Skeezers (The Cartel Publications Presents)

by Shay Hunter

  For a moment I wondered what my life would be like if we were together. It was useless. Our time with each other was for the moment and tomorrow he would be back with Mo and me with Reggie.

  I had to be realistic, to keep things in perspective.

  But why did it hurt so bad?

  ****

  I couldn’t believe I overslept. Even though Reggie was out of town I knew he was coming home later that day, I just hoped it wasn’t before I got home.

  Since I was late Poe and I decided that it was best to put me in an Uber. A mile away from my house I couldn’t stop playing my time with Poe over in my mind. He was so kind and sweet and I felt at home in his arms. Reggie never cared enough to hold me after sex so when we were done it was almost like I was alone. He’d fall into a bear like snore and wouldn’t so much as touch me.

  I thought the night was special until he grabbed me and looked into my eyes before I left. “Make sure he’s the man for you. I’m not saying it’s me because we never had the chance to get to know one another. I never had the chance to fight for you because I was afraid of how miserable Monique would make your life. But I’m asking you to be sure you want to be with him forever before you say yes.”

  I was so confused I didn’t know what to do. Mainly because he was right.

  When the Uber dropped me off my heart almost jumped out of my chest when I saw Reggie’s car in the front of the house. I didn’t have a firm time on when he would be back but I hoped he would text me. Seeing his Escalade next to Carlita’s Honda had my mind spinning. But where was my truck?

  I got out the car, took a deep breath and walked inside the house, hoping a lie would come to me when I got inside. I also hoped Carlita would know where my truck was. The moment I opened the door Carlita was standing in front of me. In a deep whisper she said, “He’s in the shower and I told him you went to the grocery store to get some things for breakfast. I parked your truck around the corner.” She stuffed my keys into my hand. “Put ‘em in your pocket.”

  “I knew I heard the front door. Where you been?” Reggie asked walking down the steps with a red towel wrapped around his body. “I thought you went to the store.”

  “I didn’t give her the money,” Carlita said answering for me. “So she came back.” She had a roll of bills in the other hand and she handed them to me. She was awfully prepared.

  Although I appreciated her speaking up, I mean really appreciated her, I felt like something was going on. There was darkness behind her eyes I hadn’t always seen.

  Reggie looked at me and I wasn’t sure if he believed her or not. “Naw, I got it.” He walked to the kitchen, grabbed his wallet off the counter and opened it. He gave me one hundred bucks and gave Carlita’s money back. “I missed you, baby.” He placed his huge hands on the side of my face. “You know that right?” He moved his hands to my shoulders where he massaged them roughly.

  “Yeah…I…of course.”

  “I would do anything for you, Spy. Anything.” His stare was intense and I knew he sensed I wasn’t faithful. He didn’t trust me and since I just finished sucking Poe’s dick I knew why.

  “I know, Reggie. I love you.”

  He winked. “I’m going upstairs. Get me some grits and bacon. I’m starved.” He walked away.

  I took a deep breath and Carlita rushed up to me. She looked behind her to make sure he was gone and then stared at me again. “Are you okay?”

  “I gotta leave that nigga alone. I can’t see him again,” I whispered.

  “By nigga you mean Poe?” she asked in a low voice.

  “You know who I mean, Carlita. I feel like you set all of this up too. Me, Poe, the hotel all of this shit.”

  At first she was looking confused and then a look of confirmation came over her face. “You’re right. This is my doing.”

  I was shocked. “Why?”

  “I set it up because you deserve to be with the man you want and if you think its Reggie you’re in for a ruined life.” She looked at me and walked away.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

  MONIQUE

  “I don’t understand what I’ve done, Poe. I know we’ve had problems but this is too far. You’re not even trying to make it work.” I sat on the sofa in our house and he was next to me stiff and unemotional.

  Normally if I cried he would be there to wipe my tears. He once told me he could deal with a stranger spitting on him more than he could a crying woman. I guess that was then and this is now. He’d been cold for the past few months but today he was vicious. Like he didn’t care or know me.

  He touched my hand and I pulled it away. “I don’t mean to hurt you, Mo. But I can’t live like this anymore.”

  “You say you don’t want this but you’re hurting my feelings anyway! Can’t we go back to our friendship? Before we had sex?”

  “Shit is fucked up though and we can’t even be friends right now. This is why I begged you to think about it before we went there. I knew something like this could happen and now look.”

  “But you’re the only man I ever loved, Poe. I gave up everything and everybody to be with you.”

  “And I never asked you.” He stood up and walked toward the breakfast window by the kitchen. “I’m not happy.” He placed his hand on his chest. “I haven’t been for a long time and I need that to stop.”

  “Who is it?” I crossed my arms over my chest. “Just tell me straight up since you keeping shit so real now.”

  “You not even listening. That’s why we can’t work because you never hear what I’m saying. You put in your mind what you want and you run with it, even if it’s a lie.”

  “You just met her didn’t you?” My vision was blurred because I was crying so hard and I felt myself wanting to hurt him. Not only for breaking my heart, but also for not wanting me.

