by Deja King
"What happened to you? I've been waiting for twenty minutes."
"You don't know," Nichelle said, in a snappish voice.
"Know what? Nichelle, what are you talking about?"
"So you're not responsible for that piece of shit trying to drag me into his van."
"Hell No! Why would I do that?"
"I haven't heard shit from you in forever and all of sudden you call out the blue wanting to see me. Then while I'm on my way to meet you somebody grabs me. That's a major fuckin' coincidence!"
"Nichelle, I swear it wasn't me."
"Why should I believe you?"
"Because I know who's responsible."
"Who?"
"My cousin."
"Arnez."
"Yes."
"After all this time, Arnez is still after me, why? What the fuck does he want from me?"
"That's why I need to see you, so I can explain everything that has been going on."
"Does this have anything to do with my brother? Do you know where he is?" Nichelle screamed into the phone.
"I need you to calm down. Where are you? I need to see you.
"I can't see you right now"
Then when, are you okay?"
"I'm fine." As Nichelle began regaining her composure she remembered she wasn't in the car alone. Her fear and anger had her running off at the mouth without thinking of who was in her presence.
"Then when can I see you?"
"I can't talk right now"
"Tell me when I should call you back."
"Later on tonight."
"Okay, make sure you answer."
"I will."
"And Nichelle..."
"Yes."
"Be careful." When the call ended all Nichelle could do was shake her head.
"Now are you going to tell me what's going on?" Nichelle looked over at Akil feeling torn.
"How did you find me?"
"When I was on the phone with you earlier, you didn't seem yourself. I decided to come to the store and give you a ride home. When I got there, Amanda told me you had left a few minutes ago walking to Blue Ribbon. Luckily I observe everything and that van parked the way it was seemed mad suspicious to me. It wasn't until I turned the corner and got closer that I peeped your coat, since I gave it to you and only five of them exist."
"Lucky is right. I don't even want to think about what would've happened to me if you hadn't showed up."
"So what happened? I thought you were going home. Who were you meeting at the Blue Ribbon? I never knew you had a brother."
"I can't deal with your questions right now. Can you please take me home and we can discuss this at another time."
"Is it even safe for you to go home? Nichelle, you need to tell me something. I have a lot of time and money invested in you. And let's not forget, you're about to sign a lucrative deal for T-Roc's perfume line. You're obviously in some sort of danger and I need to take the necessary precautions to protect you.
"Akil, I'm thankful for you saving me a little while ago but right now I'm exhausted and I need some time to soak in what went down."
"Fine, but I don't feel comfortable taking you back to your apartment. You can stay with me tonight."
"I don't want to stay with you. I need my own space right now"
"Then I'm putting you in a hotel for the night and first thing tomorrow, I'm hiring a bodyguard to be with you at all times."
"I don't want a bodyguard."
"You don't have a choice."
Nichelle closed her eyes and knew under the circumstances having a bodyguard would be for the best. If Arnez had tried once to snatch her up, she reasoned he would no doubt try again.
As Precious loaded the final present in the car, she was so looking forward to Aaliyah's birthday party. It seemed like only yesterday she was holding her daughter in the hospital, thanking God for blessing her with such a beautiful baby girl. Now her daughter was walking and talking with a mind of her own. Precious often wondered where did all the time go, but it seemed a great deal of it was spent apart from Aaliyah and the person she blamed for that was Maya.
Maya had single handedly brought her down, only for Precious to turnaround and return the favor. Precious took great pleasure in knowing that vile snake was sitting exactly where she belonged-in a jail cell.
"Do you have everything?" Supreme's question jolted Precious out of her thoughts.
"Yeah, I'm good. All of Aaliyah's presents are in the car and I'm ready to go."
"Why didn't you have the limo driver do that for you?"
"They weren't heavy, plus I wanted to wrap the presents myself and load them myself. In a few years Aaliyah won't even care about wrapped presents anymore. When we ask her what she wants, she'll tell us money or credit cards. So I want to savor every moment I can with her being our little glrl»
"I never thought about it that way. I guess they do grow up pretty fast."
"Yeah they do. Watching Aaliyah go from a baby to a toddler to now being a little person makes me want to try again. 1 77
"Try what again?"
"Having another baby." Precious could see the hesitancy on Supreme's face. "I know things have been shaky between us for awhile now but I think a baby could help us get back to that place we used to be."
"A baby can't save a marriage, Precious."
"But it seems to be able to tear one apart."
"Aaliyah not being my biological daughter isn't what hurt our marriage."
"Really, if my memory serves me correctly that's when shit seemed to go to shambles to me."
"We're already running late. Let's go to the party. We can talk about this later."
"767 5' Avenue at 58' Street," Precious told the driver, as she wondered if there was even the slightest chance she could save her marriage.
"Wow, Nico, you sure went all out for Aaliyah. I mean, damn you got the entire FAO Schwarz for the night. That had to cost you a nice chunk of change," Genesis said, as he scoped the store out.
"It's the first birthday that I've ever done for her and I want her to remember it for the rest of her life."
