by Saundra
“I know, Mya. But this game has been my life for a long time. In a lot of ways it has been faithful to me. But I promised you I would think about it and I will.”
“I hope so,” I said before snatching up my sleeping clothes, which I had taken out to put on after my shower. I disappeared into my double-size Italian marble bathroom. Reaching into the medicine cabinet, I grabbed two Excedrin for my booming headache. The nature of our relationship was changing; we had never experienced this much disagreement. I did not like it at all. I loved Hood like crazy and I wanted it to remain that way. I did not want the dope game to pull us apart. I had tried my best to be realistic, to look at things from his side. But all I could see was destruction.
Chapter 6
Saturday night I decided to hit the club. The whole week had been full of uncertainty for me, but I knew exactly what would cure that: music and a drink along with my best friend. I decided to let the issues with Hood go for now and just let my hair down. Shit, before it turned gray at my young age. So I called Rochelle up. Of course all I had to say was the word club and she happily agreed. I called Hood to inform him of my plans for the night and he told me he would take care of it. That meant I would have VIP at its finest. And of course he would be there holding me down. Hood always made sure I had nothing less when I stepped off into the club. He kept a VIP room reserved just for occasions like this when I wanted to party. I never had to share the crowded club space with anyone. He made sure of that.
Hours later I had on my makeup and my hair was flawless, flowing down my back. My chosen outfit for the night was a bright poppy-colored draped mini dress by Gucci with a pair of Gucci platform pumps to match. Damn, I looked good, after parading around in my bathroom mirror for at least twenty minutes. I grabbed my keys to my all-white Range Rover and headed out. Rochelle and I pulled up to the club at the same time. It was like clockwork. With a huge grin on her face, she hopped out of her Lexus LS 460. Yeah, she was balling. Although Rochelle worked for me at the salon, which brought her a very good income, she had money in the bank from when Li’l Lo had been killed suddenly a few years ago. Rochelle was the only one who had access to his money. After giving his mom and his trifling baby momma some for his daughter, Rochelle had kept the rest for herself and put it into a bank account. Lately she had been thinking about getting her real estate license and possibly opening up her own practice. Either way she was straight.
Once inside the club, I felt like all eyes were on Rochelle and me. I was known for being the wife of the Height Squad leader Hood. That carried mad weight so everyone knew not to fuck with me. We made our way to VIP with no problem while at the same time feeling hype because, as usual, the DJ at the Ripple Turn was on fire. Future’s “Turn on the Lights” was banging out the speakers. Hood got one glimpse of me and was in my space in seconds flat. Pulling me into him, he kissed me right on the lips. The gentleness of his touch made me weak in the knees. I blushed.
“Damn, babe, you look so good,” he whispered while looking me deep in the eyes with a huge grin. I had him mesmerized. And he was killing that Guilty Gucci. He smelled so good I wanted to drown myself in it, but I behaved.
“You don’t look too bad yourself.” I flirted back then sealed it with a wink.
“So I see you and Rochelle ’bout to take over, right?” He grinned. He always joked that me and Rochelle stepped off in the club like we owned it. I had to admit that was no lie. Rochelle and I were both considered to be two of the baddest chicks Detroit had to offer.
“You better know it,” Rochelle chimed from behind me. You never had to tell her that she was a ten. She knew it. To be totally honest, we both were conceited. But in a good way.
Hood looked at Rochelle and laughed. “Well, I’ma let y’all have this. You already know the bar stocked with whatever you want. So turn up.”
“All right, babe, thank you.” I smiled. Hood spoiled me rotten. I couldn’t pray for a better man.
“No problem. You know I got ya. I’m about to go over here ’cause we ’bout to start them shots of Don Julio.”
“Babe, not that tonight. You know you get too bent with that.” I playfully pouted.
“Right, you niggas need to put that up ’cause you know y’all can’t hang,” Rochelle joked. She swore nobody could take shots like her. “Ain’t nobody ’bout to carry y’all up out this club tonight.”
“Aww, you got jokes.” Hood smiled. “I’ma show you how we do,” he vowed while walking away.
