by Deja King
When the Rolls Royce Limo turned off Chamblee Tucker Road into the parking lot of the Velvet Room, it resembled an exclusive car show with nothing but six figures and up extravagant vehicles. As the driver pulled up to the front entrance, Genesis observed what looked to be Atlanta's finest stepping through the glass door entrance. Before the driver came around and opened their door, Genesis glanced across to where the twins were sitting to see if the package they were bringing tonight could compete with the high echelon females gracing the spot. He couldn't front, he was impressed at how tight their getups were pulled together. Both had on Bonnie four-inch high heel platform ankle strapped sandals with horse bit ring buckle details, and Gucci script logo on the front right bottom side. He assumed the scoop neck moro viscose jersey one piece was also Gucci, with CoCo rocking hers in absolute purple with metallic silver shoes, and Chanel in the mustard color version with metallic gold leather shoes. They stood an excellent chance of leaving with the "showstopper of the night" award. Genesis also felt confidant in his attire which was a sand cotton twill cardigan shirt with matching tuxedo pants. A dark brown leather hidden belt buckle and sand suede calf zip boots accented by his diamond faced Franck Muller timepiece, and 2.5 karat diamond stud. Deuce played it cool in some black slacks, shirt, Prada loafers and his double-sided diamond cross that he never took off. "You, fellas, ready to do this?" CoCo asked, ready to get her party on. "I been ready." Deuce gulped down the last of the champagne he was sipping. "Ladies first." Genesis sat back, letting the twins make their exit first. He noticed all eyes staring in their direction, wanting to get a peek at who rolled up on the scene like they owned Atlanta. Clearly by the greetings the sisters received, if they didn't own Atlanta, people knew who they were as if they did. The four were escorted to a draped booth in the back that had a reserved sign on the table. "Do you all want anything to drink besides the bubbly?" CoCo asked, as she told the hostess that seated them what she wanted. "We straight. Who is this party for anyway? Mad people have come out to show `em love." Genesis was curious to know. Not only did he see a few high profile athletes, but there were rappers, music moguls and a bevy of beautiful women decorating the place, he also recognized a few major players from the drug game he had did business with in the past. "Amez Douglass. He's a major player out here in Hotlanta" "I can see. It seems like all the heavyweights are out supporting him." "Pretty much anybody who is somebody in this town knows him, and if not they're jumping through hoops trying." "Why is that?" "Because Arnez is the one motherfucker that can make anything happen. If he hasn't, then it can't be done." "Dude got power like that?" CoCo locked eyes with Genesis, then smacked her lips and turned her head at his question as if saying, "You figure it out". If CoCo was preaching the truth, Genesis wanted an up-close look at who this Arnez Douglass was. As Genesis sipped on his champagne pondering if Arnez could be of any assistance with his business dealings, he almost choked on his drink as he zoomed in on a familiar face. He nudged Deuce's arm. "Is that shorty that we saw at the airport earlier today?" Genesis knew his eyes weren't deceiving him but wanted confirmation. "Damn this a small world! I'd neva forget that pretty as bitch. Let me find out that's your soul mate," Deuced joked. "You better not chicken out this time. Go handle your business." The woman was standing in front of a table as if waiting for someone. Genesis hoped she was waiting for a female and not her man. But at this point he didn't care. He didn't believe in coincidences and he felt there was a reason he had seen the same woman twice in one day at two totally different locations. Without saying a word, he stood up and headed in the direction of the young lady that captured his eye. As he got closer he sized up the black silk crepe draped gown with a gold leather belt that cinched her waist and emphasized her hourglass figure. One side of her jet-black hair slightly swooped over her right eye, giving her angelic face a mysterious, naughty girl underlining. As Genesis entered her space, without warning she turned in his direction and their bodies were within inches of each other. For a moment when she glanced up and their eyes met, Genesis forgot what he wanted to say. "You startled me!" the woman said in a low voice. "I'm sorry, that wasn't my intention. I noticed you as I was sitting down and wanted to introduce myself. I'm Genesis." "Hi. Not to be rude but I'm here with my man." "I understand. But just hear me out for a minute. What I'm about to say may sound like some BS, but it's real talk. I saw you earlier today at the airport. You were at the baggage claim area. I swear I was love struck-or make that infatuated-from the moment I laid eyes on you. And then when I saw you tonight at this party, I couldn't let you slip past me again without at least trying to get to know you." "You really saw me today at the airport?" "Yes. You had on a gray wrap dress with a black sweater, black open-toe heels and a string of pearls. Your hair was up, revealing the angle of your neck." "I don't know whether to be scared or flattered." "Never scared, only flattered. I wish you weren't here with your man but I learned at a very young age you can't have everything you want." "How do you know I would even want you if I weren't here with my man?" "Because you would've never stood here for this long