by Deja King
"I think you should make a right on the next street," CoCo suggested to Chuck as she sat in the passenger side of the Range Rover. "What street is the club on?" "You know where The Compound is, over on Brady Avenue," CoCo reminded him as she continued to text back and forth on her Blackberry. "Damn, I went the wrong way! Let me turn around," Chuck said, doing a U-turn in the middle of the street. "Did Chanel say what time she was meeting you over there? I don't want to have her waiting too long by herself." "No, and you know I hate going places without my sister. I mean you know I got love for you, Chuck, but when Chanel is with me I feel extra protected like I'm untouchable." "You can feel that way with me too. Shit, I've known you and your sister since you were sassy little girls with pigtails. I ain't gonna let nothing happen to you and I put that on my life. Your father would turn over in his grave if I did." "Chuck, do you ever think about my dad?" "Everyday. Your father was a good man. They don't make em' like him anymore. He brought honor to the streets" "Then why didn't he honor my mother and marry her?" "I don't know." "Yes you do. You worked for my father for over twenty years. You know damn near everything about him." "I know that he loved you and your sister very much and he always said that if anything ever happened to him he wanted me to promise I would look out for the two of you. I've kept that promise, and will do so until the day I die." "If he loved us so much, why wasn't he around more?" "CoCo, why do you want to indulge in such a heavy conversation that's in the past?" "Because the shit has always been on my mind, but every time I bring it up to you, you either change the subject or do what you doing now-avoid it. This shit ain't gon ever be in the past for me until I get answers." "You want answers? Truth is your father was a street nigga to the core. The only emotional attachment he had was to money. He didn't want to marry your mother or any woman for that matter. But he was always upfront about that with every woman he dealt with." "So you saying it was my mother's fault that she got knocked up by a man that didn't want her?" "What I'm saying is your father did the only thing he was capable of doing, and that was to financially support his kids and the mother of his children. He never made promises beyond that. And he was able to keep them even from his grave. Do you believe you and your sister would have the connections to be on the level you're at if it wasn't for your father?" "I know a lot of the major players originally only fucked wit' us because we Chauncey Armstrong's daughters. But it's our work ethics that keep them coming back." "I'm not trying to take nothing from how you handle your business. I know your father would be proud of both of you, but the point is, when he was alive he had your back and in death he does too. I know what the real problem is." "What you mean? I told you the real problem." "No, that's your excuse. In your mind you believe Chauncey didn't marry your mother because he didn't want the two of you. But that's simply not the case. When your mother went into labor your father dropped everything he was doing and rushed to the hospital so he could be there when you all were born. One day he confided in me that with all the money he had made in the streets, the two of you were his greatest accomplishments." "He really said that?" "Yes, he did. So don't ever think for one moment that he didn't want you or love you. He was just a complicated man, like so many men who marry the streets. Now, if I'm ever going to find this club I have to stop talking to you." "I don't know why you don't use the navigation system." "You know I'm old school. I don't mess with that shit. I'll find it, just keep doing that text thing and let me be." CoCo laughed at Chuck before lying back in the seat replaying what he had said. She wished that Chanel had been in the car to hear it because both of them had fucked up views of men because of the relationship with their father, or Chauncey which is what he had the twins call him. The word "dad" or "father" made Chauncey feel old, and he was constantly trying to defy aging. Chauncey Armstrong wasn't the typical parent. He never took the girls to the park or taught them how to ride a bike. He hardly ever came around until they turned nine or ten. He had no use for little girls. He felt you couldn't do anything with them except dress them up and give them dolls to play with. As the girls got older, he decided that their gender wouldn't stop him from teaching them what he felt was important-learning a hustle. Chauncey's visits were few and far between, but when he did come around, instead of going to the movies he would teach them how to play cards and make money at it. And there was no hopscotch or jumping rope at his crib. Chauncey preferred the shooting range he had in the back of his house, and made the twins sit on the side and watch him practice. CoCo never forgot on a rare