  “I want you out of my house, Mo. And because I know you got to get on your feet I’ll give you keys to my apartment out Bmore. It’s fully furnished so you don’t have to worry about anything. You’ll be comfortable there for awhile.”

  “So you’re coming too? Because that’s the only way I’ll be comfortable, Poe.”

  “You have to leave.”

  He was firm and his statement sounded final. “So you kicking me out the club too?”

  “We can’t live or work together. It all ends here.” He grabbed his keys off the counter and stuffed them in his pocket. When he left I dropped to my knees and screamed.

  ****

  Carlita was over Poe’s house with me, helping me pack my things. I didn’t have furniture so I was only taking my clothes. Poe came back about an hour earlier and dropped off $5,000, his attempt to make up for ruining my life with cash. But it wasn’t about the money. With the cash I made from dancing I saved up over $60,000.

  What I really wanted was him.

  “I know something else is going on.” I looked over at her. “We’ve had our problems but it’s someone else.”

  Carlita walked over to me and sat down. “I’m so sorry, Monique. I wanted you to get everything you deserved but this…” she looked around. “This is so cold.”

  I wiped my tears with the back of my hand. “I know, it’s too much. Now I wished we never fucked because at least he would still love me.”

  She placed a warm hand on my leg. “I know, I know but you can handle it. As a matter of fact I’m surprised you’re crying, seeing as how heartless you are and all.”

  I looked at her and tilted my head. “What you talking about?”

  She laughed hysterically. “You don’t think I know the truth? You didn’t think it would find me and that I would call you out on all of your shit?” Huh? Did you really think you were invincible?”

  “Carlita, I don’t know what you talking about but I don’t have time for this shit right now.”

  “You will have time for it, bitch!” she yelled. “You better be lucky I’m not a killer because you’d be dead. Outside of Poe breaking your heart which is priceless. The only thing better th
an this is death.”

  My heart rocked in my chest because I knew she was talking about Wisdom. How did she know I set him up on the rape charge? I didn’t tell anybody but…anybody but…Waxton. “I know you better get out of my face before I smack the shit out of you.”

  I wanted this girl out of this house so I could figure everything out.

  Did Poe know?

  “I’m gonna get out of your face when I get ready.” She pointed her finger in my face. “Just understand I was half the reason you lost the nigga of your dreams. Although you had more to do with it with your selfish attitude.”

  “What are you talking about, Carlita?”

  “I’m talking about I facilitated Spy and Poe getting together. And if I did my job she will be pregnant and married within the year. The hilarious part is this, who would’ve thought that they would be an item?” He paused. “Or maybe you knew the entire time which is why you wanted her out of that club. And treated her so badly in front of him.”

  I jumped up. “You don’t know what the fuck you talking about! He would never choose her over me.”

  “He has, bitch. And you deserve all of it!” she was screaming and she looked like a rapid dog. “I fucking loved you! And what did you do? You took away my life just because I moved out of the house! So tell me something, is it true that you fucked Wisdom?”

  “Leave!”

  “Is it fucking true?”

  I swallowed. “Whatever we did it was before ya’ll got together.”

  I walked to my door because I needed to think and the way she was acting I didn’t feel safe. I had my shit with me but I loved Poe with all my heart. “Just go, Carlita!”

  She walked toward the door with a smirk on her face. “You will be lonely for the rest of your life. And I want you to remember my face and know that your misery was because of me!”

  “And I wish you all the misery back! Everything you wish for me you will have yourself! I promise!” I slammed the door in her face.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

  CARLITA

  I kept replaying the look in her eyes repeatedly in my mind. Although my plan to ruin her life won’t stop until she’s locked up for burning down her own house, blaming our aunt and lying on Wisdom, I was satisfied so far with the way things were going.

  I told Poe earlier that I wanted to meet with him later, to tell him some of the things that were on my heart. The plan was to give him all the details about the fire and encourage him to file charges. I wasn’t sure if I could get Wisdom out of jail if my plan worked but I was realizing it didn’t matter. Time had shown me that maybe I didn’t need him. Maybe I didn’t need anybody for anything. I was growing self-sufficient.

  After waiting five minutes my aunt Diane finally came out to visit me. Although she was wearing orange she looked better than she did since the last time I saw her. At peace. I was excited to give her the news that could set her free.

  I gave her a hug and she sat across the table from me. She gazed behind me. “Where’s Spy?”

  “She’s not here, Auntie. I kind of wanted to talk to you alone.”

  She looked disappointed. Clearing her throat she nodded and said, “Okay, what’s going on?”

  “I found out that Monique lied on you. Set you up for burning her house. Now I know who’s involved and he may fight me at first but I think we can convince him to—”

  “Leave it alone, Carlita. Let it go.”

  I sat back and looked at her like she was crazy. “Did you hear what I said?” I was so excited I couldn’t contain myself. “If we work together we can get you out of prison!”

  She frowned at me. “What happened to you? I see hate all over you and that was never your thang. You were always so sweet, Carlita. Have you allowed Monique to change you? If you have I beg you to slow down and get your life together.” She paused. “If you don’t you’ll regret it.”

