Stackin' Paper # 6

by Deja King

  "This place is more beautiful in person than it is on television," Denise said in complete awe during their Limo ride from the airport to the hotel. "It definitely ain't Philadelphia, that's for sure," Deuce stated, opening one of the bottled waters in the ice bucket. "So baby, what are we going to do today?" Denise was excited about exploring the streets of LA. She wanted to have a detailed list of events to boast to Monica and Tonya about. "Deuce and I have some business to handle, then tonight we're going to a party." "A party! I didn't bring anything to wear for a party." "Don't worry, while I'm at my business meeting you can go shopping. Our hotel is right on Rodeo Drive." "The Rodeo Drive? The one E News be saying all the stars shop on?" "I guess, but I don't watch E News so I can't say for sure." "It's gotta be," Denise said grinning. Deuce sat back so damn happy that he didn't bring Tonya on the trip. Her hand would've stayed in his pocket because every time Genesis hit Denise off with some loot, she would have her hand out wanting the same thing. Deuce knew that Genesis was an extra generous type dude. He never had a problem with splurging, but unfortunately for Tonya that wasn't in Deuce nature. When the Limo pulled up in front of the Luxe Hotel Rodeo Drive, Denise's eyes widened with anticipation. The driver opened the door for her and she tried to get out so fast she almost broke the heel on her sandal. She played if off and strutted to the entrance where she waited for Genesis, who was tipping the driver. "This place is crazy sexy," Denise said when they entered the hotel. A modern art collection graced the walls and the sleek decor struck you the moment you entered the lobby. The hotel had classic, chic boutique warmth with the elegance of Beverly Hills entwined. And it only got better when they reached the Penthouse Suite. Both the bedrooms and a separate parlor had double doors opening up to a private wrap-around sundeck that encompassed the entire floor. "Look, baby. From here you can see where you'll be shopping," Genesis pointed out to Denise from the balcony, showing her the impressive views of Rodeo Drive and Hollywood Hills. Damn, I can get used to living like this, Denise thought as she gazed out at her surroundings. "I'm going to find something sexy to wear tonight so you'll want to fuck me the whole time we're at the party." "Don't get mad then when I tell you to meet me in the bathroom." "I won't." "A'ight, that's what's up then. But, I need to get going. I left some money on the bed for you." "When will you be back?" "In a few hours." "What time does the party start?" "Around eight. Shit get poppin' early in LA and ends early too." "Okay, baby, I'll see you later on. While you're out, I'll be getting pampered." Denise sat on the bed counting the money Genesis left for her after he left. She reminisced about all the low level hustlers she had to fuck with to finally get where she is now. Dealing with bullshit to get a nigga to cover her half of the rent, or to pay to get her hair and nails done, to getting a couple of new outfits, all that to get nickel and dime the whole way. But not anymore, and it was all thanks to Tonya. If it wasn't for Tonya inviting Denise and Monica to his crib, she would've never met a nigga like Genesis. A man of his status wasn't hanging out at the clubs Denise and her friends frequented. On the rare occasion he would, he was holed up in the VIP section sitting in a corner discussing business. Denise was well aware of how lucky she was to be at the right place at the right time, and was determined to maintain her position.

