One Hustle

by Cortney Gee

  Dugar had begun the show, so instead of concerning myself with what might go down, I turned my attention to what I'd been paid to concentrate on, my set.

  Because the clientele at Geoffrey's was a mixture of professionals and street CEOs, instead of beating them over with topical humor, I chose to perform my ComicView TV friendly set and see how far I could push them to the edge.

  Dugar had them eating out of his hand.

  His performance was a clinic for anyone aspiring to learn how to be a true Master of Ceremony. He tiptoed around subjects so that there was room for those who followed him to put their own personal stamp on the current events. This was especially necessary for a comedian like Marc because he got a kick outta sticking it to people and places in the news.

  "So have you been paying Doogie attention or have you been too preoccupied about how fucked up my night might turn out?" I asked Marc.

  "As much as I would like to see the sky fall in on your uppity ass, my performance is first and foremost on my mind."

  Maybe I was putting too much on it.

  Marc was due up on stage and I had yet to see Jessica or Tasha.

  For all I knew, I was the one being cold played and was going to be dateless tonight.

  Dugar had just dropped one hell of an opening set and brought Marc up to the stage.

  I had to admit Marc didn't seem one bit concerned about what I was going through. He was at the top of his game firing off a Kirk-Franklin-falling-from-the-stage bit that had the crowd in stitches. I had to admit the flavor of his material was on point.

  I was so caught up in his performance that I had stopped chicken-hawking the door.

  That was my first mistake.

  Then, when I realized that Tasha and Jessica were standing next to me, I knew that was my second mistake. My third mistake was inviting two bad bitches to one club to see me at the same damn time.

  I should have just told Tasha not to come. I mean, we had enjoyed a good run but The Body had replaced her, plain and simple.

  Mouton must have sensed some tension between the three of us because he rushed over and laid down a sacrifice fly for me.

  "Tasha, what's up, girl? I'm glad to see you. If you don't mind, I need to holla at you for a few ticks," he told her, pulling her away to discuss some Sweet Jimmy's business that could have waited but he made it seemed urgent.

  "Nothing like having friends who will play Captain Save a Hoe, huh?" Jessica questioned.

  I was sure that she had recognized Tasha from that after party, so I was in no position to argue a point.

  Instead, I complimented her on how good she looked in the fitted basic black dress that made her body look anything but basic.

  "Why thank you, Reesie, and I dig you in that pinstripe suit."

  I wasn't casket-clean, but I was confident the brown suit with cream pinstripes was slick. I was just glad she noticed.

  "Well, thank you. Let me apologize for the scene that almost happened. Can I offer you a drink?" I asked her, turning toward the bartender.

  "I'll take a screaming orgasm."

  Of course she had left a window wide open for a sarcastic reply, but instead I chose to order the vodka with Baileys and Kahlua like she had asked for.

  After the bartender had prepared Jessica's creamy concoction and freshened up my double jack, I guided her to the table designated for the acts.

  Dugar was already seated in the company of a gorgeous chocolate woman named Ursula whom he introduced to us with great pride. She seemed to be quite smitten with him and happy to make our acquaintance. Ebony was also at the table. She sat up proudly, pleased to be the companion of the act the appreciative crowd was currently enjoying. I guess some chicks are just like that. They get excited being close to talent. I was happy that my libido wasn’t attached to or dependent upon the fame of whom I was involved with. If Ebony's pussy pulsed because she was in the company of my feature act, it wasn't my place to judge.

  I was getting my head together to perform, but I was still mindful of Tasha being in the building and having to be dealt with at some point. Sure, Mouton had put his finger in the dyke, holding back the water, but she and I had wrestled naked too many times for her to let me walk away without some form of struggle. Honestly if she did, my feelings would have been hurt.

  "Looks like your boy is wrapping it up, you ready to work?" Dugar asked excusing himself from the table and preparing to relieve Marc of the microphone.