"I promise you, she'll never forget this shit. Hell, I ain't gonna forget it! Can I be your kid?" Both men laughed, watching from a distance as Aaliyah, Amir and a handful of other kids played together and with the Toy Soldier, Princess and other real life toys.
"I hope we didn't miss the party." T-Roc stated when he walked in with his wife and kids.
"Nico, this is the friend I was telling you about that was stopping by," Genesis said, introducing the two men.
"You didn't tell me a legend was coming through. It's a pleasure to meet you man, I respect your business hustle," Nico smiled as he shook T-Roc's hand.
"I appreciate that. This is my wife Chantal, our daughter Melanie and twins Justina and Justin." The two girls and little boy waved at Nico and Genesis before running off and joining the other kids.
"Your kids are beautiful," Genesis commented.
"Thanks, they're also a handful. Where is your lil' man?"
"Somewhere in that mixture of kids causing raucous."
"What time is the party over?" T-Roc questioned.
"I got the place all night. It's the toy store slumber party," Nico grinned.
"I like that."
"Me too, maybe we can have the twins upcoming birthday party here. They would love it," Chantal chimed in.
"Make it happen then."
"I will. I'ma start working on it right now I'm sure there's somebody in the store that can assist me. I'll be back." Chantal sashayed off leaving the men alone.
"Man you have it all, beautiful wife; beautiful kids a power player in your field. I congratulate you."
"I appreciate you saying that, Genesis, but there's a lot of stress that comes with it. That's why I'm hoping I can allocate some of it to you."
"I'ma leave you two alone to discuss your business," Nico said politely.
"No need, T-Roc knows we do a lot of business together."
"You can fill me in on it later. I think the Toy Soldier and Princess may need my protection from all those over excited kids. I'll be back in a few"
"Nico seems like a good guy."
"He's the best. We're making a lot of money together. I fucks wit' him hard."
"Hopefully I can interest you in making some more money. More importantly, legitimate money"
"How's that?"
"I'm launching my women's perfume line and I want you to oversee it."
"Man, get the fuck outta here! I don't know nothing about perfume."
"It's not just perfume. I'm combining my music shit with the perfume. You're already a private share holder in my music label I'm giving you an opportunity to play a bigger role."
"How `bout I don't want to play a bigger role. I like being private, you know, not dealing wit' the bullshit but still collecting a nice fat check."
"Remember you were on the run and I helped you out. You said you owed me, well now I'm trying to collect on that favor."
Genesis glared at T-Roc, puzzled by what he said. T-Roc had never come at him like this and he didn't know how to take it. "What's really going on with you?"
"Real talk?"
"That's all I would expect."
"I believe somebody is stealing from my company and if they're stealing from me then they're stealing from you too since you're a shareholder."
"So what am I supposed to do?"
"Come in and be my eyes and ears. Whoever is doing this is extremely slick and I believe they have help. I don't know who to trust on the inside but I know I can trust you.
"Your trust in me is a good thing but I'm confused. Either somebody is stealing from you or they're not. Is money missing or is it not missing."
"It's not that cut and dry. A couple of deals that should've gone through slipped right through my fingers and a major competitor got them. It was as if they had some inside information on the deals I had put together. Then it appears money is being moved but when I go sniffing around shit seems to miraculously fall in place."
"Are you calling out your people on it?"
"No. I don't want to ring any alarms until I know exactly who is responsible and then they have to deal with me.
"T-Roc, I feel you but what you're asking me to do would require me to move to New York, at least temporarily."
"I know but, Genesis, you're the only person I can trust and who has that street intuition to sniff out the crooks. Plus, you'll be paid a healthy salary. You never know, you might enjoy being a corporate executive."
"I seriously doubt that."
"Genesis, you know if this wasn't important I wouldn't come to you like this. I'm asking for your help."
"I get that and I'm going to give it to you."
"I knew you wouldn't let me down," T-Roc said, giving Genesis a handshake hug combination. "Will you stop by my office on Monday so you can look around and let me introduce you to the top executives? I want you to get a feel for the people you'll be working with and go over the short list of competitors I'm concerned about. Speaking of competitors, the main one just walked in."
Genesis turned to see who T-Roc was speaking of and his eyes first zoomed in on Precious and then to her husband Supreme.
"This really is a small world," Genesis said under his breath.
"I guess you know them."
"Yes, that lovely young lady who is married to Supreme is also Nico's baby mama."
"Hey, Genesis, it's good to see you," Precious greeted him as she walked up.
"You too." Genesis then turned towards Supreme, "glad you could make it." Supreme simply nodded his head acknowledging Genesis.
"Supreme, it's always good to see you. If I knew you'd be here, I would've brought some contracts in hopes we could close some deals."
"I'm sure you would've, T-Roc. But I'm here to enjoy my daughter's birthday party, let's go Precious."
Both men watched as the couple walked off before saying another word.
"I thought you said the birthday party is for Nico's daughter."
"Technically it is. It's a long story but Supreme considers Aaliyah to be his daughter too."
"Oh, kinda how it is with Chantal's daughter with Andre. Although Melanie isn't my biological daughter I consider her to be just as much as mine as the twins."
