by Bri Noreen
“Mmm...Mani,” she whimpered as my lips found hers again.
Fuck all that whining and shit. I needed to hear her screaming. I pushed her back for a moment and came out of my shirt.
“Take that shit off.”
She obeyed, hurriedly slithering out of her shorts and then her body suit. Vicious was left in just a white lace g-string and her thigh high boots. I wanted to devour her like a hot fudge sundae on a ninety degree day, and that’s exactly what I had planned to do. A nigga hadn’t had any pussy since Blu, and now that it was staring me in the face, there was no way I wasn’t going to smash it.
“Nah, you can leave ‘em on,” I stated when I saw Vicious going for the zipper on her boots.
She smirked and threw her hands in the air. Tired of waiting, I grabbed her by her waist and hoisted her up on my desk. I pushed a few things out of the way. Some items landed on the floor and in pieces. I grabbed her by her chin and kissed her roughly. She returned the kiss with passion and angst, like she had a point to prove. I was in the zone, hovering over her kissing on her sweet-tasting lips and trying to free my dick from my pants at the same time. Vicious ran her hands up my neck and dug her fingernails into me. I froze. Vicious kept kissing me, but I was stuck. She finally noticed.
“What’s wrong, baby?” She reached for my crotch and noticed that my erection had disappeared. “Did I do something?”
“No. I...this was a bad idea.” I backed away from her in search of my shirt.
“Are you kidding me?” Vicious hopped off the desk and pulled at my arm.
I grabbed up my shirt and faced her. My dick threatened to jump at the sight of her curvy body without a stitch of clothing on, but my brain overruled my dick for the first time ever. I bent down, picked up her shorts, and held out my hand to pass them to her. She looked at me like I was crazy.
“Look, I’m sorry. I can’t do this. I thought...” I dropped my arm by my side and let out a breath. “I don’t know what I thought.”
“Well I thought I was going to get some dick tonight.” Vicious snatched the shorts from my hands and hurried to put them on. “But apparently you’re still in your feelings.”
Slowly, I put my shirt back on. I watched as Vicious continued getting dressed and instantly felt bad. In my head I knew that I really wanted no parts of Vicious. I had unintentionally dragged her in here only to fuck with her emotions. I knew how she felt about me and I’d been about to fuck her brains out like I still wanted to be with her. I only wanted to sex her because I had a lot up pent up aggression I needed to let out. But to her, it would’ve seemed like I was fucking her like I missed her. And I didn’t need that kind of headache.
Plus when she dug her fingernails into my neck like that, it triggered flashbacks of Blu. That was her shit. Her long, pointy nails always tore and raked into my skin whenever we made love. That shit caused me to feel some type of way, and Blu knew that. When Vicious did it, it just made me miss Blu more. Vicious threw her blazer back on and flung her purse over her shoulder. She scoffed at me and walked toward the door, but suddenly she stopped.
“You know, I get that you lost someone that you loved. Trust me. I do. But damn nigga, it’s been damn near five months, and you can’t even fuck me because you’re still in love with a dead bitch? Get that shit together.” Vicious rolled her eyes and walked out the door, slamming it behind her.
I wanted to go the fuck in on her for having the nerve to come at me like that, but it was true. I had a wall up because I was still in love with someone who was never coming back.
Blaze
July 2015
“Good Morning, ya’ll.” I smiled as I walked into my pride and joy, Park Avenue Salon and Barbershop.
Even though I had walked through the doors of my salon a million times, I was still in awe seeing my biggest dream realized. The salon was an old brick building that used to house a small bread factory. I’d had the place gutted but had kept the original walls and floor, giving it a real industrial feel. The building was two floors with the top floor being half the size of the bottom floor because of the large empty space that allowed you to overlook the first floor. I had decided to put the barbershop on the top floor and had made it an all-out man cave. With clear sound proof walls, pool and air hockey tables, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 4 consoles attached to the 3D capable seventy-inch flat screen TV, it was a dope spot for my guy clients to kick it and get cut up. The chocolate leather couches and rustic wood tables completed the look, and the fully stocked bar complete with snacks and a beautiful bartender, were all that the men needed to feel comfortable. The barbershop even had a separate entrance for convenience.