  "Shit I was born ready, Pimpin'. Let's do this," I told him, feeling quite cocky.

  It was funny how being in the company of a drop-dead gorgeous chick could boost your self-esteem. After thinking about it, I couldn't really say anything about Ebony and how she felt.

  Marc exited the stage to what was becoming common -- a well entertained crowd. I was digging the friendly competition between the two of us. He was raising the bar and I kept meeting the challenge. Tonight wasn't going to be any different.

  After Dugar introduced me, I approached the microphone with plans of talking about something that was completely different than what came out of my mouth. When I went into my material about my father passing and his funeral, the artist within me was awakened. I wasn't concerned about the laughter from the crowd. I had a need to get something off my chest about what was real. Sometimes it was the stuff that you dreaded or loathed most that made for conversation that transcended jokes. When I talked about my father's will and how the shit he requested wasn't covered by the insurance, folks were howling in their chairs. The laughter only escalated when I spoke of family members fighting over shit we'd wanted to throw out, but had to wait for Pops to die to do so. I guess universally black folks be on bullshit when it came to burials because everyone was feeling what I was putting out.

  I free-styled my way through a forty-five-minute set that had people on their feet clapping, smiling, and congratulating me. Everyone in Geoffrey's inner circle seemed to be happy with me, all except Tasha who was standing next to the comic’s table. She had her arms folded in front and her weight resting on one hip.

  When I stepped over to her, she said, "Cameron, we have always been bigger than you ever coming here and playing me close. I'm not mad about your choice, I'm just disappointed on how messy you handled this."

  There wasn't anything to say and I refused to lower my head. That move wouldn't have gone with the suit and alligator shoes.

  I had made up my mind about the direction I was headed. All roads led to Jessica and crocodile tears weren't on the menu. I gave Jessica a look of apology and excused myself to have a more private word with Tasha.

  "Look T, you know I have dug you for a long time. When we started this, we mutually agreed that when it had run its course either one of us could pull the plug with no regrets."

  "That's true, and to keep it real, I'm probably only mad because you beat me to the punch. I found someone who I believe I can have a real future with. I was planning on telling you tonight after I gave you some goodbye ass."

  The way she said real future kinda fucked with me, but she deserved to get that off without me saying shit. I mean I was getting off without any real incident.

  We shared a hug and a peck on the cheek. I knew Jessica was probably peering and I wasn't about to fuck up what I had to appease that which was exiting from my life. Tasha freed herself from my arms and vanished into the crowd.

  I reflected on the fun times we shared for a moment, then turned and headed back to the table.

  Marc was heading out with Ebony.

  "Cameron, I don't know how you do it, but you always find a way to come out of a hairy situation unscathed."

  I could tell he was disappointed shit wasn't more heated between me and Tasha. If we weren't in a crowded club that had just lost one of its loveliest members when Tasha vacated, and if Jessica wasn't marinating over at the table, I might have made an effort to give him a clue. But we were at Geoffrey's, I had just told my side chick goodbye, and my new person of interest was waiting
on me with a screaming orgasm that I was sure was in need of refreshing.

  "Yeah lucky me, Tasha came here to bid me farewell," I told him, conceding a victory for his delight.

  What Marc didn't understand was that my being completely honest had saved me the embarrassment of Tasha losing her cool. Sure, I hadn't mentioned Jessica to her, but what she knew all along was, I wasn't her man. Of course she could be irritated, but deep down inside Tasha knew we were both free to pursue whatever adventures we could imagine.

  As I walked over to the table I thought about how happy I was Tasha found something concrete.

  "I'm sorry about that little interruption; please allow me to make it up to you," I told Jessica, bending down and planting a kiss on her neck.

  "She's gone and we're leaving together; there is no need to apologize, Reesie."

  With her calling me by my nickname and stating the obvious, I knew everything between us were cool.

