by Brandie
I could tell that they were sobering up. Reality of life was hitting them in the face. “I told Tae he got it good and he better sit his hot ass down,” I enforced.
“Nigga, when you gon’ get some cut up?” Taeko defended himself.
“Whenever I know her shit clean and she got that fire. My day is comin’, and when it does, y’all niggas will be the first not to know.” I wanted to see where these niggas mind was. “Money, you think about havin’ kids?”
“Yeah, I do. I want a real family—a wife, and three or four kids to add to my two dogs and house on the hill.”
“What about Sap?” I asked. I knew that was a touchy subject, but I had to know ’cause I’d taken on being her daddy; I loved her like she was mine.
“I hope she is mine. I love that little girl.”
Taeko sat back like he wasn’t part of the conversation.
“Taeko, you don’t have anything to say?”
“Naw, I told you what I wanted. I feel it deep in my heart. I love my kids. I know I don’t put my all into them, but they know I love and care about ’em.”
“The way you treat their mother is an important part of how they act and feel,” Money said, sounding like a therapist.
“Well, I want a family one day; I’m getting older,” I said seriously.
“Boy, you only twenty-two; you got a whole life to plan for. That’s why I’m battlin’ with my youth, wantin’ to party, hang out, screw broads, my maturity, and taking care of Joi, the woman who was there with me when I was eating nothing but bologna sandwiches. She had my baby boy when we could barely spell paternity and has stuck with me through sugar and shit. I know I need to be a man in the situation, but I can’t get over being just a man. You betta slow down and take your time. Enjoy being you—free, with no kids. When you get all of the above it’ll make you happy, but just be ready.”
Nobody said anything for a minute. I was feelin’ Tae, but I still wanted a wifey by my side. “I want a little girl. Brandy, that’s what I’m going to name her. I’m gon’ raise her to be a daddy’s girl, keep her close to me and away from niggas like y’all.” They laughed in agreement. “Speaking of sons and daughters, Mrs. Reese called earlier today about our Halo program. She said that we have three doctors to add to the program.”
“Are they black?” Taeko asked.
“I don’t know. As long as they take care of the little rug-rats, and treat them as they would kids with insurance, I don’t care if they’re green,” I replied.
“Are they looking for hella cheese? Or are they going to ask for a grant or do it pro bono?”
“Either way is straight. I told her to make sure they understood that we use our money for housing, clothing, and food. Shit! They make well over the tax break; giving their time and skills for underprivileged children shouldn’t hurt their pockets.”
“Essence and Ebony called, asking if they can put us in their magazine, but I told ’em that we do this for the kids all over the world, not for press or publicity. They said they just wanted to give thanks. But I don’t know, I told them we’ll get back to them,” Money added.
“But that could mean more sponsors. I mean I know we have the money, but more won’t hurt a bit. Maybe we can build that apartment complex for low and no-income families.”
“Yeah, yeah, you right. I’ll have Mrs. Reese give them a call.”
Mrs. Reese, our publicist, was a lifesaver. She was like an auntie. She helped us organize Halo, the name of our center for getting clothes, supplies, computers, and anything else needed for the kids and their families to succeed.
* * *
“Chocolate, you ever see that hopeless star you saw at the mall?” They both start laughing.
“Naw, but I’m keeping my eyes open. The situation is not hopeless.”
“I don’t see her nowhere around, and you keep talking our heads off about her. So it seems hopeless to me,” Taeko said.
“He been hollin’ at some li’l honey that he been hidin’ from us,” Money taunted.
“I ain’t been hidin’ Haven, just checking her out for myself first. She a flight attendant for Costal Airways. She got her own place, car, and no kids—just my cup of tea.”
“Haven? Umm, I’m trying to think if she is one of those young flight attendants dat done served me more than first-class service,” Taeko proudly said.
I knew Taeko was dead-ass serious. I hoped she escaped his wrath, for our sake. I ignored them discussing my life and listened to Outkast spit knowledge through the speakers. I liked them boys; they actually had meaning to their songs.