and listened to me if you weren't interested. Plus, the eyes never lie." "Maybe you're right, but I am here with my man and I need to go to him. Excuse me." The woman walked away so fast that Genesis didn't even have a chance to get her name or say goodbye. He stood watching, trying to get a glance at the man who was lucky enough to call her theirs, but she disappeared into a crowd of people. Genesis walked back to the table with a tinge of defeat. He wanted her, and it wasn't only because she was gorgeous, but something about her was drawing him in. Being locked up so long, he never experienced puppy love or even had a real girlfriend. He had fucked with a few chicks while he was out in the streets making money, but none of them meant more than just that, a fuck. In his mind, Genesis always envisioned himself making it to the top of his hustle with a certain caliber woman by his side. Thus far he had never met or seen her until now, and he wasn't ready to let it go. When he sat back down at the table, CoCo was kicking it with a couple of cats. Deuce was putting his best pimp game on and Chanel remained mute in the corner seat. He didn't understand her role or what she did. She barely spoke two words, but CoCo never let Chanel leave her side, so Genesis knew she had some value and it went beyond being blood. Before he could get comfortable, Genesis saw a man who looked to be black and Cuban walking towards the table with two bodyguards beside him. He was draped in a tailor-made pinstripe suit and had so much swagger in his walk you knew he had to be somebody because even a skilled perpetrator couldn't manufacture that aura. "If it isn't the lovely CoCo. You know my party wouldn't have been complete if you hadn't showed up." "Baby, you know I wouldn't have missed one of your bangers for nothing. And this is the most important one. It's your birthday." "Happy birthday, Arnez!" the normally mute Chanel stood up and said before leaning over the table to give him a hug. "Now I feel extremely important. I got the most beautiful set of twins on the southeast to come out and show me love." This cat must really be the man if he got quiet ass Chanel to speak and stand up all in one pop, Genesis thought to himself "Arnez, I have a very special birthday gift for you," CoCo teased. "Where is it? Give it to me. I love opening presents!" "This present can't be opened. I take that back, it can be opened, just in private." Arnez gave CoCo a strange look. "I know I sound crazy. But seriously, I met this drop dead gorgeous girl when I was in Miami a week ago that I know would be perfect for you. She's just your style. I wanted to bring her to the party tonight but her flight got cancelled because of weather conditions, but she'll be here tomorrow afternoon. Trust me, you'll love her." "I do trust you, but I'm no longer on the market." "Excuse me?" CoCo was obviously shocked by his admission. "When did this happen, and who is the woman that got you to settle down?" "Her name is Talisa Washington, and I've been seeing her for a few months. I've finally gotten her to let me be her man. You have to meet her." Arnez looked around. "Go find Talisa and bring her to me," he told one of his bodyguards. "And who are your gentlemen friends?" "My fault. I was so
caught up in our conversation it made me rude. This is Genesis and Deuce. We're working on some business together. I wanted to show them a good time so of course I had to bring them to your joint." The three men nodded their heads at each other showing respect. "This is a very nice party you're having here. And oh, happy birthday," Genesis added. As the men shared small talk, they didn't notice the bodyguard heading back to the table until he whispered something in Arnez's ear. A few seconds later Arnez turned around to talk to someone, but you couldn't see who it was because of the height and weight of his bodyguard. "This is my girlfriend, Talisa, Talisa, this is CoCo and her sister, Chanel." "It's nice to meet you," Talisa said, smiling at the women. "Talisa, these are CoCo's guests. I'm sorry, what are your names again?" "Not a problem. I'm Genesis, and this is my man, Deuce." Once Talisa stepped forward to say hello to them, the bodyguard was no longer blocking his view and Genesis could get a look at Arnez's woman. He was infuriated when he grasped that the woman he was determined to get belonged to Arnez. "Hello," Talisa greeted them warmly, giving no indication that she had chatted it up with Genesis less than twenty minutes ago. In the mist of that, Genesis peeped Arnez's bodyguard whispering in his ear again. "Baby, I'll be right back," Arnez told Talisa. "CoCo, keep my woman company while I go speak to someone briefly." "I got you. I need to pick the brain of the woman who locked you down anyway. Talisa, would you like some champagne?" "Sure." "Come have a seat. I'll pour it for you." Talisa sat down next to Genesis, welcoming his invitation. "So that's your man. I guess that means your off limits." "I guess so." "You don't sound so sure about that. Be honest, because if there is even this much of a chance," Genesis made a small space between his thumb and index finger, "That you could be mine, I'm taking it." As Genesis picked up the champagne glass to hand Talisa, he caught a reflection of a red dot scanning in the direction of their table. "Oh, shit! Everybody get down!" Genesis yelled out, throwing his body on top of Talisa as a bullet barely missed her chest. Deuce fell to the floor and reached over to make sure the lady he was kicking it with was okay, and damn near freaked out when he saw blood oozing from her neck. The bullet that missed Talisa had