  "Excuse me, a rental car company was supposed to drop a car off for me. Did it get here yet?" Genesis asked the gentleman at the concierge desk. "Are you Genesis Taylor?" "That's me." "Yes, it was delivered a few minutes ago. I was just about to call up to your room. You know we have a town car service here that would gladly take you anywhere you want to go." "I know. I'll be using it tonight, but right now I need the rental car key." "Yes, of course. The vehicle is parked right in front. It's the white Range Rover." "Thanks." As Genesis was on his way out of he noticed Deuce sitting on the chair in the lobby being extra animated with someone he was speaking to on the phone. Genesis tried to get his attention but Deuce was so caught up in his conversation it was useless. "Man, I'll be out front," Genesis said, walking up on Deuce and catching him off guard. Deuce put his finger up signaling to wait a second. "This silly broad hung up on me." "Who?" "Tonya nutty ass. I called her tryna be nice and she still trippin' because you brought Denise wit' you and I wouldn't let her come." "Denise is cool and she don't bring me no stress. Your situation with Tonya, that's on you." "True, but she takin' this bullshit to the next level. She saying that when I get back all her shit will be out my crib and she ain't fuckin' wit' me no more." "You need to handle that." "It's your fault. If you hadn't brought Denise none of this shit would be happening." "I ain't tryna hear that bullshit. Now get in," Genesis huffed, unlocking the Range. "I have more important things on mind like closing this deal." "All you ever think about is making deals." "What the fuck else matter? Without money your shit doomed anyway. And finally dealing with CoCo's connect myself is giving me the opportunity to make even more loot. I been waiting for this opening, but I do feel bad that Chuck had to lose his life for me to get it." As Genesis headed north on Rodeo Drive, the comment Deuce made remained in the forefront of his thoughts. All he seemed to focus on was making deals to stack more money. That notion consumed his brain every day and night to the point he didn't have time or energy to enjoy anything else. Genesis stayed in a race against himself, never wanting to go back to what his life was. The old Genesis was broke. Constantly worrying where his next dollar would come from and felt abandoned by the only woman he gave his heart to-his mother. The new Genesis only cared about getting money, spending it the way he saw fit, and love wasn't even on his to-do list. That's what made Denise such an easy, perfect fit. Genesis knew he could never fall for a woman like her, but she fulfilled his sexual needs and he enjoyed her company.

  Denise stalked out several exclusive and expensive retail stores up and down Rodeo Drive. Most of the sales ladies gave her shade when she walked in until she gladly opened her purse to reveal she was holding more than enough dough to cop whatever she wanted in their store. Denise actually wasn't offended by the obvious snootiness since she was no longer in Philly, but in the upper echelon of high society. She was looking forward to earning her Hollywood socialite card and was going to have fun spending Genesis's money to get there. After trying on several outfits that were stylish and pricey, none of them had that sexiness that Denise wanted to exude until she stepped into Roberto Cavalli. "This is what I'm talkin' `bout!" Denise cheered, filtering through endless racks of pure hotness. She grabbed about six different outfits to try on because the choices were nonstop. As she browsed in haute couture heaven, she became mesmerized by a woman who came out of the dressing room wearing a light pink and orange/multicolor oversized, flower print, pure silk gown. It had a deep V-neckline, spaghetti straps, empire waist, and keyhole back and ruche bodice. "That dress is gorgeous, and damn that's a bad bitch!" Denise further stated once she got past the gown and checked out the body and face of the woman in it. "May I help you with your items?" the saleslady offered, snapping Denise out of her trance. "Excuse me, I'm sorry. I was admiring the dress that woman is wearing." "Yes, isn't it exquisite? And she looks fabulous wearing it." "Who you telling. I would love to rock something like that but that dress is too long for me. I would get lost in it. That lady has just enough height on her, so it fits her perfectly." "So true. It's amazing on her, but I have a dress that would be killer on your petite figure. Follow me." Denise happily trailed the saleslady, excited to see what she had in mind. "What do you think?" The saleslady held up an abovethe-knee-length sheath dress. It was cream with a tan/ brown animal print. It had a square neckline with wide shoulder straps. "This is the bomb!" Denise said, tossing the six outfits she was holding on the rack and grabbing the deliciously fly dress out of the lady's hand. "I'll have my man eating out the palm of my hand in this getup." "I take you'll be getting this?" "You got it!" "Wonderful choice. Now it's shoe time. Follow me." Again, Denise was delighted to follow the saleslady's lead. On their way to scope out shoes, she passed the woman she had been admiring and noticed
a buff bodyguard with her. Damn, who the fuck is that broad? I ain't never seen her on TV or nothing, but she must be somebody serious with security and shit tailing behind her ass, Denise figured.

  An hour after getting her dress, shoes and accessories, Denise made her departure from Roberto Cavalli. She looked down at her watch and had enough time to stop by the nail salon for a manicure and pedicure. She had gotten her hair freshly trimmed and colored before leaving Philly so she could handle the maintenance. She strolled down Rodeo Drive with bags in hand feeling like the official wifey of a Kingpin, and loved it.