occasion when Chauncey took them to the mall and a girl bumped into Chanel and didn't say excuse me. Chanel could've let it go, but she wouldn't. She ran behind the girl, and at the time Chanel was twelve and the girl was at least three or four years older than her. Chanel said in the same composed manner she uses now, "You bumped into me and didn't say excuse me." The teenager frowned at Chanel, then looked at her friends and started laughing. "Little girl, get the fuck out my face before I show you what a real bump feel like," the teenager threatened, pointing her finger in Chanel's chest. "Chauncey, come on, we have to go help Chanel. She about to get herself in some mess." "No, we are going to stay right here. If your sister don't want to be a person to let shit go, then she gonna have to learn to back it up." CoCo looked on from a few feet away, hoping Chanel would give up and walk away, but knowing how stubborn Chanel was, she highly doubted it. "If you put your hands on me one more time, I'ma break your finger." "Oh shit! Shorty got fire wit' her," the teenage girl's friends jeered. Not to be shown up by some little girl, the teenager jabbed her finger into Chanel's forehead, chastising her. Chanel kept her word, and latched onto the girl's finger tightly and began twisting it. The teenager made a mistake by underestimating Chanel's strength. "I told you not to put your hands on me." "Ouchhhhhh!" she screamed out in pain. Let me go!" Chauncey and CoCo ran up and pulled Chanel off the girl. "That little is girl crazy!" the girl's friends were blabbing amongst themselves as the teenager was squirming, still in pain. "Chanel, are you alright?" CoCo asked, concerned about her sister. "I'm fine. It's the other girl you need to be worried about." "You listen here, Chanel. With all that anger brewing, yo' shit gonna have to be tight. That fool over there might not have been no match for you, but trust they'll always be someone stronger or faster. With a mouth and temper like you got, you gon' have to back it up with more than your fists." "What are you suggesting, Chauncey?" Chanel wanted to know. "It's simple. No more sitting on the sidelines when I'm practicing my shooting. From now on, you'll be right there beside me, learning how to handle a weapon," Chauncey decided. Just like that, Chanel went from keeping CoCo company on the sidelines, to becoming a student to the master. Her skills superseded even what Chauncey had in mind. Chanel more than learned how to handle a weapon; she became a beast at it. Those were the few and rare moments shared with their father that made them feel close to him. Most of the time, it was as if they didn't exist to him. It didn't help the cause having a bitter mother who constantly reminded them of their father's absence. After all these years their mother still harbored resentment and never forgave Chauncey for not marrying her. "We finally here," Chuck said, putting the truck in park. "You're not gonna put the truck in valet?" "Now you know I don't do valet. If some shit go down, I don't want to have to chase one of these knuckleheads down to get the keys." "You always make that point, and I can't front, it's a valid one. "You don't have to tell me. I already know. Do you see Chanel or her car anywhere?" Chuck asked, as he scoped out the parking lot. "Hold up, this Chanel calling me right now. Where you at?" "I'm finishing some things now and I'm on my way. Did y'all get to the club yet?" "Umm hmm, we got here a few minutes ago." "Which room do you want me to meet you in?" "Probably The Loft. Call me when you get here and I can tell you exactly where I am. How long do you think it'll be?" "Give me thirty minutes." "Cool, I'll see you then." "How long did Chanel say she would be?" "Thirty minutes. We can order some bottles, mingle with the birthday boy for a minute and leave in an hour or so. I ain't really tryna be out late ton
ight. Got mad shit to do in the morning." "I'm following your lead." "Then come on, Chuck, let's go." CoCo playfully grabbed Chuck's hand and went right past the line, waving at the front door security who all knew her by name and face. Lil Wayne was blasting through the state-of-the-art sound system as they maneuvered through the multi room club/lounge. "Oh, lets chill in here," CoCo decided when they walked into the Tenshi Room. The lavish garden with natural Asian elements of bamboo, rocks, water and the reflecting swimming pool with a frog pond as the centerpiece of the exquisite garden had CoCo mesmerized. They found a sitting area right near the pool and she was more or less content. She only needed one more thing. "Chuck, get that waitress's attention." Chuck's six-foot six burly ass stood up, and with a slight wave of his hand had the waitress at their table in seconds. "Hi. What can I get you?" "Two bottles of Cristal Rose, and send a couple over to the birthday boy. Let him know it's from CoCo and Chanel." "Will do. How will you be paying for this?" "Cash." "Great. How many glasses do you need for