You Needed Me: A Love Story

by Shvonne Latrice

  When she walked into the club last night, my eyes locked onto her and I couldn’t pull them away. Her subtle sexiness was something I’d never seen before. She was sexy without trying or having to show too much, and it made me want to see more and know more.

  “Man, you need to start driving some of these times,” I told my brother Rhys as he hopped into the passenger seat.

  “Nigga, you know I don’t like to drive.”

  “Nah, your ass don’t know how to drive, or better yet, it’s not safe for you to,” I said making us both laugh.

  My older brother Rhys was the definition of a fuckin’ maniac. By saying that, he had road rage that was off the fuckin’ charts. One time a person cut him off and this nigga switched up his whole route just to follow the muthafucka all the way to their destination. And when he got there, he hopped out on them and pressed a pistol to their head, making them apologize. From that day forward, everyone agreed that letting Rhys take the wheel to drive to business was not a good idea.

  “That’s because niggas ain’t got no fuckin’ street etiquette my nigga.” He pulled a blunt from behind his ear and lit it.

  “Don’t I know it. You’re still a fuckin’ nutcase though.”

  He shrugged.

  “So what happened with you and that little bitch from the club? She was cute as fuck, which probably means her pussy was whack. And if the pussy was good, she crazy.”

  “I don’t even know yet.” I shook my head and he immediately began choking on the smoke of the blunt, and beating on his chest.

  “Nigga, you got her to the crib and she didn’t let you hit?”

  “Nah, but I will, you know me.”

  “Wait, the TQ I know would have sent that bitch home in an Uber, fuck you talkin’ about you will hit. You gon’ still fuck with her?”

  “Yeah, I’m gon’ see what she about. She wants me to take her on a date and shit first, which isn’t too unreasonable.”

  “You’re the worst nigga,” he chuckled and so did I. “Taking her out so you can fuck, that’s shady man. I’m telling you, you need a real one by your side. Ain’t nothing out here but some hoes with their hands out.”

  “I’d like to think I’m just taking her out so I can fuck, but that ain’t true. I’m taking her because I low-key want to.”

  “What? Nigga, just the other day I told you to settle down and you was barking all that bullshit about how you ain’t the type.”

  “I ain’t the type to settle down, my nigga, at fucking all, but shit, I don’t know… shorty got me feeling some type of way. She got swag.”

  “Nigga, you sound like a bitch,” he laughed. “But nah,” he took a pull, “you need to get like me and get a girl. Shit, you and Lendsey, y’all can’t be hoes forever.”

  “Rhys, you and Summer are not the best people to promote monogamy. Are y’all ever happy?”

  “That’s because Summer and I can’t get along due to her paranoia. And we are very happy in the bedroom. It’s just once we come out that muthafucka.”

  “I just don’t know if I’m willing to deal with all the nagging and shit. Plus, I like pussy too much.”

  “Then don’t take her out,” he looked over at me with a smirk.

  “Maybe I won’t,” I lied.

  Kimberlyn had me feeling some type of way already, like I was some weak ass nigga. I didn’t want anyone else gettin’ at her either, whether it was Gang or any other nigga. I felt like I’d found a needle in a haystack, and I wasn’t ready to drop that shit back in. I was just gonna take it one day at a time. I wasn’t ready to be exclusive to anybody, but ever since last night I felt like maybe I was. I’d been fuckin’ bitches for a while, and maybe Rhys was right, having something stable did sound much better now that I was twenty-six. Damn, she already had me contradicting myself.

  We pulled up to my parents’ home in Mission Hill, and I shut the engine off. Rhys ashed the blunt he’d been puffing on, before we both climbed out of the car. I hit my alarm, and then walked up behind Rhys as he unlocked the door using his key.

  When we walked in, it appeared that no one was home because it was quiet. Usually you would hear my mom on the phone with one of her old ass predator home girls who thought I wanted to fuck, or she would be handling business. Rhys and I tread through the foyer until we made it to my dad’s office. We laughed because as we got closer, we could hear him going in on someone over the phone. My dad was psycho and I think we all got a little bit of his crazy, especially Rhys’ ass.

