by Ezekiel King
Still, I just kept an expressionless face while I asked, “What did you need to talk to me about?” I said in a concerned voice that told Emma I had no clue what this conversation was about.
“Cyrus, I think you’re going to get angry,” Emma said as her face looked a little worried.
“I’ll tell you what, I will tell you what I know about Jason, and you tell me what you know about Jason,” I said as I thought how best to play this situation out.
“Okay, you go first,” Emma said as she sat back in her seat. It definitely suited her… Being next to me, I thought as I looked at Emma in my passenger seat.
“Okay, I will go first. But I’m only prepared to tell you over a cocktail,” I said as I looked at her with my best poker face. Emma smiled as I looked her deep into her eyes.
“Jason will be back in about half an hour though. He thinks I’m at his house,” Emma said. “A cocktail, Cyrus?” Emma said as she looked at me smiling, like I was crazy.
“Just tell him you’ve gone out for an hour,” I said as I floored my rally car on the straight road which ripped us back in our seats viciously. The speedometer jumped from 30 mph to 130 mph in seconds.
“This car is too fast!” Emma said as her eyes widened as adrenaline coursed through her body. I slowed down, not wanting to scare her. “I will text Jason and say I’ve gone to see my mum; my mum doesn’t like Jason, so he won’t check,” Emma said as she tapped buttons on her phone. I had liked Jason a lot before our fallout. But I liked Emma more; she was more mature than the girls my age.
I made a call to Chris as I drove to make sure he was taking care of business.
“Put them things away and go to see your cousin. Ask him if he wants that sniff,” I said as he answered.
“Yes, will do, I’m just going to meet Charlene now to put that away; then I’m going to see my cousin,” Chris replied. Now that Bob had brought it to my attention, if Chris got stopped by the police for any reason, and they found any drugs or money on Chris, resulting in the search of his house, I’d be pissed off. I put the phone down after talking to Chris and placed it in the centre console while I continued to drive.
“Where are you taking me, Cyrus?” Emma asked as she turned her gaze from the road in front of us to me.
“I fancy a daiquiri while we have a chat if you don’t mind coming?” I replied trying to sound confident but hide the fact I had any other ulterior motive.
“Yes, I don’t mind, is that a cocktail?” Emma asked.
“Yes, have you never had one?” I asked to keep the conversation flowing as we drove.
"How old are you, Cyrus? Emma asked. Fuck my life, I thought, how can you answer this without putting her off you? I screamed at myself internally. I knew I only had milliseconds to think and answer before that in itself would be off putting to her.
“Nearly 18,” I lied, calmly, hoping she wouldn’t detect the deceit. “How old are you?” I asked to change the conversation direction.
“I’m nearly 23. I feel old now I know you’re only 17,” Emma said.
“I feel older than I am though; I’ve got a life like a 35-year-old,” I said as I pulled into the restaurant car park. As we walked towards the restaurant, I felt confident; I looked good, my hair was freshly cut, and I was wearing an almost brand-new designer outfit—all Italian. We looked good together; she was stunning, she had long blonde hair that came down just below her nipples, her tight blue jeans complemented her figure, and she had absolutely huge breasts.
“Cyrus, what do you do for a living,” Emma asked as we walked through the car park.
“Emma, I’m not going to lie to you, but I got this car and all of my money as payment for the hard work I do for the community,” I said as I smiled mischievously.
“You mean selling drugs?” Emma said quietly as I opened the door for her to enter the restaurant ahead of me. When she did so, she smiled and looked at me in the eyes. Emma’s gaze sent tingles through my body. She liked bad boys, I could tell that for sure. Therefore, she was going to love me, I thought as I walked in behind her, slyly checking out her round bum and curvy hips.
“Can we have a table for two, please?” I said to the young man who was tasked with seating diners. We followed the waiter up to a booth not too far from where me, Jason and Jabber had once sat. I gestured a girl to come to our table; she wore the same attire as always—little black skirt, red shirt and little piny with all of her waitress utensils inside. I ordered Emma and me our cocktails. I spoke confidently and using a mature tone. I was also holding my car keys in my hand, so she could clearly see them. I didn’t want her to ask me for identification that would have pissed on my bonfire before I had even lit a match.