“Come on, let’s grab a drink at the bar.” I grabbed Rochelle’s hand as she looked behind me, over in the direction Hood’s crew was chilling.
“Girl, who is them dudes over there with Hood and Rob and them? Ain’t never seen them before.”
After telling the bartender what I wanted to drink, I turned to face Hood and the dudes Rochelle was referring to. I noticed they were the same three that were at my house the other night. I rolled my eyes.
“Hmmm, they some niggas he gone work wit’ or some.” I waved them off.
The bartender passed us our drinks. Rochelle had ordered a shot of Hennessey. She always had to go hard. Taking one gulp, she downed it and ordered another one right away. That chick was no joke.
“Damn, ma, slow down.” I laughed. “We got all night. Don’t you get crazy fast.” Rochelle could get krunk and quick. Just as I said that, Hood called us over.
“Mya, bring Rochelle over here,” he yelled over the music.
We strolled over to Hood and the crew, and trust I was in no hurry. After the guys spoke to me, Hood introduced them to Rochelle. I knew then that somebody in the crew wanted to meet her, but which one, I had no idea. Not long after Rochelle and I returned to the bar, the DJ turned up with Trey Songz and T.I.’s “Ladies N the Drinks” and we hit the VIP dance floor. Soon as the dance was over, Rochelle hit me with the news.
“I broke up with Todd today.”
“What? Why?” I had to know.
“I just need to focus on me. He wanna be too serious. He talkin’ marriage . . . family. I just can’t right now.”
“Are you sure this is what you want?” I had to talk loud because the music was on blast.
“Yeah . . . it is. To be honest, I feel better already. Like a huge weight been lifted off my shoulder. Trust me, I’m good.” She gave me a reassuring smile.
I looked at her good to see if I saw any regret. At that very moment I didn’t see any. But I was on Ciroc shot number four, so I’m not sure how clear my judgment was, but it seemed right. Hunching my shoulders, I gave her my blessing. “Well, I support whatever decision you make.” No matter what, she always had my support. But I did like Todd. I thought he was good for her.
Rochelle smiled at me. “Thanks. It means a lot. But I always know you got my back.”
“Anyway, forget all this negative talk, we came here to party,” I reminded her. I didn’t want nothing to ruin that.
From that point on, we did just that: We hit the dance floor for nonstop dancing. Eventually the DJ slowed it down. Hood scooped me up and I buried my face in his Guilty Gucci. After our dance I noticed that Rochelle was at the bar having a conversation with Dontae. I stepped away from VIP for a few minutes and went to the bathroom. On my way back I caught a glimpse of Anthony, Monica’s new friend. Although I had only seen him once, I recognized exactly who he was. Those dreads were like a birthmark. I knew he was only nineteen so I figured he had used a fake ID to get in or he knew some of the high rollers at the club. He had a drink in his hand and everything. I was looking back at Anthony when I abruptly turned around and literally walked right into Silk, one of the dudes Hood was doing a deal with.
“Sorry,” I apologized. I had not been paying attention to where I was walking, because I was spying on Anthony.
“Don’t sweat it. It’s all good.” Smiling, he licked his lips. And that’s that shit I don’t like.
Without saying another word, I speed-walked all the way back to VIP. Something about that incident f
elt strange; it gave me goose bumps and not in a good way. I felt some type of way. But since I could not explain it, I shook it off. Back in VIP, Rochelle and Dontae were still having their one-on-one conversation. I guessed I would have to find out what was up with that later.
Grabbing another glass of Ciroc, I went over and sat with Hood as he mellowed out from all his Don Julio shots. Feeling like eyes were watching me, I looked up to find Silk sneaking stares at me—either that or I was fucked up. Either way, I called it a night. I had Hood walk Rochelle and me to our cars. I told him to meet me at the house. The night was over for me. I was straight.
Chapter 7
“Damn, Mya, we turnt up Saturday night. I was so hung over I slept all day yesterday. Shit, I called Wynita and told her she could keep Tiny all day if she wanted.”