I couldn’t help but think about my mystery woman. Was she single? What did she do for a living? Where in the hell did she get that beautiful face?
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chocolate
Dinner was going great. My mother and father, Money’s grandmother and two aunts, Luvly and Sap, Taeko and his family, and my guest, Haven, were all there.
Haven was looking good in a sky-blue and cream pinstriped pants suit. The top was halter, showing off her smooth, broad shoulders and the pants flared out, leaving room to see the baby blue strapped sandals. Those types of sandals drove me crazy; they were so sexy. Her long streaked hair was pulled up in a bun with some dropping around her bright, full face.
“Are you okay? You want a drink?”
“No, Chinoe, I’m fine. I’m just enjoying all this celebrity status.” Her voice so sweet and low, I knew she was impressed. A pro football player, an Atlanta Hawk basketball player at her side, and an up-and-coming supermodel, she was in heaven.
“So, Haven, how do you like this big melting pot?” my mother asked, not really feeling Haven. I could tell by the look on her face.
“Oh, I love it here, Mrs. Starr. A little hotter than I’m used to, but Chinoe does a good job of keeping me cool.” she said, smiling while looking into my eyes.
My mother gave me a tight, fake smile.
After ordering and eating everything on the menu, everyone was ready to go. After the waitress placed the check on the table, everyone jumped from a cold splash.
“Salone, what the hell is wrong with you?” Money jumped to his feet, wiping the beer from his face that she threw on him and Luvly.
She moved close to his face. “You are what’s wrong. I’m tired of living for what you need and want. This tramp don’t mean you no good. All she want is some dick on hold.”
“Salone, watch your mouth, you see these kids here,” Grandma Loane warned.
“Fuck these little bastards! Ain’t none of ’em got no real daddies.” Salone was three times D.U.I.
Wiping beer away from her eyes, Luvly stood up. “My child is far from being a bastard. You might want to look in the mirror for a bastard. My child has a father. Maybe the man who you want to be your husband and the future father of your kids doesn’t want you.” Luvly set off a time bomb.
Salone grabbed the pitcher that she just threw beer from and slammed it across Luvly’s face. My mother and Grandma Loane rushed the children outside. Money’s aunt helped rush everyone to the front of the restaurant.
Other patrons of the restaurant started pointing fingers and acknowledging that there was a famous basketball and football player in the restaurant.
Joi was trying to pull Salone back, but Luvly got a hold of her and started choking the shit out of her.
“Bitch, I’m . . . gone kill yo’ ass.”
Salone spit a big glob of saliva into Luvly’s face, at the same time grabbing a handful of hair.
They tussled, getting the best of each other until Salone slipped on the same beer that she had thrown just seconds before. Luvly used all her force to slam Salone’s head into the table.
“Moneyyyyyy . . . Monnnneyyyyyy,” Salone called Money’s name, for dear life.
While Luvly held Salone by the throat with one hand, she grabbed a fork off the table and stabbed her in the chest; blood went everywhere.
“Luvly, STOP! STOP!” Money tried to p
ull her off Salone, but pent up anger poured from her heart into her hands.
“Luvly, put the fork down! Let’s go before the police come!” While I tried to talk her down, Money wrestled to get the fork out of her hand.
After a few minutes of struggling, she dropped the fork and looked Salone dead in the eyes. “Bitch, don’t you ever disrespect my child.” She spit on Salone’s wound. “I’ll kill you next time bitch.”
I hurried Luvly out of the restaurant.
“I’m gon’ kill that yellow bitch.” Salone was still bleeding pretty bad, but still came after Luvly with more threats. “Ho, this ain’t over! I will fuck your world till it’s dry! I won’t forget about this shit!”
“Why did you have to come up here, Salone?” Joi asked with a perturbed look on her face, tired of their shit, as was everyone else. “And, Money, you need to handle your business better than whatchu doin’.”