  "Whose party is this? Damn, they got a red carpet and all these paparazzi and shit," Denise said, stepping out of the car stunned by all the hoopla. She was thrilled that she picked out the dress she wore because she felt that not only did she blend in with the rest of the Hollywood elite, but stood out as a red carpet showstopper. "A business associate," Genesis informed her, casually making his way to the front door as if this was just another party for him. "Yes, are you on the guest list?" an uptight doorwoman questioned, holding a clipboard. "Of course." "Name please," she countered, as if not convinced. "Genesis Taylor." After scrolling down the list her eyes widened. "Mr. Taylor, hi. One moment, I'll get the hostess to escort you to the VIP area." Suddenly her frosty attitude flipped to kissass status. Deuce and Denise were like lost puppies with their tongues hanging, mimicking every step Genesis took as they were shown to their table on the upper level where the VIP area was. They sat down on the plush seats, and each table already had bottles of champagne decorating them. From the balcony you could see the lower level where people were getting their dance on to the sounds of DJ Cassidy. "This is some official shit right here!" Deuce said across the table to Genesis. "There's so many young bunnies up in here I don't know where to start." "Nigga, you crazy. Always on the prowl," Genesis laughed, then saw T -Roc walking up on him. "My man, Genesis. I'm glad you came through." T-Roc gave him a slight hug. "Are you being taken care of? Do you need anything?" "I'm good. This party is nice, but I wouldn't expect nothing less from you." "Yeah, It's a pre-celebration for an upcoming movie I'm about to start filming." "Movie! Let me find out you doing films now. That's major. What type role is it?" "Leading man, starring opposite of Tyler Blake," T-Roc proudly revealed. "Tyler Blake who starred in `Angel' with Andre Jackson? I loved that movie!" Denise interjected, not able to contain her excitement. T -Roc smiled. "Yes, that Tyler Blake." "This is Denise and that's Deuce," Genesis said, realizing he hadn't introduced them yet to T -Roc. "Nice to meet you both." "T-Roc, if you don't mind me asking," Deuce said with a grin. "Please, what is it?" "Is Tyler Blake as gorgeous in person as she is on the big screen and in magazines?" "Even more." "Get the fuck outta here!" Deuce waved his hand and they all laughed. "Is she coming tonight?" Denise wanted to know, hoping it could be one more thing she could brag about when she got back to Philly. "She was invited, but knowing Tyler, I doubt it. She's a homebody. Not really into the Hollywood scene." Fuck! I'll have to cross that one off the list, but at least I can tell everybody that I got to meet T-Roc's fine ass. Tonya and Monica are gonna be so heated, Denise reasoned. "I'm not going to hold you up. I know you have mad people to do that Hollywood schmoozing with, but we'll definitely talk later on." "No doubt. It was a pleasure meeting all of you and enjoy the party," T-Roc said before walking off. "That's a cool nigga right there. He got all the fame and paper, but down to earth. I see why y'all get along," Deuce said, nodding his head in approval. "Wow, Genesis! I can't believe you know T -Roc. You really must be doing the damn thing, baby," Denise added her two cents. "I so wantedto ask that nigga ifhe was twisting Tyler Blake scrumptious ass out, but felt it would be inappropriate." "You damn right, nigga!" Genesis was ready to clown Deuce. "One of the tabloids I read said her man is Andre Jackson so I doubt T-Roc is hittin' that," Denise said. "You and your tabloids. You can't believe all that bullshit you read." Genesis brushed off Denise's comment. As he was about to pour everybody some champagne, Deuce nudged his hand. "Yo, look who's coming over here." Deuce lifted his chin up and Genesis turned to that direction. He swallowed hard as the past came walking into his present. "Genesis... CoCo's friend, correct?" Arnez said, reaching out his hand to Genesis. "That's right. We a long way from Atlanta and here we are meeting up again. I take it T -Roc is a friend of yours?" "Actually not. I was in town on business and an associate of mine told me to come through. Glad I did. I see you're in the big leagues now, making moves." "Nah, just maintaining," Genesis replied in a humble tone but giving a clear indication that "you know it, nigga". "Oh, my fault. This is Denise, and you remember my partner, Deuce." Arnez nodded his head, "One moment. Here comes my fiancee now." Arnez turned around grabbing her hand. "You remember Talisa?" Genesis almost choked seeing Talisa again. When he didn't see her with Arnez from the jump he wanted to believe that they were no longer together, but now he saw that wasn't the case. To make it worse, Arnez addressed her as his fiancee. "Oh yeah, I do remember her. How's everything?" Genesis