My Bestfriend's Man

by P. Dotson

  “Fine Vee, just call me in the morning,” I said shaking my head.

  I quickly turned around and jogged across the street to Bri’s car. I didn’t want her to see me crying. My heart had been broken and it was all because of Brian, my best friend’s man.

  * * *

  “So what you do for a living?” Prince asked me while rubbing his hands together.

  He stared at me like I was a piece of steak or something. That shit irked my nerves. He licked his full, pink lips as he continued to stare at me. It took everything I had not to roll my eyes and leave his dumb ass sitting there, but I needed him for the time being. I had to see where his head is at. I needed to see if he would be easy to fold.

  “I work part-time as a medical assistant.”

  “Okay, that’s what’s up. You like it?” He asked.

  I shrugged my shoulders. “It’s aight. I can’t complain.”

  “Can I get you anything else?” The waitress came over with her notepad in hand.

  “I’ll take some more tea please,” I said handing her my glass.

  “I’m good,” Prince replied sitting back. He picked up a toothpick and placed it in his mouth.

  “Are you done with these?” She asked us, referring to the empty plates on the table.

  “Yes,” I answered.

  “Okay, I’ll take them for you and I’ll be right back with your drink,” she smiled then walked away.

  “Thanks for dinner,” I replied trying my best to sound sincere.

  “No problem, the pleasure is all mine,” he said rubbing his hands again. “I thought you were ignoring me.”

  “I would never do that. I’m just a little shy that’s all,” I lied.

  After I gave him my number at the club he literally called my ass three times a day. I started to block his ass, but thank the heavens above I didn’t. He could be beneficial.

  “You don’t have to be shy around me,” he smiled as he reached across the table and caressed the back of my hand.

  His ass is so damn corny. He’s a pretty boy, and he wanted to be a thug so damn bad, but I could read his ass like a book. He’s a bitch in thug's clothing. The first sign of trouble and I bet like money he’s the first one running.

  “You have a girlfriend?” I asked him.

  “I have a few friends here and there. Nothing serious though. You?”

  “No, single and looking.”

  “Your search may have finally ended.”

  “Here’s your drink?” The waitress said sitting it down on the table and placing a straw beside it. “Is there anything else I can get for you?”

  “No.”

  “What about you sir?” She asked directing her attention towards Prince.

  “Naw, I’m good.”

  “Okay, call me if you need me,” she said and walked away.

  “So Brian is your brother?”

  “Yep.”

  “What about Ace? Is that his name? The other dude that was at the club with y’all that night?”

  “Yeah.”

  “But Ace isn’t your brother?”

  “No. Me and Brian have the same mother. Ace and Brian have the same father.”

  “Oh, I get it.”

  “So, you don’t own the club with them?”

  I hit a sore spot when I said that because a hard frown invaded his forehead. Bri filled me in about how they were all connected, but I figured I would test the waters. It seems like it worked.

  “No,” he said shortly.

  “I’m sorry for prying. I didn’t mean to offend you or anything.”

  “No, it’s not you baby. I just have a lot on my mind. Can I keep it real with you?” He asked.

  “By all means,” I responded taking a quick sip of my tea before setting it down on the table.

  “I’m a businessman. Yes, I’m young and that’s all my brother keeps saying, but I think I’m more than qualified to handle mines. I have so many ideas on how to improve the club. Matter of fact, I have dreams of opening my own club one day, but no one believes in me. My pops think it’s all nonsense and won’t front me shit to open one up and Brian thinks I’m too young. Ain’t that a bitch,” he smirked.

  “I believe in you,” I whispered. I looked into his eyes doing my best to appear innocent. I wanted him to believe the bullshit I was selling and from the look in his eyes I knew he was sold.

  “Thanks, baby girl,” he smiled.

  This nigga had the nerve to blush. He had money that was obvious, and he was fine so I wondered why he was so damn gullible. I had a feeling my plans wouldn’t take long. One shot of this pussy and he would be like putty in my hands.