“So that’s why I didn’t hear from you yesterday.” I forked some of the eggs I was eating. I had stopped by IHOP on the way in and picked up some breakfast. To be honest, I had slept in the day before myself. It had been pouring down rain all day and I knew the extra sleep would make me refreshed for the week so I took advantage. “I ended up resting all day, too. I had Hood pick me up some Chinese food for dinner. I took me a shower and ate. Before long I was out again like a light. Snoring.”
“Well, we gone need it. We got mad appointments this week. Plus I got to take two of Renee’s clients ’cause she needs to be off.” Rochelle popped the top on a mini bottle of orange juice she was about to guzzle.
“I already know. I told Hood don’t be expecting dinner none this week unless he plan on picking it up. ’Cause ain’t no way I’ma be able to swing it. Shit, I’m exhausted just thinkin’ about it.”
“At least we got to party, though. We need to do it more often, Mya. We used to have fun like that all the time. Now, we turning into . . . Wynita, ” Rochelle joked, but she was being real. We never partied anymore like we did in the past. It felt good to have some fun. All work and no play made for Ms. Wynita, like she had said.
“I know, right,” I agreed. “But check this out: While we were at the club I went to the bathroom and guess who I saw?” I raise my right eyebrow at Rochelle like I expected her to answer me.
“Spit it out.” Rochelle grinned. “You already know I ain’t got a clue.”
“Anthony’s li’l ass.”
“Mya, who in the hell is Anthony?” Rochelle looked as if she was lost.
“Anthony, the li’l nigga I was tellin’ you that Monica messin’ wit’. Dang, yo memory bad for you to be so young.”
“Oh snap, him. Wait, I thought you said he was like nineteen or some.”
“Yeah, he young, he probably had a fake ID, though. My thing is why he hangin’ out in the club. I’m tellin’ you he about that life. I just know it,” I said matter-of-factly.
Rochelle was shaking her head. “Hmmm, ain’t no tellin’. Was he hangin’ wit’ a crew?”
“Nah, I didn’t see no crew around him. But I don’t know . . . I just don’t think he is good for Monica. I don’t want her or Imani around this drug shit. And I especially don’t want him bringin’ that junk around my momma!” I stressed. The last thing I wanted to think about was my momma gettin’ back on drugs. Our family could not survive that right now; we had come too far.
“Did you tell Monica you seen him club hoppin’?” Rochelle bit off the piece of bacon she had taken off my plate.
“Not yet. I didn’t talk to her yesterday. But she got an appointment with me this morning so I’ma holla at her then.”
“Good, just lay it on the line for her. I mean, what does she really know about old dude? ’Cause you already know all these niggas in Detroit wanna be the next kingpin. Especially the young ones.”
“Speaking of kingpins, I saw you talking with Dontae. What was that all about?” I quizzed, even though I knew the answer.
“Girl, you already know he tryin’ to hook up.” The grin on Rochelle’s face told me she was flattered. “And he cute too, ain’t he?” Now she was trying to make me agree to something that she had already made up her mind about. I had been knowing her too long; she could not fool me.
“I agree he is cute,” I admitted. “But . . .” Rochelle rolled her eyes because she knew that meant I was bringing the negative. I had to keep it real.
“But what, Mya?” She sighed. Annoyed.
“I just wanna say that he a dealer and I don’t think you should get mixed up in that again. You know that life is a two-way street,” I warned.
“I knew you would say that. But just calm down. All I wanna do is go out to eat. And maybe a little shopping... all on him, of course,” Rochelle teased, but I knew she was serious. Dontae would be broke all in on one shopping spree if he was not careful. Rochelle was good at spending a man’s money.
“Whatever. I just think you should not get involved. And how could you break up with a standup guy like Todd? Only to turn to a dealer who might be doing a bid next month.” I shook my head in disappointment.
“Here we go with the Todd conversation.” Rochelle gave me an annoyed sigh. Monica appeared around the corner.
“Hey,” Monica spoke. Rochelle and I looked at her at the same time. The look on Rochelle’s face was relief. Monica was there, so I could get on her case, which meant Rochelle would be out the hot seat.