asked, casually extending his hand politely, wanting no one to know how sick he felt at that moment. But Deuce could always read Genesis and saw that he still had the same infatuated glaze from the first time he saw her at the airport in Atlanta. "Everything's great, and you?" Talisa reached out to reciprocate the gesture and both could feel the undeniable chemistry flow through their hands as they connected. Talisa quickly pulled away knowing Arnez's jealous streak and wanting to avoid a lashing when they got back to the hotel. "I see someone I need to speak to, but it was nice to see you again, Genesis. We have to set up a time when we can sit down and discuss doing business together," Arnez suggested. "No doubt. I'll get your number from CoCo." "Do that. Enjoy your evening." "Who was that?" Denise had to be nosy. "A gentleman in the game." "He must be doing it big in the game." "Why you say that?" Genesis was curious to see where that statement came from. "Because when I was at the Roberto Cavalli store earlier today picking out this dress I'm wearing, homegirl was there trying on that exact gown she has on and she had a bodyguard with her. Only a nigga clocking serious bread is going to have his wifey escorted by a bodyguard." Genesis watched as the couple went downstairs to the lower level. Emotions of jealousy, anger and resentment flooded him and he hated it. Talisa was not his woman and never had been, but he felt that she was supposed to be with him and not Arnez. He turned around and watched from his seat as the two of them walked across the floor and over to two gentlemen. Arnez sat down and appeared to be in a deep discussion with them. Talisa whispered something in Arnez's ear and headed towards the ladies' room. "Can you both excuse me for a moment?" "Where you going, baby?" Denise was becoming more territorial of Genesis and loved the idea of being the main bitch. She didn't want any of the bevy of beauties in the party to make a move on her man. "I have to speak with T -Roc for a moment and he's downstairs. I'll be back. Deuce, keep Denise company while I handle something." "No problem." Deuce wasn't stupid, and if he was a gambling man he would bet every dollar in his pocket that Genesis was going to chase after Talisa. Genesis took the back way around the club, not wanting to cross paths with Arnez and avoiding being in Denise's line of sight. When he got to the ladies' restroom a Spanish woman was parked in front as if guarding the door. "Did you see a beautiful black woman, about this tall," he said putting his hand to his chest, "Wearing a long gown go inside there?" "Yes," the woman nodded. "This is yours if you make sure no one else comes in until we come out," Genesis said, peeling off a couple of hundred dollar bills. "No problem!" she said, snatching the money in case he changed his mind. When Genesis entered the bathroom, Talisa was standing in front of the mirror expressionless. She was so deep in thought she didn't hear him come in. "What is weighing so heavy on your mind?" Talisa jumped, startled to realize she wasn't alone. "Genesis! What are you doing in here?" "I had to talk to you." "You can't be in here. What if someone comes in?" "I took care of that," he said, coming closer to Talisa. "Genesis, you can't be here. Plus I'm sure the woman you're with wouldn't appreciate you being
in the bathroom with me," she said, unable to mask her jealousy of seeing Genesis with another woman. "Don't worry about that. I'm right where I want to be. Why didn't you ever call me?" "I wanted to but..." Her voice trailed off. "But what?" "It doesn't matter." "Why, because you're engaged now?" Genesis grabbed Talisa's arm and held up the hand that had the ten carat sparkler on it. She stared down, not responding. "Look at me!" Genesis demanded. "Why... what do you want from me Genesis?" she asked, still not making eye contact. "I want you. Seeing you here, I can't let you go this time." Genesis reached in to kiss her but Talisa turned away. "I know you feel something for me too. I'm not crazy." "Don't you understand? It doesn't matter. I have to go." Talisa broke away from his grasp but Genesis pulled her back in. "Do you still have my number?" "Like I said, it doesn't matter." "Answer the question," he insisted in a forceful tone. "Yes," Talisa answered quietly as if not wanting to admit it. "I'll still be in LA tomorrow. If I hear from you then, I know these feelings ain't one sided. But if not, I'm done. That's my word." Genesis let Talisa's arm go and she rushed off, not looking back. Genesis stood in the bathroom unsure of what Talisa's next move would be. He could read women enough to know there was a mutual attraction, but whether she would act on it had him stuck. He wrestled with why Talisa was holding back and his gut told him it had nothing to do with being in love with Arnez. Although Arnez had a hold on her, he remained puzzled as to why.