  “Have it by tomorrow.” My dad slammed the phone down and then stood up wearing a smile. “Sit down boys,” he gestured towards the couch.

  We both took a seat, and I grabbed a cold water from the ice bucket near me. Rhys gave me a look, and I sucked my teeth before tossing him a cold water as well.

  “I need you to meet with a new distributor down in South Carolina,” my father said as I twisted the cap off of my water.

  “South Carolina?” I frowned.

  “Yeah, he’s really making a name for himself.”

  “Who is this dude?”

  “His name is Jasper Johnson and he knows we provide the best, which is what he wants. So TQ, go meet with him and take your brothers.”

  “When? And why do they need to come?”

  “Well, Rhys knows why he needs to go, and Jasper has a couple people that he needs to get new identities for, so that’s where Lendsey comes in. It’s a little favor I’m doing for Jasper. I need Britain to check on a debt that is owed to me by someone out there named Charlie.”

  “When am I supposed to go? It can’t be tonight.”

  “And why not?” My dad cocked his head and looked down at me with his matching bluish gray eyes before sitting down.

  “Because this nigga is in love, Pop,” Rhys laughed loudly.

  “Really? Who is she?”

  “Ain’t nobody in no fuckin’ love, aight? Shorty is fine as fuck and I want to take her out. Damn, can a nigga take a bitch out without having to explain to everybody?”

  “I mean, TQ, you swore you would never settle down, no matter how many times Rhys and I have advised you and Lendsey.”

  “I ain’t as bad as Lendsey. Britain is even worse than me.”

  “No, they’re hoes, but you’re bad as fuck too. Shit, at least Britain has a girl,” Rhys said before gulping more of his water.

  “I will admit that she had me thinking about trying to be in a relationship, but that’s it, just thinking about it. I’m taking her on a date, and I can’t say what will happen.”

  “Your mother would be proud. Wait until I tell her,” my father grinned.

  “Why are y’all acting like I’m getting married or some shit? I’m going on a date and I will probably never even see the girl again after that. Now what date is the meeting, Pop?”

  “Well since you have a hot date tonight, how is Wednesday morning, gives you sometime to plan the wedding,” he responded, causing he and Rhys to double over in laughter.

  “Alright, fuck the both of y’all,” I chuckled and stood to my feet.

  “No, but seriously son, be in Columbia two weeks from today. I will let him know that you will be calling him once you land to set up a meeting time.”

  “Cool,” I nodded.

  I loved and hated my job. It got me big money, but I despised meeting these dope boys who always referred to themselves as the ‘king’ of their city. This Jasper cat better not be trying to get buck with me at all, because I wouldn’t hesitate to pop his ass. I don’t give a fuck about how many cities he runs, or how many bells his name rings, my bullets don’t discriminate.

  Chapter Three: Kimberlyn

  As soon as TQ dropped me off at home, I showered for a long ass time because I was thinking. I knew what I was possibly getting myself into by entertaining him, but for some reason that did nothing to deter me.

  Stepping out of the shower, I began brushing my teeth while staring into the mirror. My grandmother and cousin Matikah were asleep when I
walked through, and I was sure they were up by now. I did not feel like explaining myself, but unless I planned to move out right this very second, I would have to.

  After flossing and rinsing, I darted to my bedroom and closed the door. I’d spotted Matikah on the couch fully dressed, so she must’ve showered while I was in the other bathroom. Once I put on my bra and panties, I smoothed lotion all over my body, and then put on some jean shorts, a crop top, and some sandals. Twisting my long thick hair up into a bun on my head, I walked out into the living room. Once Matikah and I made eye contact, we smiled at one another.

  I sat down on the couch next to her, but before she could speak, my grandmother walked out from her room, tying her robe belt.

  “Well look at what the cat dragged in. Please tell me you weren’t with Gang.”

  “No, Ma, I was with someone else, but nothing happened.” I put my hands up in mock surrender, making Matikah snap her neck to look at me.

  “Who were you with?” my grandma furrowed her brows.