The bottom floor was all for my ladies. The entire area was decorated with an urban feel with very luxe touches. With a beige suede sectional accented with gold sequined throw pillows, beige and cream zebra printed wingback chairs, and a large cream faux fur rug, the reception area was a showstopper. I always kept the latest urban fiction on the large bookcase centered behind the sofa, as well as all of the classics, a few fashion books, self-help books, and the most popular magazines. In front of the wall that separated the reception area from the nail bar, was a large u-shaped wet bar that housed the best wines and champagnes, and the bartender was well equipped to make a handful of signature drink concoctions that were exclusive to Park Avenue.
The nail bar was set up just like a regular bar. There was a large u-shaped bar top in the middle of the floor and comfy high back bar stools surrounding it. The pedicure area featured a wall-long booth with a cream tufted back and plush faux fur throw pillows. Customers could also request an iPad and stand or an iPad and keyboard, both which were equipped with Netflix and Hulu for their personal viewing pleasure. We had an extensive collection of nail colors that were housed in two mirrored armoires, and they held everything from China Glaze to Essie to Butter London to Christian Louboutin. All of my nail technicians were well skilled in nail shapes, nail art, and nail care.
As for the biggest area in the salon, which encompassed the hair stations, it was luxurious all the way. Each stylist had his or her own station that included its private shampoo bowl, twenty-inch flat screen TV, and personal hair dryers. There were additional hair dryers on the far wall for overflow, and each of those stations featured a flat screen TV. Each stylist, no matter if they were a barber, nail tech or stylist, had a tablet at their station that they used to manage their appointments, check out their customers, and color match. My salon ran like a well-oiled machine, and I would have it no other way.
“Good Morning, Blaze,” My receptionist, Amazing, greeted me. Yes, honey. The name on her birth certificate was Amazing Jenkins. It was extra ghetto, but she was the sweetest person ever with a sunny personality and proper dialect. She was very good at her job, and I trusted her implicitly.
“Morning, Mazy. What do we have going on today?”
“All of the stylists are booked today except for Maliah and Carmen. So they’re going to take any walk-ins. Luke, Fahad, and Chris have appointments all day too, but they’re going to take walk-ins. Margo is here to do lashes and eyebrows, and most of the nail techs have appointments. I have a list of techs that have a few holes in their schedules, so I know where to fit people in if they have walk-ins.”
I sifted through the mail as she spoke. “Any cancellations today?”
“We had one cancellation.” Amazing clicked on something on the computer and scrolled down before she spoke again. “Amille Cresedor.”
I rolled my eyes. “Please send her a final warning email. This is her third time canceling, and I don’t play that.”
“Will do. Oh, you have some messages waiting for you on your desk and a surprise.” She grinned.
I smiled back just imagining what the surprise was. “Okay, thank you. I’m going to head to my office. If you need anything just buzz me.”
Amazing nodded as I walked away from the receptionist desk and made my way to my office. I greeted everyone as I walked through the b
uilding and even threw a wave up to the boys on the second floor. I finally reached my office, walked in, and closed the door. On the desk was a large bouquet of blush pink hydrangeas. I grinned ear to ear knowing exactly who they were from. I pulled out my phone and sent him a text.
Me: Thanks for the flowers, babe. They’re beautiful.
Grey: No, you’re beautiful. But you’re welcome. How’s your day so far?
Me: Everything is peachy. Just got the business plan back from your manager. Everything looks good.
Grey: Told you he was on point. Now you just need to find a building.
Me: Think I may already have that covered. I’m meeting with the realtor next week. Fingers crossed!
Grey: Boss lady in the building! I’m so proud of you.
Me: Thanks, love. How’s the restaurant coming?
Grey: How ‘bout I tell you over dinner?
Grey: My place?