“Okay, guys, are you two eating?” The pretty brunette waitress asked.
“We will have a look through the menu and let you know when you come back,” I said as I took a wad of cash from my pocket and went to hand the waitress £20 from the £500 I had. Her eyes widened as she caught sight of the wad, like she was surprised I had so much money in my possession.
“That’s okay, you can pay when you’re leaving,” the pretty waitress said as she left to get our cocktails. The dining room was practically empty; it was spotlessly clean, dark wood and chrome spotlights everywhere.
“So, what have you got to tell me then?” I asked Emma in a concerned voice. I didn’t care what information she had. I just wanted to take her for a cocktail because she was fit.
“Well, Cyrus, I know you and your brother beat Jason up for swearing at your auntie,” Emma said. I just looked at her, thinking, so that’s what the piece of shit told you.
I didn’t say anything; I just rose my eyebrows to say, “Wow.”
“Well, I don’t think he did swear at her. I found text messages on his phone. I think they slept together,” Emma said as she began to sound annoyed and betrayed.
“When were these text messages sent?” I asked as the brunette waitress placed the two decorative cocktails on our table. “Could you bring me two more, please; we’ve got two more people coming to meet us,” I said to the waitress, partly because I wanted her to go away, and partly because I wanted to get Emma drunk.
“The text messages were sent two days ago,” Emma explained. I picked up my cocktail and took a sip.
“Try some of your cocktail, these are the best,” I said as I sipped my cocktail thinking about how best to handle this; by this, I mean the manipulation of Emma, not the situation of Jason texting my auntie. As the text messages were sent before I gave Jason a beating, I didn’t care. “What did the texts say?” I asked as though I was oblivious to what she told me.
“They said, from Jason, I think you’re fit and a few naughty things, and she had told him to come over, but I didn’t read them all; he makes me sick! I was only at his house today to finish with him,” Emma ranted.
“The rat bastard, you’re too good for him, he’s a fucking snake,” I said as I pretended to be fuming with this ‘new’ information.
“I know I’m too good for him. I can’t believe he’s done this,” Emma said as she sipped her drink.
“Do you like your cocktail?” I asked.
“Yes, thank you, it’s really nice, Cyrus,” Emma replied pleasantly.
“Are you hungry? I haven’t eaten anything today,” I asked.
“No, I’m all right, I don’t feel like eating.” Emma replied.
“Let’s just have cocktails and figure out what to do about this dickhead,” I said as the pretty brunette delivered two more cocktails to our table.
“Cyrus, who is coming here?” Emma asked as she looked at the two fresh cocktails sitting at the opposite ends of the table.
“Oh, nobody, I just said that because I wanted her to go away while we spoke.” Emma and I sat talking about Jason, my auntie, and how all this started. I told her about when I had given my auntie £12,000 for her to give to Jason for his Uncle Jabber. He must have used my money to act like a gangster thinking he’s the bi
g I am to chat her up.
“I can’t believe them two,” I said. “Drink up, Emma, I’m leaving you behind,” I said as I finished my first cocktail, seeing she was only just over halfway through hers. I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket. I slid it up and out of my jeans to see ‘Holly’ flashing on the screen. “One second, it’s my brother,” I said to Emma as I got up and left the table. “Hi, Holly,” I said as I walked off towards the exit.
“Hi, Cyrus, are you on your way yet?” Holly asked.
“Holly, I’ve just had to meet my mate to collect some money; he’s going abroad tomorrow and he owes me £20,000. I will be with you in the next hour and a half after I drop this money where it needs to be,” I lied to gain some time with Emma.
“Oh, Cyrus, I’m ready; can’t you come and pick me up and then do it?” Holly asked impatiently.
“But I’m here with him now; we are just waiting for his mate to bring the money here,” I lied.
“Okay then, try to hurry then please, Cyrus,” Holly said.
