Hustling on the Down Low

by MT Pope

  I showered and changed my clothes, and then made my way out of the house. I had good vibes going on and getting the ups on this ghost guy was in those vibes. I was so close I could smell the come-up.

  Chapter 32

  Monica

  Pleased or Please!

  Some good dick isn’t going to give me amnesia, even if it was from my husband. But I had to admit that it was damn good dick. That nut he gave me made me weak. I had to lie there for a minute to get myself together. But in the back of my mind, all the suspicions and questions were still there. I gave up the goods because, frankly, I wanted to come.

  Every wife wants to spend time with their husband. The problem with tons of men is that they’d rather buy us things or come in us to make us feel appreciated, when most of the time all we wanted was time spent. Watch a television show or movie with us, even if you don’t like it. Go with us shopping and help us pick out a few things. Don’t just give us the plastic and send us on our way. It will all be in vain. And soon, we’ll turn to someone else or plastic for pleasure.

  I’ve been trying to keep myself busy for weeks with things around the house after he left, but I couldn’t keep my mind away from my own wandering thoughts. I even went to the bookstore to get some books so that it could take me away from my reality. I was driving myself crazy being inside of my own head. All the conversations I was having with myself were driving me crazy. Thank God Corey had his first game in a couple of hours. It will be a welcomed outing, for sure. I was so proud of how ambitious my son was. He was very much like his father. I just hoped that he didn’t have all his traits, mainly, the slackness of attention for his mate.

  “Hey, Ma, you ready to go?” My handsome son came into my bedroom as I was lying across the bed with a book in my hand, but I wasn’t focused on it.

  “Yes,” I replied, and then slid off the bed like I was too sluggish to move.

  “Dang, Ma, you sure you’re ready?” he let out a slight laugh.

  “Yes, why do you ask that?”

  “Because of the way you slid out of the bed just now.”

  “I’m just into this book. It’s so good, I didn’t want to put it down.” I put on a faint smile to try to divert the conversation and my true feelings. I was hurting on the inside.

  “You sure it’s not old age or something?” He covered his mouth with his hand to stifle a laugh, but it didn’t work. It did cause me to laugh too, though. My son always had a way of getting you all the way together. He was my anchor, and he didn’t even know it.

  “Give me a minute to get dressed,” I said.

  “Cool, just don’t take forever. This is my first game, and I’m going to show out. I don’t want Coach all over me because you want to look extrafabulous or something,” he said as he stood by the door.

  “Boy, get out of here and wait downstairs. We’ll be on time,” I said as I picked up a slipper and threw it at him.

  It took me about twenty minutes to get ready, and I was looking fabulous, I might add.

  I drove like a bat out of hell getting to the gymnasium. As soon as we got there, Corey hopped out of the car and sprinted toward the door. He was amped up and ready to go. I was so proud of him.

  As soon as I got out of the car, I received the shock of my life.

  “Hey, baby. I know you’re surprised to see me, but you don’t have to look like you saw a ghost.” My husband walked up to me with one of his men with him. He pulled me into his body with both his arms and kissed me on the lips. I had to admit that I was shocked. He didn’t say that he was coming to the game. He didn’t say he wasn’t either. I loved my husband, and the fact that he was here was great. It just felt like he was a different person than when I married him. His obsession was changing him and me. I didn’t like it. I like when I had control of my family. Maybe that control was an illusion that is only now being revealed.

  Chapter 33

  Corey

  Game On

  We came out of the locker room blazing fast. I was in the back because a good leader doesn’t go first; he goes last. The stands were crowded with parents and supporters. It felt good to be all hyped and ready to rumble. We all gathered on the side and huddled with the coach. He gave us a rousing speech like he just did in the locker room. He smiled this time, though. I knew he was ready for a win. He was expecting it. He pushed us out to the floor, and we aligned ourselves to our respective positions. I looked around at the atmosphere of the gym. At least 200 people were packed into this place. I looked at the smiling faces and the handwritten signs that were being displayed on both sides of the court. I lived for these moments. I was in my element, and I wasn’t going to disappoint the people in the building. They came for a good game, and I was going to give them one.

  My heart was racing, and I sized my opponent up quickly. He was a tall guy with some muscle on him. He had tattoos going down both of his arms that stopped at his elbows. His dreaded-up hair hung just past his ears. He was a handsome guy in my opinion. He had fire in his eyes, and he came to win.

  So did I.

  I was like the lion in the jungle getting ready to go in for the kill. Then, out of nowhere, I heard a voice that I wasn’t ready for but knew all too well.

  “Go, Corey!” I looked around to see if it was true. It was my father in the stands. He didn’t say anything about coming, but he was here. He was nestling up against my mother. She had an uncomfortable look on her face; then I spotted Dre next to my father. I was more excited to see Dre than I was my father. Did that say something about our relationship? Probably did, but in these few seconds, I didn’t care because the referee blew the whistle and threw the ball in the air. I grabbed it out of the air and went for the goal. I hit the three-point line and sank in a three-pointer. The people in the bleachers went wild. The smile on my coach’s face was rewarding. I looked up into the stands and saw my father smiling, but it didn’t mean as much to me.