  He started talking again and every once in a while I would nod my head to make it appear as if I was listening, but I wasn’t. I wasn’t the least bit interested in the plans he had mapped out for his life. I really wanted the nitty gritty on Brian. There was something about him that didn’t sit right with me. He wasn’t wrapped to tight, kind of like me.

  Our date finally ended after we caught a late night movie than he dropped me off at home. He was actually a gentleman. He walked me to my door, kissed me good night and left. I was surprised to say the least. Today’s young generation seemed to think that dinner and drinks meant by the end of the night we fucking. I mean I have done that a few times at the end of a first date but when you act so damn thirsty for it, it’s a turn off.

  Bri was up watching television when I walked in the house. She had her legs propped up on my end table with a bowl of popcorn in her hand. As long as she didn’t drop kernels on my floor we were good.

  “Hey, miss. How was your date?” She asked sitting up and putting her feet on the floor. She picked up the remote control that sat down beside her and turned the volume down on the television.

  “It was aight,” I walked in and stepped out of my four inch heels.

  “Cool. What did you say dude’s name was?”

  “I didn’t say,” I smirked, as I sat down beside her.

  “Why you being so secretive any damn way?” She asked as she looked me up and down. “You up to something ain’t you?”

  “Get out my business and have you been looking for a place to live yet?”

  “Yeah, no luck though,” she said directing her attention to the television screen.

  I looked at her ass sideways and curled my lips. She was lying, but I didn’t call her on it. She’s dead broke at the moment. She could barely rub two pennies together. Word on the street is she got robbed up in Baltimore. More than likely because she was running somebody else’s man.

  “When you start working at Crazy 8’s?” I asked her. Crazy 8’s is a strip club located in our neighboring state Delaware. I yawned and began to stretch. This conversation wouldn’t last much longer. I could feel my body ready to shut down.

  “Next Friday I believe,” she said without looking at me.

  “Cool, good night,” I stood up. That was good news because I was ready for her ass to go. I like my privacy. Bri is cool, but she is too nosy for her own damn good.

  “So you still not going to tell me who you were out with tonight, huh?” She asked finally looking up at me.

  “Nope.”

  “Okay, but I might be able to help just like last time.”

  I sat there and pondered the thought. I really didn’t want her up in my business because the plans I had for Brian aren’t PG. I looked at her and wondered if she could really be trusted. The shit I had in mind could send a bitch to jail. The thought of going to jail made my skin crawl. I’d rather die. I couldn’t imagine spending the rest of my life confined to one place. I would go crazy.

  “Let’s talk in the morning.”

  “Okay. You want some company?” She asked giving me the eye.

  The offer was tempting. Bri’s tongue game was on point, but I was tired. All I wanted to do was take a hot shower and make love to my pillow so I kindly declined shaking my head no. I could tell she was disappointed.

  I took my
much needed shower, slipped on my pajamas and jumped in bed. I grabbed my fluffy pillow and thought about Brian’s demise as I drifted off to sleep.

  * * *

  A couple of weeks have gone by and Vee still hasn’t reached out to me. The fact that she would throw away our friendship over some dude killed my spirit. It was hard for me to focus. I rarely ever cry, but I cried for Vee.

  My alarm clock sounded off for the fourth time and I knew whether I wanted to or not I had to get my sad ass up. I wiped my tears away as I looked at the picture of Vee and I that sat on my nightstand. I was only torturing myself by keeping it there, but I couldn’t help it. Vee is the love of my life and for her to just walk out of my life like I never meant anything to her, jabbed at my heart.

  “Roxie,” Bri softly knocked on my door. “Are you okay?”

  “Yes,” I snapped.

  “Okay, just making sure. I heard you crying earlier.”

  This is why I liked my privacy. If I wanted to cry and mope in peace, I could. I hated to show any form of emotions in front of people. It made me look weak in my opinion.

  “Is this about Savannah?” She softly asked.