Grey: Which I’m hoping soon becomes our place…
Me: Here you go…You know I love my house, Grey.
Grey: But you love ya man more.
Grey: You keep playing me and you gon come home to a for sale sign on your lawn. LOL
Me: G, don’t play with me!
Grey: Ooh, call me that shit again…
Me: Don’t fuckin play with me, G.
Grey: I’ma fucking play with you alright…with them nipples…with that clit…
Me: Stop…I’m at work…
Grey: So… you in ya office I’m sure. You should just show a nigga a lil something…
Me: Lol Bye Grey! I’ll see you tonight.
I giggled to myself as I set my phone face down on my desk. Grey was everything. I had never imagined I would meet a man who would keep my interest long enough to start really having feelings for him, but Grey was it. I was in deep, baby! Let me tell you! Not only was he gorgeous like a runway model, fit like a personal trainer, and fly like a personal stylist, he was also a romantic thug who could put it down in the bedroom like no one before him. I was just smitten with him, and that was not normal for me.
Though I cleaned up well, my past was worthy of its own Lifetime movie. My life had been one that was littered with craziness; shit that would out them Tyler Perry movies to shame. I didn’t trust easily and I had never allowed myself to fall in love. I used to use men as pawns, moving and shuffling them around just so that I could get what I wanted and get out. I had learned from the best. But I grew tired of that life and did everything in my power to remove myself from the situation I found myself stuck in. My last move was my best move and a profitable one at that. That’s how I ended up with Park Avenue. I won’t get into the details of how I got the money to start my business, but it was the best thing that had ever happened to me. Four years ago, I left every shred of my old life behind to move to California and become the woman I always knew I was destined to be. And at twenty-eight, I was a boss bitch in her own right and I had a boss nigga beside me.
I was more than elated when Grey actually made good on his promise to handle his situation. He’d swooped me up exactly a week later and told me that his ex was missing. Now I wasn’t dumb by any means, but I didn’t ask any questions. Bitch must have done some real bad shit to go from wifey to MIA in a week flat. I wasn’t proud of putting him in that position, but I was never going to be his side chick. If he wanted me, it would have to be me and me only. I was sitting pretty with everything that I had ever dreamed of: my own business, my own money, and the man of my dreams. But I knew that things couldn’t stay that peachy for too long. I could only hope karma wouldn’t be that big of a bitch.
Grey
July 2015
I walked into the empty space and surveyed the work that had been done so far. The concrete floors had been fixed, and the walls had been painted a deep purple. The once white beams that were in various places in the middle of the floor had been covered in chocolate brown wood, and the temper glass ceiling was completely finished. I knew that my new restaurant was going to be a fucking hit just based on the vibe. But the most important thing would be the food, and that was why I’m here now.
I was meeting with my top L.A. dealer, and we would be doing a sampling of the menu by the chef I had hired. I was a busy nigga, so when I could kill two birds with one stone, I was game. I walked past the bar that was still under construction and took a seat at the only table inside the restaurant and pulled out my phone. I noticed I had a message from Blaze and Kimani. I opened Blaze’s text first.
Blaze Baby: Are we still on for dinner tonight? Your place?
Me: Yup. I should be home around seven. Use your key.
I went to check the message from Kimani.
Mani: I got a promo shoot for the show in Atlanta this weekend. I’ll be in and out tho.
Me: Fa sho, I’m going to the D tomorrow but I might swing to the A afterwards. How long you gonna be there?
As I waited for him to respond, the chef sauntered out of the kitchen and over to the table. She was a plus-size beauty with curly brown hair and a laid back personality. Baby girl could cook her ass off, and I had pretty much given her free reign to get creative with the menu options. I let her know that I wanted a new American soul food joint with a twist, and then gave her the okay to go ham. I was hoping that she hadn’t let me down.
“Heyyy there, Grey!” She smiled widely when our eyes met. I stood and gave her a hug.
“How you doing, Logan?”
“Just dandy, boss. You ready to get to tasting? Where’s your guest?” She looked around.