  The game pretty much went the way we wanted it to go. We dominated and dismantled the opposing team. The score was 54–33, our win. I was superexcited to be the lead player and a winner. It was a highlight of my life.

  After all the hoopla died down in the locker room, my father and mother met me outside. I had to admit that I was tired after all the moves I pulled off on the court.

  I walked of the gym doors and was greeted by my family standing at the car waiting for me. It felt good to have a support system in place. Talking to many of the guys I played with let me know that I was blessed because many only had one parent in their lives. I was fortunate to have both. My father wore a look of admiration and pride. My mother did as well. I was so glad to have a family, even if we weren’t the “normal” type of family.

  “Son, you were hot out there tonight. You are a true beast.” My father gave me a pound and then grabbed me into a manly hug.

  My mother followed with a hug; then Dre and I just nodded our heads with a “what’s up?” I lusted after him in my mind. And the way he took small glances at me let me know he felt the same. He looked hot standing next to my father in a suit and tie. He took his role in my father’s mob seriously. I was learning to respect him even more as the days went by. I couldn’t help visualizing him taking my dick either. That would make my night. I could and would muster up the energy to get a nut out tonight if we could get away.

  Before we could do anything else, Coach came out of the doors and walked up to us.

  “Great job, Corey,” he said as he patted me on the shoulder.

  “Coach, this is my father, Leroy.”

  “Leroy, you did a great job training this boy. He’s going to go far in life.” He reached out to shake my father’s hand. They shook; then Coach went on his way.

  “Babe, I’m taking my boy out for a celebration. I’ma meet you back home later to finish what we started the other day.” He hit her on butt and then smiled.

  “So, I don’t get to celebrate with my son too?” She put her hand on her hip and looked at me, and then him.
>
  “Babe, next time. I promise that I got you, and we’ll do it as a family on the next win.” He grabbed her hand, and then pulled her closer to him. He gave her a peck on the cheek and then released her. She looked at me with disappointment, but I didn’t want to start any drama, so I just agreed.

  “Yeah, Ma. We got you next time.” I kissed her on the cheek too. The look in her eye was one of hurt, but I didn’t know what else to do or say. I didn’t want to go, but my dad was trying to mend broken fences, and it was only right to try on my end as well.

  I think my parents are back on track anyway. I remember coming downstairs the other day and her coming out of the bathroom with a sly smile on her face, but as soon as she looked at me, she looked away. I knew that my parents were getting it in from time to time. I just thank God that I have never walked in on it or heard it. She turned and walked to her car; then we did the same thing.

  We ended up doing the same thing we did every time my father wanted to celebrate or relax.

  The strip club.

  Titties, ass, money, and liquor flowed freely. It didn’t take long for the ladies to flock their way in our direction. My father was well known, and especially in places like this. More than half of these people were funding our family’s lives. My father had his hand in the drug game, but he also had a stake in a few clubs. He wanted to make sure we had more than what we needed, and that it stayed that way. I respected that.

  I had to put on a better show than the ladies that were throwing their bodies in front of us. My smile and jubilee matched that of my father and Dre’s. I knew for a fact that Dre and I were not the least bit interested in any of these ladies. Dre didn’t get in too deep with the activities because he was my father’s security, along with a few other guys sprinkled around the room. My eyes zeroed in on Dre and his interaction with the ladies that were throwing their ass all over him. He played the role of a straight hustler by smacking their asses, throwing money at them, and feeling their bodies up. He smiled in my direction, letting me know that he was thinking of me the whole time. I was doing the same things. If my father could read minds, we’d both be in trouble.

  It didn’t take long for me to become completely bored and lose interest in the activities. After the last chick left, I pulled out my phone and surfed Facebook.

  “Son, don’t tell me you ready to go. You can’t let your old man outlast you.” He leaned over to talk to me while a chick was grinding on his lap like she was trying to make the material disappear with her ass. She was undeniably putting in work. My father stuffed a twenty in her G-string, and then pushed her away.

  “Dad, I’m just a bit tired from the game. It took a lot out of me, and I just want to lie down and get ready for practice again tomorrow. You know, practice makes perfect. I want nothing but the best, and that takes rest and dedication.”

  “Son, I admire that attitude. Let’s get the hell out of here.” He got up and made his way to the door. Dre was in front of us, and I looked back to see about six other guys follow suit.

  Dre dropped us off at the house.

  “Dad, I need Dre to go with me to the store really quick, and then bring me back. I want something to snack on.”

  “Do you, son? You have one of my right-hand men with you, so I know that you’re good.”

  We pulled off and then dipped off to a spot that we were sure that no one would say or see a thing. It didn’t take long for us to work out some sexual frustration, and this time, I let him take the lead, and we switched roles. I can’t say it was an easy experience, but it was a pleasurable one indeed. I think I was falling for this dude. Shit. That was not in the plans at all.

  “Dre, where is this going?” I asked. I didn’t want to seem like the nagging type or girly, so I kept my face forward. I did want to know if he was feeling the same way or close, though. We were lying back in the seats that were reclined for our sex session.

  “What do you mean?” he asked.

