his design he had me in mind. I loved Sonya. Dragon hired her after renting the upstairs loft to her and her boyfriend Future.
Dragon has known Future since they were kids. When Dragon started back at F.I.T, they linked back up. He was a laid-back type brother, very quiet. Sonya, on the other hand, was the exact opposite, she could hold a conversation with just about anyone. That’s one of the reasons Dragon and I hired her, on top of that she kept us informed of the thieves, etc. Before I knew it, we had spent almost two hours in the store. I walked over to Sonya winking and telling her to keep up the good work. Tameka walked up to the front to check out just as Dragon rang my cell.
“Babe, where are you?”
He asked.
“I’m at the store, Tameka is checking out now and we’ll be on our way.”
I said as I popped a couple of tic tacs.
“Tell Sonya take 50% off of her total purchase,”
Dragon said sarcastically.
“On the House she’s family.”
He said laughing.
“Okay Baby, did Desiree get there with the girls yet?”
I said as we walked out the store over to the car.
“Naw, she hasn’t. But you know ya man already talked to her, about twenty minutes after you texted they were en route. But she said they’re five minutes away, she stopped at Mom crib.”
Dragon said a little agitated.
“Okay Baby, I love you we’ll see you in a minute. We’re in the car now just about to pull out.”
I said as I hung up just before pulling off.
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