Money’s demeanor turned into fury. “Fuck that, Joi! Salone is a grown-ass woman! She can play crazy fah y’all, but I know she ain’t crazy!” He lowered his voice, and looked around at the crowd that had formed, and realized that he was the one sounding crazy. “She already knows the deal, just like you and I. What am I suppose—?”
“You’re supposed to be my man, Money. Take up for me, sometimes,” Salone cried hysterically. “Why did you let that bitch do this to me?” The paper towels that she held to her chest were drenched in blood.
“Take her to Grady; I’ll be there,” Money ordered, heading out the door.
Salone fell into Joi’s arms. “Joi, look at this shit. He goin’ to see about her triflin’ ass and I’m the one who’s stabbed.” Her loud cries and moans were not from her wounded chest, but her wounded heart.
* * *
The ride in the car was quiet, except for the smothered sound of crying. Luvly was sitting next to me, so I knew it wasn’t her. I looked in the rearview mirror at Haven, and she looked spaced-out. Me and Luvly looked in the back at Money.
I pulled off on Aviation Boulevard where I usually go to think and watch the planes take off. Maybe that would give Money the same peace of mind. “Money, man, what’s up?” This nigga was crying so hard he was about to make me cry. “Dawg, talk to me.”
“Luvly, why did you have to do that? I wouldn’t have let her hurt you and you know that. Why don’t you ever trust me to take care of you?”
“Money, she slapped me in the face with a glass pitcher. Have you taken a look at my jaw? She called Sap a bastard. I should have stabbed her to the heart.”
“Babe, we need my career. You know this is going to be all over the news. And anyone who wants to make a dollar can sell the story to the Enquirer. I’m so tired of all of this shit! Every six months. Damn! What is it?”
Luvly climbed out of the front seat to sit with him. “Money, I’m sorry. I’m sorry if I’ve caused you any trouble, but I’m not sorry for whuppin’ Salone’s ass.” Haven shifted in her seat. The look on her face was that of a scared, lost child.
“Haven, are you all right?” She nodded yes, but I knew she was ready to get to the other side of the planet.
* * *
After dropping Money and Luvly off at her place, we went home.
“Haven, I’m sorry that you had to witness that. That’s been building up for some years now.”
“I don’t understand. Who was that girl with the short hair?”
“Girlfriend.”
“One of them, I suppose?”
I snickered because I couldn’t lie. “Yeah. He’s been seeing both of them for a pretty long time. Luvly has about three years over Salone, but if you break down the time she’s been back and forth with Diamond, it’s been about the same amount time.”
“Diamond, that’s Sapphire’s father?”
“Well, see, that’s another issue.” I wasn’t going to let her know how trifling my friends were.
“Diamond and Sapphire; that’s cute. What’s her middle name?”
“No, she named her that because that was the first stone that Money gave her. That’s Money’s favorite stone. Her middle name is Cashews.”
“Like Money, huh?” She laughed in disbelief. “I thought I’d seen some drama on the plane, but this takes the cake.”
We didn’t discuss our business with anyone but each other. I had to be careful about who I discussed Money and Taeko’s business with.
Like Money said, “Anyway to make a dollar, anybody will sell a story.”
Me and Haven walked up to my condo, arm in arm. Could she be the one? She still had to pass a few more tests.
“You know I really enjoy being with you, Chinoe.”
I just smiled and placed a kiss on her cheek. Releasing her from one arm, picking up a package that was left on my front doorstep, I said, “What’s this?” I scooped up the package, and we headed inside.
“Would you like something to drink?”
“Yeah, a Sprite if you have it.”
“Comin’ right up.”
As I fixed her drink I heard the Isley Brothers whispering softly from the living room. That’s what I like about her; she was so mellow with no drama or complications in her life.
“Hey, sexy, you want to take a shower?” She whispered, laying on the floor stretched out like a cat at play. She smiled with a devilish grin. “Will you promise not to get my hair wet?”
I didn’t respond because I couldn’t promise that. Taking her by the hand we headed upstairs to my bedroom. Haven didn’t know that I was a virgin. Actually, she thought I was screwing all of Atlanta. She thought I was taking my time with her; being a southern gentlemen.