  Marc had left because we had an early flight to catch in the morning. My plan had been to wait until we were alone to surprise Jessica with the news that I had made plans to stick around for two extra days, but I saw this as a better time than any to spring it on her.

  "I talked with Karen and explained that I had some pressing matters to attend to here with TMB and Mouton, so I guess we can spend some more time together if you're available."

  "Do you really have to spend time with those guys or was that a rouse you concocted to be with me?"

  I admitted that it was a little of both. I could have easily talked over the details of the proposed tour with TMB over the phone, but I was really feeling the necessity to spend more time in her presence. The issue of Karen was handled by explaining the tour opportunity. And since I always packed more clothes just in case I got stuck somewhere, Jessica and I were clear for take-off as far as I was concerned.

  We hung out for a while, shooting the shit with the movers and shakers of The Bay area. Marc's pussy-whipped ass would have done himself a great favor by sticking around and networking. That night, I got booked for shows in San Jose, Sacramento and San Francisco by promoters who were in the place scouting for talent. My impending business with TMB and Mou caused me to steer the conversations toward them and as a courtesy to my boy, I made sure they had Marc's best interest as well.

  "Lisa is going to kill me!" I said as Jessica and I exited the nightclub.

  "And who the hell is Lisa? I mean, I know about Karen and I just watched Tasha leave. Cameron, you can’t really be telling me there is another woman to worry about?"

  "Carrot, you got it all wrong, sweetie. Lisa is my manager and she hates it when I leave her out the loop. Now I'll have to explain to her how she is entitled to three commissions that she didn't negotiate."

  From the fact that she kept her grasp in mine, I figured Jessica was satisfied with my answer. I couldn't even be mad with her suspicion; I was asking an awful lot from a chick this fine, to understand my domestic situation and extra-curricular activities. It wasn't like she could have told me she was renting out space in her crotch to all comers and I would have been comfortable with it.

  My stomach was growling when we got to her ride. I was hungrier than a runaway slave. We were only minutes away from the hotel and room service, but Jessica and I hadn't discussed whether or not she was planning to continue the night with me. And after already pushing the limits of our new arrangement, I saw no reason to be more imposing.

  "Do you feel like grabbing a bite to eat?" I asked, giving her the option of going to Denny's in Emeryville.

  "Would you mind if we just went to your room and ordered something? I've had enough of crowds and my heels have expired."

  Pleased that I had given her the driver's seat when it concerned our destination, I agreed that room service was perfect with only one catch -- that I was allowed to foot the bill. It was the least I could do after that ordeal at Geoffrey's.

  "Reesie, can I tell you something?"

  "As beautiful as you are, and as long as it's not that you began this life as a baby boy, you can tell me anything," I replied.

  Jessica was too amused to dignify my stupidity with an answer.

  "What I was going to tell you, Mr. Bernard, is that our relationship isn't going to be normal. I'm not going to trip on your home life, complain about your work or be concerned about your comings and goings."

  I nodded my head even though I wasn't sure where she was headed with this conversation.

  "So since we're in agreement that this is not a basic arrangement, baby, you have to stop trying to treat me like a basic bitch."

  As we pulled into the hotel parking lot, I agreed to do a better job of not putting whatever we were embarking on into the basic box. With her hand in mine, I proudly escorted her through the lobby and to the elevator.

  There was just as much passion between us as our first journey upstairs. This time, though, there was less mystery and our real hunger was felt more in our stomachs than our loins.

  Jessica and I were greeted by the sensual sounds of the savagery taking place between Marc and Ebony as we exited the elevator.

  "Sounds like someone is having fun tonight," she said with a broad smile.

  I agreed with her and thought that we would be causing the same amount of auditory ruckus immediately after we calmed the rumble in our bellies. Keeping with my gentlemanly ways, I opened and held the door for her so not to lose points and also to get another gander of that incredible ass in her form-fitting dress. I considered dismissing the idea of sinking my teeth into a T-bone and instead, taking in the luscious sight before me, but my stomach grumbled, winning the argument away from my swelling member.