the table?" "Bring six in case I want to share." "Okay, I'll be back in a few minutes." "The Compound got it going on?" Chuck asked CoCo. "Yeah, they did some remodeling and the shit is hot. They have a couple of other rooms they're still working on, but it's fly. I was thinking that maybe Chanel and I should have our 25th birthday bash here. What do you think?" "It could work. You'll have more than enough space." "I was thinking maybe we could have a live performance in either the MB 1 or Ride Patio room. It would be official it I got Lil Wayne or T.I. to perform. Shit, maybe both them motherfuckers. They'd shut the whole party down." "If you wanna make that happen you need to start making preparations. Your birthday is only a couple of months away. You better get on it." "I know you right. I'll talk to Chanel about it when she gets here. If she down for it, which I'm sure she will be, then I'll start placing those phone calls. Dang, here the waitress comes with our bottles already," CoCo said, noticing the waitress. "I can appreciate fast service." "Here you go. Would you like for me to open both bottles now?" "No, only one. My sister hasn't gotten here yet and Chuck here doesn't drink," CoCo smiled. After the waitress filled CoCo's glass and walked away, she quickly gulped down her champagne, ready to get her buzz going. "Maybe you should slow down. Don't forget you have to save some for your sister." "Chuck, that's why I ordered two bottles. This one is all for me." CoCo raised her glass up, and that's when the tall lanky figure dressed all in black caught her eye. What made CoCo observe his presence was because it was hot as hell outside but he had on a long sleeved trench coat. She shifted her eyes up to get a look at the fool who was rockin' a coat in the summer, but his hat was sitting so low she could only see the tip of his nose. CoCo glanced back down and that's when it hit her. "CoCo, what's wrong?" It was clear to Chuck that something or someone had her full attention and he wanted to know why. Chuck turned his neck around to get the answer. "Oh shit! I think that nigga coming for me!" CoCo exclaimed as the drink slipped out of her hands and the glass of champagne shattered on the table. Chuck jumped up in front of CoCo to shield her and pulled out his gun, but it was too late. The perpetrator already released his bullets, and because his gun had a silencer, by the time the crowd knew what had went down he had made his exit. "CoCo, stay down!" were the last words she heard before Chuck fell to the floor. People in the crowd observed in confusion, wondering why this strongly built older man was laying on the floor until they saw the red blood oozing from his neck. "Somebody call an ambulance! I need help over here!" CoCo screamed out. She was down on her knees shaking as she grabbed napkins from the table, pressing down on Chuck's wound to stop the flow of blood. But she knew it was all in vain.
Genesis woke up to a hard dick with a wet mouth around it. It had become an almost daily morning ritual that he looked forward to. Anytime Denise spent the night with him, which was becoming more frequent, this is what she bestowed upon him. Genesis knew it was her attempt to get him so spoiled from her services that he would decide to keep her in his back pocket, and her plan was beginning to work. With one hand caressing his balls and the other one massaging his dick as her mouth deep throated, Genesis was cumming in Denise's mouth within minutes. "Baby, you make a nigga look extra forward to waking up in the morning." "Thank you," Denise smiled after swallowing his cum. "Listen, I have to go to LA tomorrow. Would you like to come with me?" "Of course! I would love to come, thank you, baby." Denise jumped up in the bed and then gave Genesis a hug. "I've never been to LA before. I can't wait to go. How long are we going to be gone?" "About three or four days." "When I go in for work today, I'll let them know I need the rest of the week off." "You don't think that'll be a problem, do you?" "If it is, it's their problem. I ain't giving up a chance to go to LA wit' my boo for a little job at the retail store. Speaking of work, I need to go. I have to be there by eleven." "Okay. Our flight leave early in the morning, so after work pack up whatever you taking and come back over here tonight." "I will. Thanks again, baby." Denise blew Genesis a kiss before entering the bathroom to take a shower. "Ring! Ring! Ring!" Genesis grabbed his cell and saw it was Deuce. "What it is." "You tell me. We still on for LA tomorrow?" "No doubt. We got some serious business to handle." "And don't forget some fun. I can't wait to hit up yo' man's, T-Roc party. I ain't tryna sound like no groupie, but I can't believe you cool wit' that dude." "It ain't that serious. Our relationship is more business than anything. He's letting me invest some money in a new startup record label. It's an excellent look for both of us, but more so for me." "I don't give a fuck. All I know is we `bout to party