Haven and the shower were steamy and hot. Before I could get in good, she was taking kisses, her hands roaming wildly over my body.
My dick rose to her invitation. She sat me down on the shower bench and filled her mouth with as much of me as she could take.
While I looked at her lick my dick from my balls to the tip of the head, my vision went blurry. Her face started to change; still the caramel complexion, but the eyes were brighter, lips fuller. Her hands softer, her mouth felt deeper. Her image always surfaced when I was at my highest sexual peak. This is crazy! A girl that I don’t even know takes me to higher levels, and I haven’t even touched her. As I opened my eyes I released in Haven’s mouth.
* * *
With Haven lay exhausted from her tongue bath, I went to the kitchen to open my package:
Mr. Starr,
We are happy to welcome you into our family, Platinum Impressions. Your portfolio was very impressionable. Clients have expressed great interest in your layouts.
We are hosting a welcome party in your honor. Please give us a call and inform us of the number of guests that will be attending.
Tracie Mills will be handling all of your contracting, scheduling, and contacts.
We will provide you with a vehicle of choice. A fund that shares the cost of housing is also available.
Credit cards ($500, 000 limitation, unlimited wardrobe credit card, and unlimited flights) all provided by Platinum Impressions.
There are some terms that all our models must comply with:
1. No smoking cigarettes, cigars, or marijuana.
2. No contracts with outside agencies. Any video appearances must be approved by the agency. (Image is everything)
3. On the day before a shoot or show, you must be in your home or hotel at 9:00 p.m.
4. Dental cleanings or whitening are to be done one day before shoot. (A beautiful smile captures the camera’s lens.)
If these terms are violated there will be fines starting at $15,000 and increasing with each infraction.
If you have any questions, please contact Tracie Mills.
Again, welcome, Mr. Starr.
Sharon Davon, President
Platinum Impressions
* * *
I almost fell out of my chair. “Ahh shit, I done made it!” I was about to ball ’til I fall. But my joy came to a halt; I’m missing one
thing—the woman of my dreams.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Luvly
Why am I at the place where I’ve experienced my worse nightmares come true? Why can’t I stay away from this clear and present danger?
He grabbed my hand, gesturing his head toward the house. “Come on, Luvly. Trust me.” He held both hands up. “I won’t try anything. Just come in for a minute. I can’t see Sap outside in this truck, she’s ’sleep.”
A brand-new champagne-colored Jaguar trimmed in gold rested in the driveway. Something that expensive and gaudy belonged to only one person—the bitch that bore the heathen in front of me.
He looked back towards the house at his mother, Mrs. Ruby Shai, and his sister, Crystal, staring out the window. He smiled handsomely. “You know they want to see my baby.”
I placed my hand onto my head. Why was I sitting there contemplating torture for myself, let alone my child, seeing Diamond—spun from hell, and his mother—the devil herself?
“Where is Russell?” I asked. Diamond’s stepfather was the peacemaker and the only sensible one in their family, my savior any time Diamond decided he wanted a punching bag and his mother wanted to go off.
“Is that the only way I’m gon’ get you out of this truck?”
I looked at him with questioning eyes.
“Naw, he don’t get here until tomorrow night. Please, Luvly, let my mother and sister see their grandchild and niece. If it makes you feel any better, Jae is around back with the dogs.”
Listen to your mind, Luvly. Listen to your mind. Take your ass home! But my heart was taking over. And damn, he was lookin’ good! “Okay, but just for a minute.”
A smile swept across his face as he opened my door and grabbed Sap, putting her on his shoulder. He grabbed my hand like we were the happy couple.
I walked slowly behind Diamond, letting him lead the way. My stomach tightened with every inch that I was closer to the door. I could see Ruby’s blue-green eye shadow above her popped eyes, peeking through the curtains. Her ruby red lips were ready to spit poisonous venom. The heavy makeup made her look fake and hungry for the attention she so much cried out for. The long, bottled, red hair that sat just above her waist was the only thing that gave her softness and femininity.