  While we ordered our food, we were serenaded by the constant thump of Marc banging away in his room right next door to ours. Ebony was howling obscenities. Letting all on the floor know he was hitting her spot.

  "She must have watched the Devil in a Blue Dress," Jessica chided.

  "After we finish with this food, I'm going to be like Lucifer getting you out of that little black number you have on."

  Jessica was more than aware of my skill level and didn't bother questioning if I was keeping it real or if I was talking myself up. I wasn't just talking.

  She called room service and ordered chicken fettuccini for herself and a medium rare steak for me.

  "Baby, would you like red or white wine?" she asked me to complete the order.

  Though I wasn't much of a wino, I ordered dark wine so I wouldn't go against my rule of never mixing dark and light alcohol.

  *****

  I was awakened from my deep sleep by my phone ringing. It was Marc telling me to get a move on so we could make our way to the shuttle and be on our way to the Oakland airport.

  Jessica was nestled near me and I rose, so not to disturb her.

  "Yo man, I'm not going to be making that flight, I have some business to attend to here in town," I told him in a hushed tone.

  "I would have thought that you would have taken care of that business like I did last night, Cameron," he replied.

  I allowed his sarcastic remark to slide and explained to him that no gash would have me extending my stay, but a real opportunity to make some cash was my reasoning for not leaving the Bay. It wasn't like I was equating the beauty that I was sharing my time with to a simple piece of ass, but I found it necessary for my friend to know I was more about my paper than some pussy. Before getting off the phone I congratulated him in his conquest of the dark beauty Ebony, and wished him safe passage back to LA.

  Jessica stirred when I was hanging up the phone, but I settled her from waking by squeezing her gently in my arms.

  I would have liked to think that my powerful lovemaking made her slumber in such a manner, but I knew that this was the kind of sleep brought on by a heavy meal and too much wine. My ego had to take a back seat to that realization as I fell back into the throes of peaceful rest.

  When I finally awoke at ten, I was treated to the sweet aroma of lave
nder and the tranquil sounds of the shower. The scent was so enchanting that I followed it to the bathroom finding her enjoying a reinvigorating refreshing shower.

  "Mind if I join you?" I asked, pulling back the shower curtain somewhat startling the half-breed beauty.

  "Reesie, you know good and well if you get in this shower we will be under this water until our skin wrinkles. Give me a few minutes and the bathroom is all yours," she replied, effectively thwarting my attempt for morning glory.

  "That's cool, you want me to call downstairs and order us something to eat?"

  "No need, I already took the liberty to have some eggs, bacon, toast, orange juice and coffee to be sent up," she told me as I relieved myself into the commode.

  "And don't you dare flush that toilet, Mr. Bernard."

  I laughed as I exited the bathroom, wrapping the plush white terry cloth robe provided by the hotel around me in preparation for room service to arrive. By the time our food was delivered to the room, Jessica had joined me, adorned in the matching robe. She had a towel wrapped around her crimson mane and a smile on her face that could have lit up a black hole.

  "Well good morning, Reesie; the food smells delicious."

  "Yes it does, but it can't rival the scent of you." I enjoyed the floral assault on my olfaction.

  We enjoyed our breakfast and plotted the course of our day.

  I knew I had to meet with TMB and Mouton to figure out just what the proposed tour dates and locations would be. I also wanted to Western Union Lisa her commission even though she insisted that I waited until my return from Northern California.

  "I need to head to the house and grab something to wear. Daddy, you can come with or hang here until I return."

  I told Jessica to handle her business, that way I could tie up my personal loose ends and get some writing in. I knew she understood without me saying it -- I had to check in with my real life before I would be free to continue fantasizing with her. I appreciated that she didn't judge me nor put up a struggle. She knew that putting up an argument would have only found our fantasy at an end had she done so.