“What’s up, Miss Monica,” Rochelle spoke up first.
“Hey, sis,” I replied and closed up the Styrofoam container I was eating my IHOP breakfast from.
“So this is what you two do all day, gossip and eat?” Monica always had a sarcastic comment for us, but we knew it was love.
“Here you go with that.” Rochelle laughed. “Always gotta start that ish.”
“I know, right,” I agreed. We all loved going back and forward.
“Don’t come up in here talkin’ shit, it is too early.” I got up and threw my empty container in the trash.
“I hope you ready. I’m missing my first and second period class because I’m at the doctor.” Monica grinned at her own lie. Instead of just telling the school she would be absent first and second period, she would lie to them and say she had some type of appointment. Just never a hair appointment, but that school was not stupid. They all knew I owned a hair salon. Not to mention when Monica finally showed up to class, her hair would be flawless and freshly done.
After heading over to my booth area, I washed Monica and sat her under the dryer. I had to tell her about Anthony. But I didn’t want to seem like a nosy snitch or an overbearing big sister.
“So you know we went out this past weekend.”
“Did you have fun?” Monica scrolled through her Twitter on her cell phone.
“You already know we did. Before I left, I saw Anthony,” I quickly threw in. “I mean, he didn’t see me or anything. I just happened to see him.” Still scrolling through her phone, Monica never looked up after I made mention of Anthony. But one thing I knew for sure: She was not deaf.
“Monica.” I paused briefly while finishing up her hair.
“What’s up?” she asked casually.
“Did you hear what I said about Anthony?”
“Ummhmm, you said he was at the club the other night. But I already knew that.”
“So you cool with that? Him being up in the club without you? Around all them thirsty hoes.”
“Ah yeah.” She hunched her shoulders as if what I was asking was ridiculous. “I ain’t his wife, Mya.” She replied a little too sarcastic for my taste. And it kinda pissed me off because she knew what I meant.
“Monica, are you sure Anthony only nineteen? And does he work or go to school?” I probed more now.
“Yes. He is nineteen, just like he told you at dinner. No, he is not working nor is he taking any college courses right now. Why... what’s with the Anthony questionnaire?” I could see she was getting annoyed. And to be honest, I did not like her tone.
“Look, I just want to know what it is you know about this dude. Is he dealin’ or not? Because you
need to be careful of whom you bring around Imani. And especially Momma. She do not need to be around drugs, period. You of all people know that.” I was tired of beating around the bush. This shit was simple.
“Dang, Mya. Why you always gotta be so suspicious? Why can’t you just be happy for me? You treat me like I’m twelve.”
“That is not true. I’m just worried about you guys’ safety and Anthony remind me of Luscious.” Now I didn’t mean for that to come out of my mouth, but it had slipped. I hated to bring Luscious up when talking to her.
It was too late, though. I had officially pushed her button. Monica stood up. “That is what this about, ain’t it? You know what, Mya? I can take care of myself and Imani. You need to mind your own damn business. Messin’ with you I will be alone forever. Ain’t it enough that Imani don’t have her father?” Monica snatched the smock off that I had placed on her while she got her hair done. After throwing it in the chair and grabbing her pink-and-black Prada handbag, she stormed out. My heart dropped at her statement. I knew she secretly blamed me for Luscious’s death. She had pulled that trigger to save my life. But I never planned to ruin her life. All I wanted was for my family to be safe. I wished she could understand that.
Chapter 8
After Monica stormed out of the shop, I prepared to meet up with Hood for lunch. Because most nights our conflicting schedules meant we would miss having dinner together, we would meet up every so often and have lunch together. Either I would get home in time to prepare it or he would prepare something before he left the house. Sometimes we even had a chef come in for a couple of weeks to prepare meals. But even then we still never seemed to get to eat them together. In my mind that just added to my list of reasons he needed to leave the game. Even if I didn’t leave the salon until nine o’clock at night, I felt it was a reasonable time. But Hood’s obligations kept him out until one, sometimes two in the morning. Our life needed a change.