  I remained quiet as I rolled over on my back and looked up at the ceiling. Bri knew my history with Vee. She knew how I felt about my best friend without me even telling her. I guess it was that obvious.

  “Can I come in?” She asked

  “Sure,” I sighed. I could really use the company. I looked at the clock. The way I was feeling I knew there was no way I could make it into work today. Bri sat down on the bed while I grabbed my cell phone and made the call into work. Sheldon my office manager wasn’t happy, but I wasn’t worried about it.

  “So, what’s going on?” Bri asked me. “Savannah got a new boo?”

  I forgot she moved away and has been out of the loop. Like me, she didn’t have many friends, so I knew she didn’t know much about what went on down here.

  “Yeah,” I said nodding my head yes.

  “Awe, I’m sorry to hear that,” she cooed as she scooted closer to me and wrapped her arm around my shoulders.

  More tears had fallen from my eyes and she quickly wiped them away. I knew her concern for me wasn’t genuine. She had a motive just like everybody else. This is why I hate showing any type of emotions. Predators lurk and as soon as they see you are down they pounce.

  “Roxie, you ever think that maybe Savannah isn’t the one for you. You can’t make someone love you.”

  “She does love me,” I snapped.

  “I’m sure she does. Just not the way you want her too.”

  She began to plant soft kisses on my neck and damn if that shit didn’t feel good. I tried to stay focused, but all that went out the window once I felt her hand in between my thighs. How the hell she did that shit without me knowing I don’t know, but I wasn’t about to stop her either.

  I moaned and bit my bottom lip as she rotated her fingers around my clit like clockwork. This is what I needed to temporarily take my mind off Vee. She continued to suck on my neck as she slipped her hands inside of my panties and found my opening with her fingers. She placed her hand in the middle of my chest and pushed me back on the bed. I knew what she wanted. I knew what she was trying to do, but no one could ever replace Vee.

  I let her have her time though. She pulled off my panties and placed her head between my thighs. I needed this ride.

  * * *

  “So, Savannah and Big Brian are dating?” Bri asked as she sat at the kitchen table stuffing her mouth full of the eggs I just made.

  Don’t get it twisted. I know what you’re thinking, but I ain’t soft. She deserved a hot meal after the head game she put down. I didn’t return the favor so I had to do something. I decided to make her some breakfast, bacon, eggs, fried potatoes, and pancakes.

  “No, she is dating his son. You know Brian Davis?”

  “Yeah, he used to go with Macy. I can’t believe Savannah running with his ass though. I thought she was the good girl type. Does she know he runs drugs?”

  “Macy?” I asked with a frown. “Who the fuck is Macy?”

  “You remember, she was Joe Roc’s little sister.”

  I leaned against the counter searching my memory bank trying to put a face with a name, but it didn’t ring any bells. “What she look like?”

  “She was pretty. She had long hair, light brown eyes. Body was banging too. You still don’t remember?”

  “No,” I said shaking my head.

  “Do you even remember Joe Roc?”

  The name sounded familiar, but I couldn’t place him either. “No,” I laughed.

  “Really?” She asked shaking her head from side to side. “Aight, let me think,” she said nodding her head. “You do know Joe Roc. Him and his brother use to own that club across from Envious, but when Little Brian took over his dad’s club he shut Joe Roc’s shit down.”

  I thought about it for a minute. “Oh okay, that light skin dude with the dreads. He used to drive around in that bad ass Audi.”

  “Yep,” she confirmed by nodding her head.

  I remembered him now. Sad to say I even fucked his ass a couple of times. He broke me off a few stacks got my hair done for me and shit like that. But after his club closed, he kind of fell off the face of the earth. His sister did too. I remembered her now. She was pretty just a little stuck up.

  “Whatever happened to him?”

  Bri shrugged her shoulders. “It’s a mystery. He has been missing for a minute. Both him and his sister.”

  “Wait, hold up. So you mean to tell me Macy was dating her brother’s competition.”