  “This guy named Tarenz.”

  “TQ,” Matikah jumped in, causing my grandmother to buck her eyes and fold her arms. I didn’t say TQ because my grandmother knew who that was.

  “Kimberlyn, be careful; he’s not your typical corner boy or gangsta, that’s a real life thug right there,” my grandma shook her head. “He’s nothing to play with. Neither was Gang but they’re very different. Isn’t he in a Russian mafia or something?”

  “No Ma, and there is no need to worry, you know me.”

  “I do. Are you guys hungry? I’m gonna make waffles and oatmeal.”

  “Yes,” Matikah and I responded in unison.

  Matikah watched my grandmother until she disappeared into the kitchen, and then looked at me.

  “Nothing happened?” she raised a brow.

  “No Matikah, we kissed and got real close to doing it, but I stopped him.”

  “And he didn’t threaten to shoot you?” she chuckled.

  “Nope, I told him he needed to take me out first. I wouldn’t feel right just losing my shit on some one-night stand. I’m too old for that. I’ve been holding onto it for this long.”

  “I get it. Well, what did he say to the date? Fuck no?”

  “No bitch,” I laughed. “He said he would, tonight. But who knows, he’s probably fucking some other bitch right now. He was supposed to take me to breakfast, but something came up supposedly.”

  “Why supposedly? You do realize who he is, right Kimberlyn? Something coming up isn’t odd for him, he’s a busy man.”

  I felt stupid all of sudden. I hoped he hadn’t changed his mind about taking me out since I’d been rude to him.

  “I guess I was just paranoid.”

  “So are you gonna let him, tonight?”

  “I want to, because I really want to have sex with him. But then I don’t want to because I don’t wanna regret it.”

  “Just see how you feel by the end of the date.”

  “I will. I saw you talking to his brother,” I nudged her and bit my lip.

  “Yeah, he’s cute. I gave him my number, but I don’t know, he has a bad reputation.”

  “What Quinton doesn’t have a bad reputation, Matikah? People think too much; sometimes you just have to live your life.”

  “Where the fuck did you get that from? TQ?” she asked as we laughed together. “Yeah, he must’ve been really trying to get into your pants.”

  We ate breakfast in the kitchen and then went to sit down on the porch. The sun was really shining, and it was so beautiful out. The warmth of the air on my exposed skin made me smile as I watched people come up and down the sidewalk. I could never see myself living anywhere other than Boston. I may move out of Roxbury, but Boston—never.

  “Hey,” Goldie hit the alarm on her car, and sat on the step lower than where Matikah sat.

  “Hey,” I responded lowly. I didn’t know how she felt about me leaving with TQ, so it was a bit awkward. I knew she wanted to scold me for being dumb, as she would say.

  “You look tired,” Matikah frowned.

  “Thanks for the compliment, bitch,” Goldie rolled her eyes and then took her purse from her arm. “So what happened last night, Kimberlyn?” She stretched her legs across the step before crossing them, and then leaned her back up against the rail.

  “Nothing,” I shrugged.

  “You went home with Tarenz Quinton and nothing happened? Yeah right, I can see your hips spreading from here.”

  “Well your eyes are deceiving you, Goldie, because I didn’t sleep with him. Well I did, but I didn’t fuck him. All we did was kiss, talk, drink, and snack a bit.” I leaned back on my elbows and frowned since the sun was in my eyes.

  “Shit, bitch, your dumb as fuck. I would’ve been bouncing on that dick all night, and hopefully with no rubber so I could trap his sexy ass,” she joked.

  “You’re terrible,” Matikah giggled and I shook my head. For some reason I felt like TQ was mine now, and hearing her speak of him that way made me angry and jealous, even though I knew she was kidding.

  “I need him to work a little bit more before I do all that.”

  “Work? Who are you, Rihanna? TQ don’t work for no pussy and I don’t blame him. He’s got bitches yearning for him left and right, so if you think he’s gonna start changing shit up for you, Kimberlyn, you’re sadly mistaken. You should’ve taken that dick when it was in your face.”

  “He’s taking her on a date tonight.” Matikah stared down into Goldie’s face.