“Okay, gorgeous,” I said as I put the phone down and walked back inside to Emma. “My brother is always bugging me about the silliest of things,” I said as I sat back down. The gorgeous Emma and I continued to talk about our families, where we both lived, and what our plans were for the future. I was very careful not to disclose any sensitive information.
We finished our second cocktail which left me feeling very tipsy. I knew if I drank any more, driving my car would be suicide, but we were getting along so well. I liked Emma a lot—her maturity was refreshingly new for me.
“If we do have another cocktail, I will not be able to drive,” I said reluctantly.
“Yes, I know. I should get back soon as well,” Emma replied.
“Either that or we get drunk together and go and book into that hotel behind this restaurant,” I joked with a hint of seriousness. Emma just laughed and blushed.
“Maybe another time,” Emma said as she looked at me shyly and smiled.
“Come on then, let’s go; the quicker we go, the quicker this ‘other time’ will come around,” I joked as I stood up feeling slightly lightheaded. I put the key in the ignition, feeling slightly disorientated. “Emma, we should definitely meet up again sometime.”
“Yes, I would really like that. I think you are nice, Cyrus,” Emma replied. I turned to face Emma and leaned slowly towards her. She looked deep into my eyes and leaned towards me. Meeting in the middle, I kissed her passionately; our tongues deep inside each other’s mouths. I couldn’t help but caress Emma’s breasts tenderly. The sensation in my body made me feel like ripping her clothes off, but we were in a restaurant car park in the middle of the day. I pulled away and fought the urge, sitting back in my seat.
“Emma, you are amazing!” I said giving up the charade of not being interested in her.
“Cyrus, you are pretty hot yourself,” Emma replied as she smiled and bit her lip erotically, which made me want her in my bed even more.
“What about Jason?” Emma said remembering the whole situation.
“Forget about that clown, you’re mine now,” I said confidently.
“What would Jason say if I start seeing his mate though? I can’t do that,” Emma said.
“I am not Jason’s mate anymore, and he can’t say a thing. I think you’re gorgeous; and if you want to, I would like to start meeting you?” I said as I started my rally car.
“Yes, okay, but keep it just between us for a while. I’m going to tell him I know what he’s done, and I don’t want nothing to do with him anymore,” Emma said. I stopped at the exit to the car park before pulling out into the main road and kissed Emma again. The second kiss was better, less passionate, but better because this time Emma was mine. We pulled out onto the main road, turning left. Inside, I was bubbling with excitement. “Cyrus, I know you are a bit younger than me, but you are so mature for your age; you are more mature than Jason and all of his friends that I have met,” Emma complemented.
“Thanks,” I said as I pressed my foot down onto the accelerator pedal, ripping us back into our bucket seats. My car made a phenomenal sound as I redlined it and changed gear.
“Be careful driving this car; it’s too fast this thing is!” Emma said with face full of shock after realising how powerful the car actually was.
“I only drive fast once in a while, not all the time. Emma, do you want to meet later to go for food and drinks?” I asked as I drove back towards the side of town I had picked her up from.
“Yes, I don’t mind, as long as you are not busy with work. If you are, I will meet you another day,” Emma said.
“Emma, now that I have spent a little bit of time with you, you are now my top priority,” I said as I glanced at her and then back at the road.
“Oh, that’s so sweet, Cyrus,” Emma replied.
“Shall I pick you up at about 8:00 tonight?” I asked.
“Okay, but what shall I wear?” Emma asked.
“It’s up to you. I’m going to take you somewhere nice though,” I explained.
“Okay, pick me up at 8:00 then,” Emma said. As I parked outside Emma’s house to say goodbye, I gave her a kiss.
“Make sure you tell Jason you don’t want anything to do with him anymore,” I said as she began to get out of the car.
“I will, I don’t want to see him ever again,” Emma replied as she smiled at me and turned to walk up her blue brick driveway. Her house was nice; it was similar to Chris’ parents in size. It had a new-looking wall outside; the house was on the corner.
I watched Emma walk up her driveway, staring at her bum. Still parked outside of Emma’s house, I called Holly. “Hi gorgeous, I’m ready now, where are you?” I asked trying to sound excited to finally be available to see her.