Just then Onyx walked into the restaurant. Black as patent leather with dark, beady eyes, Onyx was nothing to look at. He was dark and brooding, wearing his top lip in a curled up snarl on most occasions. But his mentality and reputation made him incredibly valuable to me when it came to business. Onyx didn’t play no games when it came to his money or his product, and he ran a crew of loyal niggas who wouldn’t hesitate to make niggas come up missing if they crossed him. He was one of the people who was most excited to see Hero go, and he had proven to be loyal and beneficial at every turn. On top of moving weight quickly and without problems, this nigga had his ear to the street at all times. If there was ever any heat coming my way, this nigga would put me on no doubt about it. When he approached the table, I stood and shook his hand. He turned toward Logan and attempted to smile, but it came out more like a strained stank face, and I struggled to keep my laugh to myself. This was one mean nigga.
“Alrighty, then...” Logan turned to me and made a face. I hid my smile with my hand and waited for her to finish. “First out will be a flight of signature cocktails and an appetizer sampler.”
I nodded, and Logan scurried back into the kitchen. I turned my attention back to Onyx.
“What up, O? What’d you want to meet about?” I asked, cutting right to the chase.
“Yo, I’ve been hearing that you got some new shit you ‘bout to slang.”
I nodded at him, but in the back of my head, I had to wonder how he’d found out. I had been working with my lil dude, Martine, on a few new drugs, and I had one that I was almost ready to push now. It was currently in its trial phase, but only me, Martine, and my right hands, Brandin and Cope, knew about it.
“Where you hear that at? And what exactly did you hear?” I asked.
Before I could get an answer, Logan came out of the kitchen carrying a large tray of shooter sized drinks. She placed each of the four glasses in front of Onyx and me.
“Okay, first you have the Surfboard. It’s made with Ciroc pineapple and Ciroc peach before it’s blended with ice and puree from papayas, passion fruit, starfruit and mangoes. The second is called the Night Cap. This is made with Cruzan Estate Diamond rum, muddled blackberries, and a splash of cherry Coke. The third one is called One Night Stand. This is made with Remy V, Hennessey privilege, golden delicious apple juice with a cinnamon sugar rim. The last is the Black Out. Made with Hennessey black, muddled black cherries, and fire roasted strawberries. Enjoy.”<
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Once she left, we resumed our conversation while tasting the drinks.
“Nah, no one in particular told me, I just heard you was working on a few things. Is this some secret type of shit I ain’t supposed to know about or sumpthin’?”
I took a sip of the Night Cap. I had to give it to Logan. The drinks were hittin’ so far.
“Not a secret, but there are only a few people that know about it, so I’m curious about how you got put on. But we’re testing it out right now. I’m not sure if your territory would do well with this product, though.”
What we were cooking up is a drug we called Hype. The shit was a focus drug that would keep you up and functioning with full brain power longer than your body normally allows and at its peak set you on an ecstasy like high. It was a smooth high that came off fairly normal, but when you came down it knocked your ass clean out for a day or two. The drug still had a few side effects that Martine was working on, but I knew we could make bank off it at the colleges and with my corporate people. That definitely wasn’t Onyx’s scene. He was a hood nigga, and I couldn’t picture him anywhere else but at the trap.
Logan came back out with a tray filled with small plates. She sat the six plates in front of us and smiled.
“How were the drinks, guys?”
“Bomb, Miss Lady.” Onyx smiled a genuine smile.
Logan blushed and started to describe the food that she had placed in front of us. What? Was this nigga trying to flirt? I looked at the pair while Logan gave the rundown of the food, with amusement scribbled all over my face.
“For our appetizers we have fried green tomatoes covered in melted mozzarella cheese and drizzled in balsamic vinegar. Then we have the skillet cornbread with sweet maple cinnamon glaze and the buttermilk biscuits with jalapeno chicken sausage gravy. In the middle are the deviled eggs with peppered bacon, and next to that is the hot black-eyed pea dip. Last but not least, the smoked cheddar shrimp and grits bites. Enjoy fellas.”