penetrated the woman behind her, killing her instantly. Both Genesis and Deuce felt helpless, as neither was packing. Just then, Genesis watched as Chanel crawled from up under the table, pulled two joints out her purse and started blasting. She was handling those guns like she was a professional hit-woman. At that moment, it was crystal clear to Genesis what role Chanel played in the operation and why CoCo kept her glued to her pocket. The riddle of bullets that the two men dressed in all black were beating upon the crowd came to a halt in less than twenty seconds after Chanel meticulously executed shots at both of them. The men appeared injured, but were still able to break out. "CoCo, you straight?" Was the only thing Chanel wanted to know. "I'm good. Girl, I'm so glad you my sister and that you were here." By this time the whole club was going bananas. The crowd was damn near stampeding over each trying to get the hell out. "Come on y'all, let's go out this back door," CoCo directed. Genesis grabbed Talisa's arm and they all followed CoCo's lead. She knew exactly where she was going, and only a handful of other people did too, since there was no traffic going out that exit. They all walked around towards the front of the club and CoCo noticed the Rolls Royce parked across the street. "The car is over there." They all sprinted to the Limo, and once inside everybody just let out a deep breath. "Talisa, are you okay?" Genesis held her closely trying to get her body to stop shaking. Talisa buried her head in his neck still in shock. "That bullet missed me by inches! If it wasn't for you I would be dead!" "But you're not. It's okay." "Yo, the bullet that missed homegirl right there," Deuce pointed to Talisa, "Hit the chick I was chilling with-she's dead." After Deuce revealed that information, Talisa started shaking even harder. "CoCo, was those dudes after you? Because them cats seemed to be aiming directly at our table," Genesis wanted to know. "I don't know. They might've been. See, that's why I like to keep my dealings low key. When motherfuckers out in these streets know you get real money, it's like a murder sign becomes emblazoned on your head. I don't even understand how them niggas got in the club with them type of weapons." "The same way your sister did." "But those are .44 magnums. You can sneak that in an oversized purse. You can't sneak no infrared beam type shit in the front door of a club without motherfuckers noticing. That was an inside job. Somebody let them niggas in knowing they were trying to shut shit down." "Yo, Chanel, where the fuck you learn to handle heat like that? Yo quiet ass rose up from that table like Angelina Jolie in `Mr. & Mrs. Smith'," Deuce said, getting hyped. "Oh, you didn't know? My sister is the baddest bitch on any coast. You think I keep her around me because we look alike? Nah, she can handle any weapon better than most men. Her game is serious. Our father taught her well." Chanel didn't respond verbally to the praise her sister bestowed upon her. She just winked her eye. "Your father? Let me find out y' all gotta family operation going on. But whatever works for you." Deuce decided to leave it alone. "Whose phone is that ringing?" Genesis asked, still cradling Talisa in his arms. "Oh, I think it's mine." Genesis grabbed Talisa's purse off the floor and handed it to her. She pulled out her cell and answered, "Hello." "Baby, where are you, are you okay?" "I'm fine, Arnez. I left out with CoCo and her friends. We're in the car. What the hell happened in there?" "I don't know. Come meet me in the front so we can go home." "I don't want to go anywhere near that club. I'm going to stay at a hotel tonight. I'll call you in the morning." "Talisa, I don't want you staying at a hotel. You need to come home with me, now." 'Arnez, please don't do this. I have the worse fuckin' headache and I don't feel like arguing with you. I'll call you in the morning." Talisa hung up her phone and Arnez called her right back. She didn't answer, and after he called for the fourth time she turned her cell off. "Are you guys ready to get out of here?" Genesis wanted to get Talisa somewhere where she would feel safe. "Yeah, we can go. But Talisa, are you sure you don't want to meet up with Arnez? I know he has to be worried about you." "CoCo, I understand your concern for Arnez but right now I'm more concerned for myself. I want to go to a hotel so I can get me some sleep." "You can stay at hotel we're at. We have two rooms. I'll sleep in the room with Deuce and you can have my room." "Are you sure? I don't want to inconvenience you." "I'm positive. I want you to get some rest too." "Thank you," Talisa said, and leaned her head back on Genesis's shoulder as the car drove off. CoCo sat back shaking her head as she studied Talisa and Genesis. She had been around the block enough times to know when chemistry was brewing between a woman and man. The closer she looked, the more it became clear to her that a love connection was erupting right in front of her eyes. If it was only about them and she didn't know the other player involved, she would toast to their future. But CoCo was all too familiar with Arnez and how territorial he was. In all the years she'd known him, he had never introduced her to any woman as his girlfriend, so she knew Talisa must be special to him. With that being the case, the same way Arnez held on tightly to business ventures he obsessed over, he would no doubt be the same, or even worse, with a woman that won his heart. CoCo prayed for Talisa and Genesis's sakes that after tonight they would go back to their normal lives, and that meant not having each other in it.