wit' some Hollywood motherfuckers." "Man, you trippin'. But Denise amped about going to LA too, and I haven't even told her about the party. I'll let it be a surprise." "Denise! You bringing Denise to LA wit' us?" "Yeah, why what's the problem wit' that?" "For one, I ain't bringing Tonya and she gon' be mad as hell that Denise coming and she not. You need to scratch the Denise thing." "I already told her she was coming. I ain't gonna change that shit because you don't want to bring Tonya. I don't know why you don't bring her. She can keep Denise company while we handling business." "Fuck that! I'm tryna find me a sexy bunny in LA. Maybe have a reason to visit more often." "And I thought you was ready to settle down with Tonya and had gotten all that notorious whoring out your system." "I am much more settled. Instead of having several side pieces, I only have a couple. Damn, you gotta give a brotha time. You can't expect me to completely cut off my new pussy radar." "Nigga, you crazy. I'll talk to you later on." As soon as Genesis hung up with Deuce, his cell went off again. "Hello." "Genesis, it's me, CoCo." "What up, CoCo? Is this a new number you calling me from?" "No it's my home number." Genesis was surprised CoCo was calling him from home, but knew it couldn't be about business. "Is everything straight with you?" "No, it's not." "What's wrong?" "It's Chuck. He was killed a few nights ago." "What! I'm sorry to hear that. By who? What happened?" "I don't want to talk about it right now. I was calling because I'm not gonna be able to meet you in LA." "Damn!" "You go, though. Everything is still straight on that end." "You sure?" "Definitely. I spoke to my people and they know to be expecting you without me." "I appreciate you looking out. But Chuck was a good dude. I can't believe I ain't gon' see that man again. How is Chanel? Can I do anything for both of you?" "Chanel's okay. But I'm taking it the hardest since I was closer to Chuck than she was. We're going to have a small funeral for him and let that man rest in peace." "Maybe I need to come. This LA trip can wait." "No, go to LA. We both need that trip to happen. Try to stop through Atlanta on your way back." "Bet. That's what I'll do. Text me the addy to where the funeral will be taking place. I want to show my respect and send some flowers." "Will do. I'll see you soon." "Cool. Give my best to Chanel." After Genesis finished his conversation with CoCo he wondered who the fuck killed Chuck and if it had anything to do with the shooting that took place at that club months ago. Genesis decided that he would definitely stop in Atlanta after his trip to LA so he could find out what the fuck was going in the streets of ATL, and if it would interfere with the business he had going on. Alt
hough Genesis and CoCo had become real cool in the last few months once he brushed off her bossy behavior, they were also knee-deep in their business relationship. CoCo and her sister were already banking maj or bread when Genesis came into the picture, but the mutually beneficial relationship had taken both to a new level of stackin' paper. Genesis didn't want anything to interfere with that. Knowing that he was making a stop through Atlanta also got Genesis to having flashbacks about someone else- Talisa. It had been months since the last time he saw her, but in his mind it felt like yesterday. He had made a conscious decision to squash any chance of having a relationship with her but that hadn't erased her face from his mind. "Baby, I'm about to leave. Good thing I brought a change of clothes with me or I would've never made it to work on time." "Maybe you should start keeping some clothes here. I have plenty of closet space." "Are you serious?" "Why not? You stay here half of the week anyway. It doesn't make much sense for you to drive all the way on the other side of town to get clothes when you can keep some here." "I couldn't agree with you more. See you tonight." Denise kissed Genesis goodbye and headed out the door with a smile on her face. Before she could even get to the elevator, she pulled out her cell phone to call her girl, Monica up so she could brag about her prosperous morning. When she stepped on the elevator and pushed the talk button, searching for service popped on the window. Denise was anxious to share the news of her good fortune. When the elevator opened to the lobby, instead of trying to make her call again right then, she rushed to the parking garage. That was another thing she loved about staying over Genesis crib, because she was able to push his new black on black Benz and leave her old model Honda Accord at home. The perks of fucking with a bailer! The second Denise drove out of the garage she hit the talk button again. "Girl, guess where I'm going tomorrow!" Denise shouted into the phone. "Besides work, I have no idea," Monica snapped, not appreciating the loudness from Denise's mouth that made her ear throb. "California, baby!" "What?" "You heard me. This morning after I sucked my man off, he