  “Yeah right,” she shook her head.

  “He is; we’re going out tonight. I told him he needed to take me out and he’s doing so. So Goldie, I guess you’re wrong, TQ does work for pussy, ones he really wants.” I cocked my head and she playfully rolled her eyes.

  “I told you I was coming for him if I didn’t get Britain,” she said, making Matikah and me chuckle.

  “Didn’t you just give her a whole speech about fucking him?” Matikah frowned and pointed to me with her thumb. Shit, I was confused too.

  “I don’t care if she fucks him, but going on dates, Kimberlyn? It’s like you’re trying to be serious with him or something, and that’s not cool for multiple reasons.”

  “Which are?” I asked still looking out at the people walking by.

  “One-time dick is okay, but not what you’re trying to do. And secondly, you’re a good girl, Kimberlyn. You want the husband, the kids, the white picket fence, and TQ only wants his dick sucked, some pussy, money, drank, and blunts. That doesn’t mix well.”

  I began massaging the crook in my neck as her words flowed through my mind. She was right in a sense that I wanted a family and real relationship, whereas TQ wanted a freak of the week. Still, nothing inside me was saying not to go on this date. I wanted to go. This was one of those times that I would have to learn the hard way.

  “I will let you know how it goes, G,” I responded and looked down into her eyes; she had some anger in them. She then looked away from me and shook her head.

  “I care about you, Kimberlyn, and I don’t want to see you miserable like I was when Ethan and I broke up,” she explained. I understood where she was coming from, and I appreciated it, but I couldn’t help it. I wanted TQ and bad.

  After chilling with Matikah and Goldie for a bit, I left to get my eyebrows and nails redone, before returning home to take a little nap. I wanted to be well rested for my date tonight; if it even happened.

  Chapter Three: TQ

  This shit was weird. I was excited about taking Kimberlyn out, and that shit had me feeling like a whole ‘nother nigga for real. I was not that nigga that took bitches out and shit, but for some reason I was all for it. It couldn’t be that I liked her that much, because I just met her. Then again, maybe it was because I liked her little cute ass a lot. As my dad says, time and love have nothing to do with one another. This nigga married my mother only three weeks after meeting her. My dad and I were different though, or so I thought.

 
I pulled up to Kimberlyn’s grandmother’s on Seaver Street, and then swooped into a park by the curb. As I was exiting my Maserati, Kimberlyn came out of the door, slamming it behind her. She rushed down the stairs, but stopped once she got to the end of the walkway.

  “Hey,” she smiled as she walked closer to me but very slowly. She was wearing a red dress that had triangle holes on the side. It was short, but not slutty, it was just really sexy. She had red shoes on to match, and one little skinny watch. “I brought a bag like you suggested.” She held the bag up.

  “Good, you look sexy as fuck, shorty,” I shook my head as I looked her up and down. She was so fuckin’ fine and it made no damn sense. “Come on.” I opened the door for her, and she slid into my car. After checking out her sexy legs, I closed it and jogged around to the driver’s side.

  “I like this car, and you look nice tonight as well. I love seeing you dressed up,” she said once I got in.

  “You’ve only seen me dressed up twice.”

  “And I liked it both times, nigga,” she chuckled and flashed her pretty ass smile. Damn.

  “My bad. Why didn’t you let me come to the door for you? Now your grandma is gonna be thinking I’m some weak ass nigga.”

  “No she won’t, and why do you care what she thinks? You wanna marry me or something?” she raised her brow. Why was she so bad?

  “Nah, not even. Calm your little ass down with that ego, ma, I don’t think I will ever get married.”

  “Then don’t worry about what my grandmother thinks. And to answer your question, I came outside because I didn’t want her questioning and bothering you.”

  “Thank you for that,” I said, and we laughed together as I cranked the car up.

  I drove to a port that was for personal planes, and then parked my car in the underground garage. Grabbing both of our bags, we headed up to the runway so we could board the plane.

  We landed in New Haven, Connecticut a couple hours later, then my driver out here took us to my house in Bridgeport.