  “I mean, are we labeling what we’re doing?” It felt strange asking this because I have never had a labeled relationship. I messed around with a few people over time, but it was just sex and exploration to me. It felt like Dre and I had some relating going on.

  “You cool with me, and I’m cool with you. No labels needed. I got your back, and you have mine. It’s just that simple. It’s between us and no one else. Feel me?” His hand made its way over to my thigh, and he rested it there. There was no more conversation needed. We had each other. Simple as that.

  Chapter 34

  Clayton

  Surprise

  My mind had been racing for quite some time about this case and these kingpins running amuck throughout the city. I just wanted a break. So when Anthony called me and invited me out on a day date, I was all too happy to accept his invitation.

  I was at my desk working when my phone rang. My face lit up when I saw who it was.

  “Heyyy.” I was full of excitement. I loved the newness in my life called Anthony. He was a welcomed distraction for my daily grind.

  “You working hard?” His voice sounded so sweet and loving. I could get used to it.

  “I’m doing what I do well,” I answered.

  “I bet you are, handsome.” It felt good to have someone to call me and gush on me.

  “Thank you for the compliment.”

  “It’s the truth, and that’s part of the reason why I’m calling you. I wanted to see if you were available to go out on a day date.”

  “Hmmm . . . a day date? I wonder if I’m available.” I played as if I was pondering the question.

  “Don’t wonder too long,” he laughed.

  “Just tell me when and where and I’ll be there.” A smile covered my face after my answer. I was giddy.

  “I’ll text you the information. See you then, my fine sir.”

  “I sure will.” I hung up the phone and leaned back in my chair as I thought of all the possibilities of where Anthony and I were heading, relationship-wise.

  I got off work early Friday just so I could go shopping and get me something special to wear. I didn’t want to go out and be looking busted, not that I do that during the rest of the week. I just wanted to look special because I was feeling special.

  Now it was Saturday, and I was dressed and ready to leave. I was especially glad that the sun was shining and there was a slight breeze blowing. I hopped into my car and turned my satellite radio on to the jazz station as I drove. I felt good. I felt damn good. I could see Anthony’s face as I drove, and it made me smile. I couldn’t believe that I was feeling this way right now. I was almost floating. I pulled into the quaint little spot in Canton that Anthony texted to me earlier that morning and was ready to go. I didn’t know what we were going to talk about or what was going to happen, but I was excited.

  As soon as I parked the car, I checked the rearview mirror to see if I looked presentable. When I was satisfied with my look, I got out of the car and walked toward the entrance of the establishment. It felt very comfortable and upscale as I made my way inside. There was an array of potted plants that lined the walk up to the door and had clinging plants that clung around the windowpanes. It had a small gated section with cast-iron chairs and linen-covered tables for eating outside.

  “Hello, Mr. Clayton, your party is waiting for you,” the maître d’ smiled after he spoke. I looked at him in surprise because he knew my name and what I looked like, but I followed behind him when he turned and started walking.

  It wasn’t a huge restaurant so I could see Anthony sitting at the table with two other people. One man and one woman, visibly older but not feeble or frail. She was a bit plump, and he was on the thin side. They both had some grey in their hair. She was very beautiful, and the guy could get the dick if he swung that way. I immediately began to wonder what was going on. The investigative me began to try to decipher the situation before I got to the table, but I couldn’t, so I just smiled as I arrived there.

  “Clayton, babe, I’m so glad you c
ould make it.” He stood up and gave me a kiss on the lips. I was taken aback a bit because I didn’t know who the people were at the table with him. I wanted and needed to know. I didn’t feel comfortable not knowing who they were.

  “Clayton, these are my parents, Sylvia and Graham Moore.”

  I was even more shocked than before. Parents? His parents? What in the hell?

  “Hi, Anthony, Clayton has told us so much about you. We’re so happy for you two.” The mother got up and shook my hand. The father just looked at me, like I was a guy trying to take advantage of his daughter or something.

  “Why, thank you. I’m so glad to meet you.” I spoke with a smile plastered across my face like I was the Joker from Batman. My mind was swirling tremendously. This was a big step in any relationship. Meeting the parents. Who in the hell does this? I felt like I was being thrown under the bus. But I kept up the charade to save face. I could handle this situation. I’ve seen dead bodies and decomposition to great magnitudes. I could handle a surprise meeting of Anthony’s parents. I was up for the challenge.

  We all sat back down after a few more pleasantries; then I spoke. “This is such a wonderful surprise, Anthony.”

  “I thought that you would like it. I thought it was time.” There is no official handbook on dating and meeting the parents of a love interest, but I’m sure that meeting the parents was quite some ways off in the dating process. If I’m not mistaken, it’s closer to the marriage part of a relationship. We’ve only been dating a few weeks, so I didn’t know what he was thinking, but I would ride with it for now. I haven’t been in the dating pool in quite some time, and things probably have changed. I just hated being the odd man out.

  “This was great timing,” I lied.

  “Yes, Clayton, we were surprised too, because Tony has not ever introduced us to anyone that he has ever been involved with until you. You must be special for all of us to be sitting here together.” His father spoke so politely and well-mannered. He looked like he was proud of his son. It made my tension go down some.