"Yeah, kinda like that but their story is a lot more complicated, trust me."
"You'll have to give me the details one day. That's one story I would be very interested in hearing."
"I'm sure you would. Oh, there's CoCo," Genesis said, seeing her come in. "You can meet my other partner too."
"That gorgeous woman is your partner and you said I had it all."
Genesis gazed at CoCo as she came towards them. There was no disputing that she always had been and still was a very beautiful and sexy woman. It seemed like no matter what color she wore it glistened against her rich, Hershey chocolate colored skin. And the short shag haircut that only a selected few could rock properly highlighted CoCo's features to perfection. It brought out her wide eyes, high cheekbones and full pouty lips.
"I thought maybe you weren't gonna make it," Genesis commented while giving CoCo a hug.
"The errand I had to run took a little longer than I thought it would. So where's the birthday girl? I have a present for her."
"She's down there playing with Amir and all the rest of the kids."
"I see Supreme and Precious managed to join us for the celebration. I must say I'm very surprised, not so much by Precious but definitely Supreme. It's a good look they came though."
"Yeah it is. CoCo, I want you to meet a very good friend of mine, T-Roc."
"It's a pleasure to meet you."
"Wow, I apologize. I was so busy looking at the kids I didn't even look in your direction."
"No need to apologize."
"Are you kidding me! I've been a fan of yours since forever. I have every CD you put out."
"I haven't come out with my own music in years."
"That's my point. I'm still holding on to it."
"Since I'm no longer making music, I hope you're supporting the artist on my label."
"Of course, I support everything you do. I really am a big fan." CoCo, turned her attention to Genesis and playfully hit him on the chest. "You never even mentioned T-Roc was a friend of yours. You been holding out on me."
"I promise I don't. Honestly, it slipped my mind."
"Whatever!"
"Genesis, you might as well share our good news."
"What good news?"
"T-Roc offered me a job here in New York."
"Doing what?"
"Overseeing his music label and the new perfume line he's launching."
"Really?"
"Yes, I think Genesis would be a perfect fit."
"I see." Genesis could tell CoCo wasn't exactly sold on his new career path.
"No need to be concerned, CoCo, it's only temporary.
"Does that mean you're moving to New York?"
"For a short time."
"Then I guess I'm moving to New York too," she stated as a matter of fact.
"Don't you think it'll be best business wise if you stayed in Philly?"
"Philly is only a couple hours away driving and less than an hour on a flight. And Nico can manage Philly more while we're up here."
"We'll talk about it some more when we get back to the hotel?"
"That's fine. I'ma go see Amir and tell Aaliyah happy birthday."
"Okay."
"My brother, you didn't tell me your partner was in love with you."
"Because I didn't know my personal life was open to discussion."
"We discuss everything else. What's the problem anyway, that woman is fine." T-Roc paused for a moment then followed up with, "Please accept my apology."
"For what?"
"Because I never had the opportunity to meet your wife, I always forget that you were married and became a widower all in the same day. Please forgive
me for my thoughtlessness."
"Only if you forgive me for having sordid thoughts about your wife ...I kid!" Genesis nudged T-Roc's arm and both men found humor in the comment. Deflating what could have easily become a dark cloud lurking over Genesis' head, allowing himself to sulk in the pain from losing Talisa.
After the kids relished in their FAO Schwarz fantasy sleepover. Devouring all the ice cream, cake, candy and games they could possibly imagine. They began bringing the excitement down by preparing the little ones for bed with storytelling time.
"Chantal, it's getting late, tell the kids to come on."
"I'm not ready to go," Melanie ran up to them and said.
"Me neither," Justina pouted. "I want to stay for the sleepover. I like Aaliyah, she's going to be my new best friend." T-Roc couldn't help but get a kick out of the things that would come out of his daughter's mouth.
"T-Roc, it would be no problem if your kids stayed. They have plenty of staff and security supervising. Aaliyah's personal nanny is staying the night so your children will be in excellent hands."
"I can vouch for that because I wouldn't let Amir spend the night if I wasn't a million percent sure he was safe."
"I don't have a problem with it, how about you, Chantal?"
"I think it'll be fun for them."
"Yeaaaaah! The girls screamed out together. "Bye mommy, bye daddy," the girls waved running off, brushing past Precious and Supreme on their way.
"Precious, go tell Aaliyah it's time to go."
"Excuse me?"
"I wasn't talking to you Nico, I was speaking to my wife."
"I don't care who you were speaking to, all I know is my daughter isn't going anywhere."
"Can we please not do this," Precious pleaded, knowing things had been going way too smoothly, so with her luck shit was bound to pop off before the night ended.
"Look, we let you have your little birthday party, now it's time for Aaliyah to come home."
"You didn't let me have shit, it's my right as her father to give her a birthday party."
"And you did."
"Well the party ain't over."
"Didn't nobody tell you to rent out the toy store for an overnight sleepover. That was your dumb idea!"
"Yo, get your disrespectful ass outta here," Nico barked, marching towards Supreme.