  “Yeah, girl. It was the talk of the town for a long ass time. Not too long after Joe Roc went missing, Macy did too.”

  “Did Brian. . .”

  “Word on the street was Brian put both her and Joe Roc six feet under, but nobody has been able to prove it. It’s a cold case now,” Bri answered. “But you ain’t hear that from me.”

  My hands began to shake as I thought about Vee. She could be in danger. I had to warn her. Everything started to come back to me now that Bri had refreshed my memory. They were so easy to forget. They weren’t the right color so their pictures weren’t posted on the news daily. It’s sad to say, but this could be beneficial to me.

  “I have to tell Vee.”

  “Be careful. Just like his dad, they say, Brian ain’t no joke.”

  I wasn’t fazed. He bleeds red just like the rest of us. In my eyes, he was nothing special. I ran upstairs, took a hot shower and put on a pair of booty shorts, a wife beater and flip flops. My usual get up.

  I hopped in my car and sped over to Vee’s house. During my ride, I tried calling her cell phone. All of my calls went unanswered. She wasn’t home when I got there. I left a message on her voicemail to call me back. I had a feeling she wouldn’t. That’s okay because I would be waiting for her when she got back.

  Chapter 15

  Savannah

  On my way back to the nurse’s station, I felt my phone vibrate in my scrub pocket. I looked around as I walked in and sat down at my desk. I pulled my cell phone out of my pocket and rolled my eyes. It was Roxie and I wasn’t in the mood for her right now. I let it roll over to voicemail. She called back several more times before she finally got the hint.

  I stuffed my phone back in my pocket and logged onto my computer. I felt bad that I’ve been ignoring Roxie like I have been. She’s my best friend. She’s always been there when I needed her, but over the years our relationship has changed. She has become a little possessive. I know she has my best interest at heart, but it was putting a strain on our relationship.

  If I could talk some sense into her and make her see where I was coming from I would. Roxie is stubborn and will only see things her way. So I had to put some space between us. Hopefully, this will give Roxie some time to think, calm down and then we could possibly work on repairing our friendship.

  Roxie may not like it, but she has to realize that Brian is a pa
rt of my life now. I would hate to be put in a position where I had to choose. Even though I wasn’t one hundred percent sure I would choose Brian, I had to stop her pattern of behavior. It started with Brandon, now Brian. I had to put a stop to it somewhere.

  “What you thinking about?” Zee asked me as she sat down in the chair beside me.

  “Nothing really. I’ll just be glad when this shift is over.”

  “You missing your baby, huh?”

  “Yeah, a little bit,” I laughed even though the truth was Brian was starting to suffocate me too. He wanted to be with me twenty-four seven now. I wished I never mentioned him meeting my parents because that’s all he talked about. I told him I wanted to take things slow, but he dropped a bomb on me this morning after another episode of horrible sex 101. He wants us to move in together.

  The thought alone was depressing. I’m trying to give him a chance, but he is starting to wear on my nerves. I just feel bad because he is a good guy with good intentions, but I’m just not ready. I feel rushed and pressured to do this. Maybe Roxie isn’t the only person I need to take a break from.

  “Where did you go?”

  “Huh?” I asked shaking my head. “Did you say something?”

  “I just asked if everything is going good between you and Brian.”

  “Yeah, things are good for the most part I guess,” I sighed and placed my hands in my lap. “He wants to move in Zee and I’m just not ready.”

  “Well, just tell him. He can’t make you do something you don’t want to do.”

  “I know I just feel so bad.”

  “Stop feeling bad all the time. I guarantee if things were the other way around he wouldn’t care about your feelings. At the end of the day, you got to do what’s best for you. It’s okay to be selfish sometimes. How long have you been dating him?”

  “About six or seven months I believe.”

  She looked at me and curled up her lips. “And he wants to move in already? Girl no. Let him get his life first. You just got out of one relationship. He should understand why you don’t want to rush things. Don’t let that man talk you into something you might regret later.”