“I’m at home, Cyrus,” Holly replied. Holly was pissed off; I was already nearly two hours late.
“Okay then, ten minutes, I’m sorry I’m late,” I said with no sincerity. Holly’s house was at least a 15-minute drive from where I was parked. Putting the phone back in the centre console, I sped every time I had open road towards Kenilworth. Holly was sexy, and I liked her. I liked the fact she didn’t come from a poor background and had a great standard of life.
Holly had opened my eyes to the possibilities if I became successful. It was now time to spend my time trying to achieve my goals. Her constant need for my attention was a hindrance—it was like a hurdle. I would keep needing to negotiate every time she wanted to see me. Holly wanted a boyfriend, and I wanted to make money and have sex when I felt like it.
I stopped my car just short of the turning to Holly’s house. Her mum and dad had returned home from their holiday, and I had declined the offer of meeting them. I knew it would only involve her dad questioning me, almost certainly about qualifications and long-term aspirations. I didn’t blame him; I’m sure I would do the same if I was him, but I had enough stress entertaining his daughter’s bullshit before I’d even consider a quick-fire round of questioning in his oversized living room. After calling Holly and telling her to walk to the end of her driveway, I called Chris to check on his progress.
“Yes, Cyrus,” Chris said happily.
“What are you so happy about?” I asked sensing the joy in Chris’ voice.
“I am on the way to sell this half a kilo now, so I’m going to need another one; or in fact, get me a whole kilo, please, Cyrus,” Chris explained.
“Don’t lie, have they tested the quality though?” I asked eager to know if they had already had a sample and agreed to buy it.
“Yes, Cyrus, I gave them a sample, and they want to buy it for £10,800, so I’ve made £800 today,” Chris said as he sounded happier than I had heard him for a long time.
“Okay, good, call me the second you get back with the money, and I will get you some more,” I said as I realised the second Chris calls me, I will have made £4,000 profit. I put the phone down and called my brother. “Daniel,” I said as he answered.
“Cyru
s, we need more weed, mate, for the McBrides,” Daniel said.
“Okay, what about the cocaine; have you sold any?” I asked.
“No, but I’ve put it away until I sort the weed out for John and Tom,” Daniel replied.
“Okay, I will call you back five minutes, and let you know where and when you will be receiving your package,” I explained before putting the phone down. Jabber’s phone rang in my ear.
“Cyrus, how are you doing?” Jabber said in his usual deep grunt.
“Jabber, I need another 59 ounces of weed as soon as possible,” I said in a voice that let him know it was of great urgency.
“Okay, I’ll drop it to you now, but have you got a kilo of that cocaine there?” Jabber asked. I couldn’t believe my ears.
“What? Do you want to buy a kilo of that sniff?” I asked.
“Yes, have you got one there now?” Jabber asked.
“I’ve got half a kilo; I can get you more tomorrow. I’m getting two kilo’s tomorrow,” I explained. “You can pick the half a kilo up when you drop the weed off if you want; will you have the money for it?” I asked as I tried to close out the deal.
The phone went quiet while Jabber thought about my proposition. As Jabber was thinking, Holly approached the car and got in. I didn’t even look at Holly as I was hoping that Jabber would say yes. “Okay, Cyrus, get me the other half a kilo tomorrow. I will give you £10,500 when I drop your weed off,” Jabber said in his deep, almost husky, voice.
“How long are you going to be getting to me though, Jabber?” I asked.
“I will be there in 25 minutes. I just have to go and pick the money up from my place,” Jabber said.
“Okay, my brother, Daniel will meet you exactly where I saw you last night by my house,” I explained before putting the phone down. “Yeaaahh,” I said as I sat with my cheap phone in my hand, rocking forward and back in my seat with excitement.
“You are happy to see me,” Holly said as she looked at me.
“Oh, shit. Sorry, babe. I just had some really good news, give me a kiss,” I said as I leaned over to kiss Holly on her lips with far less enthusiasm than I had kissed Emma with half an hour before. I called Daniel back while still sitting outside the entrance to Holly’s driveway. I explained to my brother that Jabber was going to meet him outside our house in 15 minutes.