invited me to take a trip to LA with him. And he asked me to bring some clothes to keep at his crib. Watch, like I told you and Tonya a few weeks ago, that nigga gon' be asking me to move in." Monica was speechless. She figured Denise was going to tell her Genesis was taking her shopping at this new expensive boutique they both were dying to got to but neither could afford, or some simple shit along those lines, but not this. "Monica, are you there?" Denise thought maybe the call had dropped and was about to hang up and call back again to continue her bragging. "I'm here. The phone accidentally fell on the bed," she lied. "Oh, so you didn't hear my good news. Let me tell you again." "No, I heard you. I dropped the phone after that." "Isn't that shit the bomb, girl? I am too excited..." "Umm, let me call you back, Denise," Monica said, cutting her off." "Why?" "That's my mom on the other line." "Oh, okay, tell Ms. Parker I said hello." "I will." "I'll call you back during my lunch break." "Talk to you then," Monica said before clicking over to the other line. "Girl, you will not believe what Denise just told me." "What her simple ass talking about now?" Tonya asked, while lying in bed watching Jerry Springer. "Genesis told her to start keeping some of her clothes at his place and invited her to go to LA with him tomorrow." "Bitch, stop playing." "I ain't playing. I was talking to her when you called, but told her my mom's was on the other line `cause I had to tell you this bullshit. If that nigga move her in we won't be able to say shit to her ass. She already thinkin' she Helen of Troy." "Girl, Deuce is going to LA tomorrow and he ain't even invite me. I begged that nigga to take me, and he told me it wasn't that kind of trip, it was strictly business. I knew he was lying `cause his thrifty ass came home wit' some Prada and Gucci bags. This nigga going to LA to floss, probably scheming on some new pussy and leaving me here. I ain't gonna neva hear the end of this from Denise." "That's for sure. Dude must be feeling homegirl." "Or feeling all that sex she throwing on him. How the fuck did I end up with the loser of the two? Monica, let me call you back. I heard Deuce come in and he got some explaining to do." Tonya picked up the remote control and hit the mute button, waiting for Deuce to make his way to the bedroom. She could hear him in the kitchen and was tempted to make her way to him, but decided to chill. A few minutes later he came strolling into the bedroom. "I'm glad you up. You were sleep last night when I got home and I been horny all morning." Deuce took his shirt off and began unzipping his jeans knowing he was about to get some ass. "You still going to LA tomorrow?" Tonya was hoping Deuce would say "no" and that would explain why he hadn't invited her to go. "Yeah, so we betta give that mattress a good workout to hold you over while I'm gone." "Deuce, I've never been to LA before. Let me go with you... please," Tonya said in her sexiest voice. "Baby, I told you, Genesis and I are strictly doing business on this trip. I wouldn't have no time to spend wit' you." "So why is Genesis bringing Denise if it's strictly about business?" "I had no idea he was bringing Denise wit' him. I don't know what that's about." "Stop lying, Deuce. You know good and well Genesis bringing her. Why in the fuck can't you bring me too?" "Why you got to start some bullshit? I'm leaving tomorrow so I'm tryna spend some quality time wit' you, and all you want to do is complain about some silly ass trip." "You ain't tryna spend no quality time wit' me, you tryna fuck. If this trip is so damn silly, you wouldn't have a problem bringing me." "I ain't bringing nobody." "I've been fuckin' wit' you for a minute now and you don't neva take me no place but to bed. I'm tired of this shit. Genesis take Denise to nice ass restaurants, buy her Gucci bags, and flying her out of town, and I can't get nothin' but some dick from you." "I ain't Genesis, and whatever he do wit' Denise is on him. That ain't got nothin' to do wit' us, so don't even start making comparisons." "Whatever, Deuce," Tonya flipped her hand, getting out of the bed. "Where you going? We was about to do our thang," Deuce said, halfway in the bed with his dick hanging out. "You can do yo' thang solo, the same way you taking that trip to LA solo." "So what, I can't get no ass `cause I won't bring you to LA wit' me? Man, you trippin' !" "No, you the trip. All you want is some steady pussy to run up in at your convenience. Well your personal convenience store is now closed. Enjoy your trip and forget my number." "Fuck you then, Tonya! I don't need this bullshit no way." Tonya ignored Deuce as he continued to ramble on, and got dressed. She was fed up with her arrangement with Deuce, especially when Denise was constantly rubbing in her face all the wonderful things Genesis was doing for her. Tonya's feelings did run deep for him, but it was evident that unless she made a move the shit in their relationship was never going to change.