  I laughed. “I always knew you were weak but I was hoping that now you would want to fight. Especially since someone put you in prison for something you didn’t do. Now I find out you like being here.”

  “I didn’t burn down Mo’s house but I burned down many. And you know what, I’m tired of being angry and I’m tired of running. All I want is peace and if I can get it after spending ten years in prison than so be it.”

  I stood up, looked down at her and frowned. “I always thought you were weird, living outside and all. Now I realize you’re also a push over. If you want to die in here instead of fighting that bitch for your freedom than keel over.” I spit in her face, and walked out.

  ****

  When I opened the door to Spy’s house I was shocked to see Reggie standing next to the table with the house phone dangling in his hand. His face looked red and it looked like he’d been crying. When I walked further inside he slammed the phone down and stormed over to me. “Is it true?”

  I raised my eyebrows, confused. With a smile I said, “Reggie, what’s wrong? You and Spy fighting again?”

  “Is it true!” He yelled so loud my eardrums rocked.

  It took me time to compute everything in my mind but I was finally getting it. He had spoken to Monique. I didn’t understand how it was possible until I remembered I told her I lived with Spy and I called her a few times from this number. Stupid! That mistake was going to cost Spy.

  Oh well.

  Even if it did it didn’t much matter because Spy was going to get the man of her dreams. In the end I was doing her a favor and she should thank me. When it came to choosing between Poe and Reggie, Reggie didn’t have a chance. “I’m not sure what you’re talking about.” I placed my purse on the counter, walked to the refrigerator and opened it.

  He slammed it shut and when I looked down at his hand I saw a gun. My heart rocked and I could barely breathe. “Reggie, what are you doing?” I raised my hands and backed away from him but the stove prevented me from going any further.

  “Did Spy cheat on me with some nigga who owns a strip club?”

  My mind twirled. Should I tell him the truth? And if I did would he blame me? The problem was I didn’t know how much Monique said and what she didn’t. “I think you’re confused because you know that Spy—”

  “DID SHE FUCK SOME NIGGA WHO OWN A STRIP CLUB OR NOT?” Spit flew from his mouth as he yelled in my face.

  I nodded yes. I didn’t want Spy having to deal with his anger but right now he was in my face with a gun. It was me or her and I wanted to live.

  “You have no idea how much she fucked up with me. I had many women! Women who would’ve done anything I asked and I get treated like this from a bitch who throws up to be thin!”

  I remained silent, afraid to move or say the wrong thing.

  He pointed the gun in my face and I jumped. My belly rumbled. “Reggie, please, please don’t hurt me.”

  He lowered the gun. “Whatever happens next is your fault.”

  After he left I rushed to the phone. I had to call Spy and Poe because I was afraid where Reggie would go next. If he caught them together only God knows what would happen. I called Spy five times and she didn’t answer. Then I called Poe a few times and the same thing. On a hunch I decided to call Skeezers because I knew a tech was scheduled to clean the ventilation system.

  About thirty minutes later I dialed the number and the first voice I heard caused my blood to run cold. It was my aunt Levine. “CARLITA, SHE’S DEAD! MY BABY’S DEAD!”

  “Auntie, I don’t…understand…”

  “Monique is dead!”

  ****

  When I got to Skeezers I parked sideways and jumped out. There were police cars everywhere and a few fire trucks. It looked like a scene out of a horror movie, except it wasn’t.

  It was obvious. Reggie got here and made good on his promise that whatever happened next would be my fault.

  But why kill Monique?

  The answer to all of my questions came to a sudden stop when I saw the face of the man I once loved. He was thrown in handcuffs and pushed in back
of a police car.

  What was Wisdom doing here?

  Confused I ran into the club, disregarding several police officers who told me to stop. When I saw my aunt talking to a detective I ran up to her and hugged her tightly. Interrupting the investigation I said, “Aunt Levine, what happened?”

  “Ma’am, this is an investigation,” the officer said to me. He was stern and rude.

  “Please, one second, sir.” My body trembled and I thought I would erupt. “This is my family and I have to know what’s going on.”

  “It was Wisdom!” Aunt Levine said pushing past the investigator. “Monique was here to get the rest of her things when...” She cried harder.

  “But Wisdom was locked up!” Tears were rolling down my eyes and I found it hard to see. I wanted Monique to get killed, even wished for it. And now that it happened I felt gut punched.

  Like my world had ended.

  “He’s been out for a week,” the officer said. “Free on a technicality in his case. He may have been plotting and waiting this whole time and nobody knew he was home.” he paused. “How did you know him?”

  “He was my fiancé. Before he was arrested.” I wiped the tears away. “Auntie, I don’t understand! It’s before business hours! Who let him in?”

  “When we got here to let the technicians in he…he was already here!” I figured he must’ve kept his key to the club from when he use to be a bartender. “He walked up to her and said…and said, ‘This is for lying’. And he pulled the trigger!”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

  CARLITA

  I decided I had to get to Poe’s house but the problem was it had been so long that I forgot where he lived. It took me two hours to find the